International Railway News from respected sources..GOV.UK (Department for Transport)
Passengers to benefit from Olympic boost to services
Plans to make it easier for train operators to adjust timetables and better serve passengers when dealing with music and sporting events.
Music lovers and sports fans travelling to gigs and games will benefit from more convenient train services under plans to make it easier for operators to offer more flexible timetables, Transport Minister Norman Baker announced today.
The changes, which are being introduced after a successful trial during the London 2012 Games, will mean that on special occasions train operators will be able to adjust a small portion of the timetable to better serve passengers without seeking permission from the government.
Transport Minister Norman Baker said:
Train operators will be allowed to adjust up to 30% of their timetabled services for special occasions, ensuring that more frequent passengers are still able to enjoy regular services.
The Transport Secretary will retain discretion over all timetable changes and the new measures and passenger benefits gained will be reviewed within the next 12 months.
The changes, which are being introduced after a successful trial during the London 2012 Games, will mean that on special occasions train operators will be able to adjust a small portion of the timetable to better serve passengers without seeking permission from the government.
Transport Minister Norman Baker said:
The Olympic Games were a massive success and proved our transport system was able to successfully carry record numbers of passengers. We helped train operators cope with the changing demand by giving them more flexibility to give passengers the services they needed.Michael Roberts, Chief Executive of the Association of Train Operating Companies (ATOC), said:
This has proved such an unqualified success that we have decided to permanently cut the red tape involved in adjusting small portions of the timetable. The changes give train companies the opportunity to ensure passengers are able to plan ahead to ensure they make it to their football matches and concerts and back home again on time.
This is good news for passengers. Train companies have been seeking greater freedom to adapt their timetables to suit the needs of their customers and this move will be a big boost for people wanting to enjoy many special events across the country.The changes enable operators in England to adapt their timetables to cater for events in the calendar year when changes in passenger demand are expected to be significantly different – such as during sporting and cultural events or during school holidays.
Train operators will be allowed to adjust up to 30% of their timetabled services for special occasions, ensuring that more frequent passengers are still able to enjoy regular services.
The Transport Secretary will retain discretion over all timetable changes and the new measures and passenger benefits gained will be reviewed within the next 12 months.
ATOC
Train companies welcome greater freedom to plan services
21/11/2012Train companies have welcomed plans to make it easier for them to adjust timetables and better serve passengers when dealing with music and sporting events.
The changes, which are being introduced after a successful trial during the London 2012 Games, will mean that on special occasions train operators will be able to adjust a small portion of the timetable to better serve passengers without seeking permission from the government.
Michael Roberts, Chief Executive of the Association of Train Operating Companies (ATOC), said: "This is good news for passengers. Train companies have been seeking greater freedom to adapt their timetables to suit the needs of their customers and this move will be a big boost for people wanting to enjoy many special events across the country."
Transport Minister Norman Baker said: "The Olympic Games were a massive success and proved our transport system was able to successfully carry record numbers of passengers. We helped train operators cope with the changing demand by giving them more flexibility to give passengers the services they needed.
"This has proved such an unqualified success that we have decided to permanently cut the red tape involved in adjusting small portions of the timetable. The changes give train companies the opportunity to ensure passengers are able to plan ahead to ensure they make it to their football matches and concerts and back home again on time."
The changes enable operators in England to adapt their timetables to cater for events in the calendar year when changes in passenger demand are expected to be significantly different - such as during sporting and cultural events or during school holidays.
Train operators will be allowed to adjust up to 30% of their timetabled services for special occasions, ensuring that more frequent passengers are still able to enjoy regular services.
For more information and to view the Department for Transport's press release, click here.
Network Rail
Network Rail appoints new public interest director to its board.
Michael O’Higgins, former chairman of the Audit Commission and current chairman of The Pensions Regulator, has been appointed to Network Rail’s board as a non-executive director.
Richard Parry-Jones, chairman, Network Rail, said: “Our goal at Network Rail is to provide outstanding stewardship of our nation's rail infrastructure and operate it with the levels of safety, punctuality and efficiency that delight our growing numbers of customers and satisfy the country's taxpayers who help fund the business. Michael will be a tremendous asset, bringing with him decades of business experience and public sector expertise and will work with the board to see best value being realised and delivered.
International Railway Journal
ZAMBIA Railways Limited (ZRL) has appointed a new CEO and launched a three-year programme of reforms and rehabilitation with the aim of reversing the decline of one of southern Africa's largest railways.
Michael O’Higgins said: “Network Rail is an important company delivering billions of pounds of investment every year for the benefit of not only the railway’s four million daily users, but for the economic prosperity of the country as a whole. It plays a vital public service role and in my new position, I hope to add further reassurance to all of us that the company is doing the best job it can as the steward of this strategic national asset.”
Network Rail receives most of its income either via direct government grant or from passengers through fares, and has a natural accountability to the public as a result. As part of the company’s governance reforms, supported by its members (the company’s equivalent to shareholders) and government, it was agreed to appoint a new director with a particular skill set to help intensify the focus on serving the public interest. By appointing Michael to this position, the boards' ability to serve the interest of the public helping to ensure that the company is wisely spending its taxpayer-funded income and delivering good value for money will be further strengthened.
Mr O’Higgins was appointed by the board on Wednesday (21st November) and will join immediately. His position will need to be ratified by Network Rail’s members at the July 2013 AGM.
International Railway Journal
ZAMBIA Railways Limited (ZRL) has appointed a new CEO and launched a three-year programme of reforms and rehabilitation with the aim of reversing the decline of one of southern Africa's largest railways.
