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UK Office of Rail Regulation (ORR)

ORR decision on West Coast track access application

31 July 2013
ORR/18/13

The Office of Rail Regulation (ORR) has decided at this stage not to grant access for additional services to Blackpool and Shrewsbury on the West Coast Main Line (WCML).

Extensive analysis of Virgin Trains’ recent application for new passenger services on the WCML showed that there is not currently sufficient space on the line to run all of the additional services. The proposals would have also caused further deterioration in punctuality by adding traffic to what is already a very busy route, on which Network Rail is currently not meeting the punctuality targets it has been funded to deliver. The proposals would have a detrimental impact on the journeys of millions of passengers travelling on the route.

Network Rail and the rail industry are striving to improve performance on the WCML, with work underway to upgrade the line to allow more trains to run, and the scheduled introduction of an enhanced timetable for the route. ORR’s expectation is that this activity will allow opportunities for new services in the future.

ORR Chief Executive, Richard Price said:

"We understand that many people will be disappointed that ORR cannot at this stage give the go-ahead for new direct train services from London to Blackpool and Shrewsbury. We recognise the public support for these proposals, however our analysis shows the introduction of new services would see performance deteriorate on this key route for passengers.

“Although we are unable to grant access right now, we are putting pressure on Network Rail both to improve its performance and to carry out improvements on the West Coast Main Line so that the question of new services from London to Blackpool and Shrewsbury can be looked at again as soon as possible.”

Network Rail in breach of licence for performance on key passenger services

31 July 2013

Network Rail has breached its Network licence for performance on rail passenger services in the long distance and London & South East sectors in 2012-13, the Office of Rail Regulation (ORR) confirmed today.

ORR has conducted an extensive investigation into punctuality on long distance and London & South East services, after Network Rail missed annual targets for these sectors. The investigation concluded that Network Rail had not done everything reasonably practicable to deliver its targets for passengers and operators. ORR is requiring Network Rail to fully explain how it is addressing issues affecting performance on passenger services.

The regulator wants Network Rail to focus on putting resources and funding in place to fix the railway and deliver for passengers. The threat of a substantial penalty remains if the company does not achieve the levels of performance for which it is funded in 2013-14.

To read more about ORR’s investigation, visit: http://www.rail-reg.gov.uk/server/show/nav.2961

Dean Forest Railway

Special Events in August 2013
Friday 2nd, Saturday 24th & Wednesday 28th AugustEvening Scenic Supper CruiseMore details below
Sunday 4th AugustRoyal Forester Dining Train
Also running on Sunday 1st September & Sunday 6th OctoberMore details below
Saturday 10th & Sunday 11th AugustSevern Bridge Toll Refund DaysShow your toll receipt for the day of your visit when buying tickets on the day
Friday 16th, Saturday 17th & Sunday 18th AugustDay Out With ThomasMore details below
Monday 26th AugustParkend CarnivalTravel to the Parkend Carnival from Lydney Town, Norchard or Whitecroft and return for a very special fare
Saturday 31st AugustSteam Family Fun DayRide all day on the train with child friendly activities at most stations

Rail Freight Group (RFG)

RFG Newsletter: Issue 101 - August 2013 published

RFG becomes Intermodal Europe 2013 media partner

Rail Freight Group urges A9 Lorries Safety Switch to Rail

Community Transportation Association of America (CTAA)

The Twin Cities' Transit Awakening

Few other communities of similar size currently find themselves
at that exciting yet challenging point where momentum and resources come together to fundamentally reshape mobility trends and habits. A score of new transit projects – from commuter and light rail to bus rapid transit, exclusive bus-only shoulder lanes and park-and-ride locations - are all either recently-completed or moving rapidly through planning and construction. In all, it amounts to nothing short of a new beginning for public transit options in Minnesota's most-populated region.

The Twin Cities' Transit Awakening (PDF)(10.5 MB)

Intercity Passenger Rail in Minnesota

There are several encouraging projects that could transform Minnesota's
ability to connect communities via passenger trains. In particular, the Zip Rail corridor between the Twin Cities and Rochester and the Northern Lights Express, which would link Minneapolis-St Paul with Duluth are about at similar stages of development and could connect the bulk of the state's population via frequent and reliable passenger rail service.

Intercity Passenger Rail in Minnesota (PDF)(875 KB)

International Railway Journal

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Rail supplier news from Michael Baker, Align Production, Interfleet, Lonza, Cubic, Parsons Brinckerhoff, Interstate-McBee and Wi-Tronix (July 31)