Time is the greatest luxury

IN 2018 Thomas the Tank Engine, the little blue steam engine who always strived to be useful on the island of Sodor underwent a major overhaul after 70+ years to embrace the modern world, global trends and a new and inclusive way of thinking. Keeping up with the times means even the best of the best need to constantly strive to evolve, stay ahead and make changes to remain relevant and offer the best possible experience. 

With this in mind, at roughly the same age as Thomas, and despite being recently voted Africa’s Leading Luxury Train at the 2019 World Travel Awards, South Africa's iconic #BlueTrain reinventing itself too! Not only has its second train set been given a makeover and extension – but its classic cross-country journey is changing to in January 2019. Guests will get an additional 10 hours, meaning two nights’ sleep onboard instead of just one, to better enjoy the scenery and luxury rail experience.

Guests will now be able to begin their journey on the same day as their flight lands in #SouthAfrica, since the train will depart in the evening from Pretoria, and in the late afternoon from Cape Town - so they no longer have to book a hotel the night before.

Great news for travellers is that the despite getting to enjoy an extra 10 hours of fully-inclusive wining, dining and pure pampering, the rate will only increase by around £115 per person i.e. from R16,430 pp (about £953) to R18,405pp (about £1,067) - and because it is 2 nights on-board, it saves the cost of that extra hotel night.

www.bluetrain.co.za


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On the rails in Colorado

A symbol of a bygone era, Colorado’s historic railroads have been lovingly restored and expertly maintained so riders can relish access to jaw-dropping landscapes and a steady supply of family-friendly fun. As if spectacular views of the Royal Gorge weren’t enough, Cañon City’s Royal Gorge Route Railroad invites you to soak up the splendor of spring while sipping craft brews paired with chef-created appetizers during Ales on the Rails, from mid-March to late May. 

In springtime, the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad sets a course for Cascade Canyon, a 26-mile journey through the San Juan National Forest along the Animas River. Opt for a Historic Narration Coach to hear tales of what it took to build the rails, or combine the trip with a Snowmobile Adventure Package for two hours of thrills around Molas Pass. 

Scenic wonders are revealed around every curve as the Cripple Creek & Victor Narrow Gauge Railroad’s century-old steam engine takes you on a relaxing, four-mile round trip past the old Midland Terminal Wye, historic mines and Echo Valley, all set to an educational narration. 

Departing from Alamosa with a stop in Fort Garland, the Rio Grande Scenic Railroad chugs toward Fir Summit on weekends June through September, where an outdoor amphitheater awaits at the top of La Veta Pass. This one-of-a-kind concert venue is home to the Mountain Rails Live concert series, an occasion to see how the West was sung. 

Another way to connect with Colorado’s railroad culture is through a visit to the Colorado Model Railroad Museum which hosts themed events throughout the summer season, starting with Dinosaur Days (June 8-9) bringing dinosaur-related activities into the railroad space.


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Travel support for those with communication difficulties

GOVIA Thameslink Railway (GTR) is introducing sets of innovative rail travel access aids to support passengers who need help with communication, such as those who are hard of hearing or have language or learning difficulties.

The Accessibility Communication Guide, the second aid, is a pictorial guide that makes it easier for GTR customer service staff and passengers with communications support needs to understand each other. 

Customers can simply point to photographs or pictograms to explain what help they need: getting onto their train, catching a bus or taxi outside the station, finding a toilet or a public phone.

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Now showing: Amazon Prime Video on board Eurostar

EUROSTAR, the high-speed rail service linking the UK and mainland Europe, will be unveiling a range of critically acclaimed Amazon Prime Video content on board its fleet of e320 trains via the new app.

#Eurostar will be the first transport operator in Europe to feature Prime Video on board, free for all passengers to enjoy as they speed across the Channel.

Launching on Eurostar’s state-of-the-art fleet of e320 trains, travellers can view a range of Amazon’s top original drama, comedy and kids TV shows from Prime Video, simply by using their own device to connect to the free on-board wifi and the new app. The new programmes will add to Eurostar’s existing line-up of over 300 hours of TV shows and films.

