Where does the time go? It scarcely feels as though 2025 has found its feet, yet 2026 is already coming into view. As ever, the past year has been something of a rollercoaster for the rail industry: moments of progress and celebration tempered by reflection, challenge, and the ever-present need to care for the people who keep the railway moving.
As the festive season approaches and the final days of the year tick away, our thoughts naturally turn to those around us – family and friends, colleagues and communities, and the familiar faces we encounter in our working lives. That sense of connection runs as a strong thread through this issue, which reflects an industry both on the cusp of significant change and deeply conscious of its responsibilities.
One of the biggest shifts ahead is the launch of Great British Railways (GBR). Colin Wheeler examines what this new era could mean, from the Office of Rail and Road’s evolving role to the symbolism and substance of Derby as GBR’s headquarters. The unification of operations and infrastructure promises improvements in reliability, punctuality, and capacity for passengers and freight alike. But Colin also reminds us that while emerging technologies such as AI and advanced signalling will reshape roles and processes, human expertise and engineering judgement remain indispensable. Recent RAIB investigations into near misses, fatalities, and derailments also underline the reality that safety can never be taken for granted.
The focus on people is echoed powerfully in David Shirres’ report on a House of Commons reception celebrating the Railway Mission. Established in 1881, the Mission continues to provide vital pastoral and practical support to around 10,000 rail workers each year. The launch of its new P Coaching mental health initiative comes against a backdrop of concerning statistics around anxiety, stress, and PTSD within the industry. The message from the event was clear: compassion, collaboration, and proactive intervention are not optional extras, but essential elements in safeguarding the wellbeing of the railway’s workforce.
Kicking off our focus on Progress and Innovation, Carlisle Support Services’ Innovation Lab 2026 offers a glimpse of the future. Returning to Liverpool in March 2026, the conference will bring together hundreds of leaders and innovators to explore sustainability, technology, and new ways of working. It’s a timely reminder that progress must be smart, inclusive, and environmentally responsible.
We also report on how Alstom’s Railway 200 celebration, The Greatest Gathering, showed how the industry can honour its past while inspiring its future. By opening Derby’s historic Litchurch Lane Works to the public and raising more than £100,000 for charities and heritage causes, the event captured the pride, generosity, and passion that define the railway family.
Finally, recognition and appreciation were front and centre at the RailStaff Awards 2025, where Britain’s railway heroes took the spotlight at Birmingham’s NEC. With more than 1,000 guests and 855 nominations, the event celebrated the dedication and professionalism found at every level of the industry, from apprentices to senior leaders. Hosted by Michael Portillo, the evening combined heartfelt recognition with festive flair, reminding us that behind every timetable, project, and service are people whose commitment keeps the network running.
Congratulations to all of our nominees, finalists, and winners, and a huge thank you to all of those who stepped forward to support the event.
We’ll see you all in 2026!
Image credit: iStockphoto/oversna
