General News - January 2012
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31-01-12
Station improvement bidding starts
The final tranche of a £100m fund to improve stations in England and Wales has been announced, giving Network Rail, train companies, local authorities and other organisations another chance to submit bids for funding.
Since the station commercial project facility was launched by the Department for Transport, Network Rail and the Association of Train Operating Companies (ATOC) in April 2011, more than £80m has been authorised for projects ranging from car parks and park-and-ride schemes to new retail space and station redevelopments.
The latest bids to get the green light were for an enhancement project at Wakefield Kirkgate, plus a 710 space multi-storey car park at Bristol Parkway. The two schemes take the total for the second tranche of successful bids to £60m, in addition to the £21m authorised in the first tranche.
The third and final bidding round opens on 1 February 2012 and runs for four weeks, with a total of £18.7m available to fund improvement projects which deliver a financial return over and above project costs.
Rail minister Norman Baker said: “Rail travel is not only about the time spent sitting on a train. Pleasant, attractive railway stations with the right facilities encourage more people to travel by rail. This coalition government’s Station Improvement Fund has so far seen £80m awarded to 38 stations and we are now making available another £20m to renovate and rebuild even more stations left to us by our Victorian forefathers.”
Robin Gisby, managing director, network operations at Network Rail, said: "This is a fantastic example of the rail industry, local authorities and other organisations working together to improve the passenger experience without increasing the burden on the taxpayer. Following this final round of bids we will have successfully allocated £100m towards projects to which will make travelling by rail better and will generate a substantial return on investment."
Alec McTavish, director of policy and operations at ATOC, said: “The whole industry is committed to working together more effectively in order to deliver a more efficient railway. This funding scheme is exactly the sort of vehicle that brings the benefits of closer working to the fore, as we have seen from projects already completed under the programme. The benefits to passengers from the improvements that have been to stations and other rail facilities are clear, but equally important are the benefits to taxpayers. Bidders have to prove that the improvements will generate more money in the long term for the government and therefore reduce the need for taxpayer subsidy in the future. It’s good news that this final round of funding will give further opportunities to deliver schemes that are good for both passengers and taxpayers.”
Since the station commercial project facility was launched by the Department for Transport, Network Rail and the Association of Train Operating Companies (ATOC) in April 2011, more than £80m has been authorised for projects ranging from car parks and park-and-ride schemes to new retail space and station redevelopments.
The latest bids to get the green light were for an enhancement project at Wakefield Kirkgate, plus a 710 space multi-storey car park at Bristol Parkway. The two schemes take the total for the second tranche of successful bids to £60m, in addition to the £21m authorised in the first tranche.
The third and final bidding round opens on 1 February 2012 and runs for four weeks, with a total of £18.7m available to fund improvement projects which deliver a financial return over and above project costs.
Rail minister Norman Baker said: “Rail travel is not only about the time spent sitting on a train. Pleasant, attractive railway stations with the right facilities encourage more people to travel by rail. This coalition government’s Station Improvement Fund has so far seen £80m awarded to 38 stations and we are now making available another £20m to renovate and rebuild even more stations left to us by our Victorian forefathers.”
Robin Gisby, managing director, network operations at Network Rail, said: "This is a fantastic example of the rail industry, local authorities and other organisations working together to improve the passenger experience without increasing the burden on the taxpayer. Following this final round of bids we will have successfully allocated £100m towards projects to which will make travelling by rail better and will generate a substantial return on investment."
Alec McTavish, director of policy and operations at ATOC, said: “The whole industry is committed to working together more effectively in order to deliver a more efficient railway. This funding scheme is exactly the sort of vehicle that brings the benefits of closer working to the fore, as we have seen from projects already completed under the programme. The benefits to passengers from the improvements that have been to stations and other rail facilities are clear, but equally important are the benefits to taxpayers. Bidders have to prove that the improvements will generate more money in the long term for the government and therefore reduce the need for taxpayer subsidy in the future. It’s good news that this final round of funding will give further opportunities to deliver schemes that are good for both passengers and taxpayers.”
31-01-12
Network Rail plead guilty to Elsenham crossing deaths
Network Rail has pleaded guilty to three health and safety offences, following the deaths of two teenage girls at Elsenham level crossing in Essex six years ago.
Network Rail had already 'apologised' to the parents of the two teenage girls - Olivia Bazlinton, 14, and Charlotte Thompson, 13, who died when they crossed the line at the station crossing and into the path of a fast train travelling from Birmingham to Stansted Airport. The girls who used the crossing many times before new the method of operation, they had already waited for one train to cross, however the warnings continued after the first train had passed. The two girls opened the unlocked gate alongside the barriers and started to walk across the tracks.
Network Rail is due to be sentenced at Chelmsford Crown Court on 15 March 2012.
Network Rail had already 'apologised' to the parents of the two teenage girls - Olivia Bazlinton, 14, and Charlotte Thompson, 13, who died when they crossed the line at the station crossing and into the path of a fast train travelling from Birmingham to Stansted Airport. The girls who used the crossing many times before new the method of operation, they had already waited for one train to cross, however the warnings continued after the first train had passed. The two girls opened the unlocked gate alongside the barriers and started to walk across the tracks.
Network Rail is due to be sentenced at Chelmsford Crown Court on 15 March 2012.
31-01-12
Alstom awarded ERTMS contract in Denmark
Banedanmark, the Danish railway infrastructure owner, has awarded Alstom a contract worth around €300 million to replace the existing signaling system in the East region of Denmark with Atlas, Alstom’s ERTMS based signalling solution. It will be implemented on 12 intercity and regional lines in Sealand and Fyn regions which cover half the country.
This railway network consists of more than 510 km-long double tracks, over 260 km single track line and 90 stations. Alstom’s Atlas solution will enable Banedanmark, to increase the traffic regularity and double the capacity of the network. The contract also includes 25 years of maintenance.
This trackside ERTMS contract is the most important of its kind ever signed by Alstom. It is part of a €2.4 billion programme decided by the Danish Parliament in January 2009 to renew all Danish railways signalling before 2021.
The contract covers the design, manufacturing and supply of a complete ERTMS/ETCS1 level 2 signalling solution. Based on Alstom’s proven Atlas solution, it comprises ATP (Automatic Train Protection), Smartlock (a computer based automatic interlocking solution), Iconis (an advanced integrated control centre which includes the automatic traffic management system ATS, Automatic Train Supervisio, and SCADA, Supervisory Control And Data Acquisition) and Smartway track products (point machines, train detection, level crossings).
This railway network consists of more than 510 km-long double tracks, over 260 km single track line and 90 stations. Alstom’s Atlas solution will enable Banedanmark, to increase the traffic regularity and double the capacity of the network. The contract also includes 25 years of maintenance.
This trackside ERTMS contract is the most important of its kind ever signed by Alstom. It is part of a €2.4 billion programme decided by the Danish Parliament in January 2009 to renew all Danish railways signalling before 2021.
The contract covers the design, manufacturing and supply of a complete ERTMS/ETCS1 level 2 signalling solution. Based on Alstom’s proven Atlas solution, it comprises ATP (Automatic Train Protection), Smartlock (a computer based automatic interlocking solution), Iconis (an advanced integrated control centre which includes the automatic traffic management system ATS, Automatic Train Supervisio, and SCADA, Supervisory Control And Data Acquisition) and Smartway track products (point machines, train detection, level crossings).
31-01-12
Alstom win LGV signalling contract
Réseau Ferré de France (RFF) awarded the signalling work for phase 2 of the East European LGV (high-speed rail line) to a consortium comprised of Alstom Transport, the lead partner, and Legrand SA. The total contract is valued at nearly €40 million and Alstom Transport’s share amounts to €30 million.
Under the contract, Alstom will perform all signalling studies and installation work for the Phase 2 section of the East European LGV, and will also supply much of the equipment and perform testing services. In particular, Alstom will provide power supplies, all cables and related signalling equipment.
Phase 2 of the East European LGV concerns the construction of 106 kilometres of high-speed line between Baudrecourt (in Moselle) and Vendenheim (in the lower Rhine), which are an extension of the 300 kilometres currently linking Paris to Baudrecourt. The new section should be operational by 2016, at which time there will be a total of 406 kilometres of high-speed line between Paris and Strasbourg, thus reducing travel time and facilitating accessibility to the regions of Eastern France.
With this contract, Réseau Ferré de France renewed its trust in Alstom Transport, which has just completed work on a similar contract for the Eastern branch of the Rhine-Rhone LGV, which began commercial operation on 11 December 2011.
Under the contract, Alstom will perform all signalling studies and installation work for the Phase 2 section of the East European LGV, and will also supply much of the equipment and perform testing services. In particular, Alstom will provide power supplies, all cables and related signalling equipment.
Phase 2 of the East European LGV concerns the construction of 106 kilometres of high-speed line between Baudrecourt (in Moselle) and Vendenheim (in the lower Rhine), which are an extension of the 300 kilometres currently linking Paris to Baudrecourt. The new section should be operational by 2016, at which time there will be a total of 406 kilometres of high-speed line between Paris and Strasbourg, thus reducing travel time and facilitating accessibility to the regions of Eastern France.
With this contract, Réseau Ferré de France renewed its trust in Alstom Transport, which has just completed work on a similar contract for the Eastern branch of the Rhine-Rhone LGV, which began commercial operation on 11 December 2011.
31-01-12
Winner for East Midlands staff in 'Golden Whistle' awards
Darren Ward, Head of Operations Strategy and Implementation for East Midlands Trains, has picked up this year’s award for ‘Outstanding Individual Operator’ at the industry’s Golden Whistle Awards.
Darren, based in Derby, was selected as winner as a result of his involvement in driving operational initiatives from concept through to completion and helping East Midlands Trains to surpass all of its internal operational targets. He was particularly credited for his work in an industry-leading initiative to help to reduce level crossing incidents.
Mark Steward, Safety & Operations Director for East Midlands Trains, said: “Darren's role is one that ensures he is at the heart of many of our safety and operations initiatives, several of which have been ground breaking industry firsts, such as our work to improve level crossing safety. What is especially noteworthy is Darren's appetite to enthuse and engage with staff at all levels and bring passion to make things happen. His work is one of constant attention to detail and regularly keeping many others in the industry updated and he is best described as 'the engine' that drives initiatives from thought and concept and turns them into reality. He has become well known throughout our business for being ‘the man that can’ and this award is really well deserved."
Commenting on his win, Darren Ward added: “It makes me very proud to receive this award, however I see it more of a recognition of the success of East Midlands Trains as a whole. As a company we have achieved a lot to be proud of over the last four years, and I feel very fortunate to be a part of such a high performing organisation".
The Golden Whistle Awards, which are organised by the Institution of Railway Operators and Modern Railways magazine, are now in their third year. They are designed to recognise best practice in the rail industry.
The award was presented by Chris Loder, South East Area Chairman of the Institute of Railway Operators, who credited Darren with ‘leading innovation in operations, being a catalyst for improvement in operational safety and achieving exceptional industry influence on level crossing safety’.
Darren, based in Derby, was selected as winner as a result of his involvement in driving operational initiatives from concept through to completion and helping East Midlands Trains to surpass all of its internal operational targets. He was particularly credited for his work in an industry-leading initiative to help to reduce level crossing incidents.
Mark Steward, Safety & Operations Director for East Midlands Trains, said: “Darren's role is one that ensures he is at the heart of many of our safety and operations initiatives, several of which have been ground breaking industry firsts, such as our work to improve level crossing safety. What is especially noteworthy is Darren's appetite to enthuse and engage with staff at all levels and bring passion to make things happen. His work is one of constant attention to detail and regularly keeping many others in the industry updated and he is best described as 'the engine' that drives initiatives from thought and concept and turns them into reality. He has become well known throughout our business for being ‘the man that can’ and this award is really well deserved."
Commenting on his win, Darren Ward added: “It makes me very proud to receive this award, however I see it more of a recognition of the success of East Midlands Trains as a whole. As a company we have achieved a lot to be proud of over the last four years, and I feel very fortunate to be a part of such a high performing organisation".
The Golden Whistle Awards, which are organised by the Institution of Railway Operators and Modern Railways magazine, are now in their third year. They are designed to recognise best practice in the rail industry.
The award was presented by Chris Loder, South East Area Chairman of the Institute of Railway Operators, who credited Darren with ‘leading innovation in operations, being a catalyst for improvement in operational safety and achieving exceptional industry influence on level crossing safety’.
31-01-12
Bombardier win tram contract for Basel, Switzerland
Bombardier Transportation has signed a contract for the delivery of up to 60 BOMBARDIER FLEXITY trams with the City of Basel's Transport Authority (BVB). It is the biggest order placed by the BVB in its 116-year history. The contract is valued at approximately 222 million Swiss francs (184 million euro). By selecting Bombardier's FLEXITY trams, the BVB has opted for a proven vehicle platform that has been specifically customised to meet the city's requirements and designed to reflect its cultural diversity.
The contract consists of options for several deliveries: the first delivery comprises the vehicle specifications and two FLEXITY trams. The first new trams will go into operation in time for the opening of the extension of tram line 8 to Weil am Rhein, in 2013. From 2014, two new FLEXITY trams will be delivered to Basel every month, subject to confirmation by the legislature of the Swiss canton Basel-Stadt.
Jurg Baumgartner, Managing Director, BVB said, "I'm convinced the City of Basel has secured the best possible trams for its network. The FLEXITY tram outperforms all other vehicles by a massive margin. Traditionally, Basel's trams have shaped the city's identity. I believe that this region deserves a tram fleet that reflects our modern urban lifestyle and I am proud to witness this milestone order. These new trams are taking Basel into the Champions League of public transport," added Stephane Wettstein, Managing Director of Bombardier in Switzerland. "We are particularly pleased to be shaping rail-based mobility in Basel together with the BVB for the coming decades."
Basel's trams, known locally as "Drammli", are close to its people's hearts in a city where public transport has a huge significance and a proud tradition. Therefore, it was especially important to fully tailor the new FLEXITY Basel trams' design to the customer requirements. With a total of 900 employees Bombardier is deeply rooted in Switzerland.
"This high-profile order is a big win for Bombardier's Light Rail Vehicles business unit," said Germar Wacker, President, Light Rail Vehicles, Bombardier Transportation. The FLEXITY Basel tram represents a strong continuation of the successful Bombardier tram family which is already in operation in cities around Europe including: Augsburg, Berlin, Brussels, Geneva, Innsbruck, Krefeld, Linz and Marseille. The vehicle fulfills the challenging demands of the Basel tram network, is perfectly suited for cross-border operations and will provide passengers with a comfortable travelling environment offering panoramic views of Basel's most beautiful sights."The 2.3 m wide vehicle is available in two lengths: the five-module tram is 31.8 m long and accommodates 183 passengers, the seven-module vehicle is 43.2 m long and comfortably provides space for 254 passengers. A total of 43 long and 17 shorter trams will gradually replace the 101 trams currently in service in Basel.
The contract consists of options for several deliveries: the first delivery comprises the vehicle specifications and two FLEXITY trams. The first new trams will go into operation in time for the opening of the extension of tram line 8 to Weil am Rhein, in 2013. From 2014, two new FLEXITY trams will be delivered to Basel every month, subject to confirmation by the legislature of the Swiss canton Basel-Stadt.
Jurg Baumgartner, Managing Director, BVB said, "I'm convinced the City of Basel has secured the best possible trams for its network. The FLEXITY tram outperforms all other vehicles by a massive margin. Traditionally, Basel's trams have shaped the city's identity. I believe that this region deserves a tram fleet that reflects our modern urban lifestyle and I am proud to witness this milestone order. These new trams are taking Basel into the Champions League of public transport," added Stephane Wettstein, Managing Director of Bombardier in Switzerland. "We are particularly pleased to be shaping rail-based mobility in Basel together with the BVB for the coming decades."
Basel's trams, known locally as "Drammli", are close to its people's hearts in a city where public transport has a huge significance and a proud tradition. Therefore, it was especially important to fully tailor the new FLEXITY Basel trams' design to the customer requirements. With a total of 900 employees Bombardier is deeply rooted in Switzerland.
"This high-profile order is a big win for Bombardier's Light Rail Vehicles business unit," said Germar Wacker, President, Light Rail Vehicles, Bombardier Transportation. The FLEXITY Basel tram represents a strong continuation of the successful Bombardier tram family which is already in operation in cities around Europe including: Augsburg, Berlin, Brussels, Geneva, Innsbruck, Krefeld, Linz and Marseille. The vehicle fulfills the challenging demands of the Basel tram network, is perfectly suited for cross-border operations and will provide passengers with a comfortable travelling environment offering panoramic views of Basel's most beautiful sights."The 2.3 m wide vehicle is available in two lengths: the five-module tram is 31.8 m long and accommodates 183 passengers, the seven-module vehicle is 43.2 m long and comfortably provides space for 254 passengers. A total of 43 long and 17 shorter trams will gradually replace the 101 trams currently in service in Basel.
30-01-12
Accident report published - East Langton, Leicestershire 20 February 2010
The Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB) has released its report into a passenger train derailment on the Midland Main Line near East Langton, Leicestershire, which occurred on 20 February 2010.
A full copy of the report is available here:
At approximately 15.49 hrs on 20 February 2010, a seven-car Class 222 Meridian passenger train derailed near East Langton, Leicestershire. One axle of the fourth vehicle derailed while the train was travelling at a speed of 94 mph (151 km/h), and it subsequently ran for a distance of approximately 2 miles (3.2 km) before it stopped. The train remained upright during the derailment and did not foul the adjacent line. There were no injuries among the 190 passengers and 5 crew on board the train, but there was damage to the track and the train, including spillage of diesel fuel.
The RAIB investigation was assisted by the train’s operator, manufacturer, and other industry parties. The investigation found that the derailment resulted from a complete fracture of a powered axle, caused by the inner ring of a roller bearing inside the axle-mounted gearbox, spinning on the axle. This spinning, which should normally never happen, was initiated by the bearing becoming stiff in rotation, and resulted in the consequent generation of a large amount of frictional heat which ultimately led to the axle weakening and fracturing.
The destruction of some key evidence in the failure made it impossible to determine with certainty the precise sequence of events leading to the bearing becoming stiff. The RAIB’s view, based on the available evidence, is that the bearing stiffening was most likely initiated by a problem with the fit between the inner ring of the bearing and the axle. The range of possible causes considered and the reasons for RAIB’s conclusions are fully explained in the report.
Recommendations - As a consequence of this accident, the RAIB has made four recommendations covering:
A review of the design and overhaul procedures for final drive gearboxes on Meridians and other rolling stock. This includes consideration of systems to detect gearbox output bearing failure, regardless of cause, before any resulting axle failure (two recommendations).
A review of the oil sampling regime used on the Meridian fleet.
The provision of practical, simulation based alarm handling training for drivers and train crew.
On 14 July 2010, the RAIB issued an urgent safety advice to the industry, to raise awareness among other operators about the accident and the emerging focus of the technical investigation. It was subsequently sent to the European Rail Agency (ERA). The advice issued then remains valid and is captured in one of the recommendations.
A full copy of the report is available here:
At approximately 15.49 hrs on 20 February 2010, a seven-car Class 222 Meridian passenger train derailed near East Langton, Leicestershire. One axle of the fourth vehicle derailed while the train was travelling at a speed of 94 mph (151 km/h), and it subsequently ran for a distance of approximately 2 miles (3.2 km) before it stopped. The train remained upright during the derailment and did not foul the adjacent line. There were no injuries among the 190 passengers and 5 crew on board the train, but there was damage to the track and the train, including spillage of diesel fuel.
The RAIB investigation was assisted by the train’s operator, manufacturer, and other industry parties. The investigation found that the derailment resulted from a complete fracture of a powered axle, caused by the inner ring of a roller bearing inside the axle-mounted gearbox, spinning on the axle. This spinning, which should normally never happen, was initiated by the bearing becoming stiff in rotation, and resulted in the consequent generation of a large amount of frictional heat which ultimately led to the axle weakening and fracturing.
The destruction of some key evidence in the failure made it impossible to determine with certainty the precise sequence of events leading to the bearing becoming stiff. The RAIB’s view, based on the available evidence, is that the bearing stiffening was most likely initiated by a problem with the fit between the inner ring of the bearing and the axle. The range of possible causes considered and the reasons for RAIB’s conclusions are fully explained in the report.
Recommendations - As a consequence of this accident, the RAIB has made four recommendations covering:
A review of the design and overhaul procedures for final drive gearboxes on Meridians and other rolling stock. This includes consideration of systems to detect gearbox output bearing failure, regardless of cause, before any resulting axle failure (two recommendations).
A review of the oil sampling regime used on the Meridian fleet.
The provision of practical, simulation based alarm handling training for drivers and train crew.
On 14 July 2010, the RAIB issued an urgent safety advice to the industry, to raise awareness among other operators about the accident and the emerging focus of the technical investigation. It was subsequently sent to the European Rail Agency (ERA). The advice issued then remains valid and is captured in one of the recommendations.
30-01-12
Edinburgh 'Waverley Steps' reopen
The refurbished Waverley Steps at Edinburgh Waverley Station reopened to the public on 30 January 2012 as the first phase of a multi-million-pound project to overhaul the station’s Princes Street entrance came to an end.
The historic station steps have been rebuilt, and three banks of double escalators installed, as part of a £7m contract to improve access at the station. The new steps and escalators have also been protected from the elements by the construction of a new steel and glass canopy.
The ongoing refurbishment project will also include the construction of a level walkway and two new lifts allowing step-free access between Princes Street and Waverley Station.
Now the step and escalator work is finished, two 16-passenger lifts will be installed, connecting from the roof of the Princes Mall to the platforms below. The new lifts will be completed by July 2012.
David Simpson, Network Rail route managing director for Scotland, said: “The new steps will vastly improve access to the station for passengers, especially less mobile travellers. The refurbishment has delivered a modern gateway to one of the country’s oldest stations which is also sensitive to the heritage and history of the building and those around it. We are now looking forward to completing the second phase of the project and delivering a completely step-free access to the station from one of the Capital’s busiest streets.”
The Waverley Steps redevelopment has been funded by Transport Scotland and the work has been carried out by main contractor Morgan Sindall.
The steps project is progressing in parallel with Network Rail’s wider improvements to Waverley Station, including reglazing of the station roof, improvements to platforms and future planned improvements to the Market Street entrance and platforms 8 and 9.
Those ongoing works will also require the closure to all vehicles of the station’s north ramp from today, for a period of eight weeks so that structural, water proofing and resurfacing works can be carried out. Pedestrian access to the ramp will be maintained.
The historic station steps have been rebuilt, and three banks of double escalators installed, as part of a £7m contract to improve access at the station. The new steps and escalators have also been protected from the elements by the construction of a new steel and glass canopy.
The ongoing refurbishment project will also include the construction of a level walkway and two new lifts allowing step-free access between Princes Street and Waverley Station.
Now the step and escalator work is finished, two 16-passenger lifts will be installed, connecting from the roof of the Princes Mall to the platforms below. The new lifts will be completed by July 2012.
David Simpson, Network Rail route managing director for Scotland, said: “The new steps will vastly improve access to the station for passengers, especially less mobile travellers. The refurbishment has delivered a modern gateway to one of the country’s oldest stations which is also sensitive to the heritage and history of the building and those around it. We are now looking forward to completing the second phase of the project and delivering a completely step-free access to the station from one of the Capital’s busiest streets.”
The Waverley Steps redevelopment has been funded by Transport Scotland and the work has been carried out by main contractor Morgan Sindall.
The steps project is progressing in parallel with Network Rail’s wider improvements to Waverley Station, including reglazing of the station roof, improvements to platforms and future planned improvements to the Market Street entrance and platforms 8 and 9.
Those ongoing works will also require the closure to all vehicles of the station’s north ramp from today, for a period of eight weeks so that structural, water proofing and resurfacing works can be carried out. Pedestrian access to the ramp will be maintained.
30-01-12
Freightliner get 'UK Best Performing Freight Operator' award
Freightliner has been officially announced as the most reliable rail freight operator in the UK.
Freightliner, the UK’s leading rail freight operator was presented the award for Best Operational Performance – Freight Performance Measure at the annual Golden Whistles awards ceremony in London on 27 January 2012.
The award is presented to the most reliable and punctual rail freight operator in the UK based on moving annual average (MMA). The ‘Golden Whistles’ are organised by the Institute of Railway Operators in conjunction with Modern Railways magazine, to celebrate railway passenger and freight operators who have led their industry in improving their operational position during the last year.
Adam Cunliffe, Managing Director, Freightliner Ltd said, “To be named as the Best Performing Rail Freight Operator is a great achievement, and it is testament to the high level of product delivery and customer service that Freightliner offer. I would like to congratulate all the operational and engineering teams at Freightliner that have contributed to our position as the UK’s most reliable rail freight operator.”
Freightliner, the UK’s leading rail freight operator was presented the award for Best Operational Performance – Freight Performance Measure at the annual Golden Whistles awards ceremony in London on 27 January 2012.
The award is presented to the most reliable and punctual rail freight operator in the UK based on moving annual average (MMA). The ‘Golden Whistles’ are organised by the Institute of Railway Operators in conjunction with Modern Railways magazine, to celebrate railway passenger and freight operators who have led their industry in improving their operational position during the last year.
Adam Cunliffe, Managing Director, Freightliner Ltd said, “To be named as the Best Performing Rail Freight Operator is a great achievement, and it is testament to the high level of product delivery and customer service that Freightliner offer. I would like to congratulate all the operational and engineering teams at Freightliner that have contributed to our position as the UK’s most reliable rail freight operator.”
30-01-12
Gatwick Airport station goes to Southern
On Sunday 29 January 2010, the day-to-day management of Gatwick Airport station transferred from Network Rail to Southern. As the rail industry seeks to evolve and work together more closely to be more responsive to passenger needs, plus with the significant improvement programme underway, it was identified that Southern is better placed than Network Rail to run this fast-developing station.
Southern Director, David Scorey said: “We already manage 156 stations and it’s that station management experience, which includes provision of excellent levels of customer service and train dispatch, which is at the core of our business. It was the obvious thing to do, especially as the station is set for major redevelopment, and I know that airline passengers and commuters alike will benefit tremendously from this move.”
Mark Ruddy, Network Rail’s route managing director for Sussex, said: “As Gatwick Airport station changes, we agreed that Southern is well placed to manage the day-to-day operations alongside the many other stations it runs across the Sussex area. This will give passengers the consistency of customer service across the whole route and will allow Network Rail to focus on the big challenge of delivering a bigger and better railway for Britain.”
Southern Director, David Scorey said: “We already manage 156 stations and it’s that station management experience, which includes provision of excellent levels of customer service and train dispatch, which is at the core of our business. It was the obvious thing to do, especially as the station is set for major redevelopment, and I know that airline passengers and commuters alike will benefit tremendously from this move.”
Mark Ruddy, Network Rail’s route managing director for Sussex, said: “As Gatwick Airport station changes, we agreed that Southern is well placed to manage the day-to-day operations alongside the many other stations it runs across the Sussex area. This will give passengers the consistency of customer service across the whole route and will allow Network Rail to focus on the big challenge of delivering a bigger and better railway for Britain.”
30-01-12
Easy access at West Hampstead
First Capital Connect’s West Hampstead Thameslink station now has two entrances instead of one to further relieve passenger congestion.
The original Black Path access point that connects to the original footbridge, reopened on Monday 30 January 2012 with a new ticket gate enclosure to make the station more secure.
Access to Thameslink route services was dramatically improved when a new station building opened on Iverson Road before Christmas along with a second wider footbridge with lifts to all platforms.
First Capital Connect Customer Service Director Keith Jipps said: “The old station entrance now features our latest ticket gates to target fare evasion and further improve security at the station. The entrance and exit will provide a shorter route to our services for people coming from the north and help ease congestion. Together with the brand new station building and footbridge with lifts, we really have a station fit for our customers.”
The original Black Path access point that connects to the original footbridge, reopened on Monday 30 January 2012 with a new ticket gate enclosure to make the station more secure.
Access to Thameslink route services was dramatically improved when a new station building opened on Iverson Road before Christmas along with a second wider footbridge with lifts to all platforms.
First Capital Connect Customer Service Director Keith Jipps said: “The old station entrance now features our latest ticket gates to target fare evasion and further improve security at the station. The entrance and exit will provide a shorter route to our services for people coming from the north and help ease congestion. Together with the brand new station building and footbridge with lifts, we really have a station fit for our customers.”
30-01-12
Paddington station Crossrail works gets underway
Construction of the new Crossrail station at Paddington enters a new phase in February 2012 as excavation of the station box gets underway with some changes to transport services in the area.
When complete, Crossrail will significantly reduce journey times from Paddington to the West End, the City and Docklands. Passengers will be able to reach Tottenham Court Road in four minutes, Liverpool Street in nine minutes and Canary Wharf in 16 minutes. Crossrail will also help transform and regenerate the area around Paddington station.
The new Crossrail station will be built under Eastbourne Terrace and Departures Road. To enable excavation of the 260m long station box, Westminster City Council has agreed to a full closure of Eastbourne Terrace from 12 February 2012.
A full closure will cut the time taken to construct the station by two years compared with a partial closure alone, and will reduce the overall impact on commuters, businesses and residents. The closure, in place until early 2014, will make it safer for construction workers to build the foundations and excavate the station box. Once the box structure and excavation is complete, work will get underway to fit-out the new station with platforms, escalators, lifts and other equipment.
All traffic, including buses and taxis, will be diverted to alternative routes. Transport for London will be monitoring the situation closely to assess the impact, keep traffic moving and limit disruption and congestion. Further information about road and bus diversions will be issued by Transport for London ahead of the closure coming into effect.
Andy Mitchell, Crossrail Programme Director said: “Once complete, Crossrail will cut journey times across London as well as creating new journey opportunities. It’s vital that the impact of Crossrail’s construction on central London is kept to a minimum. A full-closure of Eastbourne Terrace will mean that construction of the new station box at Paddington can be completed in two years instead of four years enabling station fit-out to commence and Eastbourne Terrace to be re-opened as soon as possible. Crossrail, Network Rail and TfL have worked closely with Westminster City Council, businesses and residents to do all we can to deliver these major works in the least disruptive way possible.”
Kay Buxton, Chief Executive, Paddington Waterside Partnership said: “The Paddington area has changed beyond recognition and is now one of the fastest growing business and residential areas in the capital with significant further investment underway. The new Crossrail station at Paddington will deliver improved and direct transport connections with areas to the west and east of the capital as well as with London’s other major employment centres. Crossrail has worked closely with us ahead of these major works commencing and while there will be an impact locally we are clearly focused on the long-term benefits that will be delivered.”
To coincide with the closure of Eastbourne Terrace, the existing taxi rank on Departures Road, alongside platform 1, will be relocated to a newly constructed facility to the north of Paddington station, above platform 12.
The new permanent taxi rank will replace the current facilities on Departures Road. Passengers will be able to access the mainline station from the taxi deck by lifts and escalators.
Crossrail is working with Network Rail, Transport for London, taxi associations and train operating companies to communicate the changes to pedestrians, road traffic, taxi drivers and all station users.
Information for the travelling public will be placed on all bus stops affected by diversions. Leaflets will be handed out in the days before the change and will also be available at nearby Tube stations. Extra staff will be on hand at Paddington station to provide information and directions to station users.
Notes
* A public exhibition giving information about the changes to transport services in the area will be held on 31 January and 9 / 10 February 2012 on Paddington station’s main concourse.
* The new Paddington Crossrail station will take the form of a 260m long, 25m wide and 23m high underground box underneath Eastbourne Terrace and Departures Road. Once excavation of the box and roof is complete, Eastbourne Terrace will partially re-open to traffic.
* Enabling works to prepare Paddington for the construction of the new Crossrail station began in August 2010. Since then numerous utilities have been relocated away from the site of the new station box.
* The overall traffic impact associated with a full closure is largely similar to a partial road closure. Under a partial closure all stopping bus services would have been diverted.
* The main construction of Paddington Crossrail station is being undertaken by Costain Skanska JV. The design team for Paddington Crossrail station was URS Scott Wilson; Weston Williamson; Gillespies.
* A total of eight new Crossrail stations will be constructed – Paddington, Bond Street, Tottenham Court Road, Farringdon, Liverpool Street, Whitechapel, Canary Wharf and Custom House. Berkeley Homes has also agreed to build a station box at Woolwich and Network Rail will construct a new station at Abbey Wood.
When complete, Crossrail will significantly reduce journey times from Paddington to the West End, the City and Docklands. Passengers will be able to reach Tottenham Court Road in four minutes, Liverpool Street in nine minutes and Canary Wharf in 16 minutes. Crossrail will also help transform and regenerate the area around Paddington station.
The new Crossrail station will be built under Eastbourne Terrace and Departures Road. To enable excavation of the 260m long station box, Westminster City Council has agreed to a full closure of Eastbourne Terrace from 12 February 2012.
A full closure will cut the time taken to construct the station by two years compared with a partial closure alone, and will reduce the overall impact on commuters, businesses and residents. The closure, in place until early 2014, will make it safer for construction workers to build the foundations and excavate the station box. Once the box structure and excavation is complete, work will get underway to fit-out the new station with platforms, escalators, lifts and other equipment.
All traffic, including buses and taxis, will be diverted to alternative routes. Transport for London will be monitoring the situation closely to assess the impact, keep traffic moving and limit disruption and congestion. Further information about road and bus diversions will be issued by Transport for London ahead of the closure coming into effect.
Andy Mitchell, Crossrail Programme Director said: “Once complete, Crossrail will cut journey times across London as well as creating new journey opportunities. It’s vital that the impact of Crossrail’s construction on central London is kept to a minimum. A full-closure of Eastbourne Terrace will mean that construction of the new station box at Paddington can be completed in two years instead of four years enabling station fit-out to commence and Eastbourne Terrace to be re-opened as soon as possible. Crossrail, Network Rail and TfL have worked closely with Westminster City Council, businesses and residents to do all we can to deliver these major works in the least disruptive way possible.”
Kay Buxton, Chief Executive, Paddington Waterside Partnership said: “The Paddington area has changed beyond recognition and is now one of the fastest growing business and residential areas in the capital with significant further investment underway. The new Crossrail station at Paddington will deliver improved and direct transport connections with areas to the west and east of the capital as well as with London’s other major employment centres. Crossrail has worked closely with us ahead of these major works commencing and while there will be an impact locally we are clearly focused on the long-term benefits that will be delivered.”
To coincide with the closure of Eastbourne Terrace, the existing taxi rank on Departures Road, alongside platform 1, will be relocated to a newly constructed facility to the north of Paddington station, above platform 12.
The new permanent taxi rank will replace the current facilities on Departures Road. Passengers will be able to access the mainline station from the taxi deck by lifts and escalators.
Crossrail is working with Network Rail, Transport for London, taxi associations and train operating companies to communicate the changes to pedestrians, road traffic, taxi drivers and all station users.
Information for the travelling public will be placed on all bus stops affected by diversions. Leaflets will be handed out in the days before the change and will also be available at nearby Tube stations. Extra staff will be on hand at Paddington station to provide information and directions to station users.
Notes
* A public exhibition giving information about the changes to transport services in the area will be held on 31 January and 9 / 10 February 2012 on Paddington station’s main concourse.
* The new Paddington Crossrail station will take the form of a 260m long, 25m wide and 23m high underground box underneath Eastbourne Terrace and Departures Road. Once excavation of the box and roof is complete, Eastbourne Terrace will partially re-open to traffic.
* Enabling works to prepare Paddington for the construction of the new Crossrail station began in August 2010. Since then numerous utilities have been relocated away from the site of the new station box.
* The overall traffic impact associated with a full closure is largely similar to a partial road closure. Under a partial closure all stopping bus services would have been diverted.
* The main construction of Paddington Crossrail station is being undertaken by Costain Skanska JV. The design team for Paddington Crossrail station was URS Scott Wilson; Weston Williamson; Gillespies.
* A total of eight new Crossrail stations will be constructed – Paddington, Bond Street, Tottenham Court Road, Farringdon, Liverpool Street, Whitechapel, Canary Wharf and Custom House. Berkeley Homes has also agreed to build a station box at Woolwich and Network Rail will construct a new station at Abbey Wood.
30-01-12
East Coast get the 'Golden Whistle'
East Coast is celebrating winning a prestigious rail industry award for excellence in safe train driving on more than 900 miles of route.
The operator picked up the ‘Golden Whistle’ award in the ‘Operational Safety – Train Driving’ category for the highest safety standards on the railway. The awards were presented at a ceremony in London on 27 January 2012.
The awards are organised each year by the Institution of Railway Operators and trade magazine Modern Railways to promote high standards of operating practice across the rail industry.
Each award is much sought-after by train operators as positive proof of commitment to safe operation of the railway. East Coast’s award recognises the operator’s achievement in maintaining the highest level of performance in tackling four areas of risk, covering:
• Signals passed at danger;
• Failure to call at a station as scheduled;
• Activation of Train Protection Warning System (TPWS) – a system which activates the train’s brakes automatically if it
passes a signal at danger or exceeds the maximum line speed limit;
• Trains stopping short of the platform at a station.
The ‘Operational Safety – Train Driving’ category is the only one in the Golden Whistle awards to offer only one top prize with no runner-up award - reflecting the paramount importance of safety on the railway.
East Coast Operations Director Danny Williams said: “Sound operating practices are rightly at the heart of any successful modern railway. At East Coast, safety is always our number one priority. We’re delighted that our driving safety record over the last 12 months has been recognised in this way. The award itself is one of the best-known symbols of the railway – the traditional whistle used to safely despatch trains every day from stations all over the network.”
The choice of winner in the Golden Whistle awards is based on operational data collected from all train operators throughout the year, as interpreted by a panel of senior railway executives.
The operator picked up the ‘Golden Whistle’ award in the ‘Operational Safety – Train Driving’ category for the highest safety standards on the railway. The awards were presented at a ceremony in London on 27 January 2012.
The awards are organised each year by the Institution of Railway Operators and trade magazine Modern Railways to promote high standards of operating practice across the rail industry.
Each award is much sought-after by train operators as positive proof of commitment to safe operation of the railway. East Coast’s award recognises the operator’s achievement in maintaining the highest level of performance in tackling four areas of risk, covering:
• Signals passed at danger;
• Failure to call at a station as scheduled;
• Activation of Train Protection Warning System (TPWS) – a system which activates the train’s brakes automatically if it
passes a signal at danger or exceeds the maximum line speed limit;
• Trains stopping short of the platform at a station.
