March 31, 2012
70013 on The Winter Cumbrian Mountain Express 31/3/12 (Stephen G Thompson on Steam Tube). 31st March 2012
70013 Oliver Cromwell hauled the last Winter Cumbrian Mountain Express of 2012 operated by The Railway Touring Company . 70013 took over the tour at Carnforth and headed for Carlisle over Shap and back to Farington Junction via the Settle and Carlisle line . The Brit is first seen running about an hour down near Greenholme and Scout Green . The return leg sees 70013 at Barron Wood and running only about twenty mins late. Thanks to all involved with the tour and Stu , Idris and Leon for updates (Stephen G Thompson)
Boris driverless trains are no such thing (Christian Wolmar) 31st March 2012
This week has seen the Mayor once again pushing one of his big ideas for re-election: driverless Tubes, bringing with them not just a more high-tech underground but an almighty confrontation with the Tube unions. In the midst of endless wrangles with the unions over Olympic bonuses, Boris Johnson might imagine that’s a popular gesture with voters. Yet he is both dead right and completely wrong about “driverless” trains.
Driverless is a misnomer. Such trains would be operated by a central computer, overseen by human controllers. There are already dozens of metro systems around the world which use such trains. In Copenhagen, for example, the computer controls everything centrally from the running of the trains to the opening of the doors, with just a handful of operators in the control centre – but nevertheless, with stewards on every train.
In London we already have two versions of “driverless” trains. On the Victoria, Jubilee and Central Lines, under the Automatic Train Operation system (ATO), the driver operates only the doors at stations – and can also drive the train or stop it in an emergency.
Meanwhile on the Docklands Light Railway, there is no “driver” but a “train captain” able to take over the operation if there is a problem. The DLR can work like that because it operates at lower speed than the Underground, and its one major tunnel section has a walkway alongside for easy evacuation.
Continue reading here....
"an excellent history of the usage of railway lines in conflict" - The Telegraph- Find out more
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The cry for bigger heavier lorries never stops (Freight on Rail) 31st March 2012
Article courtesy Freight on Rail
The road haulage industry continue to lobby for bigger heavier lorries despite the fact that it is hard to understand why larger lorries are justified when they do not fill existing sized lorries. In fact, the Government own figures show that almost half of lorries are not constrained by weight or volume and round 27% of lorries are driving around completely empty. Despite this the Government gave the go-ahead for 2 metre longer lorries on the grounds that the measure would lead to more efficiency and reduce pollution even though there is no evidence that previous increases in lorry dimensions led to HGVs carrying more per journey or national reductions in HGV traffic 1.
The reality is that the 2 metre increase in lorry length and 17% increase in trailer length will become the standard lorry on UK roads. Statistics show that hauliers tend to buy the largest vehicle permitted and use it for large and small loads, irrespective of the impact on efficiency and consolidation.
The Government assessments significantly under-estimated the safety, road congestion and environmental impacts of longer lorries on society and the economy and put certain lorry industry interests ahead of road safety and carbon reduction. While big logistics operators and their customers will undoubtedly be able to make use of the extra volume and will be able therefore to increase their efficiency, (typically operators tied to supermarket logistics), who lobbied Government for this increase, the bulk 2 of freight operators and users are not big companies or big hauliers, and these will lose out by having to buy and run new longer vehicles for general use, mostly not utilizing the extra capacity. In fact only 41 of the 318 responses to the DfT consultation supported the increased 2 metre length.
In terms of infrastructure costs, the increased repair and maintenance costs to local authorities, which manage 98% of road network in terms of miles, have not been taken into account. The bridge strengthening exercise to cater for the existing 40/44 tonners, funded by the public, is still not completed.
In order to justify the bigger lorries the DfT research concluded that the 2 metre longer HGV would not be any more dangerous than existing HGVs per mile driven by ruling out any impacts of longer lorries from most collisions and ignoring the effect of the increased tail swing and larger blind spots when turning. In fact the DfT research has not evaluated how this longer HGV would behave in urban areas on tight right and left hand turns at all. Our urban road geometry is not designed for these longer HGVs which will have inferior manoeuvrability to existing HGVs.
Elements of the road haulage industry continue to lobby hard for mega trucks, despite public opposition and a weak argument when all the external costs including congestion are taken into account. The proponents’ case is predicated on mega trucks, which would be fifty per cent longer and a third heavier than existing trucks, delivering a significant reduction in vehicle kilometres. The assumptions for safety and environmental improvement depend entirely on the prediction of a dramatic reduction in vehicles kilometres on the premise that 2 mega trucks would replace 3 HGVs. However, their calculations ignore the dynamic effects in terms of distorting the intermodal competition which would significantly increase the demand for road freight and undermine sustainable alternatives. They are also derived from very high levels of load utilisation – in excess of that routinely achieved within the haulage sector. So until there is a rational basis for all existing HGVs to be used more efficiently it is questionable how assumptions can be made that mega trucks which the European Commission admit will be more dangerous than existing HGVs, will have higher utilisation than existing HGVs.
However, the European Transport Commissioner intends to impose a new interpretation of the directive controlling weights and dimensions of HGVs without consulting the Parliament or the Council of Ministers to allow cross border traffic between member states of mega trucks of 25 metres between consenting countries. and would be a sudden change of view from Commission who as recently as Dec 2011 said that cross border traffic of mega trucks was not legal. This undemocratic approach would also mean that the Commission was ignoring its own consultation which only closed on 27th February. The new interpretation would reverse the previous legal services interpretation, reconfirmed as recently as December 2011 and contradict the consistently strong view of the Commission that cross border traffic is illegal and that any legislative change could only take place after thorough impact analysis (ie research to establish the likely impacts of this change of policy)
However, it this international traffic is permitted, it will be difficult for the Government to resist pressure from the road haulage industry to allow them to come to the UK, despite its claims to the contrary.
The road haulage industry continue to lobby for bigger heavier lorries despite the fact that it is hard to understand why larger lorries are justified when they do not fill existing sized lorries. In fact, the Government own figures show that almost half of lorries are not constrained by weight or volume and round 27% of lorries are driving around completely empty. Despite this the Government gave the go-ahead for 2 metre longer lorries on the grounds that the measure would lead to more efficiency and reduce pollution even though there is no evidence that previous increases in lorry dimensions led to HGVs carrying more per journey or national reductions in HGV traffic 1.
