Eurotransport Digital Magazine Issue 3
International Railway Journal
SINGAPORE Mass Rapid Transit Corporation (SMRT) has awarded a contract worth more than Yen 8bn ($US 80.5m) to Toshiba, Japan, to re-equip a fleet of 66 six-car metro trains with permanent-magnet synchronous traction motors.
THE first of 20 locomotives supplied by CNR's Dalian Locomotive & Rolling Stock subsidiary have entered service in Argentina.
A report by the European Commission's Directorate General for Enterprise and Industry into the competitiveness of the European railway supply industry says that more coordinated, long-term R&D is needed so that the European Union (EU) can maintain its competitiveness in the global railway supply industry.
WARSAW Tramways invites bids by July 22 for a fleet of 30 low-floor unidirectional LRVs, with ac traction equipment and microprocessor control.
www.progressiverailroading.com US News
www.railway-technology.com Updates..
Arriva wins two-year rail operation contract in Poland
Deutsche Bahn subsidiary Arriva has secured a two-year contract worth €22m to operate trains in the Kujawsko-Pomorskie Voivodship in northern Poland, serving around 50 railway stations.
Thales installs SelTrac CBTC signalling system on London Underground's Northern Line
Thales has completed the installation of its SelTrac Communications-Based Train Control (CBTC) signalling system on the 8km section of the London Underground's Northern Line from Highgate to High Barnet in the UK.
Achilles launches Link-up Engage supplier portal
UK-based supply chain management firm Achilles has launched Link-up Engage, an advanced portal used to register and pre-qualify suppliers, which it expects will save the UK rail industry over £5.5m a year.
Network Rail invites bids for Edinburgh-Glasgow electrification project
UK infrastructure manager Network Rail has invited bids for its £400m project to electrify the Edinburgh Waverley - Glasgow Queen Street line.
Network Rail
New ideas for value for money rail growth
Network Rail today publishes its ‘alternative solutions’ network route utilisation strategy – the result of a wide-ranging consultation with industry stakeholders and which looks at future, cost-effective options for growth.
The study examines five main areas for development: further use of trams, tram trains, hybrid light rail, innovative ideas for electrification and further expansion of community rail initiatives.
It also considers the role that bus rapid transit (BRT) and guided bus systems can play in meeting transport needs and examines the potential of personal rapid transit (PRT) currently used in locations such as Heathrow terminal 5 to increase access to the rail network.
Paul Plummer, Network Rail’s group strategy director said: "To maintain the mandate to further invest in our railway, the industry has to demonstrate a clear commitment to greater efficiency and cost effectiveness. This means being open to alternative solutions and we hope that this new study will prompt fresh thinking and debate about the best way to deliver an improved rail network that meets the needs of all stakeholders."
Paul Davies, IET head of policy, said: "The Institution of Engineering and Technology welcomes Network Rail's work to define how alternative technologies can better serve urban and local transport in the UK. This is a field in which the UK is seeing considerable engineering innovation: for example in the development of people movers, guided busways and ‘tram trains’ and new generation trolley buses. Application of engineering skills and technologies is leading to more efficient and passenger-friendly public transport."
Recent developments have assisted the study from the viewpoint of generating practical experience in a UK environment, for example:
As for community rail partnerships, the study states the positive impact of current partnerships and that the rail industry and funders would like more of them – but they cannot be imposed.
The Network RUS: Alternative Solutions is the most recent element to this. Following two 60-day consultation periods, responses were collated and considered and a final strategy has now been published. After a further 60-day period, providing there are no objections, the strategy will be established by the Office of Rail Regulation.
Easier access for Cumbrian Coast passengers.
Passengers using the Cumbrian Coast line will soon benefit from better access as a project to provide easier access between platforms and trains gets underway at a number of stations this month.
This has left a legacy of stations for the modern-day railway that simply cannot be used by the disabled, elderly, parents with children in buggies and even those with heavy luggage.