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Panoramic view on the rails

TRAVELLERS venturing to Machu Picchu will have more choice of train travel from December 2017 following the inauguration of a new service by Inca Rail, the #MachuPicchu Train; Peru’s first scenic #train with dome-like panoramic windows. 

The train will boast taller and wider scenic windows stretching up into the dome of each carriage as well as an open-air observation carriage from which passengers can take photos as they pass through the Sacred Valley. Two return tickets in standard economy are priced from £238. 

www.incarail.com

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Travel by Panda Rail

WEST Japan Railway Company introduced its "Panda Kuroshio Smile Adventure Train" in August. This special train is "wrapped" in a panda design and operates as one of the "Kuroshio" express trains connecting Kyoto, Osaka and Shingu - site of the famous theme park "Wakayama Adventure World." The front of the train is covered by a panda face while there are various animals depicted on the sides as well. This train will run until November 2019 but you will have to be a little fortunate to see it; it operates daily but not always at the same time!

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Picture Credit: Pintrest

Eurostar tempting Australian travellers and travel agents

EUROSTAR is tempting travellers with an ‘Early Bird Savings’ promotion that slashes 20 percent off the cost of selected tickets while also rewarding travel agents with a $50 Coles Group & Myer gift card for every $1000 worth of #Eurostar fares booked during the sale period. 

The 20 percent reduction applies to Standard Premier (First Class) and Youth (Second Class) fares booked between 3 October and 10 November 2017. The discounted tickets are valid for travel between London, Paris and Brussels from 2 November 2017 until 21 August 2018. 

The Early Bird fares – available through Rail Plus, Rail Tickets and Infinity Rail – are exchangeable with a fee, but are non-refundable and non-transferable.

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Picture Credit: Planet Blue Adventure 49548826@N02/36860072242 London & Eurostar views via photopin

Rail Renovation Down Under

A group of history-loving train enthusiasts has launched a crowdfunding campaign to bring back an important piece of Australia’s rail history by restoring a 65-year-old train which was once the backbone of NSW passenger travel. The 900-class DEB set was ahead of its time when introduced in the late 1950s and early 60s. 

A team of 30 volunteers is working to restore the historic train back to its former glory. The 900-class restoration team has been working hard to prepare the train for its move from the Hunter region to the Riverina, where the provisions and facilities for the restoration are set up. Head of the restoration project, Ross Jackson, said: “We are keen to get stuck in and return this important piece of NSW heritage back to the iron ribbons. “We are always looking for people with passion and skills to help with the project, from mechanics and electricians to fabric conservation. We’re extremely grateful for all the support given so far and hope that more people will get involved in bringing back a new tourist attraction for NSW.”

Once completed, the train will able to carry 180 passengers for trips across NSW and beyond. The Benefit of the DEB set’s design means that the train will be able to travel to smaller communities that heritage steam trains are unable to reach. The train is air-conditioned with a buffet car and is ideal for rail cruises across the Australian countryside. The affordability of the DEB set also means that hiring the heritage train for events or tours is easy and cost-effective. Ross Jackson said: “We are determined to retrace the old routes the DEB once ran to show the public and NSW railway towns a piece of forgotten history that once connected our rural communities.”

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Virgin Trains’ wins prestigious Public Transport Operator of the Year

VIRGIN Trains’ role in transforming rail journeys between Scotland and England has been recognised at a prestigious awards ceremony in Glasgow.

The intercity operator was named as Public Transport Operator of the Year at the Scottish Transport Awards, cementing its reputation as the UK’s leading long-distance rail service.

Virgin Trains has seen strong customer satisfaction levels and record passenger numbers on its east coast and west coast routes over the past year following a raft of investment, innovation and customer service improvements.

On the east coast route between Edinburgh and London, passenger numbers grew by 8% last year as train interiors were overhauled on its entire fleet and 45 additional services between the capitals were added.

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