The reality is that the 2 metre increase in lorry length and 17% increase in trailer length will become the standard lorry on UK roads. Statistics show that hauliers tend to buy the largest vehicle permitted and use it for large and small loads, irrespective of the impact on efficiency and consolidation.
The Government assessments significantly under-estimated the safety, road congestion and environmental impacts of longer lorries on society and the economy and put certain lorry industry interests ahead of road safety and carbon reduction. While big logistics operators and their customers will undoubtedly be able to make use of the extra volume and will be able therefore to increase their efficiency, (typically operators tied to supermarket logistics), who lobbied Government for this increase, the bulk 2 of freight operators and users are not big companies or big hauliers, and these will lose out by having to buy and run new longer vehicles for general use, mostly not utilizing the extra capacity. In fact only 41 of the 318 responses to the DfT consultation supported the increased 2 metre length.
In terms of infrastructure costs, the increased repair and maintenance costs to local authorities, which manage 98% of road network in terms of miles, have not been taken into account. The bridge strengthening exercise to cater for the existing 40/44 tonners, funded by the public, is still not completed.
In order to justify the bigger lorries the DfT research concluded that the 2 metre longer HGV would not be any more dangerous than existing HGVs per mile driven by ruling out any impacts of longer lorries from most collisions and ignoring the effect of the increased tail swing and larger blind spots when turning. In fact the DfT research has not evaluated how this longer HGV would behave in urban areas on tight right and left hand turns at all. Our urban road geometry is not designed for these longer HGVs which will have inferior manoeuvrability to existing HGVs.
Elements of the road haulage industry continue to lobby hard for mega trucks, despite public opposition and a weak argument when all the external costs including congestion are taken into account. The proponents’ case is predicated on mega trucks, which would be fifty per cent longer and a third heavier than existing trucks, delivering a significant reduction in vehicle kilometres. The assumptions for safety and environmental improvement depend entirely on the prediction of a dramatic reduction in vehicles kilometres on the premise that 2 mega trucks would replace 3 HGVs. However, their calculations ignore the dynamic effects in terms of distorting the intermodal competition which would significantly increase the demand for road freight and undermine sustainable alternatives. They are also derived from very high levels of load utilisation – in excess of that routinely achieved within the haulage sector. So until there is a rational basis for all existing HGVs to be used more efficiently it is questionable how assumptions can be made that mega trucks which the European Commission admit will be more dangerous than existing HGVs, will have higher utilisation than existing HGVs.
However, the European Transport Commissioner intends to impose a new interpretation of the directive controlling weights and dimensions of HGVs without consulting the Parliament or the Council of Ministers to allow cross border traffic between member states of mega trucks of 25 metres between consenting countries. and would be a sudden change of view from Commission who as recently as Dec 2011 said that cross border traffic of mega trucks was not legal. This undemocratic approach would also mean that the Commission was ignoring its own consultation which only closed on 27th February. The new interpretation would reverse the previous legal services interpretation, reconfirmed as recently as December 2011 and contradict the consistently strong view of the Commission that cross border traffic is illegal and that any legislative change could only take place after thorough impact analysis (ie research to establish the likely impacts of this change of policy)
However, it this international traffic is permitted, it will be difficult for the Government to resist pressure from the road haulage industry to allow them to come to the UK, despite its claims to the contrary.
1. For a review of recent relevant statistics see Freight Update, MTRU, November 2010,
2. Lorry fleets of 10 or less vehicles make up almost half lorry fleet in UK Source Vehicle and Operator Services
Agency
Agency
63 Days to Railfest 2012! 31st March 2012
63
On 10/01/1863. Metropolitan Railway opens from Paddington to Farringdon Street.
Read ,and see, how the Crossrail project is developing.......
March 30, 2012
Alstom WebTV....................Latest Edition.... 30th March 2012
Video Summary
Alstom Grid presents the Blackout team - Denmark rejuvenates its rail network - Vadodara Hydro site: a success story - C02 capture: all is revealed - Bonus: Le Havre welcomes the CitadisBombardier Wins Order to Supply TWINDEXX Vario Double-deck Multiple Unit Trains for Northern Germany(Bombardier) 30th March 2012
Bombardier Wins Order to Supply TWINDEXX Vario Double-deck Multiple Unit Trains for Northern Germany
First call-off by Deutsche Bahn of variable double-deck multiple units for regional transport
Bombardier Transportation will deliver 16 BOMBARDIER TWINDEXX Vario multiple units to Deutsche Bahn AG (DB AG) for operation on the Kiel-Hamburg and Flensburg-Hamburg railway lines. DB AG was awarded a contract to operate services on these regional lines in a Europe-wide tender process. The order is valued at approximately 160 million euro ($208 million US) and is part of a framework agreement between Bombardier and DB AG from December 2008. DB AG has already ordered 135 of the variable double-deck coaches for intercity transport as well as 18 intermediate coaches and three double-deck power cars for regional services.
Each of the 16 new four-car TWINDEXX Vario trains comprises two double-deck power cars and two intermediate coaches. The new trains will operate on the network LVS Schleswig-Holstein with speeds of up to 160 km/h. The trains are due to be delivered in the second half of 2014.
With high-floor entry and LVS’ new interior design, the trains offer improved passenger comfort including more legroom and large storage spaces for luggage and bicycles. Wide doors allow passengers to enter and exit the trains quickly, especially during peak travel times. The centre buffer coupling enables double traction operation, allowing seamless travel without the need for passengers to change trains in Neumünster. The trains’ single car concept means they can be lengthened or shortened easily to meet varying passenger demand.
“Bombardier’s innovative TWINDEXX Vario trains have proven themselves over many years of service,” said Michael Clausecker, Chairman of the Management Board, Bombardier Transportation Germany. “With this order, we will be supplying Deutsche Bahn with the 2,000th of these modern double-deck coaches. Their variability in length, configuration and interior design is one of the key reasons for our trains’ great success. We are delighted that they will continue to form the backbone of modern and efficient public transportation in northern Germany.”