The easier access area is a system for raising the height of platforms, the structure can built to any length and is variable in height so it will suit any platform, no matter how large the difference in height between the platform and the train. The areas are ramped, making it ideal for anyone to use.
The system is particularly suitable for smaller rural stations where the railway can be the lifeblood of the community. Groups of people who may have been previously been denied access to the railway network at these locations could have untold journey opportunities opened up to them.
The system can be custom built to suit the needs of a particular station and installed in a matter of days at a fraction of the accepted cost of rebuilding the platform. The works cost typically £25k to £50k per station depending on complexity and size of the job.
The Easier Access Areas in Cumbria will be installed by Murphys Limited for Network Rail. Work is due to start on site imminently and will be complete in September 2013.
Stations will remain open and train services will continue to run throughout the project.
Details of the remaining stations to be delivered in England & Wales will be confirmed later this year.
New apprentice on the right track in York
More than 180 apprentices have joined up with railway maintenance teams across Britain for on-the-job training after successfully completing the first year of Network Rail’s advanced apprenticeship scheme.
Network Rail scoops environment award for Crossrail work.
Network Rail has won a Green Apple Award for its work protecting biodiversity during the design and construction for a new flyover at Heathrow Junction, as part of the Crossrail project.
Paul Plummer, Network Rail’s group strategy director said: "To maintain the mandate to further invest in our railway, the industry has to demonstrate a clear commitment to greater efficiency and cost effectiveness. This means being open to alternative solutions and we hope that this new study will prompt fresh thinking and debate about the best way to deliver an improved rail network that meets the needs of all stakeholders."
Paul Davies, IET head of policy, said: "The Institution of Engineering and Technology welcomes Network Rail's work to define how alternative technologies can better serve urban and local transport in the UK. This is a field in which the UK is seeing considerable engineering innovation: for example in the development of people movers, guided busways and ‘tram trains’ and new generation trolley buses. Application of engineering skills and technologies is leading to more efficient and passenger-friendly public transport."
Recent developments have assisted the study from the viewpoint of generating practical experience in a UK environment, for example:
- Successful completion of the Paisley Canal electrification scheme, in which the use of extended neutral sections beneath bridges has substantially reduced cost and complexity.
- Successful introduction of Class 139 vehicles on the Stourbridge Town branch.
- Government authority to proceed with the Rotherham-Sheffield tram train pilot, development of which is now under way.
As for community rail partnerships, the study states the positive impact of current partnerships and that the rail industry and funders would like more of them – but they cannot be imposed.
Notes:
The Network Route Utilisation Strategy (RUS) is part of the Network Rail’s Long Term Planning Process, and considers issues which are railway network-wide. Four elements of the Network RUS have already been established:- Scenarios and long distance forecasts
- Electrification
- Stations
- Passenger rolling stock
The Network RUS: Alternative Solutions is the most recent element to this. Following two 60-day consultation periods, responses were collated and considered and a final strategy has now been published. After a further 60-day period, providing there are no objections, the strategy will be established by the Office of Rail Regulation.
Easier access for Cumbrian Coast passengers.
Passengers using the Cumbrian Coast line will soon benefit from better access as a project to provide easier access between platforms and trains gets underway at a number of stations this month.
The £5m project will provide easier access on 80 platforms at 62 stations in England and Wales and eight stations in Cumbria will be the first to see the benefit of this investment. The project follows the pioneering work undertaken at Harrington and six other stations which were funded by Cumbria County Council.
The easier access areas are a modular system used to raise the height of platforms which in the past have been too low for some passengers to use.
Dyan Crowther, Network Rail route managing director for Network Rail explained: “Passengers with mobility problems, pushchairs, wheelchairs and even lots of luggage have struggled to use many stations along the line because of the large gap between the platform and the train.
“The solution is simple, and cost effective. Rather than an expensive platform rebuild, sections of platforms are raised to the same height as the train door. Importantly, the structure is also ramped making it ideal for anyone to use.”