The ‘Operational Safety – Train Driving’ category is the only one in the Golden Whistle awards to offer only one top prize with no runner-up award - reflecting the paramount importance of safety on the railway.
East Coast Operations Director Danny Williams said: “Sound operating practices are rightly at the heart of any successful modern railway. At East Coast, safety is always our number one priority. We’re delighted that our driving safety record over the last 12 months has been recognised in this way. The award itself is one of the best-known symbols of the railway – the traditional whistle used to safely despatch trains every day from stations all over the network.”
The choice of winner in the Golden Whistle awards is based on operational data collected from all train operators throughout the year, as interpreted by a panel of senior railway executives.
30-01-12
Docklands Light Railway launches revised service with more capacity
From Monday 30 January 2012 longer and more frequent trains are in service on the Docklands Light Railway (DLR) to help meet increasing demand and set the network on course for the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
New three-car trains will run on the popular Bank to Woolwich route to carry an extra 1500 passengers per hour in the morning peak – a 50 per cent increase in capacity.
Services will also be more frequent across the whole DLR network during the evening peak. This will enable it to carry 4,000 extra passengers per hour, or 12,000 additional passengers over the three hour peak period.
On the Bank to Woolwich branch trains will run every eight minutes rather than every nine minutes. The same frequency improvement will be seen between Tower Gateway and Beckton and between Stratford International and Woolwich Arsenal. On the Bank to Lewisham route, frequency will increase from one train every 4.5 minutes to one every 4 minutes. This will mirror the frequencies already introduced in the morning peak.
DLR Director Jonathan Fox said: “Woolwich and City Airport route passengers received a boost last year when we provided a through service to Stratford International during peak hours – we are now improving the DLR service again with 50 per cent more capacity direct to the City of London. This is a significant capacity increase and particularly good news for people in the boroughs of Greenwich and Newham. It leaves the DLR in an excellent position ready to step up and meet the challenge of the 2012 Games. The extra capacity provided enables us to test our capability between now and July so the network will be poised ready to deliver trains when and where they are needed during the events.”
Notes
* DLR introduced a new service from Woolwich Arsenal-Stratford International in the peaks last year and is now adding further capacity on the route
* On weekdays Bank to Woolwich Arsenal trains will be scheduled as three-car trains, with two-car trains scheduled at the weekend
* All routes in the morning peak are now 3-car except Stratford to Canary Wharf and Stratford International to Woolwich Arsenal routes
* Around £6.5bn has been invested in upgrading and extending transport links and this will enable spectators to get to and from the Games each day and ensure we will keep London moving
* This is already providing an early legacy of better transport options, particularly for people living in east London, which will continue long after the 2012 Games.
New three-car trains will run on the popular Bank to Woolwich route to carry an extra 1500 passengers per hour in the morning peak – a 50 per cent increase in capacity.
Services will also be more frequent across the whole DLR network during the evening peak. This will enable it to carry 4,000 extra passengers per hour, or 12,000 additional passengers over the three hour peak period.
On the Bank to Woolwich branch trains will run every eight minutes rather than every nine minutes. The same frequency improvement will be seen between Tower Gateway and Beckton and between Stratford International and Woolwich Arsenal. On the Bank to Lewisham route, frequency will increase from one train every 4.5 minutes to one every 4 minutes. This will mirror the frequencies already introduced in the morning peak.
DLR Director Jonathan Fox said: “Woolwich and City Airport route passengers received a boost last year when we provided a through service to Stratford International during peak hours – we are now improving the DLR service again with 50 per cent more capacity direct to the City of London. This is a significant capacity increase and particularly good news for people in the boroughs of Greenwich and Newham. It leaves the DLR in an excellent position ready to step up and meet the challenge of the 2012 Games. The extra capacity provided enables us to test our capability between now and July so the network will be poised ready to deliver trains when and where they are needed during the events.”
Notes
* DLR introduced a new service from Woolwich Arsenal-Stratford International in the peaks last year and is now adding further capacity on the route
* On weekdays Bank to Woolwich Arsenal trains will be scheduled as three-car trains, with two-car trains scheduled at the weekend
* All routes in the morning peak are now 3-car except Stratford to Canary Wharf and Stratford International to Woolwich Arsenal routes
* Around £6.5bn has been invested in upgrading and extending transport links and this will enable spectators to get to and from the Games each day and ensure we will keep London moving
* This is already providing an early legacy of better transport options, particularly for people living in east London, which will continue long after the 2012 Games.
27-01-12
David Miller appointed as Thameslink programme director for Siemens Rail Systems
Taking overall responsibility for delivery of the Thameslink project for Siemens, David joins the company with over 35 years experience in major civil and transport related projects. For the past 20 years he has specialised in railway enterprises, ranging from mainline to suburban and metro networks. David has been involved in a broad spectrum of projects, from the definition of operational requirements through to system design, detailed engineering, construction, commissioning, operation and maintenance.
He was Programme Director for the successful introduction in December 2009 of a major timetable change involving 2000 services a day throughout south-east London and Kent, including the integration of a new, and the UK’s first, high speed commuter train service.
David said: “I’m delighted to be joining Siemens at a very exciting time. Thameslink is such an important project not only for Siemens, but the entire UK rail industry, so being appointed as Thameslink programme director for Siemens is a challenge which I take very seriously.”
Steve Scrimshaw, managing director for Siemens Rail Systems in the UK said: “I’m delighted to welcome David to Siemens. He has a first class reputation in the rail industry and I am looking forward to utilising his experience and expertise. His appointment comes at an exciting time - the Eurostar E320s are currently being built, and our Desiro Class 350/2s are setting new reliability records. Under the expertise of David we can now look forward to the Desiro City being delivered for Thameslink.”
He was Programme Director for the successful introduction in December 2009 of a major timetable change involving 2000 services a day throughout south-east London and Kent, including the integration of a new, and the UK’s first, high speed commuter train service.
David said: “I’m delighted to be joining Siemens at a very exciting time. Thameslink is such an important project not only for Siemens, but the entire UK rail industry, so being appointed as Thameslink programme director for Siemens is a challenge which I take very seriously.”
Steve Scrimshaw, managing director for Siemens Rail Systems in the UK said: “I’m delighted to welcome David to Siemens. He has a first class reputation in the rail industry and I am looking forward to utilising his experience and expertise. His appointment comes at an exciting time - the Eurostar E320s are currently being built, and our Desiro Class 350/2s are setting new reliability records. Under the expertise of David we can now look forward to the Desiro City being delivered for Thameslink.”
27-01-12
Alstom delivers first Citadis tram to Dijon
The first Citadis tram for the Dijon urban area arrived in the new operating and maintenance centre in Dijon on 26 January 2012. The tram had left the Alstom site in La Rochelle for the Dijon region six days earlier. François Rebsamen, Mayor of Dijon and President of the Greater Dijon urban area, will presented the tram to all elected representatives from Dijon communities on 27 January 2012.
Trials of the Citadis tram will begin on lines in the Greater Dijon urban area in February 2012. It is scheduled to come into commercial service in September 2012. Line T1 will be 8.5 km long and serve 16 stations. Line T2 of the tramway will cover 11.5 km and serve 21 stations.
In 2009, the urban communities of Brest and Dijon announced their decision to select Alstom Transport to supply 53 trams in a deal worth over €100 million. The Brest and Dijon urban communities decided to issue a joint invitation to tender in order to streamline their investments and pool their requirements. Twenty trams will be delivered to Brest and 33 to Dijon.
Trams in the Greater Dijon urban area are fitted with the latest equipment in the Citadis range. Designed to ensure passenger comfort, they include closed-circuit video surveillance, sound and visual information systems, and integral low floors. Each tramset is 33 metres in length and can accommodate over 200 passengers. The Citadis also enhances the quality of city life: four times quieter than road traffic, it generates about five decibels less noise.
The Citadis trams are designed and assembled in France at the La Rochelle manufacturing site. Four other French Alstom Transport sites will also be involved in the project: Tarbes will provide equipment for the traction systems, Ornans the motors, Le Creusot the bogies, and Villeurbanne the onboard electronics and passenger information systems.
The Greater Dijon urban area will benefit from a proven product based on extensive feedback on over 1,000 Citadis trams currently in operation in 36 towns and cities worldwide.
Trials of the Citadis tram will begin on lines in the Greater Dijon urban area in February 2012. It is scheduled to come into commercial service in September 2012. Line T1 will be 8.5 km long and serve 16 stations. Line T2 of the tramway will cover 11.5 km and serve 21 stations.
In 2009, the urban communities of Brest and Dijon announced their decision to select Alstom Transport to supply 53 trams in a deal worth over €100 million. The Brest and Dijon urban communities decided to issue a joint invitation to tender in order to streamline their investments and pool their requirements. Twenty trams will be delivered to Brest and 33 to Dijon.
Trams in the Greater Dijon urban area are fitted with the latest equipment in the Citadis range. Designed to ensure passenger comfort, they include closed-circuit video surveillance, sound and visual information systems, and integral low floors. Each tramset is 33 metres in length and can accommodate over 200 passengers. The Citadis also enhances the quality of city life: four times quieter than road traffic, it generates about five decibels less noise.
The Citadis trams are designed and assembled in France at the La Rochelle manufacturing site. Four other French Alstom Transport sites will also be involved in the project: Tarbes will provide equipment for the traction systems, Ornans the motors, Le Creusot the bogies, and Villeurbanne the onboard electronics and passenger information systems.
The Greater Dijon urban area will benefit from a proven product based on extensive feedback on over 1,000 Citadis trams currently in operation in 36 towns and cities worldwide.
27-01-12
Official opening for new £2.2m Marks Tey Station
Councillor Penny Channer, Deputy Cabinet Member for Highways & Transportation, Essex County Council officially opened the new and upgraded Marks Tey station on Friday 27 January 2012.
The station has been rebuilt and transformed by operator National Express East Anglia (NXEA) with investment of £2.2m as part of the National Stations Improvement Programme. The much improved facilities include:
* New station building situated adjacent to the station forecourt comprising ticket office, customer toilets and new retail facility
* New access ramp and stairs to the London bound platform which has been widened and new waiting shelters installed
* On the Colchester bound platform and interchange with Sudbury line services, improvements to the station building include
upgraded customer toilets and waiting room
* A redesigned station forecourt provides a drop-off and pick-up area, as well as improved cycle and motor cycle parking
* Improved signage, lighting and CCTV
Andrew Chivers, Managing Director, National Express East Anglia said: “The completion of this significant project to rebuild Marks Tey station and transform the customer facilities at this busy interchange station is another improvement scheme we have delivered for our customers in Essex as part of the National Stations Improvement Programme. At Marks Tey we have worked to meet rail passengers’ aspirations for a new and better station with much improved customer facilities.”
Councillor Tracey Chapman, Cabinet Member for Highways & Transportation, Essex County Council said: “I am delighted that the much anticipated works are complete and that all station users, whether they are Colchester or London bound, will be able to benefit from the improved facilities.”
John Slade from principal contractor Spencer said: “We were able to make real improvements to this station whilst it was fully operational – and that is down to the strong collaboration between ourselves and our client, National Express. Not only does the station look better, it delivers real improvements which I am sure commuters will notice when they use the station for the first time.”
The station has been rebuilt and transformed by operator National Express East Anglia (NXEA) with investment of £2.2m as part of the National Stations Improvement Programme. The much improved facilities include:
* New station building situated adjacent to the station forecourt comprising ticket office, customer toilets and new retail facility
* New access ramp and stairs to the London bound platform which has been widened and new waiting shelters installed
* On the Colchester bound platform and interchange with Sudbury line services, improvements to the station building include
upgraded customer toilets and waiting room
* A redesigned station forecourt provides a drop-off and pick-up area, as well as improved cycle and motor cycle parking
* Improved signage, lighting and CCTV
Andrew Chivers, Managing Director, National Express East Anglia said: “The completion of this significant project to rebuild Marks Tey station and transform the customer facilities at this busy interchange station is another improvement scheme we have delivered for our customers in Essex as part of the National Stations Improvement Programme. At Marks Tey we have worked to meet rail passengers’ aspirations for a new and better station with much improved customer facilities.”
Councillor Tracey Chapman, Cabinet Member for Highways & Transportation, Essex County Council said: “I am delighted that the much anticipated works are complete and that all station users, whether they are Colchester or London bound, will be able to benefit from the improved facilities.”
John Slade from principal contractor Spencer said: “We were able to make real improvements to this station whilst it was fully operational – and that is down to the strong collaboration between ourselves and our client, National Express. Not only does the station look better, it delivers real improvements which I am sure commuters will notice when they use the station for the first time.”
27-01-12
Newcastle United footballers have a go on ECML simulator
|
Newcastle United football heroes John Beresford and Joe Allon sampled a
very different form of training on 27 January 2012 – at the controls of a
125 mph East Coast express!
The popular duo tried their hand on a high-tech driving simulator at Newcastle Central Station, to kick off a drive to promote a wide variety of further education courses to rail staff in the city. The event followed a successful open day for staff at Newcastle station, organised by East Coast in partnership with rail unions ASLEF, TSSA and RMT, to promote learning and educational opportunities both within and beyond the railway. John said: “The simulator is very realistic – right down to the landmarks alongside the track leaving Newcastle. It’s a real eye-opener to see how quickly the train driver has to think ahead and react at the controls. Learning something new is always positive – that’s why Joe and myself are keen to help East Coast raise awareness of the learning opportunities for hundreds of rail staff based at Central Station.” East Coast’s Driver Manager at Newcastle, Bob Howes, was an apprentice player with the Magpies in his youth. Bob said: “Both John and Joe enjoy the lifelong affection of United supporters – left-back John for his memorable performances in Kevin Keegan’s ‘Entertainers’ team in the early 1990s, and striker Joe for his great goals across five years with the Toon from 1984 to 1988. When I was a young apprentice with Newcastle United, they still made sure I went along to North Tyneside College once a week to continue my education. We’re already planning a second event for rail staff and the support from two legends of St James’ Park is very encouraging. It was great to watch John and Joe enjoying the chance to swap the training ground for the train on our state-of-the-art driving simulator. Our simulator has the ability to reproduce real-life driving scenarios – right down to producing fog, rain or even snow on the line ahead.” The driving simulator is one of four based at East Coast driver depots in Newcastle, Edinburgh, Leeds and London King’s Cross. Each features an exact replica complete with all the controls and gauges of the real thing. The simulator can be adapted in seconds to depict either of East Coast’s two types of motive power – the Class 91 electric locomotive or the Class 43 diesel High Speed Train. In front of the simulator, a large full colour projector screen shows an accurate reproduction of key sections of the East Coast Main Line – with the Tyneside simulator showing the line between Newcastle and Alnmouth stations, complete with famous landmarks such as the city’s Castle Keep. |
|
26-01-12
More rail apprentices wanted in Wales
The railway in Wales needs more skilled engineers to support its continuing growth, says Network Rail Wales today as it announces its latest advanced apprenticeship scheme for 2012.
Network Rail Wales is looking to increase its intake of apprentices, particularly to be trained in electrical engineering skills, in order to be ready for the forthcoming electrification of parts of the railway in south Wales. The company will also be actively promoting its apprenticeship scheme outside the major cities in a bid to encourage more applicants from rural areas.
Mark Langman, route managing director at Network Rail, said: "The railway in Wales is growing and we have big plans, including the £200m re-signalling and enhancement project in Cardiff and main line electrification. We need talented and ambitious young people to join us and be part of a 1,300 strong team in Wales helping millions of people get to their destinations safely and reliably. We have six depots across Wales generating potential employment opportunities to prospective applicants from across the region, including those from rural areas. Beyond their apprenticeships, employees have the opportunity to undertake a higher national certificate, a foundation degree and then a full degree in engineering. They can earn while they learn and go as far as their aptitude, attitude and ambition can take them.”
Applications officially open on Monday 6 February, when the company launches a new Facebook page - www.facebook.com/ontrack - with videos, profiles and content run by current apprentices who can respond directly to any enquiries and showcase the opportunities on offer.
The apprentices will spend a year training alongside the Royal Navy at Europe’s largest engineering training facility at HMS Sultan in Hampshire. Here they will learn both the technical skills required to work on the railway and develop leadership and teamwork behaviours, which will make them more effective in their roles.
During that training, there could also be opportunities to work on site for a week to gain practical experience. Since last year, Network Rail has been partnering with the Ffestiniog & Welsh Highland Railways to assist with renewing the infrastructure on the heritage railway by providing its first year track apprentices over a period of five weeks.
They will then continue their training for two further years on-the-job at depots across Wales before returning to HMS Sultan for additional courses.
Adam Sargeant, a second year Network Rail electrification and plant apprentice from Newport, said: “I applied to Network Rail to seek a career in electrical engineering. I researched the scheme and it ticked all the right boxes offering me the opportunity to be involved in developing Britain’s railways. With so much investment and vision for the railways there was no better time to apply.”
* There are currently seven engineering programmes: track, signals, electrification and plant, signal design, property works, mechanical locking and telecoms. Each one gives you the chance to work in a critical area of the business, where your development will continue beyond the three years of the scheme.
* In the first year, apprentices will be paid £8,400 + £1,150 when they successfully finish the year; the salary will rise to £11,750 in the second; and £14,000 in the third.
* In the first year, Network Rail will also feed, pay for accommodation and provide the clothing and personal protective equipment that they need – including safety boots, cargo trousers and a fleece. There are plenty of holidays: 28 days plus bank holidays in total. Network Rail will pay for apprentices to travel home for long weekends and Christmas, Easter and summer holidays.
*After three years, apprentices will have the qualifications (NVQ, BTec and ILM (Institute of Leadership and Management)) and skills to develop a long-term career with Network Rail. Many apprentices complete their first year and soon start to think about their career options – and many set their sights on becoming technical officers, team leaders or managers. There are even further opportunities to study a foundation degree for those who demonstrate the commitment and ability.
Visit: http://careers.networkrail.co.uk/apprentices for more information on Network Rail's advanced apprentice scheme.
Network Rail Wales is looking to increase its intake of apprentices, particularly to be trained in electrical engineering skills, in order to be ready for the forthcoming electrification of parts of the railway in south Wales. The company will also be actively promoting its apprenticeship scheme outside the major cities in a bid to encourage more applicants from rural areas.
Mark Langman, route managing director at Network Rail, said: "The railway in Wales is growing and we have big plans, including the £200m re-signalling and enhancement project in Cardiff and main line electrification. We need talented and ambitious young people to join us and be part of a 1,300 strong team in Wales helping millions of people get to their destinations safely and reliably. We have six depots across Wales generating potential employment opportunities to prospective applicants from across the region, including those from rural areas. Beyond their apprenticeships, employees have the opportunity to undertake a higher national certificate, a foundation degree and then a full degree in engineering. They can earn while they learn and go as far as their aptitude, attitude and ambition can take them.”
Applications officially open on Monday 6 February, when the company launches a new Facebook page - www.facebook.com/ontrack - with videos, profiles and content run by current apprentices who can respond directly to any enquiries and showcase the opportunities on offer.
The apprentices will spend a year training alongside the Royal Navy at Europe’s largest engineering training facility at HMS Sultan in Hampshire. Here they will learn both the technical skills required to work on the railway and develop leadership and teamwork behaviours, which will make them more effective in their roles.
During that training, there could also be opportunities to work on site for a week to gain practical experience. Since last year, Network Rail has been partnering with the Ffestiniog & Welsh Highland Railways to assist with renewing the infrastructure on the heritage railway by providing its first year track apprentices over a period of five weeks.
They will then continue their training for two further years on-the-job at depots across Wales before returning to HMS Sultan for additional courses.
Adam Sargeant, a second year Network Rail electrification and plant apprentice from Newport, said: “I applied to Network Rail to seek a career in electrical engineering. I researched the scheme and it ticked all the right boxes offering me the opportunity to be involved in developing Britain’s railways. With so much investment and vision for the railways there was no better time to apply.”
* There are currently seven engineering programmes: track, signals, electrification and plant, signal design, property works, mechanical locking and telecoms. Each one gives you the chance to work in a critical area of the business, where your development will continue beyond the three years of the scheme.
* In the first year, apprentices will be paid £8,400 + £1,150 when they successfully finish the year; the salary will rise to £11,750 in the second; and £14,000 in the third.
* In the first year, Network Rail will also feed, pay for accommodation and provide the clothing and personal protective equipment that they need – including safety boots, cargo trousers and a fleece. There are plenty of holidays: 28 days plus bank holidays in total. Network Rail will pay for apprentices to travel home for long weekends and Christmas, Easter and summer holidays.
*After three years, apprentices will have the qualifications (NVQ, BTec and ILM (Institute of Leadership and Management)) and skills to develop a long-term career with Network Rail. Many apprentices complete their first year and soon start to think about their career options – and many set their sights on becoming technical officers, team leaders or managers. There are even further opportunities to study a foundation degree for those who demonstrate the commitment and ability.
Visit: http://careers.networkrail.co.uk/apprentices for more information on Network Rail's advanced apprentice scheme.
26-01-12
GBRf The Eco Express named - UPDATED
GB Railfreight (GBRf) and Drax Power Limited (Drax) celebrated their partnership in delivering renewable energy with the naming of a Class 66 locomotive at the National Railway Museum in York on Wednesday 18 January 2012.
The Eco Express, No. 66734, has been named to reflect the efficient movement of renewable and sustainable biomass material from the Port of Tyne in South Shields to Drax Power Station, near Selby.
The name was chosen by Sophie English, aged nine, winner of a children’s competition at the Great Yorkshire Show. She was guest of honour to unveil No. 66734, with John Smith, managing director of GB Railfreight and Drax chief executive Dorothy Thompson.
Sophie explained that she came up with the name because she liked the sound of eco for environment and express for train, hence The Eco Express
John Smith said: “I am very pleased to name this locomotive The Eco Express and congratulate Sophie on her competition win. This naming further underlines our partnership with Drax.”
Dorothy Thompson added: “Our partnership with GBRf and the naming of this locomotive by Sophie English today demonstrates our joint commitment to strong, efficient rail links and a low carbon future.”
A year since freight trials began GBRf currently moves 500,000 tonnes of biomass fuel from the Port of Tyne to Drax, where it is burnt to produce low carbon, cost effective, reliable and flexible electricity.
GBRf’s ground-breaking biomass business helped the company pick up the top prize for Freight and Logistics Achievement at the National Rail Awards 2011.
Drax Power Station is now the largest single source of renewable power in the UK. Its co-firing facility, the biggest in the world, already gives the power station the capability to produce 12.5% of its power output from renewable sources and reduce emissions of carbon dioxide by over 2.5 million tonnes a year, but with an appropriate level of regulatory support, not only would this capability be used to the full, but Drax would be able to transform itself, over time, into a predominantly renewable generator.
The Eco Express, No. 66734, has been named to reflect the efficient movement of renewable and sustainable biomass material from the Port of Tyne in South Shields to Drax Power Station, near Selby.
The name was chosen by Sophie English, aged nine, winner of a children’s competition at the Great Yorkshire Show. She was guest of honour to unveil No. 66734, with John Smith, managing director of GB Railfreight and Drax chief executive Dorothy Thompson.
Sophie explained that she came up with the name because she liked the sound of eco for environment and express for train, hence The Eco Express
John Smith said: “I am very pleased to name this locomotive The Eco Express and congratulate Sophie on her competition win. This naming further underlines our partnership with Drax.”
Dorothy Thompson added: “Our partnership with GBRf and the naming of this locomotive by Sophie English today demonstrates our joint commitment to strong, efficient rail links and a low carbon future.”
A year since freight trials began GBRf currently moves 500,000 tonnes of biomass fuel from the Port of Tyne to Drax, where it is burnt to produce low carbon, cost effective, reliable and flexible electricity.
GBRf’s ground-breaking biomass business helped the company pick up the top prize for Freight and Logistics Achievement at the National Rail Awards 2011.
Drax Power Station is now the largest single source of renewable power in the UK. Its co-firing facility, the biggest in the world, already gives the power station the capability to produce 12.5% of its power output from renewable sources and reduce emissions of carbon dioxide by over 2.5 million tonnes a year, but with an appropriate level of regulatory support, not only would this capability be used to the full, but Drax would be able to transform itself, over time, into a predominantly renewable generator.
26-01-12
First Capital Connect offer parking discounts for environmentaly vehicles
To promote environmental awareness First Capital Connect has launched a car park tariff discount scheme for customers driving environmentally friendly vehicles.
Launched on 25 January 2012, the scheme offers a 10% discount for customers when they purchase tickets via RingGo, FCC’s mobile payment system. The discount is available to all vehicles registered as low-emission and in Band A, B or C with the DVLA. Customers who are unsure of their vehicle’s CO2 banding can find out on http://carfueldata.direct.gov.uk/.
RingGo, created by Cobalt Telephone Technologies, is the UK's leading phone parking solution. Offered as an alternative to pay and display parking, it enables FCC customers to pay for their parking via a credit or debit card after parking their vehicle. Cash is still accepted at pay and display machines, but motorists using this method of payment will not receive a discount.
The discount can also be applied to season tickets bought online.
David Burns, Customer Services Commercial Manager for First Capital Connect, said: "First Capital Connect is dedicated to improving the environment and we seek to use resources to the best of our ability. Carbon-metered parking benefits the environment in so many ways: not just from the company point of view, of reducing resource requirements and promoting a move to electronic payments; but also by encouraging motorists to think about the type of vehicle they drive. Our customers have already demonstrated their commitment to the environment by choosing to travel by train - one of the most environmentally-friendly forms of transport. So it’s a natural step to recognise and reward motorists that use a more environmentally-friendly vehicle to travel to the station, too.”
Joanna Miller, Chief Executive Officer for Cobalt Telephone Technologies said: “In these challenging economic times, it’s sometimes easy to overlook wider, long-term issues, such as global warming. As a technical company, providing forward-looking solutions though, we’re keen to support on-going sustainability, so we very much appreciate opportunities like this one, where we can promote these aims more widely.”
Launched on 25 January 2012, the scheme offers a 10% discount for customers when they purchase tickets via RingGo, FCC’s mobile payment system. The discount is available to all vehicles registered as low-emission and in Band A, B or C with the DVLA. Customers who are unsure of their vehicle’s CO2 banding can find out on http://carfueldata.direct.gov.uk/.
RingGo, created by Cobalt Telephone Technologies, is the UK's leading phone parking solution. Offered as an alternative to pay and display parking, it enables FCC customers to pay for their parking via a credit or debit card after parking their vehicle. Cash is still accepted at pay and display machines, but motorists using this method of payment will not receive a discount.
The discount can also be applied to season tickets bought online.
David Burns, Customer Services Commercial Manager for First Capital Connect, said: "First Capital Connect is dedicated to improving the environment and we seek to use resources to the best of our ability. Carbon-metered parking benefits the environment in so many ways: not just from the company point of view, of reducing resource requirements and promoting a move to electronic payments; but also by encouraging motorists to think about the type of vehicle they drive. Our customers have already demonstrated their commitment to the environment by choosing to travel by train - one of the most environmentally-friendly forms of transport. So it’s a natural step to recognise and reward motorists that use a more environmentally-friendly vehicle to travel to the station, too.”
Joanna Miller, Chief Executive Officer for Cobalt Telephone Technologies said: “In these challenging economic times, it’s sometimes easy to overlook wider, long-term issues, such as global warming. As a technical company, providing forward-looking solutions though, we’re keen to support on-going sustainability, so we very much appreciate opportunities like this one, where we can promote these aims more widely.”
26-01-12
National Passenger Survey published
The latest National Passenger Survey (NPS) was published on 26 January 2012 and shows that passenger satisfaction with Britain’s railways varies widely among different train companies and routes. It also shows scores dipping for value for money, with over a third of passengers dissatisfied.
While the percentage of passengers satisfied overall remains stable at 84%, this masks a variation of 77% to 95% overall satisfaction between different train companies. Passenger experience varies greatly across the country with different aspects of their journey. The scores with wide variations on individual routes include:
• value for money - 27% to 80%
• room to sit or stand - 53% to 95%
• punctuality and reliability - 68% to 97%
• overall satisfaction - 72% to 95%
Anthony Smith, Passenger Focus chief executive, said: “The experience of Great Britain’s passengers’ ranges from mediocre to good. This demonstrates that there is no such thing as the average passenger. Satisfaction with value for money has gone down, illustrating the impact that tough economic times, coupled with fare rises, are having. These results will enable the industry and government to focus resources and effort where passenger satisfaction remains in the doldrums. It can be done and passengers will give them credit when investment and proactive management coincide. London Overground and Merseyrail have done well for significantly raising their game - reaching 83% and 95% for punctuality/reliability respectively. First Capital Connect should also be encouraged for reaching 80% overall satisfaction. It’s also positive to note that nationally overall satisfaction with stations went up significantly, as did the scores for ticket-buying facilities and clean train interiors.”
Punctuality scores, especially for long-distance operators have been on the slide, in part due to infrastructure problems. South West Trains and Chiltern have also experienced more problems with getting their trains to run on time in autumn 2011 compared to autumn 2010.
Mr Smith, added: “We know from this research that performance remains the key passenger priority. Train companies and Network Rail must keep up a relentless attention on getting trains on time, not only at the end of their routes, but at stations along the way as well. Passengers are still paying above inflation fares rises and have every right to expect the industry to keep its basic promise to get them there on time.”
To download a copy of the full report click the link below
http://www.passengerfocus.org.uk/research/nps/content.asp
While the percentage of passengers satisfied overall remains stable at 84%, this masks a variation of 77% to 95% overall satisfaction between different train companies. Passenger experience varies greatly across the country with different aspects of their journey. The scores with wide variations on individual routes include:
• value for money - 27% to 80%
• room to sit or stand - 53% to 95%
• punctuality and reliability - 68% to 97%
• overall satisfaction - 72% to 95%
Anthony Smith, Passenger Focus chief executive, said: “The experience of Great Britain’s passengers’ ranges from mediocre to good. This demonstrates that there is no such thing as the average passenger. Satisfaction with value for money has gone down, illustrating the impact that tough economic times, coupled with fare rises, are having. These results will enable the industry and government to focus resources and effort where passenger satisfaction remains in the doldrums. It can be done and passengers will give them credit when investment and proactive management coincide. London Overground and Merseyrail have done well for significantly raising their game - reaching 83% and 95% for punctuality/reliability respectively. First Capital Connect should also be encouraged for reaching 80% overall satisfaction. It’s also positive to note that nationally overall satisfaction with stations went up significantly, as did the scores for ticket-buying facilities and clean train interiors.”
Punctuality scores, especially for long-distance operators have been on the slide, in part due to infrastructure problems. South West Trains and Chiltern have also experienced more problems with getting their trains to run on time in autumn 2011 compared to autumn 2010.
Mr Smith, added: “We know from this research that performance remains the key passenger priority. Train companies and Network Rail must keep up a relentless attention on getting trains on time, not only at the end of their routes, but at stations along the way as well. Passengers are still paying above inflation fares rises and have every right to expect the industry to keep its basic promise to get them there on time.”
To download a copy of the full report click the link below
http://www.passengerfocus.org.uk/research/nps/content.asp
26-01-12
South West Trains and Network Rail join forces to improve performance
South West Trains and Network Rail announced on 26 January 2012 a joint 10-point plan to deliver more punctual and reliable journeys on one of the busiest and most complex rail networks in Europe.
The move follows a significant drop in performance in the past three months on the rail network in the south and south-west of England, which has more than 200 million passenger journeys a year.
Annual performance is running at 92.5%, but punctuality for the most recent four-week period to 7 January has dropped to 86.8%. Over the last year, fatalities on the line have more than doubled, and delays caused by cable theft incidents have increased by almost 500% year on year.
Latest results from the independent National Passenger Survey published on 26 January 2012 also show that overall customer satisfaction with South West Trains has dropped from 87% in autumn 2010 to 84% in autumn 2011.
South West Trains operates nearly 1,700 trains a day in and out of London Waterloo, which is used by 86m passengers a year making it Britain’s busiest station. There are eight different lines alone between London Waterloo and Clapham Junction, Europe's busiest rail interchange. Network Rail has responsibility for some 482 sets of points between Waterloo and Berrylands / Wokingham, some of which are moved 40,000 times a year.
The network serves more than 200 stations and has more than 600 miles of electrified track as well as 1,750 signals. The route is managed on a day-to-day basis through a joint 24-hour integrated control centre at London Waterloo station, staffed by South West Trains and Network Rail operations teams.
The new action plan has been developed following detailed work and feedback at South West Trains and Network Rail. It will focus on:
· more preventative track and signalling maintenance, with improved access for engineers
· better prioritisation of infrastructure work
· strengthened arrangements at London Waterloo to help run more trains during times of disruption
· better reporting of train and infrastructure faults
· faster service recovery after fatalities and cable theft incidents
· training for volunteer managers to provide extra assistance when required
· extra shift support for the integrated control centre
· investment in new station radios at London Waterloo
· more customer information screens at key stations
· better customer information, including alternative route plans to help passengers plan their journeys during disruption
The plan will build on measures already underway to improve journeys for passengers. South West Trains has already launched a dedicated Twitter-feed, personalised email travel alerts and a new mobile website to help customers to access information on the move.
Network Rail has also started a series of infrastructure improvements, including the replacement of 100 pieces of track at Clapham Junction. In addition, it checks hundreds of points every morning on the critical lines between London Waterloo and Clapham Junction, and has invested millions of pounds in technology to remotely check the condition of track and signalling.
Tim Shoveller, Managing Director for South West Trains, said: “Running one of the busiest and most complex commuter rail networks in Europe is a challenge for us and Network Rail. The volume of passengers using our rail network continues to grow, and just like the road network, it is particularly difficult when problems happen at busy times and at congested interchanges. But our customers rightly expect a reliable train service and we understand their frustration. When disruption happens, they deserve clear information and a quick response to get trains running normally. We are sorry we have let our passengers down recently. We are absolutely determined to work closely with Network Rail to restore their trust and our normal high levels of service."
Richard O’Brien, Network Rail’s route managing director for Wessex, said: “In recent months South West Trains passengers have not had the high levels of service and punctuality they have been used to for which we apologise. There is no single cause of the problems which have affected passenger journeys recently and unfortunately a number of them have occurred between Clapham Junction and Waterloo, which is the busiest part of the route and causes the most disruption. The new plan we have developed with South West Trains will make it easier for our engineers to access the railway to try and prevent infrastructure failures before they cause delays and help us respond better to incidents, both those in and those out of our control, such as fatalities and cable thefts.”
Earlier this week, Network Rail and South West Trains confirmed it was in discussions about moves to build on current partnership working through a potential "deep alliance". This could see the establishment of a single, senior South West Trains/Network Rail joint management team to look after both train and track on the Wessex route.
The aim is to deliver a better service for passengers, ensure faster and more customer-focused decisions, give better value for money for taxpayers and create a more efficient railway for the long term.
The move follows a significant drop in performance in the past three months on the rail network in the south and south-west of England, which has more than 200 million passenger journeys a year.
Annual performance is running at 92.5%, but punctuality for the most recent four-week period to 7 January has dropped to 86.8%. Over the last year, fatalities on the line have more than doubled, and delays caused by cable theft incidents have increased by almost 500% year on year.
Latest results from the independent National Passenger Survey published on 26 January 2012 also show that overall customer satisfaction with South West Trains has dropped from 87% in autumn 2010 to 84% in autumn 2011.
South West Trains operates nearly 1,700 trains a day in and out of London Waterloo, which is used by 86m passengers a year making it Britain’s busiest station. There are eight different lines alone between London Waterloo and Clapham Junction, Europe's busiest rail interchange. Network Rail has responsibility for some 482 sets of points between Waterloo and Berrylands / Wokingham, some of which are moved 40,000 times a year.
The network serves more than 200 stations and has more than 600 miles of electrified track as well as 1,750 signals. The route is managed on a day-to-day basis through a joint 24-hour integrated control centre at London Waterloo station, staffed by South West Trains and Network Rail operations teams.
The new action plan has been developed following detailed work and feedback at South West Trains and Network Rail. It will focus on:
· more preventative track and signalling maintenance, with improved access for engineers
· better prioritisation of infrastructure work
· strengthened arrangements at London Waterloo to help run more trains during times of disruption
· better reporting of train and infrastructure faults
· faster service recovery after fatalities and cable theft incidents
· training for volunteer managers to provide extra assistance when required
· extra shift support for the integrated control centre
· investment in new station radios at London Waterloo
· more customer information screens at key stations
· better customer information, including alternative route plans to help passengers plan their journeys during disruption
The plan will build on measures already underway to improve journeys for passengers. South West Trains has already launched a dedicated Twitter-feed, personalised email travel alerts and a new mobile website to help customers to access information on the move.
Network Rail has also started a series of infrastructure improvements, including the replacement of 100 pieces of track at Clapham Junction. In addition, it checks hundreds of points every morning on the critical lines between London Waterloo and Clapham Junction, and has invested millions of pounds in technology to remotely check the condition of track and signalling.
Tim Shoveller, Managing Director for South West Trains, said: “Running one of the busiest and most complex commuter rail networks in Europe is a challenge for us and Network Rail. The volume of passengers using our rail network continues to grow, and just like the road network, it is particularly difficult when problems happen at busy times and at congested interchanges. But our customers rightly expect a reliable train service and we understand their frustration. When disruption happens, they deserve clear information and a quick response to get trains running normally. We are sorry we have let our passengers down recently. We are absolutely determined to work closely with Network Rail to restore their trust and our normal high levels of service."
Richard O’Brien, Network Rail’s route managing director for Wessex, said: “In recent months South West Trains passengers have not had the high levels of service and punctuality they have been used to for which we apologise. There is no single cause of the problems which have affected passenger journeys recently and unfortunately a number of them have occurred between Clapham Junction and Waterloo, which is the busiest part of the route and causes the most disruption. The new plan we have developed with South West Trains will make it easier for our engineers to access the railway to try and prevent infrastructure failures before they cause delays and help us respond better to incidents, both those in and those out of our control, such as fatalities and cable thefts.”
Earlier this week, Network Rail and South West Trains confirmed it was in discussions about moves to build on current partnership working through a potential "deep alliance". This could see the establishment of a single, senior South West Trains/Network Rail joint management team to look after both train and track on the Wessex route.
The aim is to deliver a better service for passengers, ensure faster and more customer-focused decisions, give better value for money for taxpayers and create a more efficient railway for the long term.