The TWINDEXX Vario power cars are equipped with the reliable and energy efficient BOMBARDIER MITRAC 1000 propulsion and control system. One of the advantages of this system is that it allows trains to accelerate quickly to an optimum speed. The double-deck coaches are built at Bombardier's Görlitz plant in Germany. The bogies are manufactured at its site in Siegen, Germany, and the propulsion and control system is manufactured at its site in Västerås, Sweden.
Bombardier double-deck trains move millions of passengers on local and regional rail networks each day in countries including Germany, Switzerland, Denmark, Belgium, Luxembourg, Poland, Israel and the United States.
About Bombardier Transportation Bombardier Transportation, a global leader in rail technology, offers the broadest portfolio in the rail industry and delivers innovative products and services that set new standards in sustainable mobility. BOMBARDIER ECO4 technologies – built on the four cornerstones of energy, efficiency, economy and ecology – conserve energy, protect the environment and help to improve total train performance. Bombardier Transportation is headquartered in Berlin, Germany and has a very diverse customer base with products or services in more than 60 countries. It has an installed base of over 100,000 vehicles worldwide.
The Crossrail Project.........Latest News. 30th March 2012
Major Moorgate development application approved
Plans submitted by Crossrail and Aviva Investors for a commercial and retail development above the new Crossrail Liverpool Street Station western ticket hall shaft at 101 Moorgate have been given the go ahead by the Corporation of London.
Read More
Tuesday 27th March 2012
Canary Wharf Crossrail station works completed ahead of schedule
Canary Wharf Group plc has completed construction of Canary Wharf Crossrail station’s platform level five months ahead of schedule, making it ready to receive the two giant eastern tunnel boring machines in 2013.
Read More
Monday 26th March 2012
World Railway News 30th March 2012
www.railway-technology.com
Bombardier to deliver 300 subway cars to New York's MTABombardier has won a $600m contract from New York's Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) to build 300 new subway cars.
DMRC to start Faridabad section of Delhi MetroDelhi Metro Rail (DMRC) of India has started work on the 14-km Badarpur to YMCA Chowk (Faridabad) corridor, as part of the city's metro rail expansion.
Network Rail signs ETCS framework agreementNetwork Rail (NR) has signed a framework agreement with Ansaldo, Infrasig, Invensys Rail and Signalling Solutions for the development and design of a new European Train Control System (ETCS) for use in the UK.
ADB extends loan for Bangalore metro project in IndiaThe Asian Development Bank (ADB) has signed an agreement to extend $250m to Bangalore Metro Rail (BMRCL) to partly-finance a metro rail project in the Indian city.
www.progressiverailroading.com
US Railroad News
Boxer: Keep pressure on House to pass Senate’s surface transportation bill
U.S. intermodal volume remains up, carload traffic remains down, AAR says
Lease agreement clears path for new NS intermodal terminal at Charlotte airport
Caltrain officials applaud MOU to modernize train system
UP, Missouri DOT launch construction on Osage River bridge
Work to resume on Chicago-to-St. Louis high-speed corridor
Cleveland port wins St. Lawrence Seaway agency's Pacesetter award
March 30: Updates from Bombardier, Hanson Professional, T-Mobile, CANARAIL and VTG
Bombardier to deliver 300 subway cars to New York's MTABombardier has won a $600m contract from New York's Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) to build 300 new subway cars.
DMRC to start Faridabad section of Delhi MetroDelhi Metro Rail (DMRC) of India has started work on the 14-km Badarpur to YMCA Chowk (Faridabad) corridor, as part of the city's metro rail expansion.
Network Rail signs ETCS framework agreementNetwork Rail (NR) has signed a framework agreement with Ansaldo, Infrasig, Invensys Rail and Signalling Solutions for the development and design of a new European Train Control System (ETCS) for use in the UK.
ADB extends loan for Bangalore metro project in IndiaThe Asian Development Bank (ADB) has signed an agreement to extend $250m to Bangalore Metro Rail (BMRCL) to partly-finance a metro rail project in the Indian city.
www.progressiverailroading.com
US Railroad News
Boxer: Keep pressure on House to pass Senate’s surface transportation bill
U.S. intermodal volume remains up, carload traffic remains down, AAR says
Lease agreement clears path for new NS intermodal terminal at Charlotte airport
Caltrain officials applaud MOU to modernize train system
UP, Missouri DOT launch construction on Osage River bridge
Work to resume on Chicago-to-St. Louis high-speed corridor
Cleveland port wins St. Lawrence Seaway agency's Pacesetter award
March 30: Updates from Bombardier, Hanson Professional, T-Mobile, CANARAIL and VTG
Bidders to oversee improvements on rail franchises announced (DfT) 30th March 2012
Improvements for rail passengers under Government franchise plans came a step closer as the bidders to run services were announced by Rail Minister Theresa Villiers today.
A total of 13 firms are in the running to become the next operators of the Great Western, Thameslink and Essex Thameside rail franchises and introduce better train services, safer stations and more convenient ways to buy tickets.
Rail Minister Theresa Villiers said
A total of 13 firms are in the running to become the next operators of the Great Western, Thameslink and Essex Thameside rail franchises and introduce better train services, safer stations and more convenient ways to buy tickets.
Rail Minister Theresa Villiers said
“The Government is engaged in the biggest programme of refranchising since the privatisation of the railways. Our reformed approach to franchising will give more flexibility to train operators on how they configure services and run their business, within a framework set by the franchise agreement which will protect key outcomes for the passenger, the taxpayer and the economy. We welcome the strong interest shown in these three competitions by the rail industry. A vibrant and competitive market for franchises is an important part of our strategy for improving services for passengers and reducing the cost of running the railway.”
“The new Great Western franchise operator will be closely involved in improving rail services following the completion of the electrification and Intercity Express projects.”
“The new Thameslink operator will help oversee the completion of the Thameslink project which will enable a near doubling of capacity into and through central London in the peak periods.”
“The operator of Essex Thameside services will be expected to support economic growth along the Thames Gateway.”The firms bidding to take over the franchises have been chosen following a pre-qualification process.
