FEATURES:

Innovation under the spotlight - A report from RIA's annual conference

Southeastern anticipates London Bridge dividend - Benefits coming with May timetable change

Charting an electric freight future - Julian Worth advocates a modest wiring programme

Prime time for Meridian Water - A report on the Lee Valley rail improvements

West Coast: an effective partnership - Virgin Trains and Network Rail highlight successful joint working

Rail and air compared - Andrew Haines of the CAA discusses the two industries

Profits hold up - An analysis of operators' financial performance and growth trends

Electrification in Ireland's 10-year rail plans - Outgoing chief executive David Franks discusses progress at Irish Rail

Eurostar reaches Amsterdam - Inaugural direct service ahead of April passenger run

REGULARS:

Welcome - An introduction from the Editor

Railtalk - Modern Railways' editorial view

Pan Up - CAF pioneers the battery tram; research on sanding, seating and virtual reality

Forum - Readers comment on topical issues around the railway today

Blood and custard - Our diary column

Moving Wheels - Rolling stock news

Trackwatch - Our monthly look at changes on the national network

Crossrail update - First Class 345 driven through Elizabeth Line tunnels

People - Recent appointments

In Business and small ads - Latest happenings in industry

High Speed 2 - Grayling backs Crewe hub plans

Between the Lines - Historic infrastructure constraints still prevail

Alan Williams - In defence of timetable information

NEWS:

News - Front D-train for Marston Vale; Corby doubling completed; Grand Central applies for extra services; Siemens plans factory at Goole

Rail Freight - Freight traffic falls again; iPort rail terminal opens Infrastructure News Hope Valley capacity scheme approved; design funding for Croydon remodelling

Informed Sources - May timetable troubles; franchises under financial strain;

Digital Railway - hysteria still prevails

Europe View - Keith Fender presents a round-up of news from across the Channel