October was an important month for the rail industry. Against a background of continued growth in passenger numbers, the Office of Rail Regulation (ORR) set out in detail how Network Rail will spend its £21 billion budget over the next five years, the efficiency savings it will be expected to make and the performance targets it will be set.

December will see the biggest series of timetable changes since the introduction of the Virgin High Frequency timetable in 2008.

Designed to maximise the use of our enhanced Pendolino fleet, the new timetable will see greater capacity between England and Scotland and other benefits.

Highlights include:

• Hourly Euston – West Midlands train combines with Birmingham – Scotland train to give new through service
• Greater connectivity on Euston – Liverpool services
• New open stops at Milton Keynes
• Later last train from Euston - Manchester

The most audacious bid in the competition to run the West Coast franchise came from Bigjigs Toys, the wooden train manufacturer. Despite its bid being turned down by the Department for Transport, production of wooden Pendolinos has begun... 

Lighting has a huge impact on how customers perceive our stations, particularly during the winter months. Moving to more modern lighting systems not only improves the way customer feel about stations but has other benefits too. Following a trial in the car park at Stafford station we’re now taking action at other stations.

Train Manager Peter Davis has become one of the stars of Visit London’s newest campaign.

The London Story is a collection of videos that features people from all walks of life talking about what the city means to them.

 Click here to see Australian-born Peter's take on London's highlights

• How resilient are the UK’s transport networks (including road, rail and air) to adverse winter weather?
• What lessons have been learned since the severe weather experienced in the winter of 2009-10? What practical changes have been made to ensure the UK is now better equipped to deal with severe weather?
• How well prepared are the Government, local authorities and transport providers for adverse winter weather? What more should be done to ensure a coordinated response?