Bidders for Great Western franchise:
- First Great Western Trains Limited (FirstGroup plc)
- GW Trains Limited (Arriva UK Trains Limited – DB (UK) Investments Limited)
- NXGW Trains Limited (National Express Group PLC)
- Stagecoach Great Western Trains Limited (Stagecoach Group plc)
Bidders for Essex Thameside franchise:
- Abellio Essex Thameside Limited (NV Nederlandse Spoorwegen)
- First Essex Thameside Limited (FirstGroup plc)
- MTR Corporation (Essex Thameside) Limited (MTR Corporation Limited)
- NXET Trains Limited (National Express Group PLC)
Bidders for Thameslink franchise:
- Abellio Thameslink Limited (NV Nederlandse Spoorwegen)
- First Thameslink Limited (FirstGroup plc)
- Govia Thameslink Railway Limited (Go-Ahead Group plc and Keolis SA)
- MTR Corporation (Thameslink) Limited (MTR Corporation Limited)
- Stagecoach Thameslink Trains Limited (Stagecoach Group plc)
Notes to editors:
- Details of the Great Western Franchise can be found at:
http://www.dft.gov.uk/publications/great-western-franchise-2013 - Details of the Essex Thameside Franchise can be found at:
http://www.dft.gov.uk/publications/essex-thameside-2013 - Details of the Thameslink Franchise can be found at:
http://www.dft.gov.uk/publications/thameslink-franchise-2013
Latest News from Railway Gazette International 30th March 2012
29 March 2012
Beijing orders Line 14 metro trains
CHINA: Bombardier Transportation and its Chinese joint venture partner New United Group have been selected to supply the propulsion equipment for a fleet of 63...more
29 March 2012
Arriva Danmark signs new Vestbanen contract
DENMARK: Arriva Danmark has signed a contract to operate passenger services on the Varde - Nørre Nebel branch in western Jylland for a further six...more
29 March 2012
UK franchise pre-qualified bidders announced
UK: The pre-qualified bidders for the Great Western, Thameslink and Essex Thameside passenger rail franchises were announced by the Department for Transport on...more
28 March 2012
Burundi and Rwanda railway study
AFRICA: Canarail has been awarded a C$4m contract to undertake studies for the second phase of a proposed railway from Dar es Salaam to Rwanda and...more
28 March 2012
All Aboard Florida plan announced
USA: Florida East Coast Industries Inc has announced that it is to produce an 'investment grade' ridership study for a $1bn privately owned, operated and...more
64 Days to go to Railfest 2012! 30th March 2012
64 Years ago......
In 1948 The Big 4 (Great Western Railway, London Midland & Scottish Railway, London & North Eastern Railway, Southern Railway) passed into history and became the nationalised British Railways.......
March 29, 2012
www.progressiverailroading.com US Railroad News. 29th March 2012
MBTA, MassDOT recommend 23 percent fare hike and service cuts
MTA purchases 300 Bombardier cars, employs new procurement process
RTD board approves 'hybrid' option for FasTracks northwest line
Washington DOT, Kansas City seek TIGER IV grants for transportation projects
L.A. port's police facility scores gold LEED rating
BMWED's Simpson retains seat on Teamsters' executive board
STB seeks public input on proposed mediation, arbitration rule changes
Las Vegas Railway Express elects Marino to board
Rail traffic graphics updated on ProgressiveRailroading.com
MTA purchases 300 Bombardier cars, employs new procurement process
RTD board approves 'hybrid' option for FasTracks northwest line
Washington DOT, Kansas City seek TIGER IV grants for transportation projects
L.A. port's police facility scores gold LEED rating
BMWED's Simpson retains seat on Teamsters' executive board
STB seeks public input on proposed mediation, arbitration rule changes
Las Vegas Railway Express elects Marino to board
Rail traffic graphics updated on ProgressiveRailroading.com
News from www.railway-technology.com 29th March 2012
Network Rail signs ETCS framework agreement
Network Rail (NR) has signed a framework agreement with Ansaldo, Infrasig, Invensys Rail and Signalling Solutions for the development and design of a new European Train Control System (ETCS) for use in the UK.
ADB extends loan for Bangalore metro project in IndiaThe Asian Development Bank (ADB) has signed an agreement to extend $250m to Bangalore Metro Rail (BMRCL) to partly-finance a metro rail project in the Indian city.
CN sells two Toronto region rail lines to MetrolinxCanadian National Railway (CN) has sold two rail line segments in the Toronto region to Metrolinx, the provincial agency that operates GO Transit for C$310.5m ($311.7m).
Deutsche Bahn awards Bad Cannstatt tunnel contract to AlpineDeutsche Bahn has awarded a €290m contract to Alpine and its partners Hochtief and Wayss & Freytag to build the Bad Cannstatt tunnel as part of the Stuttgart 21 project in Germany.
Network Rail (NR) has signed a framework agreement with Ansaldo, Infrasig, Invensys Rail and Signalling Solutions for the development and design of a new European Train Control System (ETCS) for use in the UK.
ADB extends loan for Bangalore metro project in IndiaThe Asian Development Bank (ADB) has signed an agreement to extend $250m to Bangalore Metro Rail (BMRCL) to partly-finance a metro rail project in the Indian city.
CN sells two Toronto region rail lines to MetrolinxCanadian National Railway (CN) has sold two rail line segments in the Toronto region to Metrolinx, the provincial agency that operates GO Transit for C$310.5m ($311.7m).
Deutsche Bahn awards Bad Cannstatt tunnel contract to AlpineDeutsche Bahn has awarded a €290m contract to Alpine and its partners Hochtief and Wayss & Freytag to build the Bad Cannstatt tunnel as part of the Stuttgart 21 project in Germany.
Waterloo retains its crown as top of the stops (ORR) 29th March 2012
Waterloo has once again retained its top position as the busiest station in Great Britain, reveal statistics published today by the Office of Rail Regulation (ORR).
Station usage statistics for April 2010 - March 2011 estimate that there were 91,750,382 entries and exits made by passengers at Waterloo station - an increase of 6.2% (over 5 million more passenger entries and exits) compared with 2009-2010 figures.
London Victoria comes second with 73,573,492 entries and exits (an increase of 4.8%) and London Liverpool Street third with 55,769,423 (up 8.1%). Glasgow Central beats Birmingham New Street to be the busiest station outside London, taking ninth place in the GB rankings.