25-01-12
Upgrade contracts awarded for District Line depots
Taylor Woodrow has been awarded a £44.3m
contract by London Underground to carry out the design and construction of
upgrade works to its train depots at Ealing Common and Upminster
The two depots are being upgraded so that they can maintain the new S7 stock for the District line. Work includes extensions to existing depot buildings, updating inspection pits, extensive modifications to signalling and mechanical & electrical services. Existing depot operations will continue during the construction work.
Taylor Woodrow managing director Graham Stanley said: “This is a fantastic contract for Taylor Woodrow. It is a real honour to work on such a high profile project that will help deliver a better service and ultimately help keep London moving. Throughout the project we will be working in partnership with London Underground to ensure that all works are completed to the highest standard and disruption is kept to a minimum."
The two depots are being upgraded so that they can maintain the new S7 stock for the District line. Work includes extensions to existing depot buildings, updating inspection pits, extensive modifications to signalling and mechanical & electrical services. Existing depot operations will continue during the construction work.
Taylor Woodrow managing director Graham Stanley said: “This is a fantastic contract for Taylor Woodrow. It is a real honour to work on such a high profile project that will help deliver a better service and ultimately help keep London moving. Throughout the project we will be working in partnership with London Underground to ensure that all works are completed to the highest standard and disruption is kept to a minimum."
25-01-12
New Abellio team announced for Greater Anglia
The new senior management for the Abellio take over of the Greater Anglia franchise from 5 February 2012 has been announced.
* Ruud Haket, Managing Director
* Andrew Goodrum, Customer Services Director
* Adam Golton, Finance Director
* Thijs Jan Noomen, Projects Director
* John Ratcliffe, Engineering Director
* Nanouke van ‘t Riet, Operations Director
* Andrew Camp, Commercial Director
* Simone Bailey, Asset Management Director
* Dave Welham, Interim HR Director
Ruud Haket, Managing Director said: “I am delighted to be able to publish the new Executive team for Greater Anglia. We are all committed to delivering the proposals made within the bid and listening to the requirements of our customers, stakeholders and employees many of whom I have met during recent roadshows across the region. Although a short franchise Greater Anglia will deliver improvements in customer service, station condition and operational performance. I have made a few new appointments to the team which sit alongside existing directors running the franchise today. Greater Anglia is the first franchise to obtain responsibility for the stations within the franchise and for this reason I have appointed an Asset Management Director. We have brought back the role of Commercial Director to reflect the commitment to growth and investment in marketing. The Projects Director appointment is also new and will take the lead on our Olympic planning and delivery and working with the Crossrail team. The Greater Anglia team is strengthened by these new appointments and looks forward to running the regions railway operation to the high standards expected by passengers and staff.”
* Ruud Haket, Managing Director
* Andrew Goodrum, Customer Services Director
* Adam Golton, Finance Director
* Thijs Jan Noomen, Projects Director
* John Ratcliffe, Engineering Director
* Nanouke van ‘t Riet, Operations Director
* Andrew Camp, Commercial Director
* Simone Bailey, Asset Management Director
* Dave Welham, Interim HR Director
Ruud Haket, Managing Director said: “I am delighted to be able to publish the new Executive team for Greater Anglia. We are all committed to delivering the proposals made within the bid and listening to the requirements of our customers, stakeholders and employees many of whom I have met during recent roadshows across the region. Although a short franchise Greater Anglia will deliver improvements in customer service, station condition and operational performance. I have made a few new appointments to the team which sit alongside existing directors running the franchise today. Greater Anglia is the first franchise to obtain responsibility for the stations within the franchise and for this reason I have appointed an Asset Management Director. We have brought back the role of Commercial Director to reflect the commitment to growth and investment in marketing. The Projects Director appointment is also new and will take the lead on our Olympic planning and delivery and working with the Crossrail team. The Greater Anglia team is strengthened by these new appointments and looks forward to running the regions railway operation to the high standards expected by passengers and staff.”
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25-01-12
Bombardier Partnership Project outlines Green Train of the future
New generation trains running on existing track can easily combine higher speeds, lower energy consumption, reduced noise and lower costs. These are the findings reported by Swedish researchers in Stockholm after concluding a four-year project, with Bombardier Transportation as one of three major partners.
The Grona Taget ("Green Train") research project is a collection of ideas, proposals and technical solutions aimed at making long distance and fast regional services more attractive to travellers and operators. Grona Taget is a fast electric tilting train - based on the BOMBARDIER REGINA vehicle - that not only maintains higher speeds than conventional trains on sections with curves but also 300 km/h or more on dedicated high speed lines.
The project was conducted in close cooperation between the Swedish Transport Administration, Bombardier, the Royal Institute of Technology in Stockholm and several other partners. In the report, the project team noted that the concept train had set a Swedish speed record of 303 km/h, but emphasized that the development programme was not a finished train model but should rather be seen as a smorgasbord of proposals and technical innovations adapted to Nordic conditions.
The concept offers operators and infrastructure managers advantages such as flexible train length, reliability and accessibility even in the demanding Nordic climate. It also reduces costs to ensure profitability in competitive markets, increases track-friendliness with less wear to track and wheels, enables high speeds on standard tracks and lowers noise levels compared to the current generation of trains. Aerodynamic design and more efficient motors which generate electricity when braking enable the Green Train to reduce power consumption by 30 to 35 per cent. Thanks to the Nordic track profiles, trains can be designed with greater width than existing trains, enabling more passenger space while maintaining comfort which means higher operational economy and, potentially, lower ticket prices.
"Through this cooperation between several partners, we have achieved results much quicker and with significantly higher quality and innovative scope than in conventional development projects," said Henrik Tengstrand, Director, Mainline and Metros Vehicle Performance Engineering and Bombardier's Project Director for Grona Taget.
The Grona Taget technology has been tested in trial runs over a total of 500,000 km in all weather conditions since 2005. Its development has involved a large part of the Swedish rail sector, including manufacturers, infrastructure companies, universities, train operators and research institutes. The findings will be made available to all rail industry companies and train manufacturers.
The Grona Taget ("Green Train") research project is a collection of ideas, proposals and technical solutions aimed at making long distance and fast regional services more attractive to travellers and operators. Grona Taget is a fast electric tilting train - based on the BOMBARDIER REGINA vehicle - that not only maintains higher speeds than conventional trains on sections with curves but also 300 km/h or more on dedicated high speed lines.
The project was conducted in close cooperation between the Swedish Transport Administration, Bombardier, the Royal Institute of Technology in Stockholm and several other partners. In the report, the project team noted that the concept train had set a Swedish speed record of 303 km/h, but emphasized that the development programme was not a finished train model but should rather be seen as a smorgasbord of proposals and technical innovations adapted to Nordic conditions.
The concept offers operators and infrastructure managers advantages such as flexible train length, reliability and accessibility even in the demanding Nordic climate. It also reduces costs to ensure profitability in competitive markets, increases track-friendliness with less wear to track and wheels, enables high speeds on standard tracks and lowers noise levels compared to the current generation of trains. Aerodynamic design and more efficient motors which generate electricity when braking enable the Green Train to reduce power consumption by 30 to 35 per cent. Thanks to the Nordic track profiles, trains can be designed with greater width than existing trains, enabling more passenger space while maintaining comfort which means higher operational economy and, potentially, lower ticket prices.
"Through this cooperation between several partners, we have achieved results much quicker and with significantly higher quality and innovative scope than in conventional development projects," said Henrik Tengstrand, Director, Mainline and Metros Vehicle Performance Engineering and Bombardier's Project Director for Grona Taget.
The Grona Taget technology has been tested in trial runs over a total of 500,000 km in all weather conditions since 2005. Its development has involved a large part of the Swedish rail sector, including manufacturers, infrastructure companies, universities, train operators and research institutes. The findings will be made available to all rail industry companies and train manufacturers.
24-01-12
Royal visit to Wakefield and renaming of 70000 Britannia
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On 24 January
2012,
HRH The Prince of Wales renamed Class 7 4-6-0 No. 70000 Britannia in a special ceremony at Wakefield Kirkgate station.
As part of the Prince of Wales visit, primarily to Barnsley, he began his day by arriving at Wakefield Kirkgate station on the Royal Train, powered by steam locomotive No. 70000 Britannia. After arrival, The Prince renamed No. 70000 Britannia now in lined BR green livery at Wakefield Kirkgate station, which has recently received substantial funding to enable a much needed renovation to proceed. The Prince arrived on the Royal Train hauled by Britannia from Preston and it is understood that he joined the footplate during part of the journey. In the illustration above, the train is seen arriving at the station in appalling wet weather but that did not deter the enthusiasm of onlookers. Class 67 No. 67006 was coupled on the rear of the train, while No. 67005 Queens Messenger was at the station light loco and then followed the Royal Train empty stock to Milford Sidings. Here Britannia was removed with its support coach to run to York and the National Railway Museum. The Royal Train stock then returned Class 67 powered to Wolverton. On the right The Prince is seen waving to TRC viewers. Both illustrations Peter Marsh |
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24-01-12
Great Escape on London Midland
From 4 to 19 February 2012 London Midland
customers can take advantage of ‘Go-Anywhere’ unlimited travel on any of London
Midland’s trains across the whole London Midland network.
For just £15 (£5 for children) passengers can buy a day’s unlimited off-peak travel. (Adults with railcards only pay £9.90). For an additional £10, passengers can upgrade to first class.
The London Midland network stretches from Liverpool and Birmingham to London, with services running to destinations including Shrewsbury, Worcester, Hereford, Stratford-upon-Avon, Milton Keynes and Northampton.
From 23 January 2012 simply download a special voucher from the London Midland website www.londonmidland.com/greatescape (or apply by phone on 08451 28 00 89). Vouchers can then be exchanged for a ticket at any of our station ticket offices.
For just £15 (£5 for children) passengers can buy a day’s unlimited off-peak travel. (Adults with railcards only pay £9.90). For an additional £10, passengers can upgrade to first class.
The London Midland network stretches from Liverpool and Birmingham to London, with services running to destinations including Shrewsbury, Worcester, Hereford, Stratford-upon-Avon, Milton Keynes and Northampton.
From 23 January 2012 simply download a special voucher from the London Midland website www.londonmidland.com/greatescape (or apply by phone on 08451 28 00 89). Vouchers can then be exchanged for a ticket at any of our station ticket offices.
24-01-12
First TransPennine Express update mobile website
A local train company is providing more and
more information to customers when they are on the move.
First TransPennine Express (FTPE) has updated its mobile website m.tpexpress.co.uk, to incorporate useful information such as station facilities and opening times.
FTPE are the first train operator to use GEO Location technology to identify the users nearest station and m.tpexpress.co.uk provides customers with live train arrival and departure information.
It will now also update users on local weather conditions and onward travel options as well as details of nearby cafes, restaurants, shops and taxi services.
The site enables customers to further plan their onward journey providing links to nearby bus operators and flight and terminal information for Manchester International Airport.
Nick Donovan, FTPE's Managing Director said, "We know that customers really value information and we are delighted that we are now able to provide them with more useful tips and local knowledge. Previously our mobile website provided customers with live train arrival and departure information and we have now added to this with data feeds that will help customers complete their onward journey. We recognise that by providing information about what is in and around the station will mean that we are able to enhance our customer's travel experience with FTPE."
FTPE operates around 120 services a day to Manchester Airport from across the north of England and from Scotland and customers using these services will be able to usem.tpexpess.co.ukto find further information about their departing flight and which terminal it is scheduled to depart from.
The groundbreaking mobile website has been developed in partnership with Manchester based digital agency Code Computer Love.
FTPE's mobile website, m.tpexpress.co.uk is available on all internet enabled phones and has seen a recent 20% improvement in its usage.
First TransPennine Express (FTPE) has updated its mobile website m.tpexpress.co.uk, to incorporate useful information such as station facilities and opening times.
FTPE are the first train operator to use GEO Location technology to identify the users nearest station and m.tpexpress.co.uk provides customers with live train arrival and departure information.
It will now also update users on local weather conditions and onward travel options as well as details of nearby cafes, restaurants, shops and taxi services.
The site enables customers to further plan their onward journey providing links to nearby bus operators and flight and terminal information for Manchester International Airport.
Nick Donovan, FTPE's Managing Director said, "We know that customers really value information and we are delighted that we are now able to provide them with more useful tips and local knowledge. Previously our mobile website provided customers with live train arrival and departure information and we have now added to this with data feeds that will help customers complete their onward journey. We recognise that by providing information about what is in and around the station will mean that we are able to enhance our customer's travel experience with FTPE."
FTPE operates around 120 services a day to Manchester Airport from across the north of England and from Scotland and customers using these services will be able to usem.tpexpess.co.ukto find further information about their departing flight and which terminal it is scheduled to depart from.
The groundbreaking mobile website has been developed in partnership with Manchester based digital agency Code Computer Love.
FTPE's mobile website, m.tpexpress.co.uk is available on all internet enabled phones and has seen a recent 20% improvement in its usage.
24-01-12
South West Trains and Pompey Study Centre team up to promote rail safety
South West Trains and the Pompey Study
Centre have joined forces to promote safety and deliver strong messages to
children and teenagers in the Portsmouth area by promoting the ‘Off The Rails’
project.
The scheme, run jointly by the Pompey Study Centre and South West Trains, is designed to make children in the Portsmouth area aware of some of the major issues relating to train travel, which include treating staff and fellow passengers with respect, preventing vandalism and staying safe. The ‘Off The Rails’ project includes an intensive one-hour lesson for Year 6 pupils (aged 10 to 11) which utilises a number of different techniques to demonstrate the unacceptability and dangers of such behaviour.
South West Trains employees also attend, to share their personal experiences. The children also have the opportunity to act out some scenarios, to show them how people react in different circumstances. They have also taken part in a train scene investigation unit exercise, in which they conduct a mock investigation of a major train incident.
The youngsters have had the opportunity to enter a railway-themed poster competition, where the winning posters are printed and displayed in schools and South West Trains stations in the area. The winning entrants will also receive tickets to a Portsmouth FC match and have the opportunity to ride in a train simulator as the driver. Matthew Winnie, Head of Security & Revenue Protection for South West Trains, said: "Although levels of crime on the railway are actually very low, we are continually looking at ways to make our trains and stations even safer for our passengers and staff. “We are determined to use the platform offered to us through this partnership to demonstrate some of the dangers, whilst giving children the opportunity to learn by making it real. South West Trains staff from different areas attend the session, so whether it is drivers, guards or rail safety officers, the children have always someone there who they can relate to. But it’s not all about the dangers. We also want to teach them about the different roles involved in running a safe railway, and the challenges our employees can encounter as they carry out their duties.
Stephen Henderson, Pompey goalkeeper, said: “It’s so important to be safe when you’re at stations. It’s so easy to drift over the yellow lines towards the track, so you’ve got to know what’s going on around you.”
Pompey’s footballer Joel Ward “I think it’s important to make people aware that stations aren’t playgrounds and that they are dangerous places where bad things can happen. I think we’re lucky enough to be in a position where we can help people, and part of that is being able to create awareness of various subjects like this. It’s such a simple message really because by just paying a bit more attention lives can be saved.”
The campaign, supported by Pompey footballers, also uses photography of the players in a number of scenarios to highlight the dangers of crossing the yellow safety line at the train station, trespassing on the railway and running on the platform.
The scheme, run jointly by the Pompey Study Centre and South West Trains, is designed to make children in the Portsmouth area aware of some of the major issues relating to train travel, which include treating staff and fellow passengers with respect, preventing vandalism and staying safe. The ‘Off The Rails’ project includes an intensive one-hour lesson for Year 6 pupils (aged 10 to 11) which utilises a number of different techniques to demonstrate the unacceptability and dangers of such behaviour.
South West Trains employees also attend, to share their personal experiences. The children also have the opportunity to act out some scenarios, to show them how people react in different circumstances. They have also taken part in a train scene investigation unit exercise, in which they conduct a mock investigation of a major train incident.
The youngsters have had the opportunity to enter a railway-themed poster competition, where the winning posters are printed and displayed in schools and South West Trains stations in the area. The winning entrants will also receive tickets to a Portsmouth FC match and have the opportunity to ride in a train simulator as the driver. Matthew Winnie, Head of Security & Revenue Protection for South West Trains, said: "Although levels of crime on the railway are actually very low, we are continually looking at ways to make our trains and stations even safer for our passengers and staff. “We are determined to use the platform offered to us through this partnership to demonstrate some of the dangers, whilst giving children the opportunity to learn by making it real. South West Trains staff from different areas attend the session, so whether it is drivers, guards or rail safety officers, the children have always someone there who they can relate to. But it’s not all about the dangers. We also want to teach them about the different roles involved in running a safe railway, and the challenges our employees can encounter as they carry out their duties.
Stephen Henderson, Pompey goalkeeper, said: “It’s so important to be safe when you’re at stations. It’s so easy to drift over the yellow lines towards the track, so you’ve got to know what’s going on around you.”
Pompey’s footballer Joel Ward “I think it’s important to make people aware that stations aren’t playgrounds and that they are dangerous places where bad things can happen. I think we’re lucky enough to be in a position where we can help people, and part of that is being able to create awareness of various subjects like this. It’s such a simple message really because by just paying a bit more attention lives can be saved.”
The campaign, supported by Pompey footballers, also uses photography of the players in a number of scenarios to highlight the dangers of crossing the yellow safety line at the train station, trespassing on the railway and running on the platform.
23-01-12
Transport Minister visits Nottingham Tram system to celebrate Phase 2 go-ahead
NET Phase Two is the project to build lines Two and Three of Nottingham’s tram network to Clifton via Wilford and Chilwell via Beeston
The project to extend Nottingham’s tram system was given final Government sign-off in mid-December 2011, when a contract to build and operate the extended network was awarded by Nottingham City Council to Tramlink Nottingham.
Construction activity started earlier this month and services on the new lines are planned to start in late 2014.
Councillor Jane Urquhart, Portfolio Holder for Planning and Transportation at Nottingham City Council, the scheme’s promoter, said: “I am delighted to welcome Norman Baker MP back to Nottingham to celebrate the city’s achievement in bringing the multi-million NET Phase Two project to Nottingham in these constrained economic times. The event will be a triple celebration as the city is also celebrating the Government giving the green light to the widening of the A453 and the improvement of Nottingham’s Ring Road.”
Transport Minister Norman Baker MP, said: “We know that trams in Nottingham are already very widely used and this extension will ensure that they continue to be an increasingly important part of the lifeblood of the city – providing a sustainable alternative to having to take your car into the city centre. The extension – supported by up to £371m of Government funding - will hit the two key government targets of cutting carbon and creating growth. This good news follows on from the Government’s recent announcement to fund the widening of the A453 and the £16m improvements to the City’s ring road and the multi-million pound improvements to the railway station.”
Tramlink Nottingham’s Chairman, Roger Harrison said: “After a lengthy bidding process we are delighted that we can now get to work on delivering this exciting project. It will turn the successful NET Line One into a major cross-city network and it will bring significant economic benefits to the city, especially during the construction project as it moves forward over the next few years.”
NET Phase Two will Generate construction work opportunities for local companies and people, and also stimulate the local economy to generate long term employment growth of up to 8,000 jobs which could boost the local economy by around £390m per year.
It will also provide access to about 1270 City workplaces (to which about 55,000 employees commute), and to a further 600 workplaces in Beeston/Chilwell.
It will serve 20 of the 30 largest employers in Greater Nottingham, including the University of Nottingham and the Queens Medical Centre, who will be within 800m of a tram stop.
The extensions will help to create a first class transport interchange (‘the Hub’), at Nottingham Railway Station, which itself is receiving a £64 million redevelopment so that people can interchange between trams, trains, cycling, walking, taxis and cars.
The project to extend Nottingham’s tram system was given final Government sign-off in mid-December 2011, when a contract to build and operate the extended network was awarded by Nottingham City Council to Tramlink Nottingham.
Construction activity started earlier this month and services on the new lines are planned to start in late 2014.
Councillor Jane Urquhart, Portfolio Holder for Planning and Transportation at Nottingham City Council, the scheme’s promoter, said: “I am delighted to welcome Norman Baker MP back to Nottingham to celebrate the city’s achievement in bringing the multi-million NET Phase Two project to Nottingham in these constrained economic times. The event will be a triple celebration as the city is also celebrating the Government giving the green light to the widening of the A453 and the improvement of Nottingham’s Ring Road.”
Transport Minister Norman Baker MP, said: “We know that trams in Nottingham are already very widely used and this extension will ensure that they continue to be an increasingly important part of the lifeblood of the city – providing a sustainable alternative to having to take your car into the city centre. The extension – supported by up to £371m of Government funding - will hit the two key government targets of cutting carbon and creating growth. This good news follows on from the Government’s recent announcement to fund the widening of the A453 and the £16m improvements to the City’s ring road and the multi-million pound improvements to the railway station.”
Tramlink Nottingham’s Chairman, Roger Harrison said: “After a lengthy bidding process we are delighted that we can now get to work on delivering this exciting project. It will turn the successful NET Line One into a major cross-city network and it will bring significant economic benefits to the city, especially during the construction project as it moves forward over the next few years.”
NET Phase Two will Generate construction work opportunities for local companies and people, and also stimulate the local economy to generate long term employment growth of up to 8,000 jobs which could boost the local economy by around £390m per year.
It will also provide access to about 1270 City workplaces (to which about 55,000 employees commute), and to a further 600 workplaces in Beeston/Chilwell.
It will serve 20 of the 30 largest employers in Greater Nottingham, including the University of Nottingham and the Queens Medical Centre, who will be within 800m of a tram stop.
The extensions will help to create a first class transport interchange (‘the Hub’), at Nottingham Railway Station, which itself is receiving a £64 million redevelopment so that people can interchange between trams, trains, cycling, walking, taxis and cars.
23-01-12
Bury St Edmunds station upgrade complete
The Mayor of St. Edmundsbury, Councillor Christopher Spicer officially opened the newly upgraded station facilities at Bury St. Edmunds on Friday 20 January 2012.
The £150k station upgrade has been delivered by operator National Express East Anglia (NXEA) as part of the Department for Transport’s Access for All scheme. The station improvements include:
· Transformation of the booking hall area improving lighting, décor and access
· Improvements to staircases giving access to platforms in line with DDA requirements
· Installation of new Customer Information Screens in the booking hall and on platforms
· Improvements to customer toilets
· Installation of additional CCTV at the station
The opening officially marked the formation of ‘The Friends of Bury St. Edmunds Station’ a new community group who will operate under the train operator’s Station Adoption scheme where local groups and individuals help to support the operator in ensuring a pleasant environment at stations for rail passengers.
Andrew Goodrum, Customer Service Director, National Express East Anglia said: “I am delighted that we have completed this significant improvement scheme at Bury St. Edmunds, helping to improve access and provide our customers with modern and attractive facilities. I am also pleased to welcome the positive input we have received from ‘The Friends of Bury St. Edmunds Station’ community group and I look forward to their continued participation with activity at the station.”
The £150k station upgrade has been delivered by operator National Express East Anglia (NXEA) as part of the Department for Transport’s Access for All scheme. The station improvements include:
· Transformation of the booking hall area improving lighting, décor and access
· Improvements to staircases giving access to platforms in line with DDA requirements
· Installation of new Customer Information Screens in the booking hall and on platforms
· Improvements to customer toilets
· Installation of additional CCTV at the station
The opening officially marked the formation of ‘The Friends of Bury St. Edmunds Station’ a new community group who will operate under the train operator’s Station Adoption scheme where local groups and individuals help to support the operator in ensuring a pleasant environment at stations for rail passengers.
Andrew Goodrum, Customer Service Director, National Express East Anglia said: “I am delighted that we have completed this significant improvement scheme at Bury St. Edmunds, helping to improve access and provide our customers with modern and attractive facilities. I am also pleased to welcome the positive input we have received from ‘The Friends of Bury St. Edmunds Station’ community group and I look forward to their continued participation with activity at the station.”
23-01-12
Network Rail form 'Alliances' with operators
Network Rail has plans to form alliances with at least half a dozen train operators as it looks to work more closely with operators and deliver passenger benefits more quickly. Streamlined decision making and the delivery of a more passenger focused operation at lower cost are at the core of the move.
Alliance framework agreements have so far been made, or about to be made with:
Abellio Greater Anglia
c2c
ScotRail
Northern
Southeastern
Discussions continue with all other operators on how NR can work more closely together and these may lead to further alliance agreements. Network Rail is also discussing the opportunity for further alliancing as part of refranchising.
A potentially different kind of alliance, called a 'deep' alliance, is being developed involving the Wessex route (one of Network Rail's devolved operational regions) and South West Trains. This may see the establishment of a single, senior joint management team formed to look after both train and track on the Wessex route operating out of Waterloo - a much more integrated way of working. This potential alliance is being discussed with government, the Office of Rail Regulation, employees and other operators.
David Higgins, chief executive, Network Rail, said: "Working more closely with the train operators, with decision making devolved to the front-line and better aligned incentives, will, I believe, bring substantial benefits. The alliances will deliver a better service for passengers and freight users and at lower overall cost to the taxpayer."
Key principles of the alliances have been agreed, but discussions continue to identify and develop tangible changes that can be made to deliver a better service. Final proposals may also be subject to approval by governments and regulators.
These alliances form part of the substantial changes underway within the rail industry as Network Rail pushes decision making and accountability from its headquarters to its 10 geographic operating regions and encourages much closer collaboration with train operators to speed up improvements for passengers and freight users alike.
It is fundamental that both parties in any alliance retain their existing accountabilities and Network Rail will remain focused on delivering its obligations to all parties, protecting the interest of all customers whilst maintaining the seamless operation of the whole network.
The alliances will be discrete individual agreements with each operator but all the agreements have some common features including:
* Network Rail and the operator will remain separate entities
* Employees will continue to have the same employer (with their current terms and conditions)
* Each company continues to be ultimately accountable for their own areas of responsibility
* The interests of other passenger rail companies and freight operators are protected
* The agreements in place commit the companies to working together and to work up specified projects where there is an opportunity for more integrated working and an opportunity to improve the service to passengers or reduce cost. The alliances may look at how stations can be better managed to provide a better service to passengers, how engineering work can be better planned or how improvements to train punctuality can be delivered.
David Higgins concluded: “Demand for our railway continues to grow and we need to work smarter with our rail industry partners if we are to continue with the improvements we have made to services over the last decade. Maintaining high levels of performance on an ever congested network, while investing billions of pounds and cutting costs, is a major challenge for all of us, a challenge that alliances will help to tackle.”
Ruud Haket, managing director of the soon to operate Greater Anglia franchise said: "We welcome the closer working relationships with Network Rail. Greater Anglia has committed to improving customer service and transparency in operational performance. A key part of service delivery will be the provision of operational information for staff and customers to help them make decisions during times of disruption."
Dean Finch, chief executive officer, National Express Group said: “In developing this alliance with Network Rail, through our industry-leading train operator c2c, National Express is demonstrating its commitment to be at the forefront of industry efforts to deliver cost savings. The new alliance will also help us to build upon our industry leading performance and deliver further service improvements for our passengers in East London and South Essex.”
Ian Bevan, managing director, Northern Rail said: “We have worked closely with Network Rail since the start of our franchise in 2004 to deliver a better service for our passengers. Our partnership approach has been integral to the improvements we have achieved so far. The reopening of Allerton maintenance depot on Merseyside, to help cater for our recently enhanced fleet, is a prime example of this. We operate 2500 services every day with a network spanning three Network Rail routes and interfacing with 11 other train operators. This presents its own unique challenges when considering the context in which an alliance will work. However, our successful partnership to date meant we were keen to develop this. We began discussing an alliance with Network Rail in early 2011 to establish a more formal context to make real progress with the industry’s strategic agenda, driving down costs while improving services for passengers.”
Steve Montgomery, managing director of ScotRail, said: "The comprehensive restructuring of Network Rail which has devolved power to the Scottish level will allow more efficient and effective management through a closer working relationship between ScotRail and network infrastructure operator. We believe long-term cost savings for the industry and government can be achieved and eagerly anticipate playing our part in delivering that goal."
Tim Shoveller, managing director of South West Trains, said: "We operate one of the busiest commuter rail networks in Europe and we have a real opportunity to build on the close partnership working we already have in place with Network Rail. Our joint proposals for a 'deep alliance' have the potential to deliver a better service for our passengers, ensure faster and more customer-focused decisions, give better value for money to taxpayers and create a more efficient railway for the long-term."
Charles Horton, managing director Southeastern said: “We have always had a close working relationship with Network Rail and have developed innovative projects together in the past, such as installing anti-ice tanks on passenger trains and setting up an integrated control room. This new alliance is the next logical step and will serve to formalise our existing close relationship. It will help us continue to improve the railways performance for passengers and help drive efficiencies across Southeastern and Network Rail.”
Alliance framework agreements have so far been made, or about to be made with:
Abellio Greater Anglia
c2c
ScotRail
Northern
Southeastern
Discussions continue with all other operators on how NR can work more closely together and these may lead to further alliance agreements. Network Rail is also discussing the opportunity for further alliancing as part of refranchising.
A potentially different kind of alliance, called a 'deep' alliance, is being developed involving the Wessex route (one of Network Rail's devolved operational regions) and South West Trains. This may see the establishment of a single, senior joint management team formed to look after both train and track on the Wessex route operating out of Waterloo - a much more integrated way of working. This potential alliance is being discussed with government, the Office of Rail Regulation, employees and other operators.
David Higgins, chief executive, Network Rail, said: "Working more closely with the train operators, with decision making devolved to the front-line and better aligned incentives, will, I believe, bring substantial benefits. The alliances will deliver a better service for passengers and freight users and at lower overall cost to the taxpayer."
Key principles of the alliances have been agreed, but discussions continue to identify and develop tangible changes that can be made to deliver a better service. Final proposals may also be subject to approval by governments and regulators.
These alliances form part of the substantial changes underway within the rail industry as Network Rail pushes decision making and accountability from its headquarters to its 10 geographic operating regions and encourages much closer collaboration with train operators to speed up improvements for passengers and freight users alike.
It is fundamental that both parties in any alliance retain their existing accountabilities and Network Rail will remain focused on delivering its obligations to all parties, protecting the interest of all customers whilst maintaining the seamless operation of the whole network.
The alliances will be discrete individual agreements with each operator but all the agreements have some common features including:
* Network Rail and the operator will remain separate entities
* Employees will continue to have the same employer (with their current terms and conditions)
* Each company continues to be ultimately accountable for their own areas of responsibility
* The interests of other passenger rail companies and freight operators are protected
* The agreements in place commit the companies to working together and to work up specified projects where there is an opportunity for more integrated working and an opportunity to improve the service to passengers or reduce cost. The alliances may look at how stations can be better managed to provide a better service to passengers, how engineering work can be better planned or how improvements to train punctuality can be delivered.
David Higgins concluded: “Demand for our railway continues to grow and we need to work smarter with our rail industry partners if we are to continue with the improvements we have made to services over the last decade. Maintaining high levels of performance on an ever congested network, while investing billions of pounds and cutting costs, is a major challenge for all of us, a challenge that alliances will help to tackle.”
Ruud Haket, managing director of the soon to operate Greater Anglia franchise said: "We welcome the closer working relationships with Network Rail. Greater Anglia has committed to improving customer service and transparency in operational performance. A key part of service delivery will be the provision of operational information for staff and customers to help them make decisions during times of disruption."
Dean Finch, chief executive officer, National Express Group said: “In developing this alliance with Network Rail, through our industry-leading train operator c2c, National Express is demonstrating its commitment to be at the forefront of industry efforts to deliver cost savings. The new alliance will also help us to build upon our industry leading performance and deliver further service improvements for our passengers in East London and South Essex.”
Ian Bevan, managing director, Northern Rail said: “We have worked closely with Network Rail since the start of our franchise in 2004 to deliver a better service for our passengers. Our partnership approach has been integral to the improvements we have achieved so far. The reopening of Allerton maintenance depot on Merseyside, to help cater for our recently enhanced fleet, is a prime example of this. We operate 2500 services every day with a network spanning three Network Rail routes and interfacing with 11 other train operators. This presents its own unique challenges when considering the context in which an alliance will work. However, our successful partnership to date meant we were keen to develop this. We began discussing an alliance with Network Rail in early 2011 to establish a more formal context to make real progress with the industry’s strategic agenda, driving down costs while improving services for passengers.”
Steve Montgomery, managing director of ScotRail, said: "The comprehensive restructuring of Network Rail which has devolved power to the Scottish level will allow more efficient and effective management through a closer working relationship between ScotRail and network infrastructure operator. We believe long-term cost savings for the industry and government can be achieved and eagerly anticipate playing our part in delivering that goal."
Tim Shoveller, managing director of South West Trains, said: "We operate one of the busiest commuter rail networks in Europe and we have a real opportunity to build on the close partnership working we already have in place with Network Rail. Our joint proposals for a 'deep alliance' have the potential to deliver a better service for our passengers, ensure faster and more customer-focused decisions, give better value for money to taxpayers and create a more efficient railway for the long-term."
Charles Horton, managing director Southeastern said: “We have always had a close working relationship with Network Rail and have developed innovative projects together in the past, such as installing anti-ice tanks on passenger trains and setting up an integrated control room. This new alliance is the next logical step and will serve to formalise our existing close relationship. It will help us continue to improve the railways performance for passengers and help drive efficiencies across Southeastern and Network Rail.”
20-01-12
Industrial action suspended
The RMT has suspended plans for strike action at the West of Scotland Signalling Centre on 23/27 January, following ACAS-facilitated talks.
The union and Network Rail will instead progress the union’s grievance regarding appointing signallers on merit through the established collective bargaining agreement between the union and employer.
As a result, strikes planned for January 23 and 27 have been suspended and a normal service will be provided for passengers using Glasgow Central Station.
This dispute only affected 32 staff based at the West of Scotland Signalling Centre. It was not a national dispute.
The RMT had wished to see appointments at the centre based solely on seniority (a practice that has not been commonplace since British Rail was privatised in 1994). The union had also wished to see a signaller recently appointed to a temporary post at the WSSC (through an open, merit-based selection process) removed from his position and the job given to its preferred candidate instead.
The West of Scotland Signalling Centre is the most modern facility of its kind in Scotland. The purpose-built, £20m centre opened in 2008.
The union and Network Rail will instead progress the union’s grievance regarding appointing signallers on merit through the established collective bargaining agreement between the union and employer.
As a result, strikes planned for January 23 and 27 have been suspended and a normal service will be provided for passengers using Glasgow Central Station.
This dispute only affected 32 staff based at the West of Scotland Signalling Centre. It was not a national dispute.
The RMT had wished to see appointments at the centre based solely on seniority (a practice that has not been commonplace since British Rail was privatised in 1994). The union had also wished to see a signaller recently appointed to a temporary post at the WSSC (through an open, merit-based selection process) removed from his position and the job given to its preferred candidate instead.
The West of Scotland Signalling Centre is the most modern facility of its kind in Scotland. The purpose-built, £20m centre opened in 2008.
20-01-12
New West Coast franchise
Passengers travelling between London, Birmingham, Manchester and Glasgow are set to benefit from an extra 28,000 seats a day under a new flexible franchise agreement which will allow more services to be scheduled around busy periods.
In addition, a long franchise of up to 15 years for the West Coast Main Line will encourage the new operator to invest in improvements at stations and help drive down excessive costs. Other benefits for passengers will include the introduction of smart ticketing technology, Rail Minister Theresa Villiers said today as she launched the Invitation to Tender.
Theresa Villiers said: “Passengers will welcome the 28,000 additional seats this new franchise will deliver everyday on what is becoming one of the UK’s busiest rail lines. A longer, more flexible franchise will encourage private sector investment, for example in improving stations. It will also promote greater efficiency to enable improvements to be made whilst driving down costs. The introduction of new requirements on passenger satisfaction will mean the operator has to focus strongly on the issues that matter most to passengers; and the roll out of smart ticketing will provide many more passengers with greater convenience and the sort of advantages already enjoyed in the capital.”
The new franchise will run from December 2012 to March 2026, with an option for the Department to extend for up to 20 months.
A total of 106 new ‘Pendolino’ carriages are being added to the West Coast route, enabling four new train sets to be introduced and 31 existing trains to be lengthened from nine to 11 carriages.
A new flexible franchise agreement gives bidders the flexibility to vary timetables on individual days of the week to cater for changes in demand, enabling the future operator to provide better services for passengers, whilst protecting existing services by specifying a minimum number of stops at each station.
In May last year, the then Secretary of State announced that the next InterCity West Coast franchise would start on 9 December 2012.
The Department for Transport has today published an Invitation to Tender to mark the commencement of the formal bidding stage of the competition to replace the current operator on the West Coast Main Line. The new franchise will continue through to March 2026, this date being aligned to the introduction of High Speed services along the proposed HS2 route.
InterCity West Coast franchise
Increasing capacity and tackling overcrowding is our priority. 106 extra ‘Pendolino’ carriages are being provided for the West Coast. In addition to the 45% increase in capacity delivered in December 2008, 31 existing Pendolinos are being lengthened from 9 to 11 carriages and 4 new trains are being introduced, increasing the number of standard class seats on each train by almost 50%, from 320 to 470.
In all, the 106 new carriages will make 28,000 extra seats available each day, an increase of 25%. We expect that the additional and lengthened trains will be targeted on those routes and times of day with the highest demand.
It was further announced in May that a consultation would take place on a revised Train Service Requirement (TSR). A summary of and response to this consultation has also been published today on the Department for Transport website.
The TSR has been designed to give bidders greater flexibility to respond to passenger demand and run their businesses in a more commercial way within a framework set by the franchise that protects key outcomes for passengers, taxpayers and the economy. The TSR requires the provision of the same number of weekly stops at each station as set out in the current franchise; but will allow the franchisee to vary the capacity provided on individual days of the week in order to cater for the variations in daily demand.
The ITT contains less specification than in previous competitions, with a stronger focus on outcomes, for example on passenger satisfaction, rather than detailed prescriptive inputs. We expect the additional flexibility set out in the ITT to enable bidders to provide both a better service for passengers and an improved financial return for taxpayers.
However we will continue to specify core requirements and to manage overall compliance of key deliverables, such as performance and service quality. The franchise will contain new obligations based around passenger satisfaction with stations, trains and customer services.
The franchise length of up to 15 years including an option to extend by 20 months is intended to encourage the development of long term relationships between the operator and stakeholders giving greater scope to challenge and reduce excessive industry costs. We also expect the certainty provided by a long franchise to encourage investment in assets such as stations, by extending the period over which commercially attractive schemes can pay back. The new franchisee will take over full repairing responsibilities for the 17 stations they manage. We believe that cost savings can be achieved through combining roles currently split between the operator and Network Rail in relation to stations.