Funding was provided by the Department for Transport’s Access For All programme, supported by Cumbria County Council and Northern Rail and will be delivered by Network Rail.
Rail minister Norman Baker said: “Improvements like these make a real difference to those using the railways. Opening up access at stations and providing step-free routes gives all passengers, including those with disabilities and parents with young children, greater access to employment and social opportunities”.
“And everyone feels the benefit of taking a train from stations with improved facilities and layout.”
Craig Harrop, client and stakeholder manager for Northern Rail, comments: “We are delighted to work in partnership with Network Rail and other industry partners to make improvements allowing passengers, who have previously been unable to travel by train, to use the rail network.”
The eight stations are Bootle (Cumbria), Braystones, Corkickle, Drigg, Flimby, Kents Bank, Parton and Wigton.
Cllr Keith Little, Cumbria County Council’s Cabinet member responsible for transport, said: “Cumbria has led the way in providing innovative solutions to the challenges of passenger access. Our Harrington Hump scheme has won national awards, with the term now ensuring Harrington will have its place in railway history for ever more. This new investment in our railway infrastructure along the Cumbrian Coast and Furness Lines highlights the council's commitment to improving transport links and I hope it encourages more people to use this section of the rail network."
Notes:
Railways first came to Britain almost 200 years ago. Different stations were built by different railway companies and there was no uniformity in their design. Consequently, the height of the platforms varied considerably with low platforms being a particular problem at smaller rural stations.This has left a legacy of stations for the modern-day railway that simply cannot be used by the disabled, elderly, parents with children in buggies and even those with heavy luggage.
The easier access area is a system for raising the height of platforms, the structure can built to any length and is variable in height so it will suit any platform, no matter how large the difference in height between the platform and the train. The areas are ramped, making it ideal for anyone to use.
The system is particularly suitable for smaller rural stations where the railway can be the lifeblood of the community. Groups of people who may have been previously been denied access to the railway network at these locations could have untold journey opportunities opened up to them.
The system can be custom built to suit the needs of a particular station and installed in a matter of days at a fraction of the accepted cost of rebuilding the platform. The works cost typically £25k to £50k per station depending on complexity and size of the job.
The Easier Access Areas in Cumbria will be installed by Murphys Limited for Network Rail. Work is due to start on site imminently and will be complete in September 2013.
Stations will remain open and train services will continue to run throughout the project.
Details of the remaining stations to be delivered in England & Wales will be confirmed later this year.
New apprentice on the right track in York
More than 180 apprentices have joined up with railway maintenance teams across Britain for on-the-job training after successfully completing the first year of Network Rail’s advanced apprenticeship scheme.
Lewis Ashton, 21, is specialising in track and has recently joined the track team based in York. Lewis commented on his experience as a Network Rail apprentice: “I heard about the scheme on Facebook and I joined because I wanted job security and to learn a real trade. The whole package was really attractive; pension etc and the qualifications are transferable so it seemed a secure career to get into. There’s a good balance between younger and older apprentices and its good that we’re all in it together. I’m itching to get out on the track and start really working - I can’t wait to get stuck in.”
The first year of the award-winning three-year scheme is spent at Europe’s largest engineering training facility at HMS Sultan in Hampshire. There apprentices specialise in track, signaling, telecoms and electrification and plant. During their second and third years they experience work on the rail network’s front line, gaining vital experience as they train to become maintenance technicians. Throughout this time they regularly return to HMS Sultan for further courses and training to add to the experience gained on the rail network.
Phil Verster, Network Rail’s route managing director said: “With the huge challenges we face maintaining an increasingly busy network we need a highly skilled and dedicated workforce, so I’m very pleased to welcome Lewis and all our new apprentices onto the railway for the first time.
“Our experienced engineers will further the apprentices’ on-the-job training, teaching them all they need to know to become invaluable members of the Network Rail team. They can be proud to be part of a company which helps move four million people and millions of tonnes of freight every day.”
There are five engineering programmes: track, signals, electrification and plant, signal design 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.