Station usage statistics are an estimate of the number of passengers travelling to and from each station (entries and exits) in England, Scotland and Wales. Figures are based on ticket sales data recorded in rail industry systems. There are limitations to the dataset, as the figures are estimates and do not represent exact numbers.
To view the station usage figures and accompanying notes, see http://www.rail-reg.gov.uk/server/show/nav.1529
Station usage figures are presented in alphabetical order according to station name but can be reordered by a variety of categories – e.g. number of passenger entries and exits, country or region, county or unitary authority. Guidance notes on how to filter the data are published alongside the Excel spreadsheet.
Station usage statistics for April 2010 - March 2011 estimate that there were 91,750,382 entries and exits made by passengers at Waterloo station - an increase of 6.2% (over 5 million more passenger entries and exits) compared with 2009-2010 figures.
London Victoria comes second with 73,573,492 entries and exits (an increase of 4.8%) and London Liverpool Street third with 55,769,423 (up 8.1%). Glasgow Central beats Birmingham New Street to be the busiest station outside London, taking ninth place in the GB rankings.
Top 10 most used stations in England, Scotland and Wales based on entries and exits for 2010/11
| Station Name | 10/11 Entries and Exits | 09/10 Entries and Exits | % change | GB rank this year | GB rank last year |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Waterloo | 91,750,382 | 86,397,666 | 6.2 | 1 | 1 |
| Victoria | 73,573,492 | 70,224,543 | 4.8 | 2 | 2 |
| Liverpool Street | 55,769,423 | 51,596,155 | 8.1 | 3 | 3 |
| London Bridge | 51,478,131 | 48,723,068 | 5.7 | 4 | 4 |
| Charing Cross | 37,222,298 | 36,459,945 | 2.1 | 5 | 5 |
| Euston | 34,073,413 | 30,068,092 | 13.3 | 6 | 6 |
| Paddington | 32,200,316 | 29,104,198 | 10.6 | 7 | 7 |
| King's Cross | 26,254,644 | 24,817,616 | 5.8 | 8 | 9 |
| Glasgow Central | 24,950,987 | 23,809,949 | 4.8 | 9 | 10 |
| Birmingham New Street | 24,686,632 | 25,267,757 | -2.3 | 10 | 8 |
Top 10 most used stations outside of London based on entries and exits for 2010/11
| Station Name | 10/11 Entries and Exits | 09/10 Entries and Exits | % change | GB rank this year | GB rank last year |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Glasgow Central | 24,950,987 | 23,809,949 | 4.8 | 9 | 10 |
| Birmingham New Street | 24,686,632 | 25,267,757 | -2.3 | 10 | 8 |
| Leeds | 24,491,616 | 21,978,372 | 11.4 | 11 | 11 |
| Manchester Piccadilly | 21,279,140 | 19,841,402 | 7.2 | 13 | 14 |
| Edinburgh | 19,957,346 | 19,312,458 | 3.3 | 16 | 15 |
| Glasgow Queen Street | 19,742,406 | 19,121,724 | 3.2 | 17 | 16 |
| Liverpool Central | 17,958,028 | 18,413,982 | -2.5 | 19 | 17 |
| Brighton | 14,493,010 | 13,741,582 | 5.5 | 24 | 24 |
| Reading | 14,400,405 | 13,866,258 | 3.9 | 25 | 23 |
| Gatwick Airport | 13,128,956 | 12,814,802 | 2.5 | 27 | 25 |
Station usage statistics are an estimate of the number of passengers travelling to and from each station (entries and exits) in England, Scotland and Wales. Figures are based on ticket sales data recorded in rail industry systems. There are limitations to the dataset, as the figures are estimates and do not represent exact numbers.
To view the station usage figures and accompanying notes, see http://www.rail-reg.gov.uk/server/show/nav.1529
Station usage figures are presented in alphabetical order according to station name but can be reordered by a variety of categories – e.g. number of passenger entries and exits, country or region, county or unitary authority. Guidance notes on how to filter the data are published alongside the Excel spreadsheet.
65 Days to Railfest 2012! 29th March 2012
65 years ago....
In 1947 the UK Transport Act provides for nationalisation of major British railways
March 28, 2012
World Railway News Digest.... 28th March 2012
World Railway News Digest...
From these respected sources.....
International Railway Journal
From these respected sources.....
International Railway Journal
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66 Days to Railfest 2012! 28th March 2012
66 Days to go!!
In 1966 the S&D (Somerset and Dorset) - in March, and the Great Central Railway(Sept) were closed.
Here are reminders of former (happier!!) times.....
The final days of the Railway- Blandford Forum in Dorset UK Then and Now
(C) Mike Lees
But all is not lost!!
Read about the progress of the New Somerset and Dorset Railway here..
Railways Africa Update (Courtesy Railways Africa) 28th March 2012
DECKING OVER BRAAMFONTEIN
Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (Prasa) CEO Lucky Montana has announced ambitious plans to construct an all-over concrete deck across the extensive coach stabling sidings in Braamfontein. This would effectively link the busy area north of the railway with Fordsburg to the south, and create some 43 hectares for “mixed use” development. The railway [...]
PIETERMARITZBURG EXPRESS
KwaZulu-Natal premier Zweli Mkhize, speaking in his state-of-the-province address, said rail should become the backbone of public transport. An important initial project is to be a “Business express” between Pietermaritzburg and Durban. It is hoped to launch the project, which is costing R30 million, in April 2012. According to Metrorail’s Thandi Mkhize, only one intermediate [...]
MORE ON THE NEW METRORAIL FLEET
Announcing the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (Prasa) programme for ordering new Metrorail rolling stock, CEO Lucky Montana said the 20-year procurement process for the design, build and “shared maintenance: of the rolling stock is to be split in two, the first ten-year contract running from 2015 and the second from 2025. Strict BEE [...]
FRANSCHHOEK TRAM
Part of the long disused branch line to Franschhoek is being revived by an enterprise which has had a diesel-driven 30-passenger tram custom-built. Prof (Pty) Ltd Engineers in Alrode (Germiston), specialists in rail equipment for mining applications, recently delivered a 4-wheel, 6-ton, open toast-rack vehicle featuring tip-over hardwood seats with side flaps that can be [...]
