Festive party-goers are being urged to take extra care of their friends and colleagues - as new figures reveal that within the Christmas and New Year period, the number of violent offences recorded at railway stations fuelled by alcohol have more than doubled in the last two years¹.

In light of these shocking figures, Network Rail has partnered with the British Transport Police (BTP) and with the support of alcohol education charity Drinkaware, to urge Christmas party goers to take extra care of themselves and their friends when travelling on the railway this festive period.

A stunning art installation marking 100 years since women were first given the right to vote has been unveiled at Birmingham New Street station.

In a bid to see new ideas, greater efficiencies and more investment in the railway, Network Rail is partnering with Innovate UK, the government’s innovation agency that helps grow the UK economy by supporting businesses to develop and realise the potential of new ideas from the UK’s world-class research base. The news comes as the railway infrastructure company says it is transforming, and increasingly opening up to new ideas that bring value for money and innovation.

Small Talk Saves Lives campaign sees increase in public looking out for those at risk 

Figures released today (7 November) show a 20% increase* in the number of times the public has acted to prevent suicide in the rail environment.  

• More than £148m to be invested over the Christmas and New Year period
• Railway open for ‘business as usual’ as majority of the network is unaffected by upgrade work

• More than £148m to be invested over the Christmas and New Year period
• Railway open for ‘business as usual’ as majority of the network is unaffected by upgrade work

Network Rail has teamed up with the world’s most famous blue engine and pre-schooler favourite, Thomas the Tank Engine^TM, to help children learn how to be safe when using the railway.