A new risk sharing mechanism based on macroeconomic variables has been introduced to remove some of the perverse operator behaviour experienced under the Cap and Collar system, while still providing an appropriate allocation of risk between the taxpayer and the operator.
Cap and Collar led to stronger concentration on revenue generation schemes rather than on cost reduction because support was available in the event of underperformance on revenue. Our new risk sharing mechanism helps create a more balanced approach to revenue and costs when bidders are considering how to develop their business.
A profit share mechanism has been introduced to enable the taxpayer to benefit from a share in profits above an agreed threshold which the franchise has generated, while continuing to provide sufficient incentive for the franchisee to outperform.
The franchise will specify the introduction of ITSO based smart ticketing. The introduction of smart ticketing will provide significant benefits for passengers and the use of the ITSO standard will enable the same card to be used on a range of different public transport services.
The InterCity West Coast ITT takes forward the franchising reforms set out in January 2011. Given the diversity of the rail network, our approach will be adapted to meet the individual requirements of different franchises. Future franchise contracts will not be identical but common themes will underlie all of them, including an emphasis on innovation, passenger satisfaction and greater commercial freedom to respond to the needs of passengers.
In addition, a long franchise of up to 15 years for the West Coast Main Line will encourage the new operator to invest in improvements at stations and help drive down excessive costs. Other benefits for passengers will include the introduction of smart ticketing technology, Rail Minister Theresa Villiers said today as she launched the Invitation to Tender.
Theresa Villiers said: “Passengers will welcome the 28,000 additional seats this new franchise will deliver everyday on what is becoming one of the UK’s busiest rail lines. A longer, more flexible franchise will encourage private sector investment, for example in improving stations. It will also promote greater efficiency to enable improvements to be made whilst driving down costs. The introduction of new requirements on passenger satisfaction will mean the operator has to focus strongly on the issues that matter most to passengers; and the roll out of smart ticketing will provide many more passengers with greater convenience and the sort of advantages already enjoyed in the capital.”
The new franchise will run from December 2012 to March 2026, with an option for the Department to extend for up to 20 months.
A total of 106 new ‘Pendolino’ carriages are being added to the West Coast route, enabling four new train sets to be introduced and 31 existing trains to be lengthened from nine to 11 carriages.
A new flexible franchise agreement gives bidders the flexibility to vary timetables on individual days of the week to cater for changes in demand, enabling the future operator to provide better services for passengers, whilst protecting existing services by specifying a minimum number of stops at each station.
In May last year, the then Secretary of State announced that the next InterCity West Coast franchise would start on 9 December 2012.
The Department for Transport has today published an Invitation to Tender to mark the commencement of the formal bidding stage of the competition to replace the current operator on the West Coast Main Line. The new franchise will continue through to March 2026, this date being aligned to the introduction of High Speed services along the proposed HS2 route.
InterCity West Coast franchise
Increasing capacity and tackling overcrowding is our priority. 106 extra ‘Pendolino’ carriages are being provided for the West Coast. In addition to the 45% increase in capacity delivered in December 2008, 31 existing Pendolinos are being lengthened from 9 to 11 carriages and 4 new trains are being introduced, increasing the number of standard class seats on each train by almost 50%, from 320 to 470.
In all, the 106 new carriages will make 28,000 extra seats available each day, an increase of 25%. We expect that the additional and lengthened trains will be targeted on those routes and times of day with the highest demand.
It was further announced in May that a consultation would take place on a revised Train Service Requirement (TSR). A summary of and response to this consultation has also been published today on the Department for Transport website.
The TSR has been designed to give bidders greater flexibility to respond to passenger demand and run their businesses in a more commercial way within a framework set by the franchise that protects key outcomes for passengers, taxpayers and the economy. The TSR requires the provision of the same number of weekly stops at each station as set out in the current franchise; but will allow the franchisee to vary the capacity provided on individual days of the week in order to cater for the variations in daily demand.
The ITT contains less specification than in previous competitions, with a stronger focus on outcomes, for example on passenger satisfaction, rather than detailed prescriptive inputs. We expect the additional flexibility set out in the ITT to enable bidders to provide both a better service for passengers and an improved financial return for taxpayers.
However we will continue to specify core requirements and to manage overall compliance of key deliverables, such as performance and service quality. The franchise will contain new obligations based around passenger satisfaction with stations, trains and customer services.
The franchise length of up to 15 years including an option to extend by 20 months is intended to encourage the development of long term relationships between the operator and stakeholders giving greater scope to challenge and reduce excessive industry costs. We also expect the certainty provided by a long franchise to encourage investment in assets such as stations, by extending the period over which commercially attractive schemes can pay back. The new franchisee will take over full repairing responsibilities for the 17 stations they manage. We believe that cost savings can be achieved through combining roles currently split between the operator and Network Rail in relation to stations.
A new risk sharing mechanism based on macroeconomic variables has been introduced to remove some of the perverse operator behaviour experienced under the Cap and Collar system, while still providing an appropriate allocation of risk between the taxpayer and the operator.
Cap and Collar led to stronger concentration on revenue generation schemes rather than on cost reduction because support was available in the event of underperformance on revenue. Our new risk sharing mechanism helps create a more balanced approach to revenue and costs when bidders are considering how to develop their business.
A profit share mechanism has been introduced to enable the taxpayer to benefit from a share in profits above an agreed threshold which the franchise has generated, while continuing to provide sufficient incentive for the franchisee to outperform.
The franchise will specify the introduction of ITSO based smart ticketing. The introduction of smart ticketing will provide significant benefits for passengers and the use of the ITSO standard will enable the same card to be used on a range of different public transport services.
The InterCity West Coast ITT takes forward the franchising reforms set out in January 2011. Given the diversity of the rail network, our approach will be adapted to meet the individual requirements of different franchises. Future franchise contracts will not be identical but common themes will underlie all of them, including an emphasis on innovation, passenger satisfaction and greater commercial freedom to respond to the needs of passengers.
20-01-12
Stagecoach confirm new management appointments
Stagecoach has confirmed the senior management teams at its rail companies. This follows new South West Trains’ Managing Director Tim Shoveller taking up his post earlier this month, and David Horne taking over as Managing Director of East Midlands Trains.
The following management teams have now been confirmed:
South West Trains
• Operations Director – Mark Steward*
• Engineering Director – Christian Roth
• Finance Director – Andy West
• Customer Servicse Director – Jake Kelly
• Human Resources Director – Kelly Barlow**
• Safety & Environment Director – Brian Cook
(* Mark Steward has been appointed as Operations Director for South West Trains. Mark, aged 49 and currently Safety & Operations Director for East Midlands Trains, will replace Ian Johnston. Mark has led the Operations team at East Midlands Trains since the start of the franchise in November 2007 and has 28 years railway experience.
** Kelly Barlow has been appointed as new HR Director for South West Trains, replacing Andrew Welsby, who will be leaving the company at the end of March to take up a new role outside of the rail industry. Kelly, aged 34, started her career working for South West Trains, before moving to a senior HR role within East Midlands Trains. Most recently, she has been working on the Stagecoach Business Development Team.)
East Midlands Trains
• Safety & Operations Director – Ian Smith *
• Engineering Director – Tim Sayer
• Finance Director – Tim Gledhill **
• Customer Service Director – to be appointed
• Human Resources Director – Clare McCartney ***
(* Ian Smith has been appointed as the new Safety & Operations Director for East Midlands Trains. Ian Smith, aged 43, is an experienced railwayman who has previously held senior roles within Wessex Trains, South West Trains, First Great Western and ATOC. Most recently, he has been working at ATOC on the roll out of the new GSMR system and has been covering the position of Customer Service Director of East Midlands Trains on a short-term basis.
** Tim Gledhill has been confirmed as Finance Director of East Midlands Trains. Tim, aged 45, replaces Richard Bodicoat who is now working as part of the Stagecoach Business Development team. Tim joined East Midlands Trains as Financial Controller in 2007.
*** Clare McCartney has been appointed as HR Director at East Midlands Trains. Clare, aged 31, replaces Margaret Kay who has taken over the role of Managing Director at Stagecoach Supertram. Clare has held senior roles within the Human Resources team since the start of the East Midlands Trains franchise in November 2007.)
Tim Shoveller, Managing Director for South West Trains, said: “I would like to welcome Mark and Kelly to the team at South West Trains, and thank Ian and Andrew for their valuable contribution to the business over the years. As new Managing Director, my focus for the year ahead will be to continue to work closely with Network Rail to deliver the high levels of performance and service that our customers expect of South West Trains. The whole team at South West Trains will have a key role to play in helping to deliver further improvements for customers, and I’m confident that the changes made will ensure we are in the best possible position moving forward.”
David Horne, Managing Director for East Midlands Trains, added: “I am delighted to welcome the new members of the team, and would like to thank Mark Steward for his valuable contribution to East Midlands Trains and wish him well in his new role. The year ahead holds some great challenges and opportunities for East Midlands Trains. In addition to our services playing a vital role in carrying people to the London 2012 Games, we’re committed to building even further on the improvements we’ve already made, including better train services and improved stations. I look forward to working with the whole team in driving forward further improvements for our passengers.”
The following management teams have now been confirmed:
South West Trains
• Operations Director – Mark Steward*
• Engineering Director – Christian Roth
• Finance Director – Andy West
• Customer Servicse Director – Jake Kelly
• Human Resources Director – Kelly Barlow**
• Safety & Environment Director – Brian Cook
(* Mark Steward has been appointed as Operations Director for South West Trains. Mark, aged 49 and currently Safety & Operations Director for East Midlands Trains, will replace Ian Johnston. Mark has led the Operations team at East Midlands Trains since the start of the franchise in November 2007 and has 28 years railway experience.
** Kelly Barlow has been appointed as new HR Director for South West Trains, replacing Andrew Welsby, who will be leaving the company at the end of March to take up a new role outside of the rail industry. Kelly, aged 34, started her career working for South West Trains, before moving to a senior HR role within East Midlands Trains. Most recently, she has been working on the Stagecoach Business Development Team.)
East Midlands Trains
• Safety & Operations Director – Ian Smith *
• Engineering Director – Tim Sayer
• Finance Director – Tim Gledhill **
• Customer Service Director – to be appointed
• Human Resources Director – Clare McCartney ***
(* Ian Smith has been appointed as the new Safety & Operations Director for East Midlands Trains. Ian Smith, aged 43, is an experienced railwayman who has previously held senior roles within Wessex Trains, South West Trains, First Great Western and ATOC. Most recently, he has been working at ATOC on the roll out of the new GSMR system and has been covering the position of Customer Service Director of East Midlands Trains on a short-term basis.
** Tim Gledhill has been confirmed as Finance Director of East Midlands Trains. Tim, aged 45, replaces Richard Bodicoat who is now working as part of the Stagecoach Business Development team. Tim joined East Midlands Trains as Financial Controller in 2007.
*** Clare McCartney has been appointed as HR Director at East Midlands Trains. Clare, aged 31, replaces Margaret Kay who has taken over the role of Managing Director at Stagecoach Supertram. Clare has held senior roles within the Human Resources team since the start of the East Midlands Trains franchise in November 2007.)
Tim Shoveller, Managing Director for South West Trains, said: “I would like to welcome Mark and Kelly to the team at South West Trains, and thank Ian and Andrew for their valuable contribution to the business over the years. As new Managing Director, my focus for the year ahead will be to continue to work closely with Network Rail to deliver the high levels of performance and service that our customers expect of South West Trains. The whole team at South West Trains will have a key role to play in helping to deliver further improvements for customers, and I’m confident that the changes made will ensure we are in the best possible position moving forward.”
David Horne, Managing Director for East Midlands Trains, added: “I am delighted to welcome the new members of the team, and would like to thank Mark Steward for his valuable contribution to East Midlands Trains and wish him well in his new role. The year ahead holds some great challenges and opportunities for East Midlands Trains. In addition to our services playing a vital role in carrying people to the London 2012 Games, we’re committed to building even further on the improvements we’ve already made, including better train services and improved stations. I look forward to working with the whole team in driving forward further improvements for our passengers.”
19-01-12
Join 'online' live forum with East Coasts key decision-makers
Train operator East Coast is offering passengers and stakeholders a new opportunity to put questions, comments or suggestions about its services directly to its key decision makers.
Any aspect of East Coast’s service will be open for discussion during a new series of online live forums, which will give passengers and stakeholders the chance to communicate directly with East Coast’s directors and senior managers in real time at: www.talk.eastcoast.co.uk.
The forum will be held between 12.00 and 15.00 on Tuesday, 24 January, and will cover services and stations in the north Nottinghamshire, Yorkshire and south Durham regions of East Coast’s route, including East Coast travel from Retford, Doncaster, Wakefield, Bradford, Skipton, Leeds, Harrogate, Hull, York, Northallerton and Darlington stations.
Passengers who begin their journey at these stations and wish to take part can do so, using any computer connected to the internet, via any internet browser. There are just four easy steps to join East Coast’s live forum:
1. Visit www.talk.eastcoast.co.uk, which will be available a few minutes before the live forum begins at midday on Tuesday
24 January;
2. To login as a new user, click ‘register’ and once you have read our terms and conditions, click ‘I agree’;
3. Complete a simple registration page with your username, email address and a password between 6 and 30 characters in
length. Make a note of the username and password for future reference;
4. Enter the confirmation code requested and join the debate by posting a question.
East Coast Managing Director Karen Boswell said: “We’re very much looking forward to hearing first hand from our customers and stakeholders, on what we do well now and where we could do better. Every piece of constructive feedback from the online forum we receive will be highly valuable to us and will receive a response from the most appropriate director or senior manager. We hope many of our customers and stakeholders will take the opportunity to give us their views.”
As well as seeing the response to their questions, passengers and stakeholders taking part in the live forum will be able to view the wider debate including questions submitted by others, and responses from East Coast’s decision makers, via the live discussion board.
Any aspect of East Coast’s service will be open for discussion during a new series of online live forums, which will give passengers and stakeholders the chance to communicate directly with East Coast’s directors and senior managers in real time at: www.talk.eastcoast.co.uk.
The forum will be held between 12.00 and 15.00 on Tuesday, 24 January, and will cover services and stations in the north Nottinghamshire, Yorkshire and south Durham regions of East Coast’s route, including East Coast travel from Retford, Doncaster, Wakefield, Bradford, Skipton, Leeds, Harrogate, Hull, York, Northallerton and Darlington stations.
Passengers who begin their journey at these stations and wish to take part can do so, using any computer connected to the internet, via any internet browser. There are just four easy steps to join East Coast’s live forum:
1. Visit www.talk.eastcoast.co.uk, which will be available a few minutes before the live forum begins at midday on Tuesday
24 January;
2. To login as a new user, click ‘register’ and once you have read our terms and conditions, click ‘I agree’;
3. Complete a simple registration page with your username, email address and a password between 6 and 30 characters in
length. Make a note of the username and password for future reference;
4. Enter the confirmation code requested and join the debate by posting a question.
East Coast Managing Director Karen Boswell said: “We’re very much looking forward to hearing first hand from our customers and stakeholders, on what we do well now and where we could do better. Every piece of constructive feedback from the online forum we receive will be highly valuable to us and will receive a response from the most appropriate director or senior manager. We hope many of our customers and stakeholders will take the opportunity to give us their views.”
As well as seeing the response to their questions, passengers and stakeholders taking part in the live forum will be able to view the wider debate including questions submitted by others, and responses from East Coast’s decision makers, via the live discussion board.
19-01-12
HS2 could free up much needed capacity on West Coast - New report
Passengers on Britain’s busiest rail route could benefit from faster, more frequent trains, less crowding and better connections if the first phase of the proposed high-speed rail line between London and Birmingham goes ahead as planned.
Those are the conclusions of a report published on 19 January 2012 by Network Rail and Passenger Focus, which sets out the improved level of service passengers on the West Coast Main Line could experience thanks to the extra capacity and 125mph trains which would become available if long-distance services migrate to High Speed 2.
One of the biggest groups to benefit would be commuters travelling between Northampton, Milton Keynes, Watford Junction and London, where the worst overcrowding is forecast in the coming years as demand for rail continues to grow. Initial analysis suggests as many as 12 trains per hour could operate on this section of the route in the busiest peak hours.
Other key beneficiaries would be passengers travelling between the major towns and cities of the West Midlands and between London and destinations in the Trent Valley, as well as companies that rely on moving goods by rail freight. There are also likely to be opportunities to improve connectivity between the south end of the route and towns and cities further the north.
More than 5,000 current passengers and almost 1,000 potential new rail users were surveyed by Passenger Focus, highlighting the key priorities for the capacity which would be released if a new rail line such as HS2 is built.
Anthony Smith, Passenger Focus chief executive said, “Passengers know that with more people using the West Coast Main Line it is only a matter of time before capacity runs out. If a new line was to free up this much-needed route passengers, especially commuters, have signalled they want to be able to get seat as well as more direct services.”
Passengers clearly stated first and foremost they want to be able get a seat. Direct services were also high up the list of priorities for both current passenger and non-users. In the additional comments section punctuality and reliability also featured.
Network Rail used these survey results to produce nine overarching goals or ‘outputs’ – such as shorter journey times between London and the Trent Valley or additional direct services between major towns and cities in the West Midlands – which could form the building blocks of a future WCML timetable.
Paul Plummer, Network Rail group strategy director, said: "The West Coast Main Line is Britain’s busiest and most economically vital rail artery – but by 2024 it will be full, with no more space to accommodate the continued predicted growth in demand. HS2 would not only transform travel between our major cities, it is also the best way to solve the capacity crunch facing passengers and businesses on the West Coast Main Line. This joint study with Passenger Focus means we now know what commuters, business and leisure travellers and freight companies want from their railway, so we can work with our customers and government to help plan for a future West Coast Main Line which best meets the their needs and supports rather than stifles economic growth.”
In the majority of cases Network Rail has concluded that the outputs identified in the study could be delivered when the proposed new line between London and Birmingham opens. The second stage of this study will develop a more detailed understanding of any trade-offs between outputs in order to provide the best overall level service on the West Coast Main Line in the future.
Those are the conclusions of a report published on 19 January 2012 by Network Rail and Passenger Focus, which sets out the improved level of service passengers on the West Coast Main Line could experience thanks to the extra capacity and 125mph trains which would become available if long-distance services migrate to High Speed 2.
One of the biggest groups to benefit would be commuters travelling between Northampton, Milton Keynes, Watford Junction and London, where the worst overcrowding is forecast in the coming years as demand for rail continues to grow. Initial analysis suggests as many as 12 trains per hour could operate on this section of the route in the busiest peak hours.
Other key beneficiaries would be passengers travelling between the major towns and cities of the West Midlands and between London and destinations in the Trent Valley, as well as companies that rely on moving goods by rail freight. There are also likely to be opportunities to improve connectivity between the south end of the route and towns and cities further the north.
More than 5,000 current passengers and almost 1,000 potential new rail users were surveyed by Passenger Focus, highlighting the key priorities for the capacity which would be released if a new rail line such as HS2 is built.
Anthony Smith, Passenger Focus chief executive said, “Passengers know that with more people using the West Coast Main Line it is only a matter of time before capacity runs out. If a new line was to free up this much-needed route passengers, especially commuters, have signalled they want to be able to get seat as well as more direct services.”
Passengers clearly stated first and foremost they want to be able get a seat. Direct services were also high up the list of priorities for both current passenger and non-users. In the additional comments section punctuality and reliability also featured.
Network Rail used these survey results to produce nine overarching goals or ‘outputs’ – such as shorter journey times between London and the Trent Valley or additional direct services between major towns and cities in the West Midlands – which could form the building blocks of a future WCML timetable.
Paul Plummer, Network Rail group strategy director, said: "The West Coast Main Line is Britain’s busiest and most economically vital rail artery – but by 2024 it will be full, with no more space to accommodate the continued predicted growth in demand. HS2 would not only transform travel between our major cities, it is also the best way to solve the capacity crunch facing passengers and businesses on the West Coast Main Line. This joint study with Passenger Focus means we now know what commuters, business and leisure travellers and freight companies want from their railway, so we can work with our customers and government to help plan for a future West Coast Main Line which best meets the their needs and supports rather than stifles economic growth.”
In the majority of cases Network Rail has concluded that the outputs identified in the study could be delivered when the proposed new line between London and Birmingham opens. The second stage of this study will develop a more detailed understanding of any trade-offs between outputs in order to provide the best overall level service on the West Coast Main Line in the future.
19-01-12
National train performance period 10 11-12-11 - 7-1-12
Punctuality on the railways reached 88.7% during period 10, according to monthly performance data released by Network Rail on 19 January 2012. The data for Britain's train services covers the period from 11 December 2011 - 7 January 2012. This compares to 81.1% for the same period last year. The moving annual average is now at 91.6%.
18-01-12
Community Rail status for Chester-Manchester via Northwich route
Passengers in the North West will have more say on how local rail services are run after the designation of the Mid-Cheshire railway line as a community rail service, Rail Minister Theresa Villiers announced on 18 January 2012.
Designation of the line between Chester and Manchester via Northwich will enable train companies to work more closely with community rail partnerships to better design services to meet local needs.
Rail Minister Theresa Villiers said: “I want to encourage communities to become more closely involved with their railways to help create the services and stations passengers deserve. That’s why I am delighted to announce this latest community rail designation. Today’s designation is a major step towards helping the Mid Cheshire Community Rail Partnership work closely with local groups to provide innovative and more cost effective rail services for their community.”
Ian Bevan, Managing Director of Northern Rail, which runs services on the route, said: “Northern welcomes the designation of the Mid Cheshire line as a community rail service. This line plays an important role in the area and designation will assist in identifying innovative ways of developing this line to the benefit of local people and visitors to the region. The community rail partnership for the line is already doing a great job and this will enable it to go from strength to strength.”
John Oates, Chair of the Mid Cheshire Community Rail Partnership said: Community Rail Service Designation for the Mid Cheshire Line will help us to achieve even more for passengers on our line. We look forward to having greater flexibility and the opportunity to work more closely with the rail industry, users, local councils and others to maximise the benefit of rail services and station improvements in Mid Cheshire.”
Designation of the line between Chester and Manchester via Northwich will enable train companies to work more closely with community rail partnerships to better design services to meet local needs.
Rail Minister Theresa Villiers said: “I want to encourage communities to become more closely involved with their railways to help create the services and stations passengers deserve. That’s why I am delighted to announce this latest community rail designation. Today’s designation is a major step towards helping the Mid Cheshire Community Rail Partnership work closely with local groups to provide innovative and more cost effective rail services for their community.”
Ian Bevan, Managing Director of Northern Rail, which runs services on the route, said: “Northern welcomes the designation of the Mid Cheshire line as a community rail service. This line plays an important role in the area and designation will assist in identifying innovative ways of developing this line to the benefit of local people and visitors to the region. The community rail partnership for the line is already doing a great job and this will enable it to go from strength to strength.”
John Oates, Chair of the Mid Cheshire Community Rail Partnership said: Community Rail Service Designation for the Mid Cheshire Line will help us to achieve even more for passengers on our line. We look forward to having greater flexibility and the opportunity to work more closely with the rail industry, users, local councils and others to maximise the benefit of rail services and station improvements in Mid Cheshire.”
18-01-12
Station celebrates Carnoustie's heritage
New posters celebrating Carnoustie’s rich heritage have gone on permanent display at Carnoustie Station.
The colourful posters describe Carnoustie’s evolution from a textile community to one of the world’s best known golf centres, as well as listing nine of its top visitor attractions.
They also feature surprising facts, such as golf has been played at Carnoustie since 1560, Carnoustie Hotel houses the world’s largest Rolex clock, and Iain McMillan – the late photographer behind the iconic cover of The Beatles’ Abbey Road album – hailed from the town.
ScotRail is happy to host the posters designed by Carnoustie Community Council, which has adopted the station and maintains floral planters on both its platforms.
Allan Jones, ScotRail’s business manager for Tayside and North-East Scotland, said: “Carnoustie is my home town, and I am delighted that these posters will make its heritage accessible to anyone arriving by train.”
Ed Oswald, of Carnoustie Community Council, said: “We were delighted to accept ScotRail’s offer to adopt the station with floral displays, and it made sense to expand our involvement by providing information on the town’s heritage so as to make new arrivals feel welcome in our midst.”
Attractions included Dibble Tree Theatre, Monikie Country Park, and the working 19th century Barry Mill are all featured on the posters.
The colourful posters describe Carnoustie’s evolution from a textile community to one of the world’s best known golf centres, as well as listing nine of its top visitor attractions.
They also feature surprising facts, such as golf has been played at Carnoustie since 1560, Carnoustie Hotel houses the world’s largest Rolex clock, and Iain McMillan – the late photographer behind the iconic cover of The Beatles’ Abbey Road album – hailed from the town.
ScotRail is happy to host the posters designed by Carnoustie Community Council, which has adopted the station and maintains floral planters on both its platforms.
Allan Jones, ScotRail’s business manager for Tayside and North-East Scotland, said: “Carnoustie is my home town, and I am delighted that these posters will make its heritage accessible to anyone arriving by train.”
Ed Oswald, of Carnoustie Community Council, said: “We were delighted to accept ScotRail’s offer to adopt the station with floral displays, and it made sense to expand our involvement by providing information on the town’s heritage so as to make new arrivals feel welcome in our midst.”
Attractions included Dibble Tree Theatre, Monikie Country Park, and the working 19th century Barry Mill are all featured on the posters.
18-01-12
'Mr Fenchurch Street' retires after 48 years
c2c’s Trevor Capps – a familiar figure at London Fenchurch Street station - is
retiring after over 48 years working in the rail industry.
Trevor joined the railway in 1963 at Southend East station. For the majority of his career he has worked on station platforms, looking after train despatch and customer service, though he has also enjoyed stints working in the ticket office and as a shunter.
Trevor has always had a keen interest in the railway and joined the industry straight from school. He has always loved the variety of the job, with no two days the same and is intrigued by the many changes he has seen in the rail industry over the years, from new signalling systems to rolling stock.
Julian Drury c2c’s Managing Director said “Trevor is an integral part of our Fenchurch Street team and he will be missed. I would like to thank him for the loyalty and commitment he has shown c2c over the years and wish him a very happy retirement.”
Trevor is a keen DIY enthusiast and hopes to spend more time when he retires working on his home; he is also looking forward to getting out and about on the rails more himself, travelling around the country.
Trevor joined the railway in 1963 at Southend East station. For the majority of his career he has worked on station platforms, looking after train despatch and customer service, though he has also enjoyed stints working in the ticket office and as a shunter.
Trevor has always had a keen interest in the railway and joined the industry straight from school. He has always loved the variety of the job, with no two days the same and is intrigued by the many changes he has seen in the rail industry over the years, from new signalling systems to rolling stock.
Julian Drury c2c’s Managing Director said “Trevor is an integral part of our Fenchurch Street team and he will be missed. I would like to thank him for the loyalty and commitment he has shown c2c over the years and wish him a very happy retirement.”
Trevor is a keen DIY enthusiast and hopes to spend more time when he retires working on his home; he is also looking forward to getting out and about on the rails more himself, travelling around the country.
17-01-12
ScotRail help out Plockton High School
ScotRail is to provide an additional early morning service to ensure that Plockton High pupils can get to school – free of charge – while the Stromeferry bypass is closed.
From Monday 23 January 2012, an 06.20 Inverness to Kyle of Lochalsh service will transport the children to Plockton before 09.00. Other passengers can also buy tickets for the service.
In order to accommodate the additional service, the 07.26 Elgin to Inverness will be replaced by a bus. A bus will also operate the 09.00 Inverness to Kyle, connecting into a train at Achnasheen.
Jerry Farquharson, ScotRail’s director of business planning, said: “We’ve worked closely with Highland Council and HITRANS to put this plan in place.It means that pupils will be able to get to school over the coming weeks with as little disruption as possible – and without incurring any extra travel costs.”
It is expected that the service will be in place for between four and six weeks.
From Monday 23 January 2012, an 06.20 Inverness to Kyle of Lochalsh service will transport the children to Plockton before 09.00. Other passengers can also buy tickets for the service.
In order to accommodate the additional service, the 07.26 Elgin to Inverness will be replaced by a bus. A bus will also operate the 09.00 Inverness to Kyle, connecting into a train at Achnasheen.
Jerry Farquharson, ScotRail’s director of business planning, said: “We’ve worked closely with Highland Council and HITRANS to put this plan in place.It means that pupils will be able to get to school over the coming weeks with as little disruption as possible – and without incurring any extra travel costs.”
It is expected that the service will be in place for between four and six weeks.
17-01-12
Network Rail to refurbish station masters house at Frodsham
Network Rail has been given the all clear by Cheshire West & Chester council to completely refurbish the former station master’s house at Frodsham, which dates back to 1850.
Having been given listed building consent, the rail company has appointed Spence Refit Ltd to carry out the work which has to be done in keeping with the heritage of the Grade ll listed building.
Network Rail building surveyor Chris Dawson explained: “The listing describes the building as having such things as ‘Flemish bond brown brick’ and ‘rusticated rock-faced quoins’ among a number of other features. It concludes by calling it ‘a substantial, little altered and relatively little damaged mid 19th century main station building’. Consequently, all the work that we carry out has to be sympathetic to the original design.”
In effect, the building will be brand new inside because all the structural timbers affected by rot will be replaced, as will the concrete and wooden ground and first floors and the stairs linking them.
The Welsh slate roof will be removed to renew the underlay and insulation before it is put back and the chimney stacks will be re-pointed using a traditional lime mortar.
External doors and windows will be renewed on a like-for-like basis to match the Victorian originals using materials agreed with the local conservation officer.
Finally, all the external masonry will be cleaned and repaired with isolated patch re-pointing, again using lime mortar.
Work on the £400,000 project is expected to be finished by the end of May and won’t have any effect on the running of train services from the station.
While the work is being carried out, Network Rail will market the building with the aim of finding a tenant. Possible future uses could include office accommodation, a restaurant and/or bar – subject to planning consent and licensing – art studios/workshops or some form of community use.
Anyone interested should call the Network Rail property helpline on 0800 830 840.
Having been given listed building consent, the rail company has appointed Spence Refit Ltd to carry out the work which has to be done in keeping with the heritage of the Grade ll listed building.
Network Rail building surveyor Chris Dawson explained: “The listing describes the building as having such things as ‘Flemish bond brown brick’ and ‘rusticated rock-faced quoins’ among a number of other features. It concludes by calling it ‘a substantial, little altered and relatively little damaged mid 19th century main station building’. Consequently, all the work that we carry out has to be sympathetic to the original design.”
In effect, the building will be brand new inside because all the structural timbers affected by rot will be replaced, as will the concrete and wooden ground and first floors and the stairs linking them.
The Welsh slate roof will be removed to renew the underlay and insulation before it is put back and the chimney stacks will be re-pointed using a traditional lime mortar.
External doors and windows will be renewed on a like-for-like basis to match the Victorian originals using materials agreed with the local conservation officer.
Finally, all the external masonry will be cleaned and repaired with isolated patch re-pointing, again using lime mortar.
Work on the £400,000 project is expected to be finished by the end of May and won’t have any effect on the running of train services from the station.
While the work is being carried out, Network Rail will market the building with the aim of finding a tenant. Possible future uses could include office accommodation, a restaurant and/or bar – subject to planning consent and licensing – art studios/workshops or some form of community use.
Anyone interested should call the Network Rail property helpline on 0800 830 840.
17-01-12
Nexus welcomes Transport Minister Norman Baker MP to see modernisation work
Nexus, which owns, manages and is modernising the Tyne and Wear Metro,welcomed Transport Minister Norman Baker MP to see at first hand the progress of the £385m Metro: all change modernisation programme. on 17 January 2012.
Nexus is modernising the 30 year-old Metro system over the next 11 years with funding from the Government. The money will be used to invest in modernised Metro stations, trains and new tracks, technology and infrastructure.
The Minister joined a test run on a refurbished train during the visit, from Metro’s Gosforth depot. The Metrocars are being completely refurbished, with new carriage interiors and a sleek new metallic grey, black and yellow colour scheme. Refurbishment work is being carried out at Wabtec, Doncaster.
Mr Baker was then taken to see completed Metro station redevelopment projects at Benton in North Tyneside and Chillingham Road station in Newcastle. Benton Metro station has been fitted with new lifts and a new footbridge, transforming access to the station close to a large special school. Chillingham Road has been given a cleaner, modern appearance with refurbished platforms and ticket halls, brighter lighting and improved accessibility and security.
Director General of Nexus, Bernard Garner, said: “The £385m Metro all change programme is going to secure Metro’s future for decades to come. The Government is committed to the project and Mr Baker’s visit was a chance to show him the work that is taking place. “It is an 11 year programme of modernisation that we have embarked upon. The public will see more and more upgrades to the system over the coming months and years.”
The £385m Metro: all change modernisation programme is the biggest project to take place on the Metro system since it was built more than 30 years ago.
Nexus is investing in 225 state of the art new ticket machines capable of accepting credit/debit card payments and bank notes as well as coins. Automatic ticket gates, similar to those on the London Underground, will be installed at 13 key Metro stations.
Metrocar refurbishment will see carriages fitted with a completely new interior including new seats, lights and an improved new layout. Trains are getting a sleek light metallic grey and black finish, incorporating the iconic bright yellow brand colour of the Tyne and Wear Metro.
Further Metro station modernisation projects are in the pipeline following major schemes at Chillingham Road, Benton, Howdon, Meadow Well and North Shields. The Haymarket Metro station project in the centre of Newcastle was completed in 2010.
The Metro all change programme will also involve the replacement of 60 kilometres of track, power lines, communications systems and infrastructure, some of it more than 150 years old.
Nexus is modernising the 30 year-old Metro system over the next 11 years with funding from the Government. The money will be used to invest in modernised Metro stations, trains and new tracks, technology and infrastructure.
The Minister joined a test run on a refurbished train during the visit, from Metro’s Gosforth depot. The Metrocars are being completely refurbished, with new carriage interiors and a sleek new metallic grey, black and yellow colour scheme. Refurbishment work is being carried out at Wabtec, Doncaster.
Mr Baker was then taken to see completed Metro station redevelopment projects at Benton in North Tyneside and Chillingham Road station in Newcastle. Benton Metro station has been fitted with new lifts and a new footbridge, transforming access to the station close to a large special school. Chillingham Road has been given a cleaner, modern appearance with refurbished platforms and ticket halls, brighter lighting and improved accessibility and security.
Director General of Nexus, Bernard Garner, said: “The £385m Metro all change programme is going to secure Metro’s future for decades to come. The Government is committed to the project and Mr Baker’s visit was a chance to show him the work that is taking place. “It is an 11 year programme of modernisation that we have embarked upon. The public will see more and more upgrades to the system over the coming months and years.”
The £385m Metro: all change modernisation programme is the biggest project to take place on the Metro system since it was built more than 30 years ago.
Nexus is investing in 225 state of the art new ticket machines capable of accepting credit/debit card payments and bank notes as well as coins. Automatic ticket gates, similar to those on the London Underground, will be installed at 13 key Metro stations.
Metrocar refurbishment will see carriages fitted with a completely new interior including new seats, lights and an improved new layout. Trains are getting a sleek light metallic grey and black finish, incorporating the iconic bright yellow brand colour of the Tyne and Wear Metro.
Further Metro station modernisation projects are in the pipeline following major schemes at Chillingham Road, Benton, Howdon, Meadow Well and North Shields. The Haymarket Metro station project in the centre of Newcastle was completed in 2010.
The Metro all change programme will also involve the replacement of 60 kilometres of track, power lines, communications systems and infrastructure, some of it more than 150 years old.
17-01-12
Porterbrook sign Class 458 deal
Porterbrook Leasing has signed a contract with Stagecoach South West (SSW) to reconfigure the Class 458 fleet into 5-car units and to create 6 additional units by incorporating equipment from the Class 460 fleet which was previously used on the Gatwick Express services. The new fleet of 36 5-car units will be known as Class 458/5.
This new fleet of trains will form part of the rolling stock element of SSW HLOS solution and will deliver 10-car services on certain routes. The modification work has been contracted to Alstom who in turn will use Wabtec Rail to undertake the physical work. The total cost of the project will be almost £42m and the new 5-car units will enter service starting in the spring of 2013 and will take approximately 1 year to complete. Only 4 of the original Class 460 vehicles will remain unused however spares recovered from these vehicles will be used to support the new fleet.
Commenting on the contract, Paul Francis, Managing Director said “the deal on Class 458/5 clearly demonstrates the important role of rolling stock lessors in providing flexible commercial and engineering solutions to rolling stock provision alongside the purchase of new trains. In this case Porterbrook is investing £42m to deliver an important HLOS commitment for our customer SSW. This increased rolling stock capacity will be delivered with only three years remaining of the franchise but Porterbrook can underwrite this long term investment.”
This new fleet of trains will form part of the rolling stock element of SSW HLOS solution and will deliver 10-car services on certain routes. The modification work has been contracted to Alstom who in turn will use Wabtec Rail to undertake the physical work. The total cost of the project will be almost £42m and the new 5-car units will enter service starting in the spring of 2013 and will take approximately 1 year to complete. Only 4 of the original Class 460 vehicles will remain unused however spares recovered from these vehicles will be used to support the new fleet.
Commenting on the contract, Paul Francis, Managing Director said “the deal on Class 458/5 clearly demonstrates the important role of rolling stock lessors in providing flexible commercial and engineering solutions to rolling stock provision alongside the purchase of new trains. In this case Porterbrook is investing £42m to deliver an important HLOS commitment for our customer SSW. This increased rolling stock capacity will be delivered with only three years remaining of the franchise but Porterbrook can underwrite this long term investment.”
16-01-12
Regeneration of Wakefield Kirkgate confirmed
The transformation of Wakefield Kirkgate station is a significant step closer after Network Rail successfully secured more than £1.5m of new industry funding.
Ambitious plans to transform the listed station building have been drawn up by Groundwork Wakefield with support from Network Rail, Northern Rail, West Yorkshire PTE (Metro), Wakefield Council and The Railway Heritage Trust. It is this scheme which has been awarded £1.039m from the Station Commercial Project Facility fund (SCPF). This funding has been supplemented by £0.5m directly from Network Rail.
Phil Verster, route managing director at Network Rail, said: “This is excellent news for Wakefield. Kirkgate is a station in need of improvement and we have already completed improvements to CCTV, subway and entrance lobby with more work scheduled this year on the canopies and to remove the spine wall. However the listed station buildings have been empty for many years and are in need of attention. Today’s funding announcement is the result of many months hard work by the rail partners to find a solution which benefits both passengers and the community. We will continue to work with all of the partners to support the scheme.”
