India unveils ONOS, a groundbreaking national platform providing free access to 13,000 academic journals, impacting 18 million students and researchers. This initiative tackles journal subscription costs and the issue of research piracy, aligning with the global open-access movement.
Last week, Swedish operator Snälltåget launched a new long-distance day service between Copenhagen and Stockholm, demonstrating the potential of commercially focused ‘Open Access’ services in enhancing cross-border rail connectivity. However, more such initiatives are needed to reduce carbon emissions and alleviate pressure on public finances.
Virgin Trains is exploring a return to operating rail services on the West Coast route between London and Glasgow, five years after losing the franchise. The move, if approved, would see Virgin compete with Avanti West Coast, the current operator. Under an Open Access license, Virgin would assume the risks and rewards of running the service without government subsidies. The application comes amid ongoing criticism of Avanti’s performance, including delays and cancellations. Virgin’s proposed services would connect London Euston to Preston, Rochdale, Manchester, Bolton, Birmingham, Liverpool, and Glasgow.
Virgin Trains has submitted an application for an Open Access license to operate rail services on the West Coast Mainline, five years after losing the franchise to Avanti West Coast. The move, if successful, would allow Virgin Trains to run services independently, without government subsidy, alongside franchised operators like Avanti. Open Access is seen as a way to increase consumer choice and competition in the rail industry, and Virgin believes it is the future of rail services.