HUNGARIAN State Railways passenger unit MÁV Start and Györ Sopron Ebenfurth Railway (GySEV) issued a joint invitation to tender on November 20 for a contract to supply 48 25kV ac emus.
SWISS Federal Railways (SBB) has appointed Siemens to equip 230 rail vehicles operated by SBB Passenger, SBB Cargo, RegionAlps, Ferrovienord and SBB Infrastructure with onboard ETCS equipment.
THE long-awaited launch on December 9 of Fyra high-speed services between Amsterdam and Brussels using AnsaldoBreda V250 trains may be delayed.
www.progressiverailroading.com US Railroad News
Georgia to provide more funds for Savannah Harbor expansion
Santa Clara VTA proposes extending light rail to Los Gatos
CSX should remove three abandoned bridges in New York, Sen. Schumer says; Demolition plans are in play, Class I says
Valley Metro's October ridership broke record
Post-Hurricane Sandy update: MTA offers free shuttle service to Rockaway Peninsula
KCSM seeks to serve more Mexican industrial parks
SEDA-COG rail authority reviewed bridge replacement project at public meeting
Rail supplier updates from Siemens, Ansaldo STS, Kelso and GATX (Nov. 21)
www.railway-technology.com Updates
Santa Clara VTA to extend Vasona light rail to Los Gatos The move is part of the Vasona light rail project, which has already extended the light rail service from downtown San Jose to Campbell.
Morgan Sindall wins North Doncaster Chord project from Network Rail
Morgan Sindall has won a £20m contract from Network Rail to work on the North Doncaster Chord project, which is expected to eliminate a critical bottleneck from the East Coast Main Line (ECML) in the UK.
Huawei to bid for rail telecommunications studies
China-based Huawei and the European Railway Agency (ERA), along with two other companies, have signed a framework service contract to bid for several collaborative studies, which include an investigation into future rail telecommunication systems.
QR National completes $125m rail upgrade in Western Australia
Australian rail operator QR National has completed a $125m rail upgrade of its depot and rolling stock in Esperance, Western Australia.
SAVE THE DATE
www.progressiverailroading.com US Railroad News
Georgia to provide more funds for Savannah Harbor expansion
Santa Clara VTA proposes extending light rail to Los Gatos
CSX should remove three abandoned bridges in New York, Sen. Schumer says; Demolition plans are in play, Class I says
Valley Metro's October ridership broke record
Post-Hurricane Sandy update: MTA offers free shuttle service to Rockaway Peninsula
KCSM seeks to serve more Mexican industrial parks
SEDA-COG rail authority reviewed bridge replacement project at public meeting
Rail supplier updates from Siemens, Ansaldo STS, Kelso and GATX (Nov. 21)
www.railway-technology.com Updates
Santa Clara VTA to extend Vasona light rail to Los Gatos The move is part of the Vasona light rail project, which has already extended the light rail service from downtown San Jose to Campbell.
Morgan Sindall wins North Doncaster Chord project from Network Rail
Morgan Sindall has won a £20m contract from Network Rail to work on the North Doncaster Chord project, which is expected to eliminate a critical bottleneck from the East Coast Main Line (ECML) in the UK.
Huawei to bid for rail telecommunications studies
China-based Huawei and the European Railway Agency (ERA), along with two other companies, have signed a framework service contract to bid for several collaborative studies, which include an investigation into future rail telecommunication systems.
QR National completes $125m rail upgrade in Western Australia
Australian rail operator QR National has completed a $125m rail upgrade of its depot and rolling stock in Esperance, Western Australia.
SAVE THE DATE
Fourth Railway Package:Effects on small and peripheral Member States
Monday, 21 January 201318:30 -20:30
Hotel Renaissance
Rue du Parnasse 19 - 1000 Brussels
Hotel Renaissance
Rue du Parnasse 19 - 1000 Brussels
By the end of 2012 the European Commission should have adopted the Fourth Railway Package. This event in January 2013 will offer a unique opportunity to hear first reactions and views from the Irish Presidency and from other important stakeholders.
The event will also focus on the needs and views of smaller and more peripheral Member States while offering views of new entrants and incumbent companies, operating both in countries with holding company models and in countries with full separation.
Participants will be invited to continue discussions at an informal cocktail.
Venue: Hotel Renaissance, Rue du Parnasse 19, 1000 - Bruxelles
Timing: Monday, 21 January 2013, 18:30 – 20:30
Contact: If you already wish to register, please send an e-mail to events@cer.be.
Should you need more information, please contact: Agnese Danelon (Agnese.Danelon@cer.be /+32 (0)2 213 08 66)
Plus......
The event will also focus on the needs and views of smaller and more peripheral Member States while offering views of new entrants and incumbent companies, operating both in countries with holding company models and in countries with full separation.
Participants will be invited to continue discussions at an informal cocktail.
Venue: Hotel Renaissance, Rue du Parnasse 19, 1000 - Bruxelles
Timing: Monday, 21 January 2013, 18:30 – 20:30
Contact: If you already wish to register, please send an e-mail to events@cer.be.
Should you need more information, please contact: Agnese Danelon (Agnese.Danelon@cer.be /+32 (0)2 213 08 66)
Plus......
Includes the atmospheric 1963 film "Snow"
Includes the Westminster Hall debate on the Thameslink and Crossrail projects....
Watch the proceedings here.......
Private Members’ Debate: Thameslink and Crossrail contracts - Chris Williamson
World Heritage & Railway News
Read about the world's longest chocolate train...
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