Paid learning: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.
Qualifications: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.
The first year of the award-winning three-year scheme is spent at Europe’s largest engineering training facility at HMS Sultan in Hampshire. There apprentices specialise in track, signaling, telecoms and electrification and plant. During their second and third years they experience work on the rail network’s front line, gaining vital experience as they train to become maintenance technicians. Throughout this time they regularly return to HMS Sultan for further courses and training to add to the experience gained on the rail network.
Phil Verster, Network Rail’s route managing director said: “With the huge challenges we face maintaining an increasingly busy network we need a highly skilled and dedicated workforce, so I’m very pleased to welcome Lewis and all our new apprentices onto the railway for the first time.
“Our experienced engineers will further the apprentices’ on-the-job training, teaching them all they need to know to become invaluable members of the Network Rail team. They can be proud to be part of a company which helps move four million people and millions of tonnes of freight every day.”
Notes:
About the Network Rail advanced apprenticeship scheme:It is a three-year programme that equips you with the skills and experience to become a maintenance engineering technician. www.facebook.com/ontrackThere are five engineering programmes: track, signals, electrification and plant, signal design 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.
Paid learning: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.
Qualifications: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.
Network Rail scoops environment award for Crossrail work.
Network Rail has won a Green Apple Award for its work protecting biodiversity during the design and construction for a new flyover at Heathrow Junction, as part of the Crossrail project.
The Green Apple Awards are presented annually in recognition of companies, councils and communities carrying out projects that enhance the environment.
The new flyover is a major new piece of infrastructure which will allow the Crossrail and Heathrow Express trains to join the Great Western Mainline towards Paddington without causing disruption to other services.
Aware of the impact this work could have on the biodiversity of the area, the team undertook thorough environmental and tree protection surveys on areas identified for the work and a number of animals and plants were relocated, including 46 slow worms, 30 wild orchids, 593 smooth newts; 599 fish and a metre-long European eel.
The award was presented to Clare Rice, Network Rail construction manager, Dave Jones, designer Jacobs’ senior ecologist and Elwen Tasker, contractor Carillion’s environmental manager at the award ceremony held at the National Self Build and Renovation Centre in Swindon on 24 June 2013.
Rob McIntosh, Crossrail Programme Director, Network Rail said: “This award really goes to highlight the excellent work being done on the Crossrail programme to ensure that we protect the environments that we are working in. When trains start running in 2018, not only will the passengers be able to use a fantastic new rail service, but we can also be extremely proud of the whole development process, knowing that huge efforts were made to be sustainable and protect the environment they are travelling through.”
When Crossrail opens it will increase London's rail-based transport network capacity by 10%, supporting regeneration and cutting journey times across the city. Crossrail services are due to commence through central London in 2018.
Network Rail is a key partner in Crossrail. Network Rail is responsible for the design, development and delivery of the parts of Crossrail that are on the existing network. Its work will integrate Crossrail with the national rail network. The work includes upgrading 43 miles of track, improving 27 stations, and work on 20 bridges.
UK Office of Rail Regulation (ORR)
National Railway Museum on YouTube
The new flyover is a major new piece of infrastructure which will allow the Crossrail and Heathrow Express trains to join the Great Western Mainline towards Paddington without causing disruption to other services.
Aware of the impact this work could have on the biodiversity of the area, the team undertook thorough environmental and tree protection surveys on areas identified for the work and a number of animals and plants were relocated, including 46 slow worms, 30 wild orchids, 593 smooth newts; 599 fish and a metre-long European eel.
The award was presented to Clare Rice, Network Rail construction manager, Dave Jones, designer Jacobs’ senior ecologist and Elwen Tasker, contractor Carillion’s environmental manager at the award ceremony held at the National Self Build and Renovation Centre in Swindon on 24 June 2013.