TRANSIT INTERCHANGE FOR ROODEPOORT
In her state-of-the-province address on 20 February at the Gauteng legislature in Mamelodi, Tshwane, Premier Nomvula Mokonyane promised that the full Gautrain railway from Park Station, “would be up and running” in March. A new public transport interchange is to be built at Roodepoort. Mokonyane said police statistics showed that murder in Gauteng had declined [...]
ANGOLAN RAILWAYS WILL HELP ZAMBIAN ECONOMY
According to Zambian foreign minister Given Lubinda, speaking following a meeting with Angolan transport minister Augusto da Silva Tomás, the rehabilitation of the Angolan railways will help develop the economic and social environment in Southern African countries like Zambia. Minister Tomás provided detailed information about Angola’s modernisation of transport infrastructure, with particular reference to the [...]
THE CHINESE ARE COMING
Recently the BBC Knowledge Channel screened a two-part feature entitled “The Chinese are coming”. According to the blurb: “Most Western businesses view Africa as a land of poverty, while the Chinese view it as a land of opportunity”. [ The conclusion looks to be spot-on, but future tense – see first sentence – may be [...]
March 27, 2012
News Summary............. Various. 27th March 2012
International Railway Journal
Network Rail awards Great Western electrification contract
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Network Rail awards Great Western electrification contract
BRITISH infrastructure manager Network Rail has awarded Amey a five-year contract for electrification work on the Great Western Main Line (GWML). Crossrail shortlists five firms for major tunnel fit-out contractCrossrail has shortlisted five companies for the £400m contract to design and provide track installation and equipment for London's new Crossrail network tunnels. Crossrail's Canary Wharf station box completedCanary Wharf Group (CWG) has completed construction work on Crossrail's Canary Wharf station box in the UK five months ahead of schedule allowing tunnelling work to begin in 2013. US Railroad News New on ProgressiveRailroading.com: Rail traffic graphics Maryland officials OK $21.3 million contract for MARC train storage facility, note February ridership record Gov. Cuomo, New York lawmakers agree to fund MTA capital plan Province to divest Ontario Northland Transportation Commission, cease passenger-rail service Nation needs to upgrade transportation infrastructure now, treasury department report shows Amtrak reaches milestone on Niantic River bridge project Haeg joins Rio Grande Pacific as VP of marketing New Mexico Rail Runner to expand weekend service |
DESIGN CONTRACT SIGNALS NEXT PHASE IN DELIVERY OF BORDERS LINE (Network Rail) 27th March 2012
DESIGN CONTRACT SIGNALS NEXT PHASE IN DELIVERY OF BORDERS LINE
Monday 26 Mar 2012 11:00
Network Rail has appointed BAM Nuttall to assist in the delivery of the Borders Railway as the project moves another step closer to delivery.
The contract allows Network Rail to continue design and advance works on behalf of Transport Scotland prior to taking on a full project delivery role.
The £2million contract enables BAM Nuttall to further develop designs of the railway route, including bridges, tunnels and stations.
Network Rail will also proceed with ground stabilisation works in the Midlothian section of the route where remediation of former mine works is required.
The contract includes an option to continue into the delivery phase once design is completed. While the preparatory works are under way, Network Rail continues to work with Transport Scotland with a view to taking on the delivery of the project.
David Simpson, route managing director, Network Rail Scotland, commented: “Network Rail is pleased to be involved with the Borders Railway and this contract to deliver the design phase takes us and the Scottish Government one step closer to re-establishing a railway to the Scottish Borders.”
Transport Minister Keith Brown said: "The Borders Railway project is a sign of the Scottish Government's commitment to developing rail services and I am extremely pleased to see Network Rail progressing preparatory works with their award of the design contract.
“This is an important project for the region and will help secure jobs and provide opportunities for communities along the route.”
David Belsham, Director, BAM Nuttall, commented: “BAM is delighted to be selected to continue our long association with the Borders Railway project. We have a proud heritage of delivering major infrastructure projects in Scotland and are excited by the prospect of continuing our close collaboration with Network Rail and the local community through this next important phase.”
The Borders Railway will reconnect the heart of the Scottish Borders to the railway network for the first time in over 40 years. Travelling through Midlothian, the project will see seven new stations delivered along the 35 mile route -four in Midlothian and three in the Scottish Borders.
The contract allows Network Rail to continue design and advance works on behalf of Transport Scotland prior to taking on a full project delivery role.
The £2million contract enables BAM Nuttall to further develop designs of the railway route, including bridges, tunnels and stations.
Network Rail will also proceed with ground stabilisation works in the Midlothian section of the route where remediation of former mine works is required.
The contract includes an option to continue into the delivery phase once design is completed. While the preparatory works are under way, Network Rail continues to work with Transport Scotland with a view to taking on the delivery of the project.
David Simpson, route managing director, Network Rail Scotland, commented: “Network Rail is pleased to be involved with the Borders Railway and this contract to deliver the design phase takes us and the Scottish Government one step closer to re-establishing a railway to the Scottish Borders.”
Transport Minister Keith Brown said: "The Borders Railway project is a sign of the Scottish Government's commitment to developing rail services and I am extremely pleased to see Network Rail progressing preparatory works with their award of the design contract.
“This is an important project for the region and will help secure jobs and provide opportunities for communities along the route.”
David Belsham, Director, BAM Nuttall, commented: “BAM is delighted to be selected to continue our long association with the Borders Railway project. We have a proud heritage of delivering major infrastructure projects in Scotland and are excited by the prospect of continuing our close collaboration with Network Rail and the local community through this next important phase.”
The Borders Railway will reconnect the heart of the Scottish Borders to the railway network for the first time in over 40 years. Travelling through Midlothian, the project will see seven new stations delivered along the 35 mile route -four in Midlothian and three in the Scottish Borders.
For more information please contact :
Train companies comment on disabled rail travel (ATOC) 27th March 2012
Train companies comment on disabled rail travel
26/03/2012Commenting on disabled rail travel, a spokesperson for the Association of Train Operating Companies said ‘Train companies are committed to providing the service disabled passengers expect and deserve. We have recently introduced a new assistance booking system - Passenger Assist - designed with input from disabled passenger groups that is leading to improved levels of overall customer satisfaction.
