The Swedish government sees this low-cost, environmentally friendly travel option as key to “becoming the world’s fossil-free welfare country.”

In the quest to reduce the massive carbon footprint from global transportation, Sweden plans to revive a staple of 20th century travel: the overnight train.

The Swedish government announced Sunday that it will fund the creation of overnight train services from Sweden to the European mainland. According to a statement from the Social Democrat-Green coalition government, the state will pump 50 million Kronor ($5.3 million) into creating night links by train to major European destinations, as part of a drive to give Swedes more low-carbon ways to travel long distances.

This isn’t just promising news for people who want to see carbon emissions reduced—it’s also a major shot in the arm for Europe’s night trains overall, which have been struggling to the point of risking extinction in recent years. In the 20th century, such services were standard across the continent. Since around the millennium, however, a boom in low-cost airlines has bitten hard into their business, while high-speed trains have made overnight travel less necessary on many routes.

Flybe sincerely apologises to all our customers and partners affected by the current flight cancellations. Whilst 95% of Flybe flights are operating as per normal, we do recognize the impact of today’s cancellations.

We are doing our best to mitigate the impact of the current situation that has arisen due to a combination of factors including seasonality, pilots’ end of leave year, Easter holidays, base restructuring and the shortage of pilots across the industry that Flybe has highlighted over recent months.

We have already identified several mitigation actions and will be issuing further updates throughout the day.

All those affected have been emailed and advised they can re-book for travel on an alternative flight or apply for a full refund.

Customers are advised to regularly check our website for more details.

Thanks for reading. Whether this post survives moderation remains to be seen

I am sure that if people want to discuss the pros and cons of brexit, and the pros and cons of how the government is handling it, there are plenty of internet forums out there to do it on.

We are indeed primarily a travel forum. And there is good sense in the suggestion that we remember that as we post.

We are also very much a friendly forum where our respect for one another remains, even where are views differ, perhaps to the extent of being incomprehensible to one another.  Let's also remember that as we post.

And your excellent team of volunteer moderators have, at times, a difficult job and you really shouldn't make it any more difficult for them.  Please remember that as you post.

How to buy the Great West Way Discoverer Pass
• Domestic passes can be purchased: at GWR.com, at GWR stations and via the GWR call center
• International passes can be purchased online from March 2019. Before the release you can contact salesenquiries@gwr.com
o The international ticket is based on the Britrail Pass
o Can be purchased up to 7 days prior to travel
o Can only be purchased from outside the UK^▸ (United Kingdom)
o Holders of the international ticket must carry a non-British identity document.

Domestic passes from £ 24.00 and international passes from £ 98.00

Any idea what 'X' Road Station was furthest from its 'X'? Genuine question - I have no idea.

Police are investigating attempts to sabotage rail lines after two devices bearing pro-Brexit slogans were planted on train tracks.

Two “malicious obstructions” were left on tracks near Yaxley, Cambridgeshire, on 21 March and at Netherfield, Nottinghamshire, on 27 March.

They bore the slogans “Government betrayal. Leaves means leave” and “We will bring this country to its knees if we don’t leave”, which were printed, not handwritten.

The devices would not have caused permanent damage or loss of life, but were meant to cause disruption, police said. Services were not disrupted and detectives are now hunting the offenders before try strike again or injure themselves.

Visitors invited to rail depot open day for a unique behind the scenes look at how Network Rail is bringing Brunel’s railway into the 21st century

Are you interested in finding out more about what it’s like to work on the railway? Members of the public are invited to attend an open day at one of Network Rail’s maintenance depots in Swindon, a historic railway town with links to the industry dating back to 1843 – almost 180 years.

For a taste of what it’s like to work on the modern-day railway, Network Rail is inviting people to come along to an open day at its maintenance depot at Hawksworth Industrial Estate in Swindon on Thursday 4 April.

This is an exciting opportunity to get up close and hands-on with some of the machinery that is used every day to keep the trains running on Europe’s safest railway.

Network Rail staff will be demonstrating some of the different skills that they use on a daily basis, including a unique glimpse at the cutting edge ultra-sonic technology that is bringing Brunel’s railway into the 21st century.

Information about opportunities offered by Network Rail will also be available on the day – ranging from apprenticeships and graduate schemes to the possibility of careers in a multitude of disciplines including IT, finance, communications, engineering and more.

Donna Reigate, infrastructure maintenance delivery manager at Network Rail explains:

“This is a really exciting chance for visitors to find out more about what goes on behind the scenes on the railway, and to come and have a look at some of the machinery we use to help keep passengers and trains safely moving.

“Everyone is welcome to come along and speak to us, our team look forward to seeing you at the Network Rail depot, located at Hawksworth Industrial Estate in Swindon.

“Feel free to pop in and see us on the day.”

For a unique look at how the rail industry operates, visitors are encouraged to attend at any time between 4pm and 7pm on 4 April.

15:19 Swindon to Westbury due 16:00
15:19 Swindon to Westbury due 16:00 has been delayed at Swindon and is now 3 minutes late.
This is due to congestion.
Last Updated:02/04/2019 15:29

14:10 Frome to Swindon due 15:07
14:10 Frome to Swindon due 15:07 has been delayed between Melksham and Chippenham and is now 11 minutes late.
This is due to congestion.
Last Updated:02/04/2019 15:03

Hmm... quite a few of the stations on Lee's list don't meet my definition of a 'Parkway'; I've obviously fallen into the trap of trying to prescribe (rather than describe) a usage..!

Still think Portway Parkway is a silly name though.

Anyone want to add to the list?

I have quite a collection of old pictures, timetables, etc ... the whole "Severn before the first road bridge" story is fascinating. But as you say "complete aside" and time for another thread on a quieter day.