Rob McIntosh, Crossrail Programme Director, Network Rail said: “This award really goes to highlight the excellent work being done on the Crossrail programme to ensure that we protect the environments that we are working in. When trains start running in 2018, not only will the passengers be able to use a fantastic new rail service, but we can also be extremely proud of the whole development process, knowing that huge efforts were made to be sustainable and protect the environment they are travelling through.”
Notes:
About CrossrailThe Crossrail route will pass through 37 stations and run 118 km (73 miles) from Maidenhead and Heathrow in the west, through new twin-bore 21 km (13 miles) tunnels below central London to Shenfield and Abbey Wood in the east.When Crossrail opens it will increase London's rail-based transport network capacity by 10%, supporting regeneration and cutting journey times across the city. Crossrail services are due to commence through central London in 2018.
Network Rail is a key partner in Crossrail. Network Rail is responsible for the design, development and delivery of the parts of Crossrail that are on the existing network. Its work will integrate Crossrail with the national rail network. The work includes upgrading 43 miles of track, improving 27 stations, and work on 20 bridges.
UK Office of Rail Regulation (ORR)
Barhale Construction fined £13,000 for failure to protect workers
27 June 2013
ORR/15/13
Barhale Construction PLC has been fined a total of £13,000 and ordered to pay costs of £11,899 following a prosecution brought by the Office of Rail Regulation (ORR) for breaches of health and safety law on a construction site at River Gowy, near Chester in 2011.
On 2 July 2011, Barhale Construction, contracted by Network Rail, was undertaking work to demolish and rebuild the River Gowy Bridge. During this work, the company operated heavy machinery under live overhead electrical power lines. ORR found inadequate precautions had been taken in areas of danger around the power lines and served an immediate prohibition notice to stop all work until adequate safeguards were installed.
The sentencing hearing at Chester Magistrates’ Court follows an investigation by ORR which found that despite identifying the risks on site from overhead lines, the company failed to address the safety risks. ORR found Barhale Construction had not followed its own safety protocol for work under power lines, and safety equipment was not in use on this site. At today’s hearing, Barhale Construction pleaded guilty to a breach of Electricity at Work Regulations for failing to plan and effectively manage against the risks of working near overhead power lines.
Darren Anderson, ORR’s Principal Inspector of Railways, said:
Mallard 75ORR/15/13
Barhale Construction PLC has been fined a total of £13,000 and ordered to pay costs of £11,899 following a prosecution brought by the Office of Rail Regulation (ORR) for breaches of health and safety law on a construction site at River Gowy, near Chester in 2011.
On 2 July 2011, Barhale Construction, contracted by Network Rail, was undertaking work to demolish and rebuild the River Gowy Bridge. During this work, the company operated heavy machinery under live overhead electrical power lines. ORR found inadequate precautions had been taken in areas of danger around the power lines and served an immediate prohibition notice to stop all work until adequate safeguards were installed.
The sentencing hearing at Chester Magistrates’ Court follows an investigation by ORR which found that despite identifying the risks on site from overhead lines, the company failed to address the safety risks. ORR found Barhale Construction had not followed its own safety protocol for work under power lines, and safety equipment was not in use on this site. At today’s hearing, Barhale Construction pleaded guilty to a breach of Electricity at Work Regulations for failing to plan and effectively manage against the risks of working near overhead power lines.
Darren Anderson, ORR’s Principal Inspector of Railways, said:
“Barhale Construction was well aware of the inherent risks for work near overhead power lines at the River Gowy site and failed to take adequate safety precautions. The company even had the appropriate safety equipment stored unused on the site. It was just good fortune that no injuries occurred prior to ORR’s intervention.
“ORR inspectors will continue to focus on worker safety in the coming year, including those on rail construction sites. There are still too many occasions where sensible procedures designed to protect workers are ignored and the regulator will continue to press the industry, to defend the safety of those working on Britain’s rail network.”
Retired overseas - A4s in Canada and America Part 1
The first of our special Mallard 75 talks. Jacqueline Frank, Director of the National Railroad Museum in America, talks about the transportation and preservation of Dwight D. Eisenhower.
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