“Over the past five years the numbers of disabled passengers travelling by train has doubled to over 3 million journeys a year. We will continue to invest in improvements and are committed to increasing access to rail for disabled passengers.”
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See this article re: disabled athlete's experience.....
Tanni Grey Thompson (Paralympic champion) relates her experiences.....
67 Days to Railfest2012! 27th March 2012
67 years ago.....
In 1945, Rev W.V.Awdry ‘s first book in The Railway Series…."The Three Railway Engines" appeared.
And so was born the legend of "Thomas The Tank Engine"
March 26, 2012
www.progressiverailroading.com US Railroad News. 26th March 2012
Mica introduces three-month extension to SAFETEA-LU
Rail labor unions claim BNSF's medical reporting policy violates federal laws; BNSF asserts policy is consistent with labor laws
Design-build contractor selected for Central Mesa light-rail extension
CP backs free trade agreement negotiations between Canada, Japan
Port association honors Mica as 'person of the year'
Metro-North expands 'quiet car' program on New Haven line
Puget Sound transit agencies receive 'gold' sustainability standard
Joffrion to head Tennessee DOT's rail office
Rail labor unions claim BNSF's medical reporting policy violates federal laws; BNSF asserts policy is consistent with labor laws
Design-build contractor selected for Central Mesa light-rail extension
CP backs free trade agreement negotiations between Canada, Japan
Port association honors Mica as 'person of the year'
Metro-North expands 'quiet car' program on New Haven line
Puget Sound transit agencies receive 'gold' sustainability standard
Joffrion to head Tennessee DOT's rail office
UP 844 at Brady, Nebraska (22nd March 2012) 26th March 2012
The big northern moves east at Brady,Nebraska USA (C) Sean Rodkey on Steam Tube
News from Gloucestershire Warwickshire Railway 26th March 2012
Pete Waterman unveils award plaque posted on 24/03/2012
A glorious Friday 23 March saw a special train depart Cheltenham Racecourse with invited guests, travelling to Winchcombe, to unveil the plaque commemorating the railways Ian Allan Publishing Heritage Railway of the Year Award
Chicken Curve Update 19th March 2012 posted on 19/03/2012
Second dig out now complete and piles are going in.
A century at Cheltenham Racecourse station posted on 14/03/2012
The first day of the Gloucestershire Warwickshire Railway's 1912 season was marked in style at Cheltenham Racecourse station on 10 March, with a cake-cutting and bunting to celebrate the station's centenary.
Racecourse Station centenary this weekend as 2012 season starts! posted on 09/03/2012
Saturday 10 March sees not only the start of the railway’s 2012 operating season, but also a small celebration marking the centenary of Cheltenham Racecourse station.
Winchcombe...looking north towards Toddington (C) Peter S Lewis
A glorious Friday 23 March saw a special train depart Cheltenham Racecourse with invited guests, travelling to Winchcombe, to unveil the plaque commemorating the railways Ian Allan Publishing Heritage Railway of the Year Award
Chicken Curve Update 19th March 2012 posted on 19/03/2012
Second dig out now complete and piles are going in.
A century at Cheltenham Racecourse station posted on 14/03/2012
The first day of the Gloucestershire Warwickshire Railway's 1912 season was marked in style at Cheltenham Racecourse station on 10 March, with a cake-cutting and bunting to celebrate the station's centenary.
Racecourse Station centenary this weekend as 2012 season starts! posted on 09/03/2012
Saturday 10 March sees not only the start of the railway’s 2012 operating season, but also a small celebration marking the centenary of Cheltenham Racecourse station.
Winchcombe...looking north towards Toddington (C) Peter S Lewis
68 Days to Railfest 2012!! 26th March 2012
68 Days to Go.....
Oct 1, 1868 Midland Railways opens London St Pancras station.
March 25, 2012
THE LICKEY BANKER (24th March 2012) 25th March 2012
The Lickey Banker (24th March 2012) filmed by Bill, Brian Murphy, Andrew Edkins,
John Edkins, Austin Whitehead and Chris Spencer.
Great job!
March 24, 2012
69 Days to Railfest 2012!! 25th March 2012
69 Years ago......
In 1943, the first Hunslet 0-6-0ST (of 377) locomotives wase built for the Ministry of Supply.
WPR No 15 Austerity 0-6-0 locomotive named "Earl David" by the Earl of Wemyss at Toddington on the Gloucestershire Warwickshire Railway on Sunday 24th May 2009
TTTV 030 Fort Edmonton Trolleys, Puffing Billy & Thomas, UP Steam App, Trains News and Events 24th March 2012
Episode 30 of TrainTalk.TV
Fort Edmonton Park
http://www.fortedmontonpark.ca/
Edmonton Radial Railway Society
http://www.edmonton-radial-railway.ab.ca/
Thomas at Puffing Billy Railway
www.puffingbilly.com.au
Puffing Billy TV Channel
www.puffingbilly.com.au/photos-videos/puffing-billy-tv/
Free UP Steam App Available now
http://www.upsteam.com
Train Talk Weekender Update
http://www.traintalk.tv/events/
GATSME Buys their home
http://www.gatsme.org
Santa Clara River Valley Railroad Historical Society - hold the Fillmore railfest!
http://www.scrvrhs.com/
Central Arkansas Model Railroad Club
http://www.artrains.org
70 Days To Railfest 2012!! 24th March 2012
70 Years Ago....
In December 1942, Ian Allan produces the " ABC of Southern Locomotives"..trainspotting begins!
..and a comment from Dick Bodily...
There's a viewing platform at Grosmont on the NYMR. Mind you it doesn't have seats, a roof or announcements. I took the picture of the Schools class heading into the tunnel from it (in my NYMR album). Of course the ultimate main line viewing platform in the UK is overlooking the ECML at The National Railway Museum which has seats, a roof and a TV monitor display with timetabled times and puntuality reports on passing passenger trains just like the platform displays at nearby York Station. I believe that in the 60's there was a viewing platform erected for trainspotters at Finsbury Park on the ECML. (Dick)
Steam Tube(TM) now has a handy map where enthusiasts can "Pin" their favourite spots, or see where others position themselves for the most advantageous pictures and images..
