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March 31, 2013

International & UK Railway News Sunday 31st March 2013

Shedmaster Railway News

getransportation.com - GE Transportation showcased its Tempo ETCS and Computer Based Interlocking solutions at the 4th Signaling and Train Control 2013 conference from March 19th to 21st in Vienna, Austria.

nationalrail.co.uk - These pages give an overview of the services that each Train Operating Company will be providing over the Easter Holiday period (between Friday 29 March 2013 and Monday 1 April 2013).

Can you help? Unidentified locations on the SMJ...?
This link to the enquiry!!



World Heritage & Railway News

Planning a visit? Then why not go to the North Yorkshire Moors Railway this year as it celebrates its 40th anniversary..??
More details here............






The International Maglevboard e.V

Maglev - what is it? And is it relevant?


Magnetic levitation transport, or maglev, is a modern form of transportation that suspends, guides and propels vehicles (especially trains) via electromagnetic force. This High-Tech method can be significantly faster than wheeled mass transit systems, potentially reaching velocities comparable to turboprop and jet aircraft (550 to 700 km/h) in regular service.
Maglev trains are important transport systems for the future perspectives of regions, nations and states. They can create important location advantages.

Maglev systems represent a revolutionary transport innovation. At the same time, they can also function as a technology development platform (e.g., superconductors, new materials). They can, in certain cases, bring positive economic benefits through the optimization of spatial networking, travel time reduction and resource efficiency. A meaningful use of the technology also brings collective social advantages as well as a good image and prestige. The city of Shanghai, China, where Transrapid has been in use since 2003 for high-speed airport-to-downtown transport, uses these advantages intensively and markets them aggressively.

Each maglev system has its own advantages that can be applied for different uses, e.g., in high-speed passenger and freight transport (containers) or as a local urban commuter system.

The German Transrapid Maglev and the Japanese Maglev MLX are two of the leading maglev systems in high-speed ground transport. The Transrapid in Shanghai has been in successful commercial use since 2003 and the Chinese Dolphin Maglev, based on the Transrapid system, likewise targets the high-speed segment.

The Japanese Linimo Maglev and the Korean Rotem Maglev are both used for rapid but lower-speed urban transit.


March 30, 2013

International & UK Railway News Saturday 30th March 2013

Shedmaster Railway News

GE Transportation presented its latest CBTC and train control technologies at the Asia Pacific Rail conference, Hong Kong, from 12th-14th March. The conference brought together regional Rail Operators, industry experts and suppliers in Asia Pacific. GE Transportation was the Silver and Lanyard sponsor this year.
To know more about GE's signaling, train control technologies, please click on the links below to locate brochures and collateral for CBTC, ETCS, Intelligent Transportation Systems product portfolio.
To learn more about the CBTC product click here.
To learn more about the IXL and ETCS products click here.



World Heritage & Railway News

Strasburg Rail Road
News from the Strasburg Railroad


Logo CAF - Construcciones y Auxiliar de Ferrocarriles, we create railway solutions

CAF announced results for the year 2012

The Backlog of CAF to December 31, 2012 stood at 4,941.4 million euros. In the current portfolio, about 85% are projects in the international market. CONSOLIDATED GROUP The Net Turnover at December 31, 2012 is 1721.2 million euros, of which 82, 3% corresponds to foreign markets. This is slightly lower than the figure at year-end 2011, which amounted to 1725.1 million. The EBITDA margin at the end of December 2012 stood at 181.9 million euros, about 21% less than in the year 2011, which was 228.8 million euros. Profit for the year before corporation tax at 31 December 2012 was EUR 127.8 million, ie less than the 143.9 million euros earned in 2011. reduction in profit after tax from continuing operations, compared with 2011, is due for the most part, the effect of growth rate of corporation tax, which has risen from about 10% in 2011 to 22% in 2012.


Spanish Railways News
For the first time, the fourth edition of the International Railway Industry Show BcnRail, to be held from the 19th to 21st November 2013, will welcome guest countries, Brazil, Russia and Turkey to be precise, which will present their investment plans on the railway. ·· ·· A delegation from the US city Cincinnati visited Zaragoza Tram to gain first-hand knowledge of the technological advances introduced in this new mode of transport. The delegation visited the main control centre, the maintenance premises and CAF’s Urbos 3 vehicles. The city is planning a line that will operate CAF’s vehicles. ··



For railway historians, The Railways Archive is an excellent starting point when researching details on accidents on the railways....as the following three recent additions to the site (from 1867) show.....

Accident Returns: Extract for the Accident at Dalston Junction - Hackney on 6th November 1867

The report of the collision of a passenger train with the engine attached to a disabled passenger train between Dalston junction and Hackney station.

Accident Returns: Extract for the Accident at Croston on 19th September 1867

The report of the derailment of a passenger train near Croston, Lancashire.

Accident Returns: Extract for the Accident at Cark on 16th October 1867

The report of the derailment near Cark, Cumbria, of a passenger train, part of which was then struck by another train travelling in the opposite direction.
 
 
 
Crossrail

Network Rail issues major tender for Crossrail works to the east of London

By Nick Mann

Network Rail has issued a major invitation to tender for the majority of Crossrail works planned on the northeast surface section of the Crossrail route, between Stratford in east London and Shenfield in Essex.

The invitation to tender includes the design and build of major station improvements at Romford and Ilford as well as improvements at stations including Forest Gate, Goodmayes, Harold Wood, Gidea Park, Chadwell Heath and Brentwood.

Platform extensions will allow longer, higher capacity trains to run, and new lifts to enable step-free access will be installed at many stations along the route. The detailed design phase will commence in early 2014 and main works will take place between late 2014 and 2017.

Other works will include various infrastructure improvements, such as extra train stabling capacity and turnback facilities that will improve the reliability of passenger services.
With Crossrail, people travelling from outer London and Essex will be able to travel right through the capital and on to Berkshire and Heathrow without having to change trains. Brand new trains will replace the existing ageing trains used on stopping services from Shenfield to London from 2017. Existing fast and semi-fast services from Shenfield to Liverpool Street will continue to operate.

Peter Mason, Network Rail’s Crossrail Senior Programme Manager, said: “Network Rail is undertaking a major upgrade of the existing rail network that will benefit passengers and freight customers, including a significant programme of track renewals as well as station improvements under the Crossrail programme. Crossrail will transform public transport, making it quicker and easier for people to get to destinations across London and the southeast.”

Matt White, Crossrail’s Surface Director said: “Network Rail will be carrying out significant improvement work, paving the way for new longer trains, frequent services and better stations. Residents along the line from Stratford to Shenfield will benefit from an improved train service due to Crossrail.”

Under the Crossrail programme, Network Rail is responsible for the upgrade of 43 miles of track in total, as well as improving 27 stations from Maidenhead in the west to Abbey Wood and Shenfield in the east.
Ends


Russian Railways

In Paris, signed a multilateral agreement on the establishment of an international center of high-speed rail and high-speed transportation systems.


March 27 in Paris, the ceremony of signing the agreement of intent to establish an international center of high-speed rail and high-speed transport systems between JSC "Russian Railways", the National Company for the French railways (SNCF), Moscow State University of Railway Engineering (MIIT), the National School of Bridges and Roads ( ENPC), the Conservatory of Arts and Crafts (CNAM).
Agreement was signed by the president of JSC "Russian Railways" Vladimir Yakunin , president of SNCF, Guillaume Pepy, President of MIIT Boris Levin, director of the ENPC Armelle de la Bourdon rector CNAM Christian Forestier.

The agreement was signed for the development and improvement of high-speed transportation systems and their various components in the CIS countries and in France.
By signing the agreement, the parties recognize that they are interested in the future of an international center of high-speed rail and high-speed transportation systems, in which they will coordinate their research and technological activities, collaboration with the Russian and French scientific and technical capacity, research, training of personnel for high-speed rail.

"We are ready to share with the Russian side experience and best practices in the field of high-speed traffic. In September 2014, the Department will work in high speed Railway Engineering," - said at the signing of the SNCF, Guillaume Pepy head.

"For five years we have studied the experience of French colleagues in the area of ​​high-speed communication. Today, we do not just want to copy the experience SNCF, and together create a more sophisticated system of high-speed, given the distances, which is in Russia. We, in turn, have something to share with the SNCF, for example, the experience of train operations at low temperatures ", - the president of JSC" Russian Railways "Vladimir Yakunin.


 

March 29, 2013

International & UK Railway News Friday 29th March 2013

Siemens

For the first time Siemens is to automate mainline routes in Tunisia.

Siemens is to equip Lines D and E of the mass rapid transit system in Metropolitan Tunis, the capital of Tunisia, with train control and operations control systems. As member of a consortium with the French company Colas Rail and the local Somatra construction company, Siemens has received the relevant order from the state project company Réseau Ferroviaire Rapide (RFR). "The contract with RFR is of strategic importance to Siemens. With this order, Siemens has succeeded in breaking into the market of the Tunisian rail industry," said Jürgen Brandes, CEO of the Siemens Rail Automation Business Unit. Out of a total volume of 145 million euros for the entire consortium. Commissioning is scheduled for the end of 2016.

The transit system in Metropolitan Tunis is over 20 years old and is currently being upgraded and extended. By 2016, the system should comprise a total of five lines with a total length of 86 kilometers. Siemens will equip the existing Line D, which runs between Tunis and Gobaa, as well as Line E to Sidi Hassine, with the latest train protection technology. To increase passenger capacity and the safety of railway operations, Siemens will install the European Train Control System "Trainguard 100 for ETCS Level 1", 28 on-board units, three Simis W electronic interlockings, the Vicos operations control system and the UGSK 3 track vacancy detection system. The contract also includes the equipping of the operations control center and the training of personnel in the use of the new technology. The consortium partners are supplying the telecommunication systems and a system for data recording.
 
The metropolitan area of Tunis has a population of more than two million, making it one of the largest cities in North Africa. According to the UNESCO report of 2012, the population there will increase by more than half a million by the year 2025. As the population grows, so will the demand for mobility and for an extensive transportation system. For this reason, the Tunisian government announced in 2011 that it would be investing about 500 million euros in the expansion of the mobility infrastructure as part of an aid program.



Shedmaster Railway News

News from USHSR;  a TCCD direct high speed service linking Eskisehir and Konya was officially inaugurated by Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan on March 23; and  from SINGAPORE , railwaygazette.com reports that the  Land Transport Authority confirmed on March 28 the purchase of 15 three-car Movia trainsets from the consortium of Bombardier Transportation and Changchun Bombardier Railway Vehicles Co....


World Heritage & Railway News

North Yorkshire Moors Railway (nymr.co.uk) ......
On Saturday 23rd March daily running begins once more on the North Yorkshire Moors Railway and in 2013 not only will the railway be celebrating its 40th Anniversary but trains will be running 7 days a week between Pickering and Whitby until Sunday 3rd November.
The railway will be encouraging residents in Pickering, Levisham, Goathland, Grosmont and Whitby to join in the 40th anniversary celebrations by taking advantage of half price travel on Fridays and Sundays throughout 2013.
For anyone that lives in the YO18, YO21 or YO22 postcodes, they can travel for half price when they buy any adult day rover ticket. All they need to do is show their proof of address at one of the NYMR’s booking offices on Friday’s and Sunday’s throughout our 40th Anniversary year.




Railway Herald - Railtours (for week starting 1st April 2013)

Monday 1st April 2013

The Easter Highlander: Day 4 (Pathfinder Tours)

  • DRS Class 37 (Pair) Dumbarton - Carlisle - Appleby - S&C - Hellifield - Chesterfield (sd) - Derby (sd) - Birmingham New Street (sd) - Kidderminster (sd) - Worcester Shrub Hill (sd) - Cheltenham Spa (sd) - Bristol Parkway (sd) - Bristol Temple Meads (sd) - Weston-Super-Mare - Taunton - Exeter St. Davids

Shrewsbury And The Welsh Borders (West Coast Railway Company)

  • WCR 47 x 2 or 37 x 2 Bridlington (pu) - Beverley (pu) - Cottingham (pu) - Brough (pu) - Howden (pu) - Selby (pu) - Crewe
  • WCR Steam Crewe - Chester - Wrexham General - Gobowen - Shrewsbury (break/rev) - Shrewsbury - Whitchurch -Nantwich - Crewe
  • WCR 47 x 2 Crewe - Selby (sd) - Howden (sd) - Brough (sd) - Cottingham (sd) - Beverley (sd) - Bridlington

Wednesday 3rd April 2013

The Yorkshire Coast Express (including Keighley And York Options) (Compass Tours)

  • WCRC Class 47 (Pair) Crewe (pu) - Winsford (pu) - Hartford (pu) - Warrington Bank Quay (pu) - Wigan North Western (pu) - Preston (pu) - Lancaster (pu) - Carnforth (pu) -
  • WCR Steam tba Carnforth - Long Preston (pu) - Skipton (pu) - Keighley (pu) - Shipley (pu) - York (sd) - Scarborough (break/rev) Scarborough - York (pu) - Shipley (sd) - Keighley (sd) - Skipton (sd) - Long Preston (sd) - Carnforth (sd) -
  • WCRC Class 47 (Pair) Carnforth - Lancaster (sd) - Preston (sd) - Wigan North Western (sd) - Warrington Bank Quay (sd) - Hartford (sd) - Winsford (sd) - Crewe

Friday 5th April 2013

The Lochalsh Highlander (Compass Tours)

  • WCRC Class 47 (Pair) Ayr (pu) - Prestwick Town (pu) - Troon (pu) - Irvine (pu) - Kilwinning (pu) - Paisley Gilmour Street (pu) - Coatbridge Central (pu) - Cumbernauld (pu) - Stirling (pu) - Dunblane (pu) - Perth (pu) - Aviemore - Inverness - Dingwall - Kyle of Lochalsh (break/rev) & return

Saturday 6th April 2013

The Eidyn Burgh Scot (Pathfinder Tours)

  • D9009 Crewe (pu) - Warrington Bank Quay (pu) - Manchester Victoria (pu) - Huddersfield (pu) - Leeds (pu) - York (pu) - Durham - Newcastle upon Tyne - Berwick upon Tweed - Edinburgh Waverley
  • D9009 Edinburgh Waverey - Carstairs - Beattock - Carlisle - Hexham - Durham - York - Wakefield Kirkgate (sd) - Huddersfield