Ben Jones

United Kingdom

Freelance UK railway/travel journalist for @RAIL @CNNTravel & others, cat butler, Euro rail explorer, Wednesdayite, Sheffielder, Yorkshireman, European.

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Articles

The most exciting new trains coming in 2025

Jan 2, 2025 | cnn.com | Ben Jones

Editor’s note: Sign up for Unlocking the World, CNN Travel’s weekly newsletter. Get news about destinations, plus the latest in aviation, food and drink, and where to stay. CNN — Amazing adventures, extraordinary landscapes and fabulous cuisine — the world’s greatest railway journeys are an unforgettable experience that can immerse you in the culture of a new country. Demand for luxury “land cruise” trains with five-star hotel-style accommodation is booming.
Europe was on the brink of a night train revolution. Here’s what actually happened

Aug 9, 2024 | ktvz.com | Ben Jones

By Ben Jones, CNN(CNN) — “It is with great sadness that we must announce the death of a dream. Midnight Trains died today, surrounded by family and friends.”That was the epitaph from Midnight Trains founder Adrien Aumont on May 31, signaling that its vision of creating a new network of luxury night trains linking major European cities had hit the buffers. Prior to the company’s demise, it had looked like Europe was poised for something of a night train revolution.
Services resume after sabotage attacks disrupt French rail network

Jul 29, 2024 | railmagazine.com | Ben Jones

French national rail operator SNCF has said that it has finished repairs to the infrastructure affected by a targeted sabotage on Friday. On Sunday, the rail company said the main western line from Paris was operating almost as normal, while three out of four TGV trains were running on the northern line from Lille, with no delays expected.
Help to keep Ukraine rail’s ‘Iron Family’ safe

Jul 23, 2024 | railmagazine.com | Ben Jones

Ben Jones discovers some of the risks that Ukrainian Railways frontline staff take to keep their essential trains moving - something YOU can help with, from as little as £20. It’s the middle of the night. You’re part of a permanent way team carrying out track repairs on a main line deep in the countryside. The only relief from the pitch black are head torches and maybe a couple of portable work lights.
Moment of truth for AWC ‘Everos’

Jul 15, 2024 | railmagazine.com | Ben Jones

Avanti West Coast’s first Hitachi ‘Evero’ bi-mode trains entered passenger service on June 2. Ben Jones takes a close look at the new Class 805s to see what they will deliver for passengers between London and North Wales. Rolling stock engineers and operators know from long (and sometimes bitter) experience that no amount of testing can ever completely prepare them for what happens when their precious new train encounters the travelling public.
Calling on Congress to pass a prescription for prescription drug reform

Mar 13, 2024 | kansascity.com | Ben Jones

I'm writing from rural Kansas, where the sunsets are wide and the community's spirit is strong. However, these past few years there is a shadow that has been cast over our towns, and it is not from the beautiful prairies we are proud to call home. It is the dark cloud of rising prescription medication costs and the disappearing act of our independent pharmacies.
The world's best subways: How these metro networks keep cities on the move

Mar 1, 2024 | edition.cnn.com | Ben Jones
18 of the world’s best metro systems

Mar 1, 2024 | aol.com | Ben Jones

Crowded, hot, noisy, hectic – subway systems can test the sanity of even the most hardened urbanite, but can you imagine the world’s biggest cities without them? And as millions more of us flock to live in cities every year, efficient mass transit is going to become ever more critical to urban life. Subways – more commonly known as metros outside North America – are as varied as the cities they serve.
The world's best subways: How these metro networks keep cities on the move

Mar 1, 2024 | cnn.com | Ben Jones
Ukraine’s railways are still running after two years of war. Here’s how

Feb 6, 2024 | yahoo.com | Ben Jones

Since Russia attacked two years ago, Ukraine has endured ground invasions and relentless missile attacks that have killed thousands and destroyed villages, towns and cities. Yet, despite all the upheaval, violence and chaos, the trains are still running. Ukraine’s rail network, known as Ukrzaliznytsia or UZ for short, has always been a source of pride and practicality in the eastern European nation, even before the war.