Speaking about the SCPF, rail minister Norman Baker MP added: “The work at Kirkgate is much overdue and I’m pleased that the rail industry has come together and made this project a reality. Better and more attractive stations are vital if we are to encourage more people to travel by rail and I’m sure this will be warmly welcomed by local people.”
Ken Taylor, executive director for Groundwork Wakefield, said: "The funding confirmation is excellent news for all those involved so far in the redevelopment of the Station. Groundwork, along with partners, is committed to bringing the station back to its former glory and it will be a catalyst for the regeneration of the entire Kirkgate area. Not only will the redevelopment provide a safe and welcoming gateway to the city, it will provide facilities for local communities, enterprises to grow in and foster a sense of community pride into the area."
Ambitious plans to transform the listed station building have been drawn up by Groundwork Wakefield with support from Network Rail, Northern Rail, West Yorkshire PTE (Metro), Wakefield Council and The Railway Heritage Trust. It is this scheme which has been awarded £1.039m from the Station Commercial Project Facility fund (SCPF). This funding has been supplemented by £0.5m directly from Network Rail.
Phil Verster, route managing director at Network Rail, said: “This is excellent news for Wakefield. Kirkgate is a station in need of improvement and we have already completed improvements to CCTV, subway and entrance lobby with more work scheduled this year on the canopies and to remove the spine wall. However the listed station buildings have been empty for many years and are in need of attention. Today’s funding announcement is the result of many months hard work by the rail partners to find a solution which benefits both passengers and the community. We will continue to work with all of the partners to support the scheme.”
Speaking about the SCPF, rail minister Norman Baker MP added: “The work at Kirkgate is much overdue and I’m pleased that the rail industry has come together and made this project a reality. Better and more attractive stations are vital if we are to encourage more people to travel by rail and I’m sure this will be warmly welcomed by local people.”
Ken Taylor, executive director for Groundwork Wakefield, said: "The funding confirmation is excellent news for all those involved so far in the redevelopment of the Station. Groundwork, along with partners, is committed to bringing the station back to its former glory and it will be a catalyst for the regeneration of the entire Kirkgate area. Not only will the redevelopment provide a safe and welcoming gateway to the city, it will provide facilities for local communities, enterprises to grow in and foster a sense of community pride into the area."
16-01-12
Public invited to Haymarket Public Meeting
Network Rail will host a Public Meeting at 19.00 on Tuesday 17 January 2012 in St Georges West Church, Shandwick Place, Edinburgh to inform the local community in Haymarket about the plans to upgrade the station.
The meeting offers the local community the opportunity to find out when and how the work will take place, see more detailed plans for the redevelopment and ask the project team any questions they may have about the project face to face, as well as offering their views on the plans for the station
The meeting is part of the Central Scotland wide Edinburgh Glasgow Improvement Programme (EGIP) consultation on the proposed £1bn investment in upgrading the rail infrastructure. The proposal will see works at Haymarket station to redevelop the facility in order to better serve customers and create a station of which the city can be proud
Network Rail will invest £25m at Haymarket to create a fully accessible station as well as an integrated train, tram, bus and taxi transport hub. Work on the project will be delivered by contractor Morgan Sindall and will commence in May. The main refurbishment works are expected to be completed by winter 2013.
Martin Murray, Senior Programme Manager, Network Rail said: “Keeping the community informed is an important part of any infrastructure project, particularly where there is a high density of population close to the work site and construction will involve a significant amount of night time working.It is only right that we let the local people know what to expect and when and to give them the opportunity to voice their concerns with us directly. We hope that many people will take the chance to come along and find out about the plans for Haymarket first hand.”
EGIP will also see the electrification of 350km of the existing rail network in the central belt, including the main Edinburgh Waverley-Glasgow Queen Street line, and provide opportunities to increase services and reduce journey times on routes between Alloa and Dunblane and Edinburgh and Glasgow.
Handling four million passengers a year, Haymarket is Scotland fourth busiest station and passenger numbers are expected to reach 10m by 2025. Work will begin on site in spring 2012 and enhancements will include:
• Refurbishing the existing station building and constructing a new modern concourse to the west of the existing building.
• Constructing a new access bridge, with DDA compliant lifts and escalators, to all platform levels
• Renewing the platform canopies.
The meeting offers the local community the opportunity to find out when and how the work will take place, see more detailed plans for the redevelopment and ask the project team any questions they may have about the project face to face, as well as offering their views on the plans for the station
The meeting is part of the Central Scotland wide Edinburgh Glasgow Improvement Programme (EGIP) consultation on the proposed £1bn investment in upgrading the rail infrastructure. The proposal will see works at Haymarket station to redevelop the facility in order to better serve customers and create a station of which the city can be proud
Network Rail will invest £25m at Haymarket to create a fully accessible station as well as an integrated train, tram, bus and taxi transport hub. Work on the project will be delivered by contractor Morgan Sindall and will commence in May. The main refurbishment works are expected to be completed by winter 2013.
Martin Murray, Senior Programme Manager, Network Rail said: “Keeping the community informed is an important part of any infrastructure project, particularly where there is a high density of population close to the work site and construction will involve a significant amount of night time working.It is only right that we let the local people know what to expect and when and to give them the opportunity to voice their concerns with us directly. We hope that many people will take the chance to come along and find out about the plans for Haymarket first hand.”
EGIP will also see the electrification of 350km of the existing rail network in the central belt, including the main Edinburgh Waverley-Glasgow Queen Street line, and provide opportunities to increase services and reduce journey times on routes between Alloa and Dunblane and Edinburgh and Glasgow.
Handling four million passengers a year, Haymarket is Scotland fourth busiest station and passenger numbers are expected to reach 10m by 2025. Work will begin on site in spring 2012 and enhancements will include:
• Refurbishing the existing station building and constructing a new modern concourse to the west of the existing building.
• Constructing a new access bridge, with DDA compliant lifts and escalators, to all platform levels
• Renewing the platform canopies.
16-01-12
Low price offers launched on Eurostar
Eurostar, is offering special, limited prices of £59 and £149 return for Standard and Standard Premier travel to Paris, Brussels or Lille between 19 January and 29 March.
With plenty of the special £59 return Standard class fares available for midweek travel this is the perfect time to book a day trip or a relaxing long weekend. Passengers can also treat themselves to a more luxurious journey for less as Eurostar is offering Standard Premier fares from only £149 return for travel during the same period.
What’s more, when passengers arrive in their chosen destination their Eurostar ticket gives them much more than travel alone with a range of enticing ‘Eurostar Plus’ offers and discounts.
‘Eurostar Plus Culture’ offers travellers 2-for-1 entry into paying exhibitions at selected top museums and galleries in Paris, Brussels and Lille, simply by showing your Eurostar ticket. So whether your visiting the Grand Palais, Galeries Nationales in Paris or the Musical Instrument Museum in Brussels, there’s plenty to keep you entertained over the coming months.
Eurostar Plus Gourmet’ offers also give passengers up to 50% discounts on meals at popular restaurants in Paris, Brussels and Lille, by booking their table via www.eurostarplus.co.uk/gourmet and presenting their Eurostar ticket at the restaurant on arrival.
Nick Mercer, Commercial Director for Eurostar said: “Many of our travellers like to travel midweek as our destinations and their tourist attractions tend to be less busy. These discounted fares give everyone the perfect excuse to treat themselves to a getaway for less. After all, with £59 return fares to Paris, Brussels or Lille and exclusive offers for museums, restaurants and shopping when you’re there, this is an offer not to be missed.”
Tickets for travel from London St Pancras International to Paris, Brussels and Lille typically start from £69 return in Standard and £189 return in Standard Premier and can be booked up to 4 months in advance.
For more information about the new promotional fares, Eurostar Plus, or to book Eurostar tickets or purchase Eurostar gift vouchers visit eurostar.com or call 08432 186 186.
With plenty of the special £59 return Standard class fares available for midweek travel this is the perfect time to book a day trip or a relaxing long weekend. Passengers can also treat themselves to a more luxurious journey for less as Eurostar is offering Standard Premier fares from only £149 return for travel during the same period.
What’s more, when passengers arrive in their chosen destination their Eurostar ticket gives them much more than travel alone with a range of enticing ‘Eurostar Plus’ offers and discounts.
‘Eurostar Plus Culture’ offers travellers 2-for-1 entry into paying exhibitions at selected top museums and galleries in Paris, Brussels and Lille, simply by showing your Eurostar ticket. So whether your visiting the Grand Palais, Galeries Nationales in Paris or the Musical Instrument Museum in Brussels, there’s plenty to keep you entertained over the coming months.
Eurostar Plus Gourmet’ offers also give passengers up to 50% discounts on meals at popular restaurants in Paris, Brussels and Lille, by booking their table via www.eurostarplus.co.uk/gourmet and presenting their Eurostar ticket at the restaurant on arrival.
Nick Mercer, Commercial Director for Eurostar said: “Many of our travellers like to travel midweek as our destinations and their tourist attractions tend to be less busy. These discounted fares give everyone the perfect excuse to treat themselves to a getaway for less. After all, with £59 return fares to Paris, Brussels or Lille and exclusive offers for museums, restaurants and shopping when you’re there, this is an offer not to be missed.”
Tickets for travel from London St Pancras International to Paris, Brussels and Lille typically start from £69 return in Standard and £189 return in Standard Premier and can be booked up to 4 months in advance.
For more information about the new promotional fares, Eurostar Plus, or to book Eurostar tickets or purchase Eurostar gift vouchers visit eurostar.com or call 08432 186 186.
16-01-12
Eurotunnel Safety Demonstration
Between 00.30 and 04.30 on Sunday 15 January 2012, Eurotunnel held its 22nd annual binational safety exercise, BINAT 22. Emergency services from both Britain and France were mobilised: firefighters, paramedics, police etc. The Lead Nation in this year’s exercise was France.
A fullscale, real-time exercise, BINAT is run at least once each year to test the planning and preparedness of the French and British emergency services in the event of an accident underground in the Channel Tunnel. No other European infrastructure manager organises an exercise of this scale.
Eurotunnel estimates that each BINAT exercise costs approximately €200,000. The 2012 edition simulated a fire on board a truck being carried on a Shuttle towards the UK, the controlled stop, the evacuation of the truck drivers, in just a few moments, and the operation of a SAFE station.
Since the autumn of 2011 the Channel Tunnel has been equipped with four underground fire fighting stations, known as SAFE stations. A major safety innovation, the SAFE stations are capable of detecting and pin-pointing a hot-spot on a Freight Shuttle and, once the shuttle is brought to a standstill, of dispersing a targeted water mist which limits fire propagation by preventing oxygen access and helps to extinguish it. This automated system in turn facilitates the access of firefighters. The SAFE stations are 870 metres long and are situated 28km and 42km from the UK portal in both running Tunnels.
The BINAT 22 exercise required the mobilisation of significant resources: 150 personnel from the different emergency services in the ULK and France, 30 volunteers, 15 judges and observers, a Eurotunnel Freight Shuttle, 19 STTS (Service Tunnel Transportation System) vehicles.
Michel Boudoussier, Groupe Eurotunnel Deputy Chief Executive, responsible for the Channel Tunnel, stated, “Eurotunnel considers the safety of its customers, staff and the goods transported through the Channel Tunnel to be an absolute priority. The construction of the four SAFE stations, whose effectiveness has been demonstrated during this 22nd BINAT, is proof of our ability to innovate and of our desire to constantly improve the quality of our service.”
A fullscale, real-time exercise, BINAT is run at least once each year to test the planning and preparedness of the French and British emergency services in the event of an accident underground in the Channel Tunnel. No other European infrastructure manager organises an exercise of this scale.
Eurotunnel estimates that each BINAT exercise costs approximately €200,000. The 2012 edition simulated a fire on board a truck being carried on a Shuttle towards the UK, the controlled stop, the evacuation of the truck drivers, in just a few moments, and the operation of a SAFE station.
Since the autumn of 2011 the Channel Tunnel has been equipped with four underground fire fighting stations, known as SAFE stations. A major safety innovation, the SAFE stations are capable of detecting and pin-pointing a hot-spot on a Freight Shuttle and, once the shuttle is brought to a standstill, of dispersing a targeted water mist which limits fire propagation by preventing oxygen access and helps to extinguish it. This automated system in turn facilitates the access of firefighters. The SAFE stations are 870 metres long and are situated 28km and 42km from the UK portal in both running Tunnels.
The BINAT 22 exercise required the mobilisation of significant resources: 150 personnel from the different emergency services in the ULK and France, 30 volunteers, 15 judges and observers, a Eurotunnel Freight Shuttle, 19 STTS (Service Tunnel Transportation System) vehicles.
Michel Boudoussier, Groupe Eurotunnel Deputy Chief Executive, responsible for the Channel Tunnel, stated, “Eurotunnel considers the safety of its customers, staff and the goods transported through the Channel Tunnel to be an absolute priority. The construction of the four SAFE stations, whose effectiveness has been demonstrated during this 22nd BINAT, is proof of our ability to innovate and of our desire to constantly improve the quality of our service.”
16-01-12
First Hull Trains announce £5m upgrade to Class 180 fleet
First Hull Trains has announced the beginning of a major mechanical and electrical modification and reliability improvement project on the company’s fleet of Class 180 trains.
Part of a £5million overhaul of the entire Class 180 fleet, all four of the company’s trains, along with those of other train operating companies, will go through a comprehensive programme to enable us to offer an improvement to our reliability in the future.
Work will include improvements to the provision of on-board heating and air conditioning, the fitting of new bogies to improve ride quality and enhancements to ensure that electrical supplies are constantly maintained within the passenger areas of the train. Overall the programme involves 15 “mini-projects” on each train unit with the work taking approximately three weeks per train and the whole programme should be completed by early summer 2012.
The first train unit has already started the programme at Wabtec, Brush in Loughborough and to support the remaining fleet an alternative unit has been acquired to allow First Hull Trains to minimise delays and disruption and to help us continue to deliver an on-time service everyday.
It is the intention to use the additional train on a minimal basis as without facilities such as Wi-Fi and at seat electrical sockets FHT are unable to offer the full range of services and those that regular customers would expect. As the train is not one of the recently refurbished First Hull Trains sets, the interior seating and general environment along with the external livery will also be different.
Part of a £5million overhaul of the entire Class 180 fleet, all four of the company’s trains, along with those of other train operating companies, will go through a comprehensive programme to enable us to offer an improvement to our reliability in the future.
Work will include improvements to the provision of on-board heating and air conditioning, the fitting of new bogies to improve ride quality and enhancements to ensure that electrical supplies are constantly maintained within the passenger areas of the train. Overall the programme involves 15 “mini-projects” on each train unit with the work taking approximately three weeks per train and the whole programme should be completed by early summer 2012.
The first train unit has already started the programme at Wabtec, Brush in Loughborough and to support the remaining fleet an alternative unit has been acquired to allow First Hull Trains to minimise delays and disruption and to help us continue to deliver an on-time service everyday.
It is the intention to use the additional train on a minimal basis as without facilities such as Wi-Fi and at seat electrical sockets FHT are unable to offer the full range of services and those that regular customers would expect. As the train is not one of the recently refurbished First Hull Trains sets, the interior seating and general environment along with the external livery will also be different.
16-01-12
First Capital Connect donate bikes to homeless
In a drive to help neighbouring local charities First Capital Connect has donated over 10 abandoned bicycles to a Bedford based homeless charity.
The King’s Arms Project works with a wide range of homeless clients in Bedford, the vast majority of whom have some degree of drug and alcohol addiction and many have been long-term street homeless with poor education or employment opportunities, criminal records, and family disconnection. They provide a range of services, including community outreach programmes, night shelters, and work opportunity training.
Several of the bikes, which were abandoned at a number of FCC stations before being removed, will be repaired in classes set up by the King’s Arms Project and used by the homeless as a mode of transport.
Keith Jipps, FCC’s Customer Service Director, said: “The King’s Arms Project provides a tremendous amount of support for homeless people in the Bedford area and we are very happy to support their goals through the bicycles that are regularly left abandoned at our stations.”
Simon Dwight, Meaningful Activities Coordinator at the King’s Arms Project, said: “We were so excited to hear about this generous donation. This is going to enable us to start a valuable new programme: we want our homeless clients to learn new skills, gain confidence and have fun doing something really positive."
The King’s Arms Project works with a wide range of homeless clients in Bedford, the vast majority of whom have some degree of drug and alcohol addiction and many have been long-term street homeless with poor education or employment opportunities, criminal records, and family disconnection. They provide a range of services, including community outreach programmes, night shelters, and work opportunity training.
Several of the bikes, which were abandoned at a number of FCC stations before being removed, will be repaired in classes set up by the King’s Arms Project and used by the homeless as a mode of transport.
Keith Jipps, FCC’s Customer Service Director, said: “The King’s Arms Project provides a tremendous amount of support for homeless people in the Bedford area and we are very happy to support their goals through the bicycles that are regularly left abandoned at our stations.”
Simon Dwight, Meaningful Activities Coordinator at the King’s Arms Project, said: “We were so excited to hear about this generous donation. This is going to enable us to start a valuable new programme: we want our homeless clients to learn new skills, gain confidence and have fun doing something really positive."
13-01-12
New ticket machines for Norwich
National Express East Anglia (NXEA) has invested £45k in installing three new ticket collection machines at Norwich station, increasing to four the number of available machines from which customers can collect pre-paid, advance booked tickets.
Following a successful six-month trial of the first machine and the positive feedback received, a further three machines have been installed by the train operator helping to improve customer service and speed-up the collection of tickets for passengers using Norwich station.
NXEA's advance tickets continue to be very popular amongst rail passengers in Norwich and the surrounding areas. The cost of the lowest price one-way advance ticket from Norwich to London has recently been frozen at just £8 and the investment made in these additional ticket collection machines will make collecting your advance ticket even easier.
Anita Stuart National Express East Anglia’s Norwich Station Manager said: “We're pleased to continue to invest in customer facilities at Norwich one of the key regional stations on our network. These new and additional machines will make collecting pre-paid, pre-booked tickets easier for customers.”
Following a successful six-month trial of the first machine and the positive feedback received, a further three machines have been installed by the train operator helping to improve customer service and speed-up the collection of tickets for passengers using Norwich station.
NXEA's advance tickets continue to be very popular amongst rail passengers in Norwich and the surrounding areas. The cost of the lowest price one-way advance ticket from Norwich to London has recently been frozen at just £8 and the investment made in these additional ticket collection machines will make collecting your advance ticket even easier.
Anita Stuart National Express East Anglia’s Norwich Station Manager said: “We're pleased to continue to invest in customer facilities at Norwich one of the key regional stations on our network. These new and additional machines will make collecting pre-paid, pre-booked tickets easier for customers.”
13-01-12
How King's Cross might look
Network Rail is giving passengers, businesses and members of the community a chance to look three months into the future with an interactive exhibition about the new station concourse at King’s Cross.
From Monday 16 January 2012, an exhibition stand featuring new CGI images, a map and iPads giving people the chance to play a quiz about the project will be located next to the ticket office. Members of staff will be on hand to distribute information leaflets and answer any questions.
Ian Fry, Network Rail’s programme director at King’s Cross said: “With around three months to go until the new concourse opens, we want to share more details with people about the new facilities coming their way and the changes to how they will need to use the station. For example, to improve passenger flow passengers will only be able to enter the platforms via the new concourse and will exit via the old concourse. Once complete, King’s Cross will be a world-class transport hub which can meet future demand and offer the best facilities for passengers."
The new concourse will be the stand-out feature of the redeveloped King’s Cross, helping make it a world-class transport hub. The striking domed roof covers an area three-times the size of the existing concourse and big enough to fit over six Olympic-sized swimming pools. As well as providing a brighter, more spacious station, it will contain a wide range of new food and drink outlets and shops, plus improved facilities which will improve the journey experience for passengers.
From Monday 16 January 2012, an exhibition stand featuring new CGI images, a map and iPads giving people the chance to play a quiz about the project will be located next to the ticket office. Members of staff will be on hand to distribute information leaflets and answer any questions.
Ian Fry, Network Rail’s programme director at King’s Cross said: “With around three months to go until the new concourse opens, we want to share more details with people about the new facilities coming their way and the changes to how they will need to use the station. For example, to improve passenger flow passengers will only be able to enter the platforms via the new concourse and will exit via the old concourse. Once complete, King’s Cross will be a world-class transport hub which can meet future demand and offer the best facilities for passengers."
The new concourse will be the stand-out feature of the redeveloped King’s Cross, helping make it a world-class transport hub. The striking domed roof covers an area three-times the size of the existing concourse and big enough to fit over six Olympic-sized swimming pools. As well as providing a brighter, more spacious station, it will contain a wide range of new food and drink outlets and shops, plus improved facilities which will improve the journey experience for passengers.
13-01-12
More DB-Schenker coal traffic in South Wales
An eight-miles long disused freight line at Cwmgrach has been brought back into use to enable coal produced by Unity Mine to be transported by trains to Aberthaw. This successful initiative owes to a collaboration between Network Rail and DB Schenker Rail.
The new rail freight services will help remove over 49 lorries per day from already congested roads in the country, whilst significantly cutting carbon footprints. The freight train, which is operated by DB Schenker, will haul 21 wagons with 70 tonnes of coal on each wagon and will be moved three times a week from the siding in Cwmgrach to Aberthaw.
Mark Langman, route managing director from Network Rail Wales said: “Wales relies on rail and the value of rail freight is considerable. For businesses, rail freight can offer a cheaper, quicker and more practical alternative to moving goods by road.
Almost £700m of social and environment benefits each year can be attributed to freight traffic on Britain’s railways. For instance, around 80,000 tonnes of waste from Bristol are removed by rail annually. Without the railway, the anticipated growth in freight traffic over the next 30 years would mean an extra 1.5m lorry journeys on Britain’s roads each year. Each freight train can take up to 60 lorries off the roads and by shifting traffic from already congested roads to rail will bring greater future benefits.”
The new rail freight services will help remove over 49 lorries per day from already congested roads in the country, whilst significantly cutting carbon footprints. The freight train, which is operated by DB Schenker, will haul 21 wagons with 70 tonnes of coal on each wagon and will be moved three times a week from the siding in Cwmgrach to Aberthaw.
Mark Langman, route managing director from Network Rail Wales said: “Wales relies on rail and the value of rail freight is considerable. For businesses, rail freight can offer a cheaper, quicker and more practical alternative to moving goods by road.
Almost £700m of social and environment benefits each year can be attributed to freight traffic on Britain’s railways. For instance, around 80,000 tonnes of waste from Bristol are removed by rail annually. Without the railway, the anticipated growth in freight traffic over the next 30 years would mean an extra 1.5m lorry journeys on Britain’s roads each year. Each freight train can take up to 60 lorries off the roads and by shifting traffic from already congested roads to rail will bring greater future benefits.”
13-01-12
Network Rail announce £1.5bn framework agreement
Network Rail has announced new framework agreements of up to seven years to deliver railway signalling projects worth approximately £1.5bn – part of wider reforms to Network Rail’s infrastructure business, with a greater focus on partnership with suppliers and a restructuring of the way the company delivers capital projects.
Network Rail intends to award framework agreements to Invensys Rail, Signalling Solutions and Atkins, which cover the majority of signalling renewals and enhancements across England, Scotland and Wales. The agreements, which are expected to commence on 2 April 2012, will operate for the remaining two years of control period 4 and can be extended by Network Rail to cover the whole of control period 5 (2014-19).
The new framework agreements form the backbone of Network Rail’s programme to modernise and maintain safety-critical railway signalling systems and are designed to deliver the efficiency savings required across the company’s signalling work bank over the next seven years through further reductions in unit costs.
Simon Kirby, Network Rail managing director, infrastructure projects, said: “Network Rail is continuing to drive down the costs of Britain’s railway and is committed to meeting tough efficiency targets. As the number of passengers and companies that rely on Britain’s railway continues to rise, the safety-critical systems we use to run a safe and efficient railway are more important than ever. These new frameworks represent a seven-year commitment by suppliers, allowing us to work closely with them to develop long-term plans for work to be carried out more quickly and efficiently. The length of the agreements, coupled with a visible workload, will provide much-needed stability throughout the supply chain and drive further cost savings and innovation across our signalling renewals and enhancements activities.”
In line with Network Rail’s new approach to supplier engagement, the frameworks incorporate collaborative working in order to deliver the necessary efficiencies. Integrated design teams and a reduction in man-marking will remove costly duplication of effort, while smoothing of peaks and troughs in Network Rail’s work bank will allow better use of suppliers’ resources.
Nick Crossfield, Invensys Rail’s UK president, said: “We are delighted to have been successful in the tendering process for these framework contracts. Key to our tender submissions were innovative approaches to both technology and project delivery, together with a further continuation of unit cost reductions. In addition to our absolute focus on safety, we strive to achieve excellence in technology, innovation, delivery and value and we look forward to working in close partnership with Network Rail to continue to deliver projects that provide safe, sustainable and reliable solutions."
Steve McLaren, managing director of Signalling Solutions Ltd, said: "The award of these large volume frameworks confirms Network Rail's confidence in Signalling Solutions and brings both security and growth to our company. The visibility and long-term work bank allows Signalling Solutions to continue to invest in people and technology to achieve the necessary cost reduction targets for the future. We look forward to building on our strong relationship with Network Rail to achieve our collective goals."
Uwe Krueger, Atkins’ chief executive, said: "This is a notable win for our UK region and a credit to the excellent long term relationship that our rail business has built up with Network Rail. We pride ourselves on being an engineering partner that understands the challenge of maintaining one of the world’s busiest and most complex rail networks and this new signalling programme is a critical element of that. The contracts give us the opportunity to demonstrate the breadth and depth of our rail business’ signalling expertise, sharing international best practice and innovation and delivering the management rigour that will bring value for money for one of the public sector’s most important players. The move to longer term contracts will also allow us to plan with greater confidence and deliver further efficiencies for Network Rail as a result."
The new frameworks appoint both a primary and secondary supplier for each area. This provides the flexibility needed to meet the significant increase in volumes required over the life of the framework and provides an alternative in each area if the primary supplier does not have the capacity. The agreements also provide the option to competitively tender up to 20% of the predicted workload each year.
Network Rail intends to award framework agreements to Invensys Rail, Signalling Solutions and Atkins, which cover the majority of signalling renewals and enhancements across England, Scotland and Wales. The agreements, which are expected to commence on 2 April 2012, will operate for the remaining two years of control period 4 and can be extended by Network Rail to cover the whole of control period 5 (2014-19).
The new framework agreements form the backbone of Network Rail’s programme to modernise and maintain safety-critical railway signalling systems and are designed to deliver the efficiency savings required across the company’s signalling work bank over the next seven years through further reductions in unit costs.
Simon Kirby, Network Rail managing director, infrastructure projects, said: “Network Rail is continuing to drive down the costs of Britain’s railway and is committed to meeting tough efficiency targets. As the number of passengers and companies that rely on Britain’s railway continues to rise, the safety-critical systems we use to run a safe and efficient railway are more important than ever. These new frameworks represent a seven-year commitment by suppliers, allowing us to work closely with them to develop long-term plans for work to be carried out more quickly and efficiently. The length of the agreements, coupled with a visible workload, will provide much-needed stability throughout the supply chain and drive further cost savings and innovation across our signalling renewals and enhancements activities.”
In line with Network Rail’s new approach to supplier engagement, the frameworks incorporate collaborative working in order to deliver the necessary efficiencies. Integrated design teams and a reduction in man-marking will remove costly duplication of effort, while smoothing of peaks and troughs in Network Rail’s work bank will allow better use of suppliers’ resources.
Nick Crossfield, Invensys Rail’s UK president, said: “We are delighted to have been successful in the tendering process for these framework contracts. Key to our tender submissions were innovative approaches to both technology and project delivery, together with a further continuation of unit cost reductions. In addition to our absolute focus on safety, we strive to achieve excellence in technology, innovation, delivery and value and we look forward to working in close partnership with Network Rail to continue to deliver projects that provide safe, sustainable and reliable solutions."
Steve McLaren, managing director of Signalling Solutions Ltd, said: "The award of these large volume frameworks confirms Network Rail's confidence in Signalling Solutions and brings both security and growth to our company. The visibility and long-term work bank allows Signalling Solutions to continue to invest in people and technology to achieve the necessary cost reduction targets for the future. We look forward to building on our strong relationship with Network Rail to achieve our collective goals."
Uwe Krueger, Atkins’ chief executive, said: "This is a notable win for our UK region and a credit to the excellent long term relationship that our rail business has built up with Network Rail. We pride ourselves on being an engineering partner that understands the challenge of maintaining one of the world’s busiest and most complex rail networks and this new signalling programme is a critical element of that. The contracts give us the opportunity to demonstrate the breadth and depth of our rail business’ signalling expertise, sharing international best practice and innovation and delivering the management rigour that will bring value for money for one of the public sector’s most important players. The move to longer term contracts will also allow us to plan with greater confidence and deliver further efficiencies for Network Rail as a result."
The new frameworks appoint both a primary and secondary supplier for each area. This provides the flexibility needed to meet the significant increase in volumes required over the life of the framework and provides an alternative in each area if the primary supplier does not have the capacity. The agreements also provide the option to competitively tender up to 20% of the predicted workload each year.
13-01-12
Office of Rail Regulation prosecutes Network Rail over Grayrigg derailment in 2007
The Office of Rail Regulation (ORR) has started criminal proceedings against Network Rail for a breach of health and safety law which caused a train to derail near Grayrigg in 2007.
On 23 February 2007, the 17.15 Virgin Trains service from London Euston to Glasgow Central derailed on the West Coast Mainline near Grayrigg in Cumbria. 109 persons were on board. One passenger, Mrs Margaret Masson, was killed. 86 people were injured, 28 seriously.
The rail regulator’s prosecution follows the conclusion of its investigation into the derailment of the Virgin Pendolino passenger train, and the completion of the coroner’s inquest into the death of Mrs Masson.
Network Rail is facing a charge under section 3(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974. This results from the company’s failure to provide and implement suitable and sufficient standards, procedures, guidance, training, tools and resources for the inspection and maintenance of fixed stretcher-bar points.
Ian Prosser, Director of Railway Safety at ORR, said: “ORR has conducted a thorough investigation into whether criminal proceedings should be brought in relation to the train derailment near Grayrigg on 23 February 2007, which caused the death of Mrs Masson and injured 86 people. Following the coroner’s inquest into the death of Mrs Masson, I have concluded that there is enough evidence, and that it is in the public interest, to bring criminal proceedings against Network Rail for a serious breach of health and safety law which led to the train derailment. My thoughts are with the family of Mrs Masson and those injured in this incident. ORR will do everything it can to ensure that the prosecution proceeds as quickly as possible. The railway today is as safe as it has ever been but there can be no room for complacency. The entire rail industry must continue to strive for improvements to ensure that public safety is never put at risk.”
The first hearing is due to take place at Lancaster Magistrates’ Court on 24 February 2012.
On 23 February 2007, the 17.15 Virgin Trains service from London Euston to Glasgow Central derailed on the West Coast Mainline near Grayrigg in Cumbria. 109 persons were on board. One passenger, Mrs Margaret Masson, was killed. 86 people were injured, 28 seriously.
The rail regulator’s prosecution follows the conclusion of its investigation into the derailment of the Virgin Pendolino passenger train, and the completion of the coroner’s inquest into the death of Mrs Masson.
Network Rail is facing a charge under section 3(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974. This results from the company’s failure to provide and implement suitable and sufficient standards, procedures, guidance, training, tools and resources for the inspection and maintenance of fixed stretcher-bar points.
Ian Prosser, Director of Railway Safety at ORR, said: “ORR has conducted a thorough investigation into whether criminal proceedings should be brought in relation to the train derailment near Grayrigg on 23 February 2007, which caused the death of Mrs Masson and injured 86 people. Following the coroner’s inquest into the death of Mrs Masson, I have concluded that there is enough evidence, and that it is in the public interest, to bring criminal proceedings against Network Rail for a serious breach of health and safety law which led to the train derailment. My thoughts are with the family of Mrs Masson and those injured in this incident. ORR will do everything it can to ensure that the prosecution proceeds as quickly as possible. The railway today is as safe as it has ever been but there can be no room for complacency. The entire rail industry must continue to strive for improvements to ensure that public safety is never put at risk.”
The first hearing is due to take place at Lancaster Magistrates’ Court on 24 February 2012.
13-01-12
East Midlands Trains develop smart card use
Travel is getting smarter for East Midlands Trains passengers as a result of the expansion of the company’s smartcard scheme.
The scheme allows monthly and annual East Midlands Trains season tickets to be stored electronically on a StagecoachSmart travel card, instead of on a paper ticket.
The train company – part of the Stagecoach Group – has installed smartcard readers at 26 stations across its network* and initially introduced the scheme to existing season ticket holders, allowing them to exchange their paper ticket for a StagecoachSmart travel card. Now East Midlands Trains is moving on to the next stage of the scheme by opening it up to even more passengers.
From now on, customers who phone the Customer Service Centre on 0845 810 1010 to purchase or renew a monthly or annual East Midlands Trains season ticket will be offered the chance to receive their ticket on a StagecoachSmart travel card instead of a paper ticket, provided they are travelling on the following routes:
• Sheffield – London St Pancras
• Nottingham – London St Pancras
• Nottingham – Mansfield Woodhouse
Alternatively, customers can visit www.eastmidlandstrains.co.uk/smart and register for a blank smartcard to be posted out to them.
Once a customer has received their StagecoachSmart travel card, it can be used again and again to store their future tickets which can be loaded on to it by phoning the Customer Service Centre or by using ticket machines at stations.
To use the smartcard, when arriving or leaving a station, passengers simply hold their card over the ITSO smartcard reader on the ticket gates or platform validators to verify their journey.
Announcing the expansion of the scheme, East Midlands Trains Managing Director David Horne said: “We are delighted to be expanding this scheme - we believe that the introduction of StagecoachSmart travel cards will make travelling with East Midlands Trains even easier.We want to make travel even smarter and more convenient for our customers and we will continue to expand the scheme to include more tickets for even more passengers in the future. By embracing new technology and continuing to offer good value, high-quality services, we look forward to attracting even more people on to our trains.”
More than 200,000 smartcard transactions are already made on Stagecoach’s bus and rail services each day as the Perth-based company continues to lead the way in working towards Transport Minister Norman Baker’s vision to have all public transport covered by smartcard technology by 2020.
In 2008, Stagecoach launched the UK's first national rail smartcard pilot on its South West Trains franchise. Having successfully completed the trial, South West Trains now has live ITSO smart ticketing at around 100 stations on the network.
Stagecoach has also introduced StagecoachSmart travel cards at its bus companies in Cambridgeshire, Oxfordshire, Manchester and East Kent & East Sussex after becoming the first major UK bus operator to install smartcard-enabled technology on its entire 7,000 fleet of buses outside London. In London, all 1,400 Stagecoach buses accept Transport for London’s Oyster Card.
Stagecoach also uses smartcard technology to record English National Concessionary Travel Scheme journeys on its services in Manchester, Lancashire, Cumbria, Tyne and Wear, Teesside, Oxfordshire, Cambridgeshire, East Midlands, Bedfordshire, Northamptonshire, Warwickshire, East Kent and East Sussex, South and South West. Stagecoach also has concessionary travel smartcard schemes in place in both Scotland and Wales.
For more information about StagecoachSmart on East Midlands Trains visit www.eastmidlandstrains.co.uk/smart or call 0845 810 1010.
The scheme allows monthly and annual East Midlands Trains season tickets to be stored electronically on a StagecoachSmart travel card, instead of on a paper ticket.
The train company – part of the Stagecoach Group – has installed smartcard readers at 26 stations across its network* and initially introduced the scheme to existing season ticket holders, allowing them to exchange their paper ticket for a StagecoachSmart travel card. Now East Midlands Trains is moving on to the next stage of the scheme by opening it up to even more passengers.
From now on, customers who phone the Customer Service Centre on 0845 810 1010 to purchase or renew a monthly or annual East Midlands Trains season ticket will be offered the chance to receive their ticket on a StagecoachSmart travel card instead of a paper ticket, provided they are travelling on the following routes:
• Sheffield – London St Pancras
• Nottingham – London St Pancras
• Nottingham – Mansfield Woodhouse
Alternatively, customers can visit www.eastmidlandstrains.co.uk/smart and register for a blank smartcard to be posted out to them.
Once a customer has received their StagecoachSmart travel card, it can be used again and again to store their future tickets which can be loaded on to it by phoning the Customer Service Centre or by using ticket machines at stations.
To use the smartcard, when arriving or leaving a station, passengers simply hold their card over the ITSO smartcard reader on the ticket gates or platform validators to verify their journey.
Announcing the expansion of the scheme, East Midlands Trains Managing Director David Horne said: “We are delighted to be expanding this scheme - we believe that the introduction of StagecoachSmart travel cards will make travelling with East Midlands Trains even easier.We want to make travel even smarter and more convenient for our customers and we will continue to expand the scheme to include more tickets for even more passengers in the future. By embracing new technology and continuing to offer good value, high-quality services, we look forward to attracting even more people on to our trains.”
More than 200,000 smartcard transactions are already made on Stagecoach’s bus and rail services each day as the Perth-based company continues to lead the way in working towards Transport Minister Norman Baker’s vision to have all public transport covered by smartcard technology by 2020.
In 2008, Stagecoach launched the UK's first national rail smartcard pilot on its South West Trains franchise. Having successfully completed the trial, South West Trains now has live ITSO smart ticketing at around 100 stations on the network.
Stagecoach has also introduced StagecoachSmart travel cards at its bus companies in Cambridgeshire, Oxfordshire, Manchester and East Kent & East Sussex after becoming the first major UK bus operator to install smartcard-enabled technology on its entire 7,000 fleet of buses outside London. In London, all 1,400 Stagecoach buses accept Transport for London’s Oyster Card.
Stagecoach also uses smartcard technology to record English National Concessionary Travel Scheme journeys on its services in Manchester, Lancashire, Cumbria, Tyne and Wear, Teesside, Oxfordshire, Cambridgeshire, East Midlands, Bedfordshire, Northamptonshire, Warwickshire, East Kent and East Sussex, South and South West. Stagecoach also has concessionary travel smartcard schemes in place in both Scotland and Wales.
For more information about StagecoachSmart on East Midlands Trains visit www.eastmidlandstrains.co.uk/smart or call 0845 810 1010.
