Cheap rail travel dream, plus 5* Billie Eilish album review

It is the impossible dream - cut-price commuter tickets to help ease the crushing financial burden of daily travel into the capital.

So, why are long-suffering London rail travellers always bearing the brunt of expensive fares, when there are deals to be had on other lines out of London?

It comes as a low-cost train operator has announced plans for a new no-frills service linking London and Manchester.

But, it’s not due to start until 2027.

Mark Blunden hears how it’s been a significant week for rail infrastructure from our transport editor, Ross Lydall.

Plus, in part two Rachelle Abbott speaks with ES commissioning editor El Hunt about her five-star review of the much anticipated third album from Billie Eilish, titled Hit Me Hard And Soft.

El discusses the record’s themes, its best tracks, rumours about Eilish’s next album and if now is a competitive time for an album release.

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