Steam Tube Location Pin.....
.....
and in preparation for next weeks mainline runnings, here are a few details courtesy
UKSteamInfo........
Thursday 29th March 2012
The Duchess Night Owl (Hathersage-Crewe) featuring 46233 (Derby-Crewe-Derby) on a loaded test run....
Thursday 29th March 2012
The Cathedrals Express, featuring 60163 Tornado, London Kings Cross-York-Kings Cross.
Saturday 31st March 2012
The Winter Cumbrian Express , (London Euston-Carlisle) featuring 70013 on the
Carnforth-Shap-Carlisle-Settle-Farington Jc leg.
As always, check with the operator of the tour to confirm runnings.
UK Steam Info has the details.......
March 23, 2012
www.progressiverailroading.com US Railroad News. 23rd March 2012
AAR week No. 11 report: U.S. carloads continue to lag 2011
Bay area agencies reach agreement with California HSR authority to fund Caltrain electrification
CN to add 161 locomotives to high-horsepower fleet
Amtrak: Number of track miles equipped with PTC to more than triple in 2012
Tie purchases and production posted growth in February, RTA says
Houston METRO notes progress on three light-rail lines
Coming March 28: Maintenance of Way Virtual Expo & Conference
Watco installs GM, assistant GM at Wisconsin & Southern
Bay area agencies reach agreement with California HSR authority to fund Caltrain electrification
CN to add 161 locomotives to high-horsepower fleet
Amtrak: Number of track miles equipped with PTC to more than triple in 2012
Tie purchases and production posted growth in February, RTA says
Houston METRO notes progress on three light-rail lines
Coming March 28: Maintenance of Way Virtual Expo & Conference
Watco installs GM, assistant GM at Wisconsin & Southern
Market entry: Siemens sells two Vectron locomotives to Italy for the first time (Siemens) 23rd March 2012
Picture Courtesy Siemens.
2012-Mar-20
The Italian private railway operator Fuori Muro has awarded Siemens a contract for two Vectron DC locomotives. It is the first Vectron order from Italy. The vehicles will be built at the Siemens plant in Munich-Allach and delivered to the customer in December 2013.
The Italian private railway operator Fuori Muro has awarded Siemens a contract for two Vectron DC locomotives. It is the first Vectron order from Italy. The vehicles will be built at the Siemens plant in Munich-Allach and delivered to the customer in December 2013. The Vectron is the new generation of Siemens locomotives for the European market and was presented for the first time at the 2010 InnoTrans International Trade Fair for Transport Technology.
Fuori Muro will use the two locomotives primarily to transport freight on the roughly 60 kilometer long railway line connecting the port city of Genoa and the Interporto Rivalta Scrivia terminal in its hinterland. With a driving power of 5.2 megawatt and a weight of 80 tons the Vectron DC operates at a maximum speed of 160 kilometers per hour. The contract awarded by Fuori Muro is the first which Siemens has received for its Vectron DC locomotives worldwide. The first customer for Vectron locomotives was the Munich-based locomotive leasing company Railpool, which ordered six Vectron AC in December 2010.
Vectron locomotives are 98 percent recyclable. The Vectron family thus belongs to the Siemens environmental portfolio with which the company achieved revenues of around € 30 billion in fiscal 2011, making Siemens one of the world's leading providers of eco-friendly technology. Products and solutions provided by Siemens have enabled customers to save almost 320 million tons of carbon dioxide (CO2) during the same period. These emissions correspond to the annual carbon footprint produced by the cities of Berlin, Delhi, Hong Kong, Istanbul, London, New York, Singapore and Tokyo combined.
The Italian private railway operator Fuori Muro has awarded Siemens a contract for two Vectron DC locomotives. It is the first Vectron order from Italy. The vehicles will be built at the Siemens plant in Munich-Allach and delivered to the customer in December 2013. The Vectron is the new generation of Siemens locomotives for the European market and was presented for the first time at the 2010 InnoTrans International Trade Fair for Transport Technology.
Fuori Muro will use the two locomotives primarily to transport freight on the roughly 60 kilometer long railway line connecting the port city of Genoa and the Interporto Rivalta Scrivia terminal in its hinterland. With a driving power of 5.2 megawatt and a weight of 80 tons the Vectron DC operates at a maximum speed of 160 kilometers per hour. The contract awarded by Fuori Muro is the first which Siemens has received for its Vectron DC locomotives worldwide. The first customer for Vectron locomotives was the Munich-based locomotive leasing company Railpool, which ordered six Vectron AC in December 2010.
Vectron locomotives are 98 percent recyclable. The Vectron family thus belongs to the Siemens environmental portfolio with which the company achieved revenues of around € 30 billion in fiscal 2011, making Siemens one of the world's leading providers of eco-friendly technology. Products and solutions provided by Siemens have enabled customers to save almost 320 million tons of carbon dioxide (CO2) during the same period. These emissions correspond to the annual carbon footprint produced by the cities of Berlin, Delhi, Hong Kong, Istanbul, London, New York, Singapore and Tokyo combined.
Latest Rail News Reviews 23rd March 2012
From: Railway Gazette International
Atkins awarded Mälarbanan upgrade design contract
SWEDEN: Trafikverket has appointed Atkins to undertake design work for a major upgrade of the Mälarbanan route to increase rail capacity in the greater...more
22 March 2012
DSB seeks to exit Göteborg contract
SWEDEN: Danish state passenger operator DSB is seeking early termination of its contract to operate commuter and regional services around Göteborg on behalf of...more
22 March 2012
CSR to build Express Rail Link train fleet
CHINA: CSR Qingdao Sifang Locomotive & Rolling Stock Co announced on March 21 that it had been selected to supply high speed trainsets for the 146 km...more
22 March 2012
Finding the next generation
WEBINAR: 'For rail, the time is now. It is time to seize the moment', emphasised Bentley Systems Senior Director Steve Jolley, during Railway Gazette’s...more
22 March 2012
Study highlights potential diesel savings
UK: A study commissioned from Ricardo and TRL by the Department for Transport has proposed a variety of upgrades to improve the fuel efficiency of diesel...more
From: International Railway Journal
From: International Railway Journal
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