11-01-12
c2c appoints Olympic Project Manager
National Express train operator c2c has appointed Andrew Williams as the company’s new Olympics Project Manager.
Andrew is the central contact point for all Olympic-related issues involving the company, including liaison with the key stakeholders – Network Rail, Transport for London, ODA, LOCOG and the British Transport Police among others. His role also includes responsibility for project managing the important Olympic work streams within c2c, such as station operating plans during the Games and the delivery of the train plan.
c2c serves West Ham station, which is one of the official gateways to the Olympic Park and Excel venues for the Games and the operator’s Leigh-on-Sea station is the official station for those arriving by rail for the BMX events at Hadleigh.
The appointment as Olympic Project Manager for c2c marks a return to National Express for Andrew who began his rail industry career in 2008 as a member of the National Express General Management Graduate Training Scheme. During this time he worked in a number of roles for National Express East Anglia (NXEA) and c2c with 8 months spent in the role of Assistant Group Station Manager for c2c. At the conclusion of the scheme he took up a permanent position as Duty Station Manager for NXEA at Stratford, before moving to Chiltern Railways as Performance Planning & Project Manager.
Julian Drury, c2c’s Managing Director said: “I’m delighted to announce the appointment of Andy Williams as our Olympics Project Manager. The London Games are extremely important for c2c and our customers and Andy will be working in partnership with the c2c team and our stakeholders to ensure that everyone travelling by train on our network during Games time has an enjoyable experience.”
Andrew is the central contact point for all Olympic-related issues involving the company, including liaison with the key stakeholders – Network Rail, Transport for London, ODA, LOCOG and the British Transport Police among others. His role also includes responsibility for project managing the important Olympic work streams within c2c, such as station operating plans during the Games and the delivery of the train plan.
c2c serves West Ham station, which is one of the official gateways to the Olympic Park and Excel venues for the Games and the operator’s Leigh-on-Sea station is the official station for those arriving by rail for the BMX events at Hadleigh.
The appointment as Olympic Project Manager for c2c marks a return to National Express for Andrew who began his rail industry career in 2008 as a member of the National Express General Management Graduate Training Scheme. During this time he worked in a number of roles for National Express East Anglia (NXEA) and c2c with 8 months spent in the role of Assistant Group Station Manager for c2c. At the conclusion of the scheme he took up a permanent position as Duty Station Manager for NXEA at Stratford, before moving to Chiltern Railways as Performance Planning & Project Manager.
Julian Drury, c2c’s Managing Director said: “I’m delighted to announce the appointment of Andy Williams as our Olympics Project Manager. The London Games are extremely important for c2c and our customers and Andy will be working in partnership with the c2c team and our stakeholders to ensure that everyone travelling by train on our network during Games time has an enjoyable experience.”
11-01-12
New contract between Freightliner and MSC
Freightliner Ltd and MSC (UK) Ltd have negotiated a contract renewal increasing rail hauled container volumes to the North West.
MSC one of the world’s leading container shipping companies has renewed their contract with Freightliner Ltd, increasing container volumes to the North West.
The renewed contract is an expansion of the existing Freightliner/ MSC service, moving 30,000 container per annum. The increase in volumes will remove over 6,000 additional lorry journeys per year from the UK’s congested road network.
This announcement follows the transfer of MSC’s services at The Port of Felixstowe to the ports newly developed, state of the art berths 8 and 9.
Adam Cunliffe, Managing Director, Freightliner Limited said; “We are delighted to have renewed our North West service with MSC and look forward to further developing this key rail route from the Port of Felixstowe with MSC. The contract helps to support the additional capacity that MSC is providing through the new berth 8 and 9 at Felixstowe that are able to support the new generation 14,000 teu container ships. In addition, it is intended that the service will be hauled by Freightliner’s new PowerHaul Class 70 locomotives which uniquely combines, longer trains enabling increases in container volumes with reduced CO2 emissions. ”
Kelvin Wilden, Operations Director, MSC (UK) Ltd commented; “MSC (UK) Ltd is delighted to have renewed its North West contract with Freightliner that has proven to be so successful over the last five years. We have a long standing relationship with Freightliner supporting a number of services on a daily basis. Reliability and flexibility are a prerequisite of all our rail service providers and need to be proven before awarding any new contract. MSC is committed to supporting its rail product demonstrated by running some of the best utilised intermodal trains in and out of the Port of Felixstowe. Freightliner as an existing service provider remains well placed to help us maintain this commitment now and into the future.”
MSC one of the world’s leading container shipping companies has renewed their contract with Freightliner Ltd, increasing container volumes to the North West.
The renewed contract is an expansion of the existing Freightliner/ MSC service, moving 30,000 container per annum. The increase in volumes will remove over 6,000 additional lorry journeys per year from the UK’s congested road network.
This announcement follows the transfer of MSC’s services at The Port of Felixstowe to the ports newly developed, state of the art berths 8 and 9.
Adam Cunliffe, Managing Director, Freightliner Limited said; “We are delighted to have renewed our North West service with MSC and look forward to further developing this key rail route from the Port of Felixstowe with MSC. The contract helps to support the additional capacity that MSC is providing through the new berth 8 and 9 at Felixstowe that are able to support the new generation 14,000 teu container ships. In addition, it is intended that the service will be hauled by Freightliner’s new PowerHaul Class 70 locomotives which uniquely combines, longer trains enabling increases in container volumes with reduced CO2 emissions. ”
Kelvin Wilden, Operations Director, MSC (UK) Ltd commented; “MSC (UK) Ltd is delighted to have renewed its North West contract with Freightliner that has proven to be so successful over the last five years. We have a long standing relationship with Freightliner supporting a number of services on a daily basis. Reliability and flexibility are a prerequisite of all our rail service providers and need to be proven before awarding any new contract. MSC is committed to supporting its rail product demonstrated by running some of the best utilised intermodal trains in and out of the Port of Felixstowe. Freightliner as an existing service provider remains well placed to help us maintain this commitment now and into the future.”
11-01-12
If your are going to the Olympic Games, you can buy your rail travel tickets now
If you are a 2012 Olympic Games event ticket holder, you can buy train tickets in advance of everyone else to take you to your Games venue.
If you’ve got confirmation of all your 2012 Olympic Games event tickets visit www.nationalrailgamestravel.co.uk to book your rail travel now. Tickets are not available to buy at stations or from any other retailer.
You can buy 2012 Olympic Games Train Tickets for travel between 18 July 2012 and 14 September 2012 inclusive, so you can travel and stay in London or one of the co-Host Cities before or after your Games event.
Special terms and conditions offer flexibility designed to suit your travel to and from the Games. Railcard holders and children can get discounts too.
If you're going to an event in London you will get a one-day Games TravelCard with your Games ticket. The Games Travelcard can be used for travel in London Zones 1-9 on the day of the event.
Planning your journey
You will need to allow plenty of time for your journey. The transport systems will be extremely busy during the Games so allow time to travel to, from and between venues.
You should also plan to arrive early at the venue as there will be airport style security in operation. For some venues with a larger number of spectators you may wish to allow additional time in your journey plan.
For help planning your journey visit London2012.com/travel
If you’ve got confirmation of all your 2012 Olympic Games event tickets visit www.nationalrailgamestravel.co.uk to book your rail travel now. Tickets are not available to buy at stations or from any other retailer.
You can buy 2012 Olympic Games Train Tickets for travel between 18 July 2012 and 14 September 2012 inclusive, so you can travel and stay in London or one of the co-Host Cities before or after your Games event.
Special terms and conditions offer flexibility designed to suit your travel to and from the Games. Railcard holders and children can get discounts too.
If you're going to an event in London you will get a one-day Games TravelCard with your Games ticket. The Games Travelcard can be used for travel in London Zones 1-9 on the day of the event.
Planning your journey
You will need to allow plenty of time for your journey. The transport systems will be extremely busy during the Games so allow time to travel to, from and between venues.
You should also plan to arrive early at the venue as there will be airport style security in operation. For some venues with a larger number of spectators you may wish to allow additional time in your journey plan.
For help planning your journey visit London2012.com/travel
10-01-12
Green light for HS2
Today, 10 January 2012 is a great day for supporters of UK railways, with the Government announcement that Britain will have a national high speed rail network providing vital new capacity and faster journeys across the country from 2026. The official announcement was made by Transport Secretary Justine Greening.
Known as High Speed 2 or HS2, the new line will be a Y-shaped rail network with stations in London, Birmingham, Leeds, Manchester, Sheffield and the East Midlands linked by high speed trains conveying up to 26,000 people each hour at speeds of up to 250mph.
High speed trains will also connect seamlessly with the existing West Coast and East Coast main lines to serve passengers beyond the HS2 network in Edinburgh, Glasgow, Newcastle, Durham, York, Darlington, Liverpool, Preston, Wigan and Lancaster.
The new line will be built in two phases. The first will see construction of a new 140 mile line between London and Birmingham by 2026, the detailed route of which is published today. The second phase will see lines built from Birmingham to Leeds and Manchester by 2033. A formal consultation on second phase routes will begin in early 2014 with a final route chosen by the end of 2014.
The first phase of HS2 will include a connection to Europe via the Channel Tunnel. On completion of HS2 the network will include a direct link to Heathrow Airport.
HS2 will increase dramatically passenger capacity along the key transport corridors of Britain with up to 26,000 extra passenger seats running each hour that will relieve congestion on existing intercity routes as well as roads and air routes.
HS2 will mean very substantial time savings between Britain’s cities, reducing a Birmingham to Leeds journey from 2 hours to just 57 minutes and a Manchester to London journey from 2 hours 8 minutes to only 1 hour 8 minutes. Birmingham to London journeys will be almost halved from 1 hour 24 minutes to 45 minutes, 4 minutes less than the fastest 49 minute service featured in the consultation.
Even cities and towns off the HS2 network - like Edinburgh, Glasgow, Liverpool, Preston, Wigan, Lancaster, Newcastle, Darlington, York and Durham – will be served by high speed trains able to use both HS2 and existing intercity lines seamlessly to save up to an hour on journeys to London. HS2 will effectively act as a rail “motorway” network offering greater capacity and speed while not restricting train services to stations on the HS2 network.
There are no credible alternatives to a new railway line. Network Rail has judged that alternative packages of rail upgrades and improvement on existing lines are no substitute to the long-term and sustainable capacity increase that HS2 provides.
A high speed line will deliver £6.2bn more of economic benefits than a line running at conventional speed - and around £3.5 more revenues - at a cost of only £3bn more than building a conventional speed equivalent. HS2 will cost a total of £32.7bn.
The benefit cost ratio (BCR) (including wider economic benefits) for HS2 is £1.80-2.50 benefits for every £1 spent on the cost of the project. The BCR has been revised downwards slightly due to the current economic climate but remains convincing.
A commitment to reducing the effects of HS2 will see 79 miles of the 140-mile line between London and Birmingham running in tunnels or cuttings. The 22.5 miles in tunnel announced today is a 55% increase in the amount of tunnelling in the consultation route.
HS2 runs through 13 miles of the Chilterns Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) but fresh mitigation measures announced today mean that less than two miles will be at or above surface level.
HS2 will benefit rail, road and air users. It will free up capacity on existing rail routes for more commuter, regional and freight services. It will take an estimated 9m journeys off the road network and cut up to 4.5m air journeys each year.
HS2 trains will be up to 400 metres long with 1,100 seats, travelling at speeds of up to 250mph. Double decker trains could be introduced to run on the HS2 network and would be compatible with HS1 and the Channel Tunnel. Services using HS2 and existing rail lines will use standard-size non-double decker high speed trains.
Transport Secretary Justine Greening said: “A new high speed rail network will provide Britain with the additional train seats, connections and speed to stay ahead of the congestion challenge and help create jobs, growth and prosperity for the entire country. HS2 will link some of our greatest cities – and high speed trains will connect with our existing railway lines to provide seamless journeys to destinations far beyond it. This is a truly British network that will serve far more than the cities directly on the line. HS2 will deliver up to 26,000 more seats for rail passengers each hour and journey times slashed by as much as half. By attracting passengers off existing rail lines, roads and domestic air services, its benefits will be felt far beyond the network. No amount of tinkering with our Victorian rail infrastructure will deliver this leap in capacity.
“It is not a decision that I have taken lightly or without great consideration of the impact on those who are affected by the route from London to Birmingham. I took more time to make this decision in order to find additional mitigation which now means more than half the entire 140-mile line will be out of sight in tunnels or cuttings. I am certain this strikes the right balance between the reasonable concerns of people living on or near the line, who will be offered a generous compensation package, and the need to keep Britain moving. More than a century ago the Victorians built railways that continue to serve us to this day and just over 50 years ago the post-war generation chose to invest in motorways, bringing higher road capacity and faster journeys to millions. Both transformed the economic and social fabric of this country: HS2 is our generation’s investment in Britain and our children.”
Confirmation that the new network will be built follows one of the largest public consultation exercises ever undertaken, which set out both a high level plan for a complete network and a detailed route for a first phase from London to Birmingham. Today, Transport Secretary Justine Greening has unveiled a package of alterations to the proposed London to Birmingham route to help ensure the lowest possible impacts on local communities and the environment. These include:
* A longer, continuous tunnel from Little Missenden to the M25 through the Chilterns
* A new 2.75 mile (4.4 km) bored tunnel along the Northolt Corridor to avoid major works to the Chilterns Line and impacts on local communities in the Ruislip area.
* A longer green tunnel past Chipping Warden and Aston Le Walls, and to curve the route to avoid a cluster of important heritage sites around Edgcote
* A longer green tunnel to reduce impacts around Wendover, and an extension to the green tunnel at South Heath.
The net result of the changes means that:
Around 22.5 miles of the route will be completely enclosed in tunnel or green tunnel – compared to 14.5 miles for the consultation route.
Around 56.5 miles will be in cutting - significantly reducing the visual and noise impact of the line.
Around 40 miles will be on viaduct or embankment – around 10 miles less than the consultation route.
There will be significant improvements for those living near the route, specifically, fewer than five properties will experience high levels of noise. Only 60 dwellings will experience noise levels sufficiently high to qualify for statutory noise insulation, compared to 150 for the consultation route - a reduction of over 50%
The number of properties that would experience a noticeable increase in noise would be reduced by a third, from 4,700 to around 3,100
There will be four fewer residential demolitions than the route that went for consultation and there would be far fewer dwellings at risk of land take - reducing from 342 to 172
The network will be built in two phases with the line from London to Birmingham expected to open in 2026 with the onward legs to Manchester and Leeds opening in 2032-33. The Government estimates the cost of the complete 'Y' shaped network at £32bn and expects it to generate benefits of £47bn and fare revenues of up to £34 billion over a 60-year period.
The Department for Transport is writing to all those whose homes may be affected by the new railway and has today also announced a new package of measures to help those affected by the scheme. These include: The introduction of a streamlined purchase scheme to simplify the statutory blight process for property owners. A sale and rent back scheme to give homeowners in the safeguarded areas more flexibility. The introduction of a streamlined small claims scheme for construction damage which will allow individuals and businesses who are entitled to compensation under existing law to claim it more quickly and simply. A Package of measures to reinforce confidence in properties above tunnels.
A series of new maps have also been provided by the Government outlining the full route for HS2, these can be downloaded by following this link. The announcement today also includes full details of the huge new West London interchange station at Old Oak Common providing a line between Great Western (See Map), HS2 and CrossRail services. It has also been confirmed that the new depot for the high speed electric trains to operate HS2 services will be at Washwood Heath taking the site of the former Saltley depot, Alstom Works and sidings (See Map). Details of the new terminal station in Birmingham, located at Curzon Street have also been announced (See Map)
Known as High Speed 2 or HS2, the new line will be a Y-shaped rail network with stations in London, Birmingham, Leeds, Manchester, Sheffield and the East Midlands linked by high speed trains conveying up to 26,000 people each hour at speeds of up to 250mph.
High speed trains will also connect seamlessly with the existing West Coast and East Coast main lines to serve passengers beyond the HS2 network in Edinburgh, Glasgow, Newcastle, Durham, York, Darlington, Liverpool, Preston, Wigan and Lancaster.
The new line will be built in two phases. The first will see construction of a new 140 mile line between London and Birmingham by 2026, the detailed route of which is published today. The second phase will see lines built from Birmingham to Leeds and Manchester by 2033. A formal consultation on second phase routes will begin in early 2014 with a final route chosen by the end of 2014.
The first phase of HS2 will include a connection to Europe via the Channel Tunnel. On completion of HS2 the network will include a direct link to Heathrow Airport.
HS2 will increase dramatically passenger capacity along the key transport corridors of Britain with up to 26,000 extra passenger seats running each hour that will relieve congestion on existing intercity routes as well as roads and air routes.
HS2 will mean very substantial time savings between Britain’s cities, reducing a Birmingham to Leeds journey from 2 hours to just 57 minutes and a Manchester to London journey from 2 hours 8 minutes to only 1 hour 8 minutes. Birmingham to London journeys will be almost halved from 1 hour 24 minutes to 45 minutes, 4 minutes less than the fastest 49 minute service featured in the consultation.
Even cities and towns off the HS2 network - like Edinburgh, Glasgow, Liverpool, Preston, Wigan, Lancaster, Newcastle, Darlington, York and Durham – will be served by high speed trains able to use both HS2 and existing intercity lines seamlessly to save up to an hour on journeys to London. HS2 will effectively act as a rail “motorway” network offering greater capacity and speed while not restricting train services to stations on the HS2 network.
There are no credible alternatives to a new railway line. Network Rail has judged that alternative packages of rail upgrades and improvement on existing lines are no substitute to the long-term and sustainable capacity increase that HS2 provides.
A high speed line will deliver £6.2bn more of economic benefits than a line running at conventional speed - and around £3.5 more revenues - at a cost of only £3bn more than building a conventional speed equivalent. HS2 will cost a total of £32.7bn.
The benefit cost ratio (BCR) (including wider economic benefits) for HS2 is £1.80-2.50 benefits for every £1 spent on the cost of the project. The BCR has been revised downwards slightly due to the current economic climate but remains convincing.
A commitment to reducing the effects of HS2 will see 79 miles of the 140-mile line between London and Birmingham running in tunnels or cuttings. The 22.5 miles in tunnel announced today is a 55% increase in the amount of tunnelling in the consultation route.
HS2 runs through 13 miles of the Chilterns Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) but fresh mitigation measures announced today mean that less than two miles will be at or above surface level.
HS2 will benefit rail, road and air users. It will free up capacity on existing rail routes for more commuter, regional and freight services. It will take an estimated 9m journeys off the road network and cut up to 4.5m air journeys each year.
HS2 trains will be up to 400 metres long with 1,100 seats, travelling at speeds of up to 250mph. Double decker trains could be introduced to run on the HS2 network and would be compatible with HS1 and the Channel Tunnel. Services using HS2 and existing rail lines will use standard-size non-double decker high speed trains.
Transport Secretary Justine Greening said: “A new high speed rail network will provide Britain with the additional train seats, connections and speed to stay ahead of the congestion challenge and help create jobs, growth and prosperity for the entire country. HS2 will link some of our greatest cities – and high speed trains will connect with our existing railway lines to provide seamless journeys to destinations far beyond it. This is a truly British network that will serve far more than the cities directly on the line. HS2 will deliver up to 26,000 more seats for rail passengers each hour and journey times slashed by as much as half. By attracting passengers off existing rail lines, roads and domestic air services, its benefits will be felt far beyond the network. No amount of tinkering with our Victorian rail infrastructure will deliver this leap in capacity.
“It is not a decision that I have taken lightly or without great consideration of the impact on those who are affected by the route from London to Birmingham. I took more time to make this decision in order to find additional mitigation which now means more than half the entire 140-mile line will be out of sight in tunnels or cuttings. I am certain this strikes the right balance between the reasonable concerns of people living on or near the line, who will be offered a generous compensation package, and the need to keep Britain moving. More than a century ago the Victorians built railways that continue to serve us to this day and just over 50 years ago the post-war generation chose to invest in motorways, bringing higher road capacity and faster journeys to millions. Both transformed the economic and social fabric of this country: HS2 is our generation’s investment in Britain and our children.”
Confirmation that the new network will be built follows one of the largest public consultation exercises ever undertaken, which set out both a high level plan for a complete network and a detailed route for a first phase from London to Birmingham. Today, Transport Secretary Justine Greening has unveiled a package of alterations to the proposed London to Birmingham route to help ensure the lowest possible impacts on local communities and the environment. These include:
* A longer, continuous tunnel from Little Missenden to the M25 through the Chilterns
* A new 2.75 mile (4.4 km) bored tunnel along the Northolt Corridor to avoid major works to the Chilterns Line and impacts on local communities in the Ruislip area.
* A longer green tunnel past Chipping Warden and Aston Le Walls, and to curve the route to avoid a cluster of important heritage sites around Edgcote
* A longer green tunnel to reduce impacts around Wendover, and an extension to the green tunnel at South Heath.
The net result of the changes means that:
Around 22.5 miles of the route will be completely enclosed in tunnel or green tunnel – compared to 14.5 miles for the consultation route.
Around 56.5 miles will be in cutting - significantly reducing the visual and noise impact of the line.
Around 40 miles will be on viaduct or embankment – around 10 miles less than the consultation route.
There will be significant improvements for those living near the route, specifically, fewer than five properties will experience high levels of noise. Only 60 dwellings will experience noise levels sufficiently high to qualify for statutory noise insulation, compared to 150 for the consultation route - a reduction of over 50%
The number of properties that would experience a noticeable increase in noise would be reduced by a third, from 4,700 to around 3,100
There will be four fewer residential demolitions than the route that went for consultation and there would be far fewer dwellings at risk of land take - reducing from 342 to 172
The network will be built in two phases with the line from London to Birmingham expected to open in 2026 with the onward legs to Manchester and Leeds opening in 2032-33. The Government estimates the cost of the complete 'Y' shaped network at £32bn and expects it to generate benefits of £47bn and fare revenues of up to £34 billion over a 60-year period.
The Department for Transport is writing to all those whose homes may be affected by the new railway and has today also announced a new package of measures to help those affected by the scheme. These include: The introduction of a streamlined purchase scheme to simplify the statutory blight process for property owners. A sale and rent back scheme to give homeowners in the safeguarded areas more flexibility. The introduction of a streamlined small claims scheme for construction damage which will allow individuals and businesses who are entitled to compensation under existing law to claim it more quickly and simply. A Package of measures to reinforce confidence in properties above tunnels.
A series of new maps have also been provided by the Government outlining the full route for HS2, these can be downloaded by following this link. The announcement today also includes full details of the huge new West London interchange station at Old Oak Common providing a line between Great Western (See Map), HS2 and CrossRail services. It has also been confirmed that the new depot for the high speed electric trains to operate HS2 services will be at Washwood Heath taking the site of the former Saltley depot, Alstom Works and sidings (See Map). Details of the new terminal station in Birmingham, located at Curzon Street have also been announced (See Map)
10-01-12
Long Eaton station improvements
Passengers at Long Eaton station are to benefit from improved access after Network Rail completes improvements.
The work, which is being funded through the Department for Transport’s Access for All scheme, involves installing two new lifts to give step-free access to both platforms. To facilitate the work Erewash Borough Council has sold Network Rail a small piece of land.
Kevin Preece, general manager for Network Rail, said "This project will bring real benefits to passengers – particularly those with luggage, pushchairs or mobility issues. We will be on site at the end of the month and the lifts will be operational in the summer. “We will do all we can to keep disruption to the minimum throughout.”
Andy Moore, head of stations for East Midlands Trains, said: "We want to make it as easy as possible for people to access our train services, and we're currently investing more than £40 million to improve our stations and trains. We're therefore pleased to be working with Network Rail to deliver these improvements for passengers at Long Eaton."
Councillor Geoff Smith, Erewash Borough Council’s Lead Member for Planning and Regeneration, added: “We are delighted at the news that lifts are to be installed - a move that will make Long Eaton Station fully and easily accessible for all residents and visitors to Erewash. We have worked with Network Rail and, while there will be some disruption in our car park during the work, I am sure this will be kept to a minimum and there will be plenty of parking space for rail travellers.”
The work, which is being funded through the Department for Transport’s Access for All scheme, involves installing two new lifts to give step-free access to both platforms. To facilitate the work Erewash Borough Council has sold Network Rail a small piece of land.
Kevin Preece, general manager for Network Rail, said "This project will bring real benefits to passengers – particularly those with luggage, pushchairs or mobility issues. We will be on site at the end of the month and the lifts will be operational in the summer. “We will do all we can to keep disruption to the minimum throughout.”
Andy Moore, head of stations for East Midlands Trains, said: "We want to make it as easy as possible for people to access our train services, and we're currently investing more than £40 million to improve our stations and trains. We're therefore pleased to be working with Network Rail to deliver these improvements for passengers at Long Eaton."
Councillor Geoff Smith, Erewash Borough Council’s Lead Member for Planning and Regeneration, added: “We are delighted at the news that lifts are to be installed - a move that will make Long Eaton Station fully and easily accessible for all residents and visitors to Erewash. We have worked with Network Rail and, while there will be some disruption in our car park during the work, I am sure this will be kept to a minimum and there will be plenty of parking space for rail travellers.”
10-01-12
CrossRail launches TBM naming competition
Crossrail has launched a competition seeking names for six of the giant tunnel boring machines (TBMs) that will construct the major new rail tunnels under London.
Londoners and people living along the Crossrail route are being asked to propose pairs of names for the machines. The winning entries will be painted onto the tunnel boring machines.
This spring, the first two 140 metre long TBMs weighing 1,000 tonnes will travel 6.4 km (4 miles) east from Royal Oak via Paddington, Bond Street and Tottenham Court Road before reaching Farringdon in summer 2013. Later this year, the second pair of machines will launch from Limmo in Docklands driving 8.3 km (5.2 miles) west towards Farringdon via Whitechapel and Liverpool Street. In the winter, two TBMs will be launched from Plumstead travelling 2.6 km (1.6 miles) and under the River Thames to North Woolwich.
A Crossrail panel will select a shortlist of names before the public is invited to vote online for their favourite pairs of names in February 2012. Prizes will be awarded to the three entrants who receive the most votes.
Andy Mitchell, Crossrail Programme Director said: “Crossrail is Europe’s largest construction project and will transform rail travel in London and the south east. This competition is a chance for Londoners and those living along the Crossrail route to suggest the names of the tunnel boring machines that will construct the major new rail tunnels under London. In years to come the winners of the competition will be able to travel on Crossrail and not only say they named the machines that built the tunnels but that they watched history unfold as tunnelling started.”
The winning entrants will have the option of a prize of either Eurostar vouchers or an annual family pass to Merlin Theme Parks, which have been donated by Crossrail’s tunnelling and delivery contractors. Winners will also be invited to attend the tunnelling launch event at Royal Oak.
To submit your names visit www.crossrail.co.uk/tunnel-comp by 6 February 2012.
Londoners and people living along the Crossrail route are being asked to propose pairs of names for the machines. The winning entries will be painted onto the tunnel boring machines.
This spring, the first two 140 metre long TBMs weighing 1,000 tonnes will travel 6.4 km (4 miles) east from Royal Oak via Paddington, Bond Street and Tottenham Court Road before reaching Farringdon in summer 2013. Later this year, the second pair of machines will launch from Limmo in Docklands driving 8.3 km (5.2 miles) west towards Farringdon via Whitechapel and Liverpool Street. In the winter, two TBMs will be launched from Plumstead travelling 2.6 km (1.6 miles) and under the River Thames to North Woolwich.
A Crossrail panel will select a shortlist of names before the public is invited to vote online for their favourite pairs of names in February 2012. Prizes will be awarded to the three entrants who receive the most votes.
Andy Mitchell, Crossrail Programme Director said: “Crossrail is Europe’s largest construction project and will transform rail travel in London and the south east. This competition is a chance for Londoners and those living along the Crossrail route to suggest the names of the tunnel boring machines that will construct the major new rail tunnels under London. In years to come the winners of the competition will be able to travel on Crossrail and not only say they named the machines that built the tunnels but that they watched history unfold as tunnelling started.”
The winning entrants will have the option of a prize of either Eurostar vouchers or an annual family pass to Merlin Theme Parks, which have been donated by Crossrail’s tunnelling and delivery contractors. Winners will also be invited to attend the tunnelling launch event at Royal Oak.
To submit your names visit www.crossrail.co.uk/tunnel-comp by 6 February 2012.
10-01-12
Scotrail 'Club 55' returns
ScotRail’s most popular ticket offer CLUB 55 is back – from 16 January 2012 – with prices held at autumn 2011 rates.
Customers aged 55 and over can travel anywhere in Scotland – plus Berwick-upon-Tweed and Carlisle - for £19 return.
The train operator has again teamed up with Hotel Connexions to give Club 55 customers the chance to create the perfect New Year break with up to 60% off selected hotels.
For an extra treat, customers can upgrade to First Class for just £23 return on selected routes with Club 55 Premier.
Graeme Macfarlan, ScotRail’s marketing manager, said: “Club 55 remains our most popular offer - over 139,000 tickets were issued in 2011. The New Year is the perfect time to catch up with friends and relatives – or get away on a relaxing break after the busy festive period.”
Club 55 customers can start their journeys early, provided they do not arrive into Edinburgh, Glasgow, Aberdeen or Dundee before 09.30 on weekdays. This gives them plenty of time to enjoy a host of spectacular, scenic journeys. Some evening conditions also apply.
The offer runs until 31 March 2012 for outward travel – with return travel valid for one month from the date of the outward journey.
Senior Railcard holders and Disabled Persons Railcard holders over 55 get the additional bonus of a further £2 discount on both fares.
Club 55 tickets are valid on all train operator services that run in Scotland, apart from the Caledonian Sleeper and private charter services.
The offer is valid from any station in Scotland to and from Carlisle and Berwick-Upon-Tweed – but is not valid for travel between the two.
Club 55 conditions:
* In the morning, Monday-Friday, customers can travel on all services except those arriving into Glasgow Queen Street/Central, Edinburgh Waverley, Haymarket, Dundee or Aberdeen before 09.30.
* In the evening, Monday-Friday, customers can travel on all services except those departing Glasgow Queen Street, Glasgow Central, Edinburgh Waverley or Haymarket between 16.42 and 18.09 and the 18.15 Edinburgh Waverley to Glasgow Queen Street and 18.15 Glasgow Queen Street to Edinburgh Waverley services.
* Customers can travel any time at the weekend except on East Coast services on Sundays between Aberdeen and Edinburgh, in both directions, including intermediate stations.
* Tickets can be purchased online at www.club55.co.uk, via telesales on 08457 55 00 33 and at staffed stations.
* Full details of Club 55 are available at www.club55.co.uk
Customers aged 55 and over can travel anywhere in Scotland – plus Berwick-upon-Tweed and Carlisle - for £19 return.
The train operator has again teamed up with Hotel Connexions to give Club 55 customers the chance to create the perfect New Year break with up to 60% off selected hotels.
For an extra treat, customers can upgrade to First Class for just £23 return on selected routes with Club 55 Premier.
Graeme Macfarlan, ScotRail’s marketing manager, said: “Club 55 remains our most popular offer - over 139,000 tickets were issued in 2011. The New Year is the perfect time to catch up with friends and relatives – or get away on a relaxing break after the busy festive period.”
Club 55 customers can start their journeys early, provided they do not arrive into Edinburgh, Glasgow, Aberdeen or Dundee before 09.30 on weekdays. This gives them plenty of time to enjoy a host of spectacular, scenic journeys. Some evening conditions also apply.
The offer runs until 31 March 2012 for outward travel – with return travel valid for one month from the date of the outward journey.
Senior Railcard holders and Disabled Persons Railcard holders over 55 get the additional bonus of a further £2 discount on both fares.
Club 55 tickets are valid on all train operator services that run in Scotland, apart from the Caledonian Sleeper and private charter services.
The offer is valid from any station in Scotland to and from Carlisle and Berwick-Upon-Tweed – but is not valid for travel between the two.
Club 55 conditions:
* In the morning, Monday-Friday, customers can travel on all services except those arriving into Glasgow Queen Street/Central, Edinburgh Waverley, Haymarket, Dundee or Aberdeen before 09.30.
* In the evening, Monday-Friday, customers can travel on all services except those departing Glasgow Queen Street, Glasgow Central, Edinburgh Waverley or Haymarket between 16.42 and 18.09 and the 18.15 Edinburgh Waverley to Glasgow Queen Street and 18.15 Glasgow Queen Street to Edinburgh Waverley services.
* Customers can travel any time at the weekend except on East Coast services on Sundays between Aberdeen and Edinburgh, in both directions, including intermediate stations.
* Tickets can be purchased online at www.club55.co.uk, via telesales on 08457 55 00 33 and at staffed stations.
* Full details of Club 55 are available at www.club55.co.uk
09-01-12
First TransPennine Express join Twitter
First TransPennine Express (FTPE) announced on 9 January 2012 its brand new twitter account @tpeassist, a revolutionary twitter feed that will provide customers with help, advice and support. Unlike the usual call centre based customer services, @tpeassist will be manned by a team of FTPE's front line staff.
FTPE are the first train company in the country to adopt this approach of providing customer assistance from experts who work outside of the corporate call centre. Colleagues from FTPE's Stations, Revenue Protection and Control teams will respond to customer queries in a quick, friendly and informative manner.
FTPE have been tweeting via @tpexpresstrains for nearly two years and have close to 5,000 followers. This account will continue to provide promotional and travel information.
@tpeassist will provide a dedicated service where customers can ask questions about FTPE's train service, get ticket enquiries answered and find a response to anything else that might spring to mind.
Nick Donovan, FTPE's Managing Director commented; "FTPE is a customer service business that just happens to run trains and I am delighted that we are the first to launch this type of expert assistance. I'm sure that customers who follow us on @tpeassist will really benefit from getting answers to their questions in a quick, friendly and informative manner. The team responding are real employees with a massive amount of experience and customer service know-how and they will provide real time help and support."
Customers using @tpeassist will be able to get answers to their questions in real time and on the move. The first of its kind service will be manned seven days a week between 0700-1900hrs.
Josh Taylor, who works at Manchester Airport station is one of the team that will be manning @tpeassist and he said; "This is a really exciting opportunity. It makes sense for us to be responding and helping customers, it's what we do.
FTPE are the first train company in the country to adopt this approach of providing customer assistance from experts who work outside of the corporate call centre. Colleagues from FTPE's Stations, Revenue Protection and Control teams will respond to customer queries in a quick, friendly and informative manner.
FTPE have been tweeting via @tpexpresstrains for nearly two years and have close to 5,000 followers. This account will continue to provide promotional and travel information.
@tpeassist will provide a dedicated service where customers can ask questions about FTPE's train service, get ticket enquiries answered and find a response to anything else that might spring to mind.
Nick Donovan, FTPE's Managing Director commented; "FTPE is a customer service business that just happens to run trains and I am delighted that we are the first to launch this type of expert assistance. I'm sure that customers who follow us on @tpeassist will really benefit from getting answers to their questions in a quick, friendly and informative manner. The team responding are real employees with a massive amount of experience and customer service know-how and they will provide real time help and support."
Customers using @tpeassist will be able to get answers to their questions in real time and on the move. The first of its kind service will be manned seven days a week between 0700-1900hrs.
Josh Taylor, who works at Manchester Airport station is one of the team that will be manning @tpeassist and he said; "This is a really exciting opportunity. It makes sense for us to be responding and helping customers, it's what we do.
09-01-12
Balfour Beatty Rail win Swiss contract
The bidding consortium of Balfour Beatty Rail GmbH / Sersa Group AG (Switzerland) has beaten off stiff competition to win an international tender for the installation of overhead conductor rail elements for the Zurich cross-city link (DML). By securing this contract, rail infrastructure expert Balfour Beatty Rail, which as part of the consortium Transtec Gotthard Partners is also responsible for the rail technology in the Gotthard Base Tunnel, has once again highlighted its credentials on the Swiss market.
The contract for the DML bidding consortium is worth around 4 million euros and encompasses the design, delivery, assembly, and commissioning of a total of 12.4 km of overhead conductor elements for the new twin-track line, as well as modification structures for the transition to a catenary system overhead line. The work is scheduled to begin in mid-2012, and is to be completed by the end of 2013. The new twin-track line will allow Zurich’s central station (Hauptbahnhof) to continue to meet the demands of acting as the transport hub for trains between eastern Switzerland (direction Bern) and western Switzerland (direction Basel).
Overhead conductor rails (DSS) represent an alternative to conventional catenary systems for use in tunnel construction, maintenance depots, and bridges. The components in the Balfour Beatty Rail TracFeed® DSS overhead conductor rail element system have proven their worth over many years in a range of tunnel systems and maintenance facilities in Germany and Scandinavia.
The contract for the DML bidding consortium is worth around 4 million euros and encompasses the design, delivery, assembly, and commissioning of a total of 12.4 km of overhead conductor elements for the new twin-track line, as well as modification structures for the transition to a catenary system overhead line. The work is scheduled to begin in mid-2012, and is to be completed by the end of 2013. The new twin-track line will allow Zurich’s central station (Hauptbahnhof) to continue to meet the demands of acting as the transport hub for trains between eastern Switzerland (direction Bern) and western Switzerland (direction Basel).
Overhead conductor rails (DSS) represent an alternative to conventional catenary systems for use in tunnel construction, maintenance depots, and bridges. The components in the Balfour Beatty Rail TracFeed® DSS overhead conductor rail element system have proven their worth over many years in a range of tunnel systems and maintenance facilities in Germany and Scandinavia.
07-01-12
Lower fares on Gatwick Express
Gatwick Express, the UK’s non-stop rail service from Gatwick Airport to London Victoria, has launched its biggest ever online saving. As more and more people are choosing to travel with Gatwick Express with passenger journeys increasing by almost a fifth last year, customers will now be able to buy even cheaper tickets for this popular, premium service.
Customers will receive 20% off the price of return tickets if purchased online between now and 21 February 2012.
This great online saving for Gatwick Express customers, gives them £6.95 off the new Standard Anytime Return price of £33.20.
Customers can take advantage of this special offer via the Gatwick Express website www.gatwickexpress.com and choose the print at home or pick up from ticket vending machine options. If the customer is based in the UK, then tickets can be sent to a UK mobile, or tickets can be posted free of charge to them.
Those who use the print at home or mobile phone tickets options will have their tickets scanned by members of staff at the new state-of-the-art gatelines.
Tickets can be booked 12 weeks in advance, so journeys up to the 15 May 2012are valid for this offer so long as the customer buys the ticket between 04 January – 21 February 2012. Returns are valid for 30 days after the outward journey. Therefore the last day customers can travel with this 20% off online offer is 14 June 2012 on their return journey.
Customers will receive 20% off the price of return tickets if purchased online between now and 21 February 2012.
This great online saving for Gatwick Express customers, gives them £6.95 off the new Standard Anytime Return price of £33.20.
Customers can take advantage of this special offer via the Gatwick Express website www.gatwickexpress.com and choose the print at home or pick up from ticket vending machine options. If the customer is based in the UK, then tickets can be sent to a UK mobile, or tickets can be posted free of charge to them.
Those who use the print at home or mobile phone tickets options will have their tickets scanned by members of staff at the new state-of-the-art gatelines.
Tickets can be booked 12 weeks in advance, so journeys up to the 15 May 2012are valid for this offer so long as the customer buys the ticket between 04 January – 21 February 2012. Returns are valid for 30 days after the outward journey. Therefore the last day customers can travel with this 20% off online offer is 14 June 2012 on their return journey.
06-01-12
£2.4m investment in four Southern stations
Four Southern stations are to benefit from a £2.4 million investment for accessibility improvements after Southern’s successful bid to the Department for Transport for Access for All funding.
The improvements will be made to Queens Road Peckham, Ewell East, Hackbridge and Redhill and will include:
* A new lift to the island platform at Queens Road Peckham
* Ramps to both platforms and an adjustable ticket counter at Ewell East
* A new step-free accessible path from London Road to platform two, an accessible toilet, an adjustable ticket counter and automatic doors at Hackbridge
* A new lift from the booking hall from the subway and adjustable ticket counter at Redhill
Southern successfully bid for government funding, which will make the stations more accessible for all passengers especially older and disabled people and those with pushchairs or luggage.
Kirsty Monk, Southern’s Accessibility Manager said: “We are delighted that our passengers who need ease of access and who use these stations will soon benefit from these much needed improvements.”
The funding is from the £37.5m Department for Transport Mid Tier fund, which is part of the Access for All programme.
Southern will begin the process of tendering for the work early this year.
The improvements will be made to Queens Road Peckham, Ewell East, Hackbridge and Redhill and will include:
* A new lift to the island platform at Queens Road Peckham
* Ramps to both platforms and an adjustable ticket counter at Ewell East
* A new step-free accessible path from London Road to platform two, an accessible toilet, an adjustable ticket counter and automatic doors at Hackbridge
* A new lift from the booking hall from the subway and adjustable ticket counter at Redhill
Southern successfully bid for government funding, which will make the stations more accessible for all passengers especially older and disabled people and those with pushchairs or luggage.
Kirsty Monk, Southern’s Accessibility Manager said: “We are delighted that our passengers who need ease of access and who use these stations will soon benefit from these much needed improvements.”
The funding is from the £37.5m Department for Transport Mid Tier fund, which is part of the Access for All programme.
Southern will begin the process of tendering for the work early this year.
06-01-12
Highest number of passengers ever use London Underground network on 9 December 2011
Figures published on 6 January 2011 by Transport for London (TfL) show that London Underground (LU) carried the highest number of passengers in its history during December as the reliability of the Tube continued to improve.
Friday 9 December 2011 saw the highest number of daily passenger journeys ever recorded on the Tube, with 4.17 million journeys made. That figure is almost seven per cent higher than the corresponding day in 2010.
Friday 9 December 2011 saw the highest number of daily passenger journeys ever recorded on the Tube, with 4.17 million journeys made. That figure is almost seven per cent higher than the corresponding day in 2010.
06-01-12
Retured Northern Rail manager gets MBE in New Years Honours List
A former Northern manager, who dedicated 50 years to the railway industry, received an MBE in the Queen’s New Year’s Honours List.
Phil began his career as an apprentice in 1961 and worked his way up the career ladder to Northern’s Area Operations Manager, where he managed more than 700 staff and more than 1,200 trains every day across Yorkshire and Lincolnshire, until his retirement last May.
He was nominated for the honour because of his overwhelming commitment to the railway industry and his willingness to help and support others, both inside and outside the company. Phil has mentored many schoolchildren, on a voluntary basis, to introduce them to the world of work, has supported countless projects and charity events, including those outside of his area.
Phil said: “I couldn’t believe it when I was told the news about the MBE. I have seen many changes to the railway industry over the last 50 years and for me it was about embracing those changes and providing a service for thousands of people every day.”
Ian Bevan, Managing Director of Northern, comments: “We are incredibly proud of Phil and delighted he has received this fantastic honour. He has helped develop so many of our employees, in both their daily duties and further education aspirations and is a true ambassador for Northern and the rail industry. Phil’s kind and unassuming nature has a positive effect on everyone he comes into contact with and makes him a pleasure to work alongside.”
Phil began his career as an apprentice in 1961 and worked his way up the career ladder to Northern’s Area Operations Manager, where he managed more than 700 staff and more than 1,200 trains every day across Yorkshire and Lincolnshire, until his retirement last May.
He was nominated for the honour because of his overwhelming commitment to the railway industry and his willingness to help and support others, both inside and outside the company. Phil has mentored many schoolchildren, on a voluntary basis, to introduce them to the world of work, has supported countless projects and charity events, including those outside of his area.
Phil said: “I couldn’t believe it when I was told the news about the MBE. I have seen many changes to the railway industry over the last 50 years and for me it was about embracing those changes and providing a service for thousands of people every day.”
Ian Bevan, Managing Director of Northern, comments: “We are incredibly proud of Phil and delighted he has received this fantastic honour. He has helped develop so many of our employees, in both their daily duties and further education aspirations and is a true ambassador for Northern and the rail industry. Phil’s kind and unassuming nature has a positive effect on everyone he comes into contact with and makes him a pleasure to work alongside.”
06-01-12
Direct Rail Services launch new timetabled passenger service - Updated
A new passenger rail service for Sellafield workers is to start from 9 January 2012.
The six-week trial service from Carlisle to Sellafield will run in a bid to reduce workers using road transport. Direct Rail Services (DRS) will operate the train which will leave Carlisle at 06.15 and arrive at Sellafield at 07.55. It will replace the 07.28 Northern Rail service from Whitehaven to Sellafield. In the return direction the train will depart Sellafield at 16.48 arriving at Carlisle at 18.32. The train will continue to Barrow and stable during the day.
The number of workers using the service will dictate whether it will become permanent. DRS have said “The level of uptake in the trial service will be used to inform the development of future transport solutions with the aim of reducing the number of vehicles accessing the Sellafield site on a daily basis.”
The trains will be formed of some of the recently purchased former Cargo-D stock, power it expected to be either Class 37, 47 or 57. The four coach train will have three reserved for Sellafield staff and one available for the general public.
The six-week trial service from Carlisle to Sellafield will run in a bid to reduce workers using road transport. Direct Rail Services (DRS) will operate the train which will leave Carlisle at 06.15 and arrive at Sellafield at 07.55. It will replace the 07.28 Northern Rail service from Whitehaven to Sellafield. In the return direction the train will depart Sellafield at 16.48 arriving at Carlisle at 18.32. The train will continue to Barrow and stable during the day.
The number of workers using the service will dictate whether it will become permanent. DRS have said “The level of uptake in the trial service will be used to inform the development of future transport solutions with the aim of reducing the number of vehicles accessing the Sellafield site on a daily basis.”
The trains will be formed of some of the recently purchased former Cargo-D stock, power it expected to be either Class 37, 47 or 57. The four coach train will have three reserved for Sellafield staff and one available for the general public.
05-01-12
DRS order 15 'Eurolight' Bo-Bo diesel-electric locos from Vossloh
It has now been confirmed that Carlisle-based Direct Rail Services has
ordered 15 Bo-Bo 'Eurolight' diesel-electric locos to be built in Spain.
An option in the contract exists for a further 10 subject to
operational performance. The locos will be built in conjunction with Beacon Rail Leasing
The first loco is scheduled for delivery to the Velim test track in the Czech Republic in spring 2013, with the first production loco shipped to the UK in summer 2013.
The locos will be a true mixed traffic design, aimed at both DRS passenger and freight work. The locos will have a top speed of 100mph and be fitted with head end power (electric train supply). The prime mover will be a Caterpillar C175 engine set to deliver 3,750hp. Traction and control equipment will be supplied by ABB with an ac traction package used.
No official classification has yet been issued, but options include Class 68 or 71.
The first loco is scheduled for delivery to the Velim test track in the Czech Republic in spring 2013, with the first production loco shipped to the UK in summer 2013.
The locos will be a true mixed traffic design, aimed at both DRS passenger and freight work. The locos will have a top speed of 100mph and be fitted with head end power (electric train supply). The prime mover will be a Caterpillar C175 engine set to deliver 3,750hp. Traction and control equipment will be supplied by ABB with an ac traction package used.
No official classification has yet been issued, but options include Class 68 or 71.
A Vossloh 'Eurolight' demonstrator loco as displayed at Innotrans, Berlin in 2010. The DRS examples will be based on this structural design but with many feature changes. CJM
05-01-12
Network Rail continue Anglia power upgrade work
Following the successful completion of planned improvement works between Stratford and London Liverpool Street during the Christmas and New Year period 2011-12, Network Rail’s £200m overhead line upgrade of the Anglia route is to enter its next phase.
From 9 January to 21 March 2012, Network Rail engineers will be carrying out improvement works on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday nights between Shenfield and Witham.
During this period, after 22.30 each night, trains from Liverpool Street will run as far as Billericay, where a bus connection will continue to Witham for connecting onward trains. Buses will also run from Shenfield to Witham.
The work is part of Network Rail's major project to replace 60-year-old overhead line equipment on the Great Eastern main line, which will increase reliability and limit disruption.
Dave Ward, Network Rail route managing director, said: "The completion of work between Liverpool Street and Stratford marks a major milestone in this project. The work we are doing is a once-in-a generation opportunity to enable us to run a more reliable railway and deliver a better service for passengers. This line is one of the busiest rail routes in the country and we need carry out crucial works to maintain and renew the railway. There is never an ideal time to carry out this scale of work and we thank passengers in advance for their patience. We do apologise for any disruption this may cause, but people will understand that the work is absolutely necessary."
The planned changes to the timetable have been available since 13 November 2011 and were published by National Express East Anglia in their December 2011 timetable. Network Rail is taking this opportunity to remind passengers of the changes.
Network Rail has 22 scheduled engineering-free weekends through the summer, including the 11-week period between late June and early September when all disruptive engineering work on key rail lines around the country will be suspended for the Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Upgrade work on the overhead lines between Shenfield and Witham will then resume on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday nights betweem 17 September to 24 October 2012.
From 9 January to 21 March 2012, Network Rail engineers will be carrying out improvement works on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday nights between Shenfield and Witham.
During this period, after 22.30 each night, trains from Liverpool Street will run as far as Billericay, where a bus connection will continue to Witham for connecting onward trains. Buses will also run from Shenfield to Witham.
The work is part of Network Rail's major project to replace 60-year-old overhead line equipment on the Great Eastern main line, which will increase reliability and limit disruption.
Dave Ward, Network Rail route managing director, said: "The completion of work between Liverpool Street and Stratford marks a major milestone in this project. The work we are doing is a once-in-a generation opportunity to enable us to run a more reliable railway and deliver a better service for passengers. This line is one of the busiest rail routes in the country and we need carry out crucial works to maintain and renew the railway. There is never an ideal time to carry out this scale of work and we thank passengers in advance for their patience. We do apologise for any disruption this may cause, but people will understand that the work is absolutely necessary."
The planned changes to the timetable have been available since 13 November 2011 and were published by National Express East Anglia in their December 2011 timetable. Network Rail is taking this opportunity to remind passengers of the changes.
Network Rail has 22 scheduled engineering-free weekends through the summer, including the 11-week period between late June and early September when all disruptive engineering work on key rail lines around the country will be suspended for the Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Upgrade work on the overhead lines between Shenfield and Witham will then resume on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday nights betweem 17 September to 24 October 2012.
05-01-12
First TransPennine Express launch 'virtual ticket'
First TransPennine Express (FTPE) has updated its mobile app so that customers travelling to and from Manchester Airport can use their phone as a ticket.
FTPE introduced a mobile app in October 2011 that allowed customers to purchase tickets and plan their journeys. This app has now been updated to allow customers purchasing Airport Advance tickets the opportunity to receive their ticket in a digital format, known as an mTicket.
The app works on almost any phone ranging from older style Nokia handsets to the latest smartphones. The mTickets could eventually be rolled out on all FTPE routes but are for now only available for direct journeys to and from Manchester Airport.
Customers can pay for tickets by credit or debit card, with no booking fee and all transactions are protected by award-winning, certified security software.
Once purchased customers can either collect their tickets from booking offices or ticket machines or opt for the mTicket all within ten minutes of pressing buy.
Tickets to or from Manchester Aiport that are purchased via the app will automatically be made available to customers on their phone.
The updated App will also provide customers with train times, fares and through it's GPS capabilities, live departures and arrivals from their local station.
It also now lets customers buy group tickets for up to eight people and synchronises with the FTPE website (www.tpexpress.co.uk) so all mobile and web purchases can be seen in one place. The app allows users to buy tickets and check times for all the UK's train services and is completely free to download. To date nearly 8000 customers have downloaded the FTPE App.
The FTPE App can be downloaded for free via the appropriate app store and customers are advised to search for tpexpress. It can also be downloaded by texting shortcode 'TPEAPP' to 86688' *
*Texts will be charged at users standard text message rate.
FTPE introduced a mobile app in October 2011 that allowed customers to purchase tickets and plan their journeys. This app has now been updated to allow customers purchasing Airport Advance tickets the opportunity to receive their ticket in a digital format, known as an mTicket.
The app works on almost any phone ranging from older style Nokia handsets to the latest smartphones. The mTickets could eventually be rolled out on all FTPE routes but are for now only available for direct journeys to and from Manchester Airport.
Customers can pay for tickets by credit or debit card, with no booking fee and all transactions are protected by award-winning, certified security software.
Once purchased customers can either collect their tickets from booking offices or ticket machines or opt for the mTicket all within ten minutes of pressing buy.
Tickets to or from Manchester Aiport that are purchased via the app will automatically be made available to customers on their phone.
The updated App will also provide customers with train times, fares and through it's GPS capabilities, live departures and arrivals from their local station.
It also now lets customers buy group tickets for up to eight people and synchronises with the FTPE website (www.tpexpress.co.uk) so all mobile and web purchases can be seen in one place. The app allows users to buy tickets and check times for all the UK's train services and is completely free to download. To date nearly 8000 customers have downloaded the FTPE App.
The FTPE App can be downloaded for free via the appropriate app store and customers are advised to search for tpexpress. It can also be downloaded by texting shortcode 'TPEAPP' to 86688' *
*Texts will be charged at users standard text message rate.
05-01-12
Freightliner Heavy Haul win new EDF Energy contract
Freightliner Heavy Haul Ltd and EDF Energy have announced that they have entered into a new rail haulage agreement for coal deliveries into EDF Energy’s power stations at Cottam and West Burton.
The revised, long term deal gives EDF Energy increased capacity to meet its future requirements and builds upon the excellent service performance record and relationship that has developed over the last 10 years.
Jim Beynon, Head of Upstream Commercial Management, EDF Energy said: “We have worked to develop this innovatively structured deal that gives us the flexibility, reliability and security that we need to meet our future coal haulage needs. Our rail requirements become increasingly challenging in the coming years and we are pleased that this deal gives us a sound basis to meet those challenges.”
Martin Wilks, Director Coal & Deputy Managing Director, Freightliner Heavy Haul Ltd added: “Our relationship with EDF Energy is longstanding and we have worked well together over the years. We have always worked very closely with customers and industry partners and this new deal represents the continuation of the strong relationship that we share with EDF Energy, supplying haulage from UK mines and also imported coal from a number of ports.”
The revised, long term deal gives EDF Energy increased capacity to meet its future requirements and builds upon the excellent service performance record and relationship that has developed over the last 10 years.
Jim Beynon, Head of Upstream Commercial Management, EDF Energy said: “We have worked to develop this innovatively structured deal that gives us the flexibility, reliability and security that we need to meet our future coal haulage needs. Our rail requirements become increasingly challenging in the coming years and we are pleased that this deal gives us a sound basis to meet those challenges.”
Martin Wilks, Director Coal & Deputy Managing Director, Freightliner Heavy Haul Ltd added: “Our relationship with EDF Energy is longstanding and we have worked well together over the years. We have always worked very closely with customers and industry partners and this new deal represents the continuation of the strong relationship that we share with EDF Energy, supplying haulage from UK mines and also imported coal from a number of ports.”
04-01-12
On line ticket 'Sale' launched by First TransPennine Express
Train operator, First TransPennine Express is holding an online January sale with 25 per cent off the price of 1 million advance purchase tickets across its network.
To claim the discount passengers need to book Advance tickets for services operated by FTPE between Wednesday 4 January and Tuesday 31 January 2012 at www.tpexpress.co.uk/sale and travel before 4 April 2012.
The discount tickets are also available on FTPE's Connections ticket which enables passengers to use one ticket to travel with FTPE and connect onto other rail operators' services across the North of England and into Scotland.
FTPE's January sale represents great value for money, with passengers able to take advantage of travel opportunities to fantastic locations. These include destinations further a field with the discount available on the Airport Advance tickets connecting customers with both Manchester and Liverpool John Lennon (via Liverpool South Parkway) airports.
Leo Goodwin, Commercial Director, said: "This offer is a fantastic opportunity for passengers to get hold of even greater value fares and travel to some amazing destinations. The best priced advance fares are available on a first-come, first-served basis so people are advised to book early to get hold of some of the best offers."
The January Sale tickets are available for travel in First Class and Standard Class on off-peak services and must be booked via the website, www.tpexpress.co.uk/sale where customers will not be charged a booking fee.
To claim the discount passengers need to book Advance tickets for services operated by FTPE between Wednesday 4 January and Tuesday 31 January 2012 at www.tpexpress.co.uk/sale and travel before 4 April 2012.
The discount tickets are also available on FTPE's Connections ticket which enables passengers to use one ticket to travel with FTPE and connect onto other rail operators' services across the North of England and into Scotland.
FTPE's January sale represents great value for money, with passengers able to take advantage of travel opportunities to fantastic locations. These include destinations further a field with the discount available on the Airport Advance tickets connecting customers with both Manchester and Liverpool John Lennon (via Liverpool South Parkway) airports.
Leo Goodwin, Commercial Director, said: "This offer is a fantastic opportunity for passengers to get hold of even greater value fares and travel to some amazing destinations. The best priced advance fares are available on a first-come, first-served basis so people are advised to book early to get hold of some of the best offers."
The January Sale tickets are available for travel in First Class and Standard Class on off-peak services and must be booked via the website, www.tpexpress.co.uk/sale where customers will not be charged a booking fee.
04-01-12
Parry People Mover basher
Train enthusiast Ashley William from Gloucester will be spending all day on the Parry People Mover in Stourbridge, Worcestershire to raise money for the Railway Children charity.
On 10 January 2012 Ashley will make 108 round trips between 05.47 and 00.02. Each leg of the journey from Stourbridge Junction to Stourbridge town takes 12.02 minutes with a 5 minute break. He will travel a total of 167 miles during the day.
The Railway Children is an international charity that helps support vulnerable children.
If you want to support Ashley you can turn up on the day. You can also sponsor him by going to justgiving.com/class139
On 10 January 2012 Ashley will make 108 round trips between 05.47 and 00.02. Each leg of the journey from Stourbridge Junction to Stourbridge town takes 12.02 minutes with a 5 minute break. He will travel a total of 167 miles during the day.
The Railway Children is an international charity that helps support vulnerable children.
If you want to support Ashley you can turn up on the day. You can also sponsor him by going to justgiving.com/class139
04-01-12
CBS Outdoor retain Transport for London advertising deal
Transport for London (TfL) and CBS Outdoor have confirmed CBS Outdoor will retain responsibility for all adverts on the London Underground network through TfL's commercial advertising concession.
CBS Outdoor has held the commercial advertising concession since 2006 and is responsible for advertising sites across the London Underground network.
As well as the traditional advertising sites which total approximately 31,000 poster sites at stations there are also in excess of 88,000 panels in train carriages.
The digital advertising network on London Underground is made up of cross track projection sites, liquid crystal display sites and runs of digital panels along escalators.
CBS Outdoor has held the commercial advertising concession since 2006 and is responsible for advertising sites across the London Underground network.
As well as the traditional advertising sites which total approximately 31,000 poster sites at stations there are also in excess of 88,000 panels in train carriages.
The digital advertising network on London Underground is made up of cross track projection sites, liquid crystal display sites and runs of digital panels along escalators.
04-01-12
Stansted Express Tickets direct to your Smartphone
Stansted Express, the fastest way between Central London and Stansted Airport has launched a new and convenient ticketing option via its website offering customers the opportunity to purchase tickets which can be sent direct to their mobile telephone or smartphone via a text message.
Customers using Stansted Express can already request tickets through the very popular Print at Home e-ticket service which was introduced last year, and together with the new mobile and smartphone ticket these options are helping to reduce queues and save precious time for busy air travellers using the Airport service.
The new mobile-ticket allows customers to book on-line and receive a text message, from which they can either use the web address in the text to retrieve the ticket in barcode form which can then be read by the On-Board Host to verify the ticket, or on less-sophisticated mobile phones the text message can simply be shown to the Host who will then verify via their BlackBerry device. It’s now that simple to book and purchase a ticket for travel with Stansted Express.
Although customers still have the option to book on-line and collect their ticket at the station or use the Print at Home service, the new mobile-ticket is already proving popular and by booking on-line through the various options now available, passengers can save £1 off the single and £2 off a return fare, and Stansted Express will not charge a booking fee.
Adrian Warren, Marketing Manager for Stansted Express said, “Travelling to and from an Airport can at times be a stressful experience and we are continually looking at ways to make travel easier. The new mobile-ticket service is already proving popular in complementing the e-ticket Print at Home service and has been well received by both our inbound and outbound audiences in speeding-up their time at the station as they continue with their onward journey. With trains every 15 minutes, it really is the fastest way to arrive and depart Stansted Airport.”
To book on-line, for up-to-date travel information, on-line registration and the latest offers and promotions, customers using Stansted Express should visit: www.fastersgettingbetter.com
Customers using Stansted Express can already request tickets through the very popular Print at Home e-ticket service which was introduced last year, and together with the new mobile and smartphone ticket these options are helping to reduce queues and save precious time for busy air travellers using the Airport service.
The new mobile-ticket allows customers to book on-line and receive a text message, from which they can either use the web address in the text to retrieve the ticket in barcode form which can then be read by the On-Board Host to verify the ticket, or on less-sophisticated mobile phones the text message can simply be shown to the Host who will then verify via their BlackBerry device. It’s now that simple to book and purchase a ticket for travel with Stansted Express.
Although customers still have the option to book on-line and collect their ticket at the station or use the Print at Home service, the new mobile-ticket is already proving popular and by booking on-line through the various options now available, passengers can save £1 off the single and £2 off a return fare, and Stansted Express will not charge a booking fee.
Adrian Warren, Marketing Manager for Stansted Express said, “Travelling to and from an Airport can at times be a stressful experience and we are continually looking at ways to make travel easier. The new mobile-ticket service is already proving popular in complementing the e-ticket Print at Home service and has been well received by both our inbound and outbound audiences in speeding-up their time at the station as they continue with their onward journey. With trains every 15 minutes, it really is the fastest way to arrive and depart Stansted Airport.”
To book on-line, for up-to-date travel information, on-line registration and the latest offers and promotions, customers using Stansted Express should visit: www.fastersgettingbetter.com
03-01-12
Weather disrupts rail services - UPDATED
Many rail services in the UK were disrupted on 3 January 2012 due to poor weather conditions and galeforce winds of up to 95mph. Services were badly disrupted in Cornwall by electric cables and debris on the line. The area around Bristol saw serious flooding, while virtually no services operated in Scotland at all. On the East Coast a basic timetable was placed in operation to the south of Newcastle. In some areas seed restrictions were also imposed.
By early evening on 3 January speed restrictions were introduced near Cowley Bridge, Exeter after water levels nearly reached the decking of Staffords Bridge with water run off from the Devon hills.
By early evening on 3 January speed restrictions were introduced near Cowley Bridge, Exeter after water levels nearly reached the decking of Staffords Bridge with water run off from the Devon hills.
06-01-12
Direct Rail Services launch new timetabled passenger service - Updated
A new passenger rail service for Sellafield workers is to start from 9 January 2012.
The six-week trial service from Carlisle to Sellafield will run in a bid to reduce workers using road transport. Direct Rail Services (DRS) will operate the train which will leave Carlisle at 06.15 and arrive at Sellafield at 07.55. It will replace the 07.28 Northern Rail service from Whitehaven to Sellafield. In the return direction the train will depart Sellafield at 16.48 arriving at Carlisle at 18.32. The train will continue to Barrow and stable during the day.
The number of workers using the service will dictate whether it will become permanent. DRS have said “The level of uptake in the trial service will be used to inform the development of future transport solutions with the aim of reducing the number of vehicles accessing the Sellafield site on a daily basis.”
The trains will be formed of some of the recently purchased former Cargo-D stock, power it expected to be either Class 37, 47 or 57. The four coach train will have three reserved for Sellafield staff and one available for the general public.
The six-week trial service from Carlisle to Sellafield will run in a bid to reduce workers using road transport. Direct Rail Services (DRS) will operate the train which will leave Carlisle at 06.15 and arrive at Sellafield at 07.55. It will replace the 07.28 Northern Rail service from Whitehaven to Sellafield. In the return direction the train will depart Sellafield at 16.48 arriving at Carlisle at 18.32. The train will continue to Barrow and stable during the day.
The number of workers using the service will dictate whether it will become permanent. DRS have said “The level of uptake in the trial service will be used to inform the development of future transport solutions with the aim of reducing the number of vehicles accessing the Sellafield site on a daily basis.”
The trains will be formed of some of the recently purchased former Cargo-D stock, power it expected to be either Class 37, 47 or 57. The four coach train will have three reserved for Sellafield staff and one available for the general public.
03-01-12
Mountain light display marks centenary year of Jungfrau Railway
The Jungfrau Railways in the Bernese Alps in Switzerland, one of the leading mountain railways in the world, carrying
over 700,000 passengers every year from Kleine Scheidegg to the Jungfraujoch
peak, is celebrating its centerary in 2012.
To mark the event, light artist Gerry Hofstetter will be projecting images including the Swiss cross, a Jungfrau Railways' train and a portrait of Adolf Guyer-Zeller, the founder of the Jungfrau Railways, on to the north face of the Jungfrau.
On 21 February 1912, Italian miners used a massive charge of dynamite to make the breakthrough to daylight on the Jungfraujoch. They completed the construction of the railway tunnel through the rock of the Eiger and Monch mountains to the highest-altitude railway station in Europe. This incredible pioneering masterpiece has become Switzerland's leading mountain railway.
To perform the light artistry, Hofstetter, has set up 'camp' beneath the Jungfrau summit at 3,380 meters and will stay on the glacier in the heart of the Swiss Alps for nine days, he is set to illuminate the Jungfrau for eight consecutive evenings, until 8 January.
To mark the event, light artist Gerry Hofstetter will be projecting images including the Swiss cross, a Jungfrau Railways' train and a portrait of Adolf Guyer-Zeller, the founder of the Jungfrau Railways, on to the north face of the Jungfrau.
On 21 February 1912, Italian miners used a massive charge of dynamite to make the breakthrough to daylight on the Jungfraujoch. They completed the construction of the railway tunnel through the rock of the Eiger and Monch mountains to the highest-altitude railway station in Europe. This incredible pioneering masterpiece has become Switzerland's leading mountain railway.
To perform the light artistry, Hofstetter, has set up 'camp' beneath the Jungfrau summit at 3,380 meters and will stay on the glacier in the heart of the Swiss Alps for nine days, he is set to illuminate the Jungfrau for eight consecutive evenings, until 8 January.
03-01-12
New car park for Chiltern
Construction company Bourne Group will build a new £1.5m decked car park for Chiltern Railways at Solihull station.
Subsidiary company Bourne Parking’s will operate the multistorey for Chiltern and will provide 187 car parking spaces, taking the total to 455 spaces for station use.
This project involves building a steel frame structure and the redesign of the surface car parking area, improved security and lighting and more cycle parking facilities.
The project is due to be completed at the end of April 2012 and will be built in a series of phases to ensure that Chiltern Railways can maintain the maximum number of car parking spaces available throughout the build period.
Subsidiary company Bourne Parking’s will operate the multistorey for Chiltern and will provide 187 car parking spaces, taking the total to 455 spaces for station use.
This project involves building a steel frame structure and the redesign of the surface car parking area, improved security and lighting and more cycle parking facilities.
The project is due to be completed at the end of April 2012 and will be built in a series of phases to ensure that Chiltern Railways can maintain the maximum number of car parking spaces available throughout the build period.
02-01-12
UK rail commuters pay three and a half times more than European commuters
As commuters brace themselves for steep
rail fares starting back to work after the New Year, Campaign for Better Transport
has discovered some UK commuters are paying three and a half times more
for their season ticket than their European neighbours.
Campaign for Better Transport compared the cost of an annual season ticket into five major European capitals. Despite the Government’s concession in the Autumn Statement to cap regulated fare increases to inflation plus one per cent in January, instead of inflation plus three per cent as originally planned, the transport charity discovered the sample UK ticket cost three and a half times more than the most expensive European one, and almost ten times (9.7) more than the cheapest one.
The cost of an annual season ticket, including multi-modal travel on each city's underground system, from a commuter town approximately 23 miles from the capital:
Woking to London, £3,268
Ballancourt-sur-Essonne to Paris, £924.66
Strausberg to Berlin, £705.85
Collado-Villalba to Madrid, £653.74
Velletri to Rome, £336.17
Sophie Allain, Campaign for Better Transport’s public transport campaigner, said: “We knew we had some of the most expensive rail fares in Europe, if not the world, but even we were shocked by how much more the UK ticket was in comparison to our European counterparts. When the cost of season tickets is so much higher than other European capitals, the Government’s fare rises are starting to affect the UK’s competitiveness. That’s why if the Government is serious about promoting economic growth it must also look at reducing planned fare rises in 2013 and 2014 as part of a policy to cut fares and make public transport truly affordable.”
Campaign for Better Transport compared the cost of an annual season ticket into five major European capitals. Despite the Government’s concession in the Autumn Statement to cap regulated fare increases to inflation plus one per cent in January, instead of inflation plus three per cent as originally planned, the transport charity discovered the sample UK ticket cost three and a half times more than the most expensive European one, and almost ten times (9.7) more than the cheapest one.
The cost of an annual season ticket, including multi-modal travel on each city's underground system, from a commuter town approximately 23 miles from the capital:
Woking to London, £3,268
Ballancourt-sur-Essonne to Paris, £924.66
Strausberg to Berlin, £705.85
Collado-Villalba to Madrid, £653.74
Velletri to Rome, £336.17
Sophie Allain, Campaign for Better Transport’s public transport campaigner, said: “We knew we had some of the most expensive rail fares in Europe, if not the world, but even we were shocked by how much more the UK ticket was in comparison to our European counterparts. When the cost of season tickets is so much higher than other European capitals, the Government’s fare rises are starting to affect the UK’s competitiveness. That’s why if the Government is serious about promoting economic growth it must also look at reducing planned fare rises in 2013 and 2014 as part of a policy to cut fares and make public transport truly affordable.”
30-12-11
Ore Tunnel closure between January-April 2012 sees Southern make special offer
Southern is making a special offer on the price of fares for passengers who will be affected by the improvement work to Ore tunnel between Hastings and Ashford International station.
From Monday 9 January until 9 April 2012, Network Rail will be carrying out essential improvement work to Ore tunnel, track and signalling in the area. As the line will be closed between Hastings and Ashford International stations, Southern will be providing rail replacement bus and taxi services.
Southern has announced special offers between 4 January and 9 April 2012 for passengers who are affected. Here’s how it works:
Journeys wholly between Hastings and Ashford International (daily tickets) will see a 50% reduction in the price of the fare from 4 January to 9 April. Other journeys on the route between Brighton and Ashford International (daily tickets) will see up to 50% reduction in the price of the fare proportionate to the level of disruption from 4 January to 9 April.
Season ticket holders whose journey is wholly between Hastings and Ashford International: Existing season holders will receive a loyalty payment of 50% of the cost of their ticket from 4 January to 9 April. New season tickets purchased after the 4th January will be discounted by 50% for the period up to 9 April. Season tickets for any journey that is affected by the works will see a pro-rata loyalty payment will be made proportionate to the level of disruption to the journey. Season ticket holders whose journey would be disrupted by the work, but do not wish to travel during the period of the work will see a pro-rata refund on the unused part of the (surrendered) ticket.
Alex Foulds, Southern’s Development Director said: “We’re offering reduced ticket prices for occasional passengers and a loyalty payment for our season ticket holders in recognition of the disruption they will experience to their journeys. By extending the offer for one month beyond the end of the period of disruption, we hope this will incentivise people to return to us or indeed try us for the first time.”
From Monday 9 January until 9 April 2012, Network Rail will be carrying out essential improvement work to Ore tunnel, track and signalling in the area. As the line will be closed between Hastings and Ashford International stations, Southern will be providing rail replacement bus and taxi services.
Southern has announced special offers between 4 January and 9 April 2012 for passengers who are affected. Here’s how it works:
Journeys wholly between Hastings and Ashford International (daily tickets) will see a 50% reduction in the price of the fare from 4 January to 9 April. Other journeys on the route between Brighton and Ashford International (daily tickets) will see up to 50% reduction in the price of the fare proportionate to the level of disruption from 4 January to 9 April.
Season ticket holders whose journey is wholly between Hastings and Ashford International: Existing season holders will receive a loyalty payment of 50% of the cost of their ticket from 4 January to 9 April. New season tickets purchased after the 4th January will be discounted by 50% for the period up to 9 April. Season tickets for any journey that is affected by the works will see a pro-rata loyalty payment will be made proportionate to the level of disruption to the journey. Season ticket holders whose journey would be disrupted by the work, but do not wish to travel during the period of the work will see a pro-rata refund on the unused part of the (surrendered) ticket.
Alex Foulds, Southern’s Development Director said: “We’re offering reduced ticket prices for occasional passengers and a loyalty payment for our season ticket holders in recognition of the disruption they will experience to their journeys. By extending the offer for one month beyond the end of the period of disruption, we hope this will incentivise people to return to us or indeed try us for the first time.”
30-12-11
BTP appeal for information after train stoning attack
British Transport Police (BTP) officers are
appealing for information after stones were thrown at a number of trains
passing through the Tyseley and Acocks Green areas of Birmingham on 10 December which damaged five trains.
PC Ian Jones, the investigating officer, said: “We received several reports of train windows being smashed as they passed through the Tyseley and Acocks Green areas of Birmingham between 15.00 and 20.53 on 10 December 2011.
Train drivers on five separate services reported that stones were thrown at trains from bridges in Yardley Road, Rockfield Road and Stockfield Road which caused damage. Outer skins on a number of windows on each of the five trains were smashed but thankfully the stones did not penetrate the inner skins of the windows. No one was injured but these incidents left drivers and passengers onboard shocked and, potentially, each of these incidents could have been much worse and we could have been faced with serious injuries or even fatalities.
Officers would like to speak to anyone who witnessed any of the incidents – which took place in the school Christmas holidays – or who saw any children acting suspiciously in either area between the above times on Saturday 10 December.
PC Jones added: “We’ve made a number of local enquiries into the incident and I would warn students at schools in the area of the potential dangers of playing near the railway and throwing objects at trains. I’d also ask if anyone saw anything suspicious, or if any parents or adults noticed their children acting strangely, to please come forward. Parents and adults must also take responsibility – especially during school holidays – to emphasise the dangers to your children. If you live near the railway, ask yourself if you know where your children are playing or hanging around.”
Anyone with information about the incidents is asked to contact BTP on Freefone 0800 40 50 40, quoting incident reference B6/WWA of 30/12/2011. Or call the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
The trains which suffered damage were the following Chiltern & London Midland services:
13.56 Kidderminster to Dorridge
17.12 Birmingham Snow Hill to London Marylebone
17.33 Birmingham Moor Street to Leamington Spa
17.48 Worcester Shrub Hill to Dorridge
19. 01 Dorridge to Worcester Shrub Hill
PC Ian Jones, the investigating officer, said: “We received several reports of train windows being smashed as they passed through the Tyseley and Acocks Green areas of Birmingham between 15.00 and 20.53 on 10 December 2011.
Train drivers on five separate services reported that stones were thrown at trains from bridges in Yardley Road, Rockfield Road and Stockfield Road which caused damage. Outer skins on a number of windows on each of the five trains were smashed but thankfully the stones did not penetrate the inner skins of the windows. No one was injured but these incidents left drivers and passengers onboard shocked and, potentially, each of these incidents could have been much worse and we could have been faced with serious injuries or even fatalities.
Officers would like to speak to anyone who witnessed any of the incidents – which took place in the school Christmas holidays – or who saw any children acting suspiciously in either area between the above times on Saturday 10 December.
PC Jones added: “We’ve made a number of local enquiries into the incident and I would warn students at schools in the area of the potential dangers of playing near the railway and throwing objects at trains. I’d also ask if anyone saw anything suspicious, or if any parents or adults noticed their children acting strangely, to please come forward. Parents and adults must also take responsibility – especially during school holidays – to emphasise the dangers to your children. If you live near the railway, ask yourself if you know where your children are playing or hanging around.”
Anyone with information about the incidents is asked to contact BTP on Freefone 0800 40 50 40, quoting incident reference B6/WWA of 30/12/2011. Or call the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
The trains which suffered damage were the following Chiltern & London Midland services:
13.56 Kidderminster to Dorridge
17.12 Birmingham Snow Hill to London Marylebone
17.33 Birmingham Moor Street to Leamington Spa
17.48 Worcester Shrub Hill to Dorridge
19. 01 Dorridge to Worcester Shrub Hill
29-12-11
Christmas work at Birmingham New Street
The redevelopment of Birmingham New Street station took a major step forward over the Christmas break 2011 as engineers successfully completed several large projects in and around the station. It is now just one year to go until the first phase of the project will complete when a new station concourse opens to passengers.
One of the most challenging pieces of work was the installation of new sections to extend the Navigation Street footbridge at the west end of the station. Working from Christmas Day through to 27 December, engineers used a 700 tonne crane to lift out an old section of the bridge and install the new sections while the station was closed to passengers. When the extended bridge opens at the end of 2012, it will provide access to Platform 12 for the first time and create a new station entrance on Hill Street.
Chris Montgomery, Network Rail project director said: “The work we have completed over the Christmas break represents a major step forward in our exciting plans to rebuild Birmingham New Street for the thousands of passengers who use it every day. Undertaking projects on this scale in the heart of Birmingham city centre represents a huge logistical challenge and we planned the work carefully to minimise disruption to passengers and Christmas shoppers visiting the city centre.”
In addition to the bridge extension, other major work taking place at New Street over the Christmas break included:
* The construction of a tower crane outside the front of the station. The crane will be used through 2012 to construct the new public square opposite the Bullring
* The removal of the old Pallasades link bridge and escalator above Station Street. The removal of the redundant structures is another step towards the construction of the new John Lewis department store which will get underway in 2012.
* Preparatory work on platforms 1-7 to construct the foundations for new public space at the front of the station.
* Construction of new train crew accommodation above Platform 1
Phase 1 of the project will complete at Christmas 2012 when the first half of the new station concourse opens, work will then begin to redevelop the existing station area used by passengers today. The project is set to complete in 2015.
Mike Whitby, Leader of Birmingham City Council commented: “I am delighted that as the year ends we are celebrating another major milestone in the New Street project. Engineers have successfully lifted a new section of bridge into place, and we are determined to bring the project in on-time and on-budget. 2012 promises to be a really exciting year for the station, and I am eagerly looking forward to more announcements that add to Birmingham's reputation as the capital of the region."
New Street station fully reopened for services on the morning of 29 December, when all 11 operational platforms returned to passenger use.
Geoff Inskip, chief executive of Centro, the region’s transport authority, added: “Whilst a lot of the work so far has not been visible to passengers, the installation of this new bridge clearly shows the excellent progress being made towards delivering a bigger, brighter and visually stunning New Street Station - a world class facility the whole West Midlands can be proud of.”
One of the most challenging pieces of work was the installation of new sections to extend the Navigation Street footbridge at the west end of the station. Working from Christmas Day through to 27 December, engineers used a 700 tonne crane to lift out an old section of the bridge and install the new sections while the station was closed to passengers. When the extended bridge opens at the end of 2012, it will provide access to Platform 12 for the first time and create a new station entrance on Hill Street.
Chris Montgomery, Network Rail project director said: “The work we have completed over the Christmas break represents a major step forward in our exciting plans to rebuild Birmingham New Street for the thousands of passengers who use it every day. Undertaking projects on this scale in the heart of Birmingham city centre represents a huge logistical challenge and we planned the work carefully to minimise disruption to passengers and Christmas shoppers visiting the city centre.”
In addition to the bridge extension, other major work taking place at New Street over the Christmas break included:
* The construction of a tower crane outside the front of the station. The crane will be used through 2012 to construct the new public square opposite the Bullring
* The removal of the old Pallasades link bridge and escalator above Station Street. The removal of the redundant structures is another step towards the construction of the new John Lewis department store which will get underway in 2012.
* Preparatory work on platforms 1-7 to construct the foundations for new public space at the front of the station.
* Construction of new train crew accommodation above Platform 1
Phase 1 of the project will complete at Christmas 2012 when the first half of the new station concourse opens, work will then begin to redevelop the existing station area used by passengers today. The project is set to complete in 2015.
Mike Whitby, Leader of Birmingham City Council commented: “I am delighted that as the year ends we are celebrating another major milestone in the New Street project. Engineers have successfully lifted a new section of bridge into place, and we are determined to bring the project in on-time and on-budget. 2012 promises to be a really exciting year for the station, and I am eagerly looking forward to more announcements that add to Birmingham's reputation as the capital of the region."
New Street station fully reopened for services on the morning of 29 December, when all 11 operational platforms returned to passenger use.
Geoff Inskip, chief executive of Centro, the region’s transport authority, added: “Whilst a lot of the work so far has not been visible to passengers, the installation of this new bridge clearly shows the excellent progress being made towards delivering a bigger, brighter and visually stunning New Street Station - a world class facility the whole West Midlands can be proud of.”
29-12-11
Free travel on London Underground at New Year
London Underground are offering free travel from 23.45 on 31 December 2011 until 04.30 on New Years Day. This year the free travel is being sponsored by Diageo GB as part of their responsible drinking campaign for this festive season which includes an advertising campaign across the Tube network.
Diageo GB is sponsoring free travel in London on New Year's Eve for this and the next two years as part of their wider responsible drinking programme which includes the sponsorship of public awareness campaigns to promote responsible drinking and providing support for initiatives to boost safety in the night-time economy.
A number of celebrations will be taking place across the Capital on Saturday night including a spectacular fireworks display on the Southbank organised by the Mayor of London.
Free travel will be available on Tube, Docklands Light Railway and tram services will run all night on New Year's Eve, as well as night buses and 24-hour bus routes as usual. Free travel will also apply to London Overground trains running after 23.45 until last train times.
Boris Johnson, the Mayor of London, said: 'London has a tremendous amount to offer over the festive period, and this fantastic deal will allow partygoers to welcome the New Year in the world's most fantastic city, and still get home cheaply and safely, late into the night.'
Andrew Cowan, Country Director for Diageo GB, said: 'With millions of people expected to head to the Capital to celebrate this New Year's Eve we want to make it that bit easier for people to get home safely.
Diageo GB is sponsoring free travel in London on New Year's Eve for this and the next two years as part of their wider responsible drinking programme which includes the sponsorship of public awareness campaigns to promote responsible drinking and providing support for initiatives to boost safety in the night-time economy.
A number of celebrations will be taking place across the Capital on Saturday night including a spectacular fireworks display on the Southbank organised by the Mayor of London.
Free travel will be available on Tube, Docklands Light Railway and tram services will run all night on New Year's Eve, as well as night buses and 24-hour bus routes as usual. Free travel will also apply to London Overground trains running after 23.45 until last train times.
Boris Johnson, the Mayor of London, said: 'London has a tremendous amount to offer over the festive period, and this fantastic deal will allow partygoers to welcome the New Year in the world's most fantastic city, and still get home cheaply and safely, late into the night.'
Andrew Cowan, Country Director for Diageo GB, said: 'With millions of people expected to head to the Capital to celebrate this New Year's Eve we want to make it that bit easier for people to get home safely.
28-12-11
Faster speeds on London Midland
London Midland passengers will see faster journey times with forthcoming improvements to
infrastructure on two key commuter routes announced at the end of December 2011.
Work to improve the Chase Line, which includes the stations between Walsall, Hednesford, Cannock and Rugeley, will see the line speed increase from 45mph to 75mph. Originally closed to passengers during the Beeching era, passenger services were restored by Centro, Staffordshire and Cannock Chase Councils during the 1990s. It has become an increasingly important commuter service in and out of Birmingham.
At the same time the Wolverhampton to Shrewsbury line which includes stations at Telford and Wellington will undergo improvement works to increase the line speed from 75mph to 90mph.
Both projects are expected to be completed by Spring 2014. Funding for both projects was confirmed recently by Network Rail.
Work to improve the Chase Line, which includes the stations between Walsall, Hednesford, Cannock and Rugeley, will see the line speed increase from 45mph to 75mph. Originally closed to passengers during the Beeching era, passenger services were restored by Centro, Staffordshire and Cannock Chase Councils during the 1990s. It has become an increasingly important commuter service in and out of Birmingham.
At the same time the Wolverhampton to Shrewsbury line which includes stations at Telford and Wellington will undergo improvement works to increase the line speed from 75mph to 90mph.
Both projects are expected to be completed by Spring 2014. Funding for both projects was confirmed recently by Network Rail.
28-12-11
New Reading Platform Layout
Following major engineering works over the Christmas and New Year period, the platform layout at Reading station has totally changed, with some platforms closed, new ones opened and most platforms changing number. The map below shows the new layout. It will be noted that the west facing bay in the middle island platform has been removed and will be filled in. The South West Trains side of the station now has three bay platforms.
The area above the red dotted line is the location where four new platforms 12-15 will be opened in 2013 for West of England services.
The area above the red dotted line is the location where four new platforms 12-15 will be opened in 2013 for West of England services.
28-12-11
Bombardier win new Class 377 'Electrostar' order for Southern
Southern, a part of Govia announced on Wednesday 28 December 2011, that a contract with train
manufacturer Bombardier for 130 new Class 377 Electrostar vehicles to provide more
capacity on its busy network has been confirmed, this is excellent news for passengers on Southern and excellent news for Derby Litchurch Lane Works where the vehicles will be constructed.
The £188.8 million order (of which the UK Government will pay around £80m) will augment Southern’s existing fleet of Electrostars and allow Southern to lengthen trains on some of its busiest Metro routes into Victoria, including routes via Gipsy Hill, Norbury and Hackbridge at the end of 2013. The new trains will be manufactured in Derby with production starting in the latter half of 2012.
Southern opened the competition to build the new trains in September, when it became apparent that the trains Southern had leased to First Capital Connect for its Thameslink programme would not be returned in time for Southern to fulfil its capacity commitments.
There will be a financial competition in the New Year to provide the capital funding for the trains.
Southern Managing Director, Chris Burchell said: “Following a competitive tender process, we found that the Bombardier bid could meet our challenging delivery timetable, was affordable and also offered compatibility with our existing fleet. We are delighted that we have found a way forward that will enable us to provide vitally needed extra capacity for so many of our passengers.”
The exact split of how the new trains will be formed has yet to be confirmed.
The £188.8 million order (of which the UK Government will pay around £80m) will augment Southern’s existing fleet of Electrostars and allow Southern to lengthen trains on some of its busiest Metro routes into Victoria, including routes via Gipsy Hill, Norbury and Hackbridge at the end of 2013. The new trains will be manufactured in Derby with production starting in the latter half of 2012.
Southern opened the competition to build the new trains in September, when it became apparent that the trains Southern had leased to First Capital Connect for its Thameslink programme would not be returned in time for Southern to fulfil its capacity commitments.
There will be a financial competition in the New Year to provide the capital funding for the trains.
Southern Managing Director, Chris Burchell said: “Following a competitive tender process, we found that the Bombardier bid could meet our challenging delivery timetable, was affordable and also offered compatibility with our existing fleet. We are delighted that we have found a way forward that will enable us to provide vitally needed extra capacity for so many of our passengers.”
The exact split of how the new trains will be formed has yet to be confirmed.
27-12-11
ScotRail apprentices scheme scoops National Award
A pioneering ScotRail initiative to develop young talent has scooped the Best Business Newcomer title at the Scottish Modern Apprenticeship Awards 2011.
The prestigious award follows ScotRail last year launching the UK rail industry’s first Modern Apprenticeship in Customer Service.
The £250,000 initiative is designed to both boost business and provide opportunities for young people to enter the challenging jobs market. During 18-month apprenticeships, the 11 Modern Apprentices are each trained, paid and given six-month placements in hands-on roles in ScotRail’s station, on-trains and hospitality departments.
The apprentices, aged between 18 and 22, can gain recognition of their efforts by working towards a Scottish Vocational Qualification in Customer Service and the Gold Duke of Edinburgh’s Award. The scheme’s success has led to enquiries from other UK train operating companies interested in launching similar programmes.
Humza Yousaf, SNP MSP for Glasgow, has praised ScotRail for using the Modern Apprenticeships scheme to “guide young people toward gainful employment”.
In a Scottish Parliament motion, Mr Yousaf asked: “That the Parliament congratulates ScotRail on its modern apprenticeship scheme winning what it considers to be the prestigious Best Business Newcomer title.”
ScotRail has committed to recruiting Modern Apprentices for Customer Service on a regular basis, with an intake planned every 18 months in future.
The 10th annual Scottish Modern Apprenticeship Awards 2011, run by Skills Development Scotland, were held at the Glasgow Science Centre.
The prestigious award follows ScotRail last year launching the UK rail industry’s first Modern Apprenticeship in Customer Service.
The £250,000 initiative is designed to both boost business and provide opportunities for young people to enter the challenging jobs market. During 18-month apprenticeships, the 11 Modern Apprentices are each trained, paid and given six-month placements in hands-on roles in ScotRail’s station, on-trains and hospitality departments.
The apprentices, aged between 18 and 22, can gain recognition of their efforts by working towards a Scottish Vocational Qualification in Customer Service and the Gold Duke of Edinburgh’s Award. The scheme’s success has led to enquiries from other UK train operating companies interested in launching similar programmes.
Humza Yousaf, SNP MSP for Glasgow, has praised ScotRail for using the Modern Apprenticeships scheme to “guide young people toward gainful employment”.
In a Scottish Parliament motion, Mr Yousaf asked: “That the Parliament congratulates ScotRail on its modern apprenticeship scheme winning what it considers to be the prestigious Best Business Newcomer title.”
ScotRail has committed to recruiting Modern Apprentices for Customer Service on a regular basis, with an intake planned every 18 months in future.
The 10th annual Scottish Modern Apprenticeship Awards 2011, run by Skills Development Scotland, were held at the Glasgow Science Centre.
24-12-11
New Class 70s goes into traffic
Less than a week after delivery to the UK, General Electric 'Power Haul' Class 70 No. 70013 entered revenue earning traffic during the evening of 23 December 2011, taking over train 4L82 the Ditton to Felixstowe from Crewe Basford Hall. After working via the West Coast Main Line, North London Line and the Great Eastern route, No. 70013 returned north to Crewe during Christmas Eve powering train 4M87.
Howard Bolton reports that Nos. 70014, 70015 and 70016 were hauled by sister loco 70005 from Crewe to Midland Road, Leeds during the late evening of 23 December 2011. The consist also consisted of a few wagons and Class 66 No. 66570 on the rear.
Howard Bolton reports that Nos. 70014, 70015 and 70016 were hauled by sister loco 70005 from Crewe to Midland Road, Leeds during the late evening of 23 December 2011. The consist also consisted of a few wagons and Class 66 No. 66570 on the rear.
23-12-11
Former Gatwick Express Class 460s confirmed to move to South West Trains
South West Trains passengers are to benefit from longer
peak-time trains and extra services as part of an investment announced by the
Department for Transport (DfT) and South West Trains on 23 December 2011,
which will also create new jobs.
An additional 60 former Class 460 Gatwick Express Alstom 'Juniper' vehicles are being added to the South West Trains fleet. Around 8,000 extra peak-time passengers will be able to travel into London Waterloo every morning as eight car trains are lengthened to run with 10 carriages.
Services from Windsor, Weybridge (via Staines,) and Hounslow (via both Richmond and Brentford) will be lengthened. Two additional Reading-Waterloo trains will run each way, together with an additional morning peak Hounslow-Waterloo service.The additional trains will use platform 20 at the former Waterloo International Terminal, which will come back into use from 2014.
A limited number of mainline trains between London Waterloo and Portsmouth, Southampton and Alton will also be lengthened by cascading rolling stock.
The enhanced services will be delivered through the refurbishment of the 60 former Gatwick Express which will be combined with refurbished Class 458 sets, to increase each four car set to five vehicles.
The additional vehicles will begin arriving from May 2013, with all new services in place by July 2014. Work on the trains, leased through Porterbrook, will be carried out by Alstom, providing a boost to UK-based train engineering. It is also expected to create new jobs at South West Trains.
Andy Pitt, Managing Director of South West Trains, said: “We operate one of the busiest commuter networks in Europe and this will provide extra capacity for the increasing number of people who are choosing to travel by train. We have already significantly increased peak-time suburban and mainline capacity under our franchise. This new investment in longer trains and extra services will bring further much needed extra capacity and will be a huge boost to millions of commuters.
An additional 60 former Class 460 Gatwick Express Alstom 'Juniper' vehicles are being added to the South West Trains fleet. Around 8,000 extra peak-time passengers will be able to travel into London Waterloo every morning as eight car trains are lengthened to run with 10 carriages.
Services from Windsor, Weybridge (via Staines,) and Hounslow (via both Richmond and Brentford) will be lengthened. Two additional Reading-Waterloo trains will run each way, together with an additional morning peak Hounslow-Waterloo service.The additional trains will use platform 20 at the former Waterloo International Terminal, which will come back into use from 2014.
A limited number of mainline trains between London Waterloo and Portsmouth, Southampton and Alton will also be lengthened by cascading rolling stock.
The enhanced services will be delivered through the refurbishment of the 60 former Gatwick Express which will be combined with refurbished Class 458 sets, to increase each four car set to five vehicles.
The additional vehicles will begin arriving from May 2013, with all new services in place by July 2014. Work on the trains, leased through Porterbrook, will be carried out by Alstom, providing a boost to UK-based train engineering. It is also expected to create new jobs at South West Trains.
Andy Pitt, Managing Director of South West Trains, said: “We operate one of the busiest commuter networks in Europe and this will provide extra capacity for the increasing number of people who are choosing to travel by train. We have already significantly increased peak-time suburban and mainline capacity under our franchise. This new investment in longer trains and extra services will bring further much needed extra capacity and will be a huge boost to millions of commuters.
23-12-11
Official opening for £2.2m upgrade of Colchester Station
The Mayor of Colchester Councillor Helen
Chuah officially opened the newly upgraded Colchester North station on 23 December 2011.
The station has been significantly improved by operator National Express East Anglia with investment of £2.2m as part of the National Stations Improvement Programme, and with contributions from Essex County Council and Colchester Borough Council through the Station Travel Plan and Cycle Colchester programmes. The contractor for the improvement works at Colchester was Spencer.
The much improved facilities include:·
* Reinstatement of the former main entrance on the south side of the station
* Provision of a new ticket office and booking hall·
* A new and relocated Customer Service office and new WH Smith shop·
* New, extended canopy on the walkway to Platform 3 and additional waiting shelters
* Improved south side forecourt with better vehicular access
* A new cycle parking facility on the south side and additional parking for cycles on the north side of the station
* Improved signage, lighting and CCTV·
* Improved pedestrian access and parking for taxis, new bus shelters and an electronic information terminal on the north side
Andrew Chivers, Managing Director, National Express East Anglia said: “The completion of this significant and welcome investment in improving customer facilities at Colchester station is the second improvement scheme we have delivered in Essex as part of the National Stations Improvement Programme. At Colchester we have worked to meet our customers’ aspirations for better ticketing facilities, improved access and more cycle parking.”
Councillor Lyn Barton, Portfolio Holder for Renaissance at Colchester Borough Council said: “We are pleased to have worked with our partners to help deliver the fantastic improvements at Colchester station. The Station Travel Plan partnership has been able to pull together different projects to give station users better access to the station. We hope the improvements will encourage station users to consider how they travel to and from the station to help reduce congestion and pollution in Colchester.”
John Slade, Operations Director for Spencer said: “We are proud that thanks to a strong partnership between ourselves and National Express, we have been able to deliver significant improvements to this station whilst it was fully operational. Everyone’s hard work has paid off, with an improved station which will serve the community well. I am sure commuters will appreciate the new look, as well as the extra facilities which mean this much-loved station will be able to cater for the practical needs of any traveller.”
The station has been significantly improved by operator National Express East Anglia with investment of £2.2m as part of the National Stations Improvement Programme, and with contributions from Essex County Council and Colchester Borough Council through the Station Travel Plan and Cycle Colchester programmes. The contractor for the improvement works at Colchester was Spencer.
The much improved facilities include:·
* Reinstatement of the former main entrance on the south side of the station
* Provision of a new ticket office and booking hall·
* A new and relocated Customer Service office and new WH Smith shop·
* New, extended canopy on the walkway to Platform 3 and additional waiting shelters
* Improved south side forecourt with better vehicular access
* A new cycle parking facility on the south side and additional parking for cycles on the north side of the station
* Improved signage, lighting and CCTV·
* Improved pedestrian access and parking for taxis, new bus shelters and an electronic information terminal on the north side
Andrew Chivers, Managing Director, National Express East Anglia said: “The completion of this significant and welcome investment in improving customer facilities at Colchester station is the second improvement scheme we have delivered in Essex as part of the National Stations Improvement Programme. At Colchester we have worked to meet our customers’ aspirations for better ticketing facilities, improved access and more cycle parking.”
Councillor Lyn Barton, Portfolio Holder for Renaissance at Colchester Borough Council said: “We are pleased to have worked with our partners to help deliver the fantastic improvements at Colchester station. The Station Travel Plan partnership has been able to pull together different projects to give station users better access to the station. We hope the improvements will encourage station users to consider how they travel to and from the station to help reduce congestion and pollution in Colchester.”
John Slade, Operations Director for Spencer said: “We are proud that thanks to a strong partnership between ourselves and National Express, we have been able to deliver significant improvements to this station whilst it was fully operational. Everyone’s hard work has paid off, with an improved station which will serve the community well. I am sure commuters will appreciate the new look, as well as the extra facilities which mean this much-loved station will be able to cater for the practical needs of any traveller.”
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23-12-11
Siemens complete first 'Thameslink' bogie
Designs for the new Desiro City train chosen for Thameslink were started back in early 2007. Siemens’ SF7000 bogie is a complex assembly consisting of highly reliable components and subsystems already used in Siemens’ bogies in both the UK and international markets.
The SF7000 is a lighter weight bogie optimised to meet the performance specification and functionality of the UK rail network and the requirements of the Thameslink route. The SF7000 will now start testing at both the Graz plant where it was assembled and at Siemens Wildenrath test centre in Germany, where it will run on dedicated tracks night and day accumulating one million miles of operation before passenger services commence.
The Graz facility is the world's biggest research, development and production centre for bogies. The factory produced the highly reliable Siemens Desiro UK bogies which were designed, manufactured and tested within two years, incorporating many proven features of comparable bogie applications from the international market. Desiro UK trains now operate widely across the United Kingdom and the fleet’s bogies have clocked up over two billion miles of operational service.
Steve Scrimshaw, managing director of Siemens Rail Systems in the UK and North West Europe, said: “This is an important landmark for the Desiro City train and the Thameslink project. The SF7000 bogie is an evolution of the current Desiro UK bogie used on over 350 Desiro UK trains. Siemens committed to manufacturing the first bogie for Thameslink trains by the end of 2011 and this has been successfully achieved. We continue to make good progress on all aspects of the Thameslink project and look forward to reaching contractual and financial close with the UK Government early in 2012.
Modern infrastructure operators and train operating companies demand the incorporation of the latest innovation based on proven technologies into bogie design. This has driven all manufacturers to use modern design and manufacturing techniques to develop bogies with significant reductions in weight. The SF7000 bogie has a welded bogie frame produced using state-of-the art robotic welding technology. The bogie’s lighter weight combined with other features contribute to reduced whole life, whole system costs and improved running behaviour for operators, including less track damage.
At Graz Siemens makes bogies for metros, tram cars, multiple units, high-speed trains and locomotives for markets all over the world. Since 1995, Siemens has built and delivered 33,500 bogies for its customers worldwide. Siemens has invested in the establishment of its own wheelset facility at Graz allowing the company to source axles, wheels, brake disks and other components from various suppliers and assemble the wheelsets itself, rather than relying on the supply chain.
The SF7000 is a lighter weight bogie optimised to meet the performance specification and functionality of the UK rail network and the requirements of the Thameslink route. The SF7000 will now start testing at both the Graz plant where it was assembled and at Siemens Wildenrath test centre in Germany, where it will run on dedicated tracks night and day accumulating one million miles of operation before passenger services commence.
The Graz facility is the world's biggest research, development and production centre for bogies. The factory produced the highly reliable Siemens Desiro UK bogies which were designed, manufactured and tested within two years, incorporating many proven features of comparable bogie applications from the international market. Desiro UK trains now operate widely across the United Kingdom and the fleet’s bogies have clocked up over two billion miles of operational service.
Steve Scrimshaw, managing director of Siemens Rail Systems in the UK and North West Europe, said: “This is an important landmark for the Desiro City train and the Thameslink project. The SF7000 bogie is an evolution of the current Desiro UK bogie used on over 350 Desiro UK trains. Siemens committed to manufacturing the first bogie for Thameslink trains by the end of 2011 and this has been successfully achieved. We continue to make good progress on all aspects of the Thameslink project and look forward to reaching contractual and financial close with the UK Government early in 2012.
Modern infrastructure operators and train operating companies demand the incorporation of the latest innovation based on proven technologies into bogie design. This has driven all manufacturers to use modern design and manufacturing techniques to develop bogies with significant reductions in weight. The SF7000 bogie has a welded bogie frame produced using state-of-the art robotic welding technology. The bogie’s lighter weight combined with other features contribute to reduced whole life, whole system costs and improved running behaviour for operators, including less track damage.
At Graz Siemens makes bogies for metros, tram cars, multiple units, high-speed trains and locomotives for markets all over the world. Since 1995, Siemens has built and delivered 33,500 bogies for its customers worldwide. Siemens has invested in the establishment of its own wheelset facility at Graz allowing the company to source axles, wheels, brake disks and other components from various suppliers and assemble the wheelsets itself, rather than relying on the supply chain.
22-12-11
Edinburgh driver wins Arriva photo competition
An Edinburgh-based Arriva CrossCountry train driver has won a European transport photography competition for his stunning photograph of a passenger train near Ballencrieff.
Stephen Gorman of CrossCountry has won the Arriva Photo of the Year 2011 award for his dramatic image taken looking east towards North Berwick, with North Berwick Law providing stunning background terrain.
His image of the CrossCountry train was judged alongside other finalists’ images from across the Arriva group for the annual award. His eye for a picture has netted him a total of £675 in prizes from Arriva’s photo competition this year.
Stephen, aged 44, is from Gullane, East Lothian. He said: “I can remember that day was very cold and I was standing in a foot and a half of snow to get the photo.”
Stephen has been interested in photography for 20 years, starting after a friend introduced him to the hobby. He favours a Nikon D3 camera, however his winning image was taken with a Nikon D200 with a telephoto lens.
Arriva chief executive, David Martin, said: “The standard of photography that the competition attracts is extremely high. Stephen’s image is a very worthy winner and is testament to his photographic tenacity.”
The competition, open to all 47,500 Arriva employees across 12 countries, receives hundreds of entries every year from staff across Europe.
James Dark of New Transit magazine, which judged the competition, said: "Congratulations to the finalists on your powerful and beautiful pictures. It was no easy task to pick a winner, but for us Stephen's image just stood out.
"We felt that the impression of the train powering through the snow at a time when transport in many parts of the country was at a standstill conveyed the strength of the rail network. And of course the picture captured perfectly the glorious surroundings that can make travelling by train a real joy."
Stephen Gorman of CrossCountry has won the Arriva Photo of the Year 2011 award for his dramatic image taken looking east towards North Berwick, with North Berwick Law providing stunning background terrain.
His image of the CrossCountry train was judged alongside other finalists’ images from across the Arriva group for the annual award. His eye for a picture has netted him a total of £675 in prizes from Arriva’s photo competition this year.
Stephen, aged 44, is from Gullane, East Lothian. He said: “I can remember that day was very cold and I was standing in a foot and a half of snow to get the photo.”
Stephen has been interested in photography for 20 years, starting after a friend introduced him to the hobby. He favours a Nikon D3 camera, however his winning image was taken with a Nikon D200 with a telephoto lens.
Arriva chief executive, David Martin, said: “The standard of photography that the competition attracts is extremely high. Stephen’s image is a very worthy winner and is testament to his photographic tenacity.”
The competition, open to all 47,500 Arriva employees across 12 countries, receives hundreds of entries every year from staff across Europe.
James Dark of New Transit magazine, which judged the competition, said: "Congratulations to the finalists on your powerful and beautiful pictures. It was no easy task to pick a winner, but for us Stephen's image just stood out.
"We felt that the impression of the train powering through the snow at a time when transport in many parts of the country was at a standstill conveyed the strength of the rail network. And of course the picture captured perfectly the glorious surroundings that can make travelling by train a real joy."
22-12-11
ScotRail launches '3D' graphics trial in train toilets
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ScotRail announced on 22 December 2011 that it is trialling the use of ‘3D’ graphics to brighten the look of train toilets.
The walls are being covered with laminated images featuring designs using a 'deceive the eye' technique to give the impression of being in 3D. They have been introduced on a train serving key cities including Aberdeen, Edinburgh, Glasgow and Inverness. The pilot programme will be rolled out on 32 toilets on 16 Class 170 sets. A ScotRail spokesman said: “Although latest National Passenger Surveys show that customer ratings for our train toilets are five percentage points higher than the UK average, we accept there is more work to be done. We are determined to further improve and brighten the overall environment of our train toilets as well as ensure that faults are rectified quickly. If the application is further expanded, it is likely that we will include other designs throughout the toilet areas to enhance their overall appearance.” The ‘3D’ wall covering is thought to be a first-ever in the UK rail industry, but has been used successfully abroad. |
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22-12-11
Sheffield Supertram announces new Managing Director
Stagecoach Supertram has confirmed the appointment of a new Managing Director as well as two new management posts within the business.
The Sheffield tram company has appointed Margaret Kay as its new boss, with immediate effect.
Margaret Kay previously held the role of HR Director at the East Midlands Trains rail franchise. Prior to that she held HR managerial roles with Dixons, Tesco and the London Underground as well as working in Egypt for two years with trading giant Loutfy Mansour.
Margaret Kay said: “I am delighted to be leading the team here at Supertram. Our services play a vital role for the people of Sheffield, carrying more than 44,000 passengers every day. We are determined to keep improving our services and I look forward to working with the team here to drive standards up even further for our customers.
“2012 is going to be a busy year. We will continue to work together to make positive changes for our passengers and we look forward to attracting even more people on to our greener, smarter tram services.”
Stagecoach Group Finance Director Martin Griffiths said: “I would like to welcome Margaret to Supertram and wish her every success in her new role.”
Margaret has already created two new management positions at the company – a Head of Engineering post and a Head of Finance and Commercial position.
Taking on the role of Head of Engineering from 1 January 2012 will be Chris Elliot. Chris also joins Supertram from East Midlands Trains where he led the highly successful £30million train refurbishment programme. He has a wealth of experience in engineering having previously worked for Merseyrail and the Midlands Metro in Birmingham as well as managing the Etches Park train depot in Derby for eight years.
From 30 January 2012, Tim Bilby will become Supertram’s Head of Finance and Commercial. Tim has a diverse career history and joins Supertram from the G4S security group where he was Finance Manager for four years. Tim has previously held a variety of commercial and financial roles including a position at EWS Rail Freight in which he worked alongside Network Rail.
Margaret added: “I am very pleased to welcome both Chris and Tim to the business. I believe they will be a great asset to Supertram and I look forward to working with them both.”
Stagecoach Supertram operates on three tram routes in Sheffield and is used by around 15million passengers each year.
22-12-11
First Hull Trains launches complimentary first class food
First Hull Trains has launched its new, complimentary menu for first class passengers on-board its Hull to London services.
The new menu offers a fresh variety of dishes, ranging from delectable breakfast choices such as smoked salmon and cream cheese bagels and hot bacon paninis, to a varied dinner menu boasting succulent beef stew, mushrooms melts and much more.
Initial reactions to the new choices available have been very positive, especially the new hot dishes which are welcomed by passengers as the winter weather continues.
David Townend, sales and marketing manager, said: “At First Hull Trains, we believe that it important to frequently update our on-board menus to ensure that we are providing customers with the best possible service throughout the year. The menu has been designed to make sure that there is something to suit every passenger’s taste available”
The new menu offers a fresh variety of dishes, ranging from delectable breakfast choices such as smoked salmon and cream cheese bagels and hot bacon paninis, to a varied dinner menu boasting succulent beef stew, mushrooms melts and much more.
Initial reactions to the new choices available have been very positive, especially the new hot dishes which are welcomed by passengers as the winter weather continues.
David Townend, sales and marketing manager, said: “At First Hull Trains, we believe that it important to frequently update our on-board menus to ensure that we are providing customers with the best possible service throughout the year. The menu has been designed to make sure that there is something to suit every passenger’s taste available”
21-12-11
Christmas No. 1 for rail operator c2c
It’s A Christmas Number 1 for c2c, as they are named the most punctual train operator over the last 12 months with 96.3% trains on-time
Pop tribute band 'Poprokits' will play 70s Hits at London Fenchurch Street on Thursday 22 November 2011 as National Express train operator c2c celebrate their own 'Christmas Number 1' in once again topping the annual punctuality chart.
Official rail industry figures released on 21 November reveal that East London and Essex train operator c2c has achieved 96.3% of trains on time for the year up to 10 December 2011 - making c2c the best performing franchised train operator in Britain over the past 12 months.
Julian Drury c2c’s Managing Director said: “I can’t think of a better way for the c2c team to celebrate the festive season than with a Christmas number one. c2c are once again in first position amongst UK franchised train operators with a moving annual average punctuality of 96.3%. I would like to say a big thank you to the c2c team for their dedicated efforts and congratulate them on reaching the number one spot for 2011.”
12-12-11
Crossrail tunnelling to commence in March 2012 from Royal Oak, Paddington
The first Crossrail tunnel boring machine (TBM) has come off the production line and will shortly be transported to London
Europe’s largest construction project has unveiled the first of eight, 1,000 tonne tunnel boring machines (TBM) that will construct the new Crossrail tunnels under central London.
The 140 metre long, fully assembled tunnel boring machine (TBM) is currently undergoing factory testing. The machine will shortly be dismantled and shipped to London where it will be re-assembled at Westbourne Park ahead of tunnelling commencing from Royal Oak in March 2012.
To construct the 21km of twin-bore tunnel required for Crossrail, eight tunnel boring machines will be required and will undertake ten individual tunnel drives to construct the 6.2m diameter tunnels. At 140 metres, each TBM would just fit just inside the boundaries of a cricket oval.
The TBMs will bore the tunnelled section of the 118 kilometre rail line that will link Maidenhead and Heathrow in the west with Shenfield and Abbey Wood in the east. When completed, Crossrail will bring an extra 1.5 million people within 45 minutes journey of London and reduce cross London journey times.
The TBMs will run 24 hours a day, 7 days a week stopping only for scheduled maintenance.
As the TBMs advance forward, precast concrete segments will be built in rings behind the TBMs. Construction of the concrete segment factory for the western running tunnels between Royal Oak and Farringdon is now complete at Old Oak Common. The plant will begin manufacturing over 70,000 segments for the western tunnels from January.
Chris Dulake, Crossrail’s Chief Engineer said: “Crossrail tunnelling will get underway in March 2012 when the first of eight tunnel boring machines will begin burrowing below the streets of London. Work is continuing across the Crossrail route to prepare for construction of the major new rail tunnels. The new Tunnelling and Underground Construction Academy has welcomed its first students and will train at least 3,500 people with the skills required to work below ground while the first of the tunnel segment manufacturing plants will shortly commence full operations.”
The eight Crossrail TBMs are being manufactured by Herrenknecht AG, Germany who also manufactured tunnel boring machines for the Jubilee Line Extension and the Docklands Light Railway (DLR) Extension to Bank.
Following the launch of the first TBM in March 2012, a second TBM will be launched from Royal Oak a few weeks later. The remaining TBMs will be launched from Limmo Peninsula in the Royal Docks heading towards Farringdon in late 2012; from Pudding Mill Lane and Plumstead in 2013 and from Limmo Peninsula to Victoria Dock in 2014.
12-12-11
Northern Welcomes extra Carriages
From Monday 12 December, passengers through Norther Rails five major urban centres will see more seats on peak time trains as 50 additional carriages are introduced.
The carriages are the result of the Department for Transport’s rolling stock programme, which has secured a total of 60 additional carriages for Northern, meaning more seats on 20% of peak time trains - benefitting Manchester, Leeds, Liverpool, Sheffield and Newcastle.
Ian Bevan, Managing Director of Northern, and Cllr Andrew Fender, Chair of the Transport for Greater Manchester Committee, welcomed the 07.13 Leeds to Manchester Victoria train, arriving in at 08.53 with 111 additional seats.
Ian said: “Overcrowding has been one of the biggest challenges we have faced and one of the biggest causes of complaint for our passengers. Thanks to the additional carriages we will be providing 2.2million extra seats per year during the peak hours. We know that these extra carriages will not eradicate overcrowding, but will certainly provide significantly improved journeys for our customers from their introduction this morning.”
Rail Minister Theresa Villiers said: “These extra carriages are great news for passengers. The Government is determined to tackle overcrowding and provide better, more comfortable journeys, which is why we are funding this extra capacity.
“We are now embarked on one of the biggest programmes of rail capacity expansion since the Victorian era. In total we plan to introduce 2,700 new rail carriages on to the network by May 2019. These vital improvements will support economic growth and make life better for passengers.”
Councillor Andrew Fender, Chair of the Transport for Greater Manchester Committee, says: “This rolling stock will certainly help to ease overcrowding on some key services, which is good news for commuters. TfGM has worked closely with Government and Northern to secure this extra capacity, and our local MPs have also played an important role."
To manage the maintenance requirements of the enhanced Northern fleet, Northern have worked with Network Rail to reopen Allerton depot in Merseyside.
The carriages are the result of the Department for Transport’s rolling stock programme, which has secured a total of 60 additional carriages for Northern, meaning more seats on 20% of peak time trains - benefitting Manchester, Leeds, Liverpool, Sheffield and Newcastle.
Ian Bevan, Managing Director of Northern, and Cllr Andrew Fender, Chair of the Transport for Greater Manchester Committee, welcomed the 07.13 Leeds to Manchester Victoria train, arriving in at 08.53 with 111 additional seats.
Ian said: “Overcrowding has been one of the biggest challenges we have faced and one of the biggest causes of complaint for our passengers. Thanks to the additional carriages we will be providing 2.2million extra seats per year during the peak hours. We know that these extra carriages will not eradicate overcrowding, but will certainly provide significantly improved journeys for our customers from their introduction this morning.”
Rail Minister Theresa Villiers said: “These extra carriages are great news for passengers. The Government is determined to tackle overcrowding and provide better, more comfortable journeys, which is why we are funding this extra capacity.
“We are now embarked on one of the biggest programmes of rail capacity expansion since the Victorian era. In total we plan to introduce 2,700 new rail carriages on to the network by May 2019. These vital improvements will support economic growth and make life better for passengers.”
Councillor Andrew Fender, Chair of the Transport for Greater Manchester Committee, says: “This rolling stock will certainly help to ease overcrowding on some key services, which is good news for commuters. TfGM has worked closely with Government and Northern to secure this extra capacity, and our local MPs have also played an important role."
To manage the maintenance requirements of the enhanced Northern fleet, Northern have worked with Network Rail to reopen Allerton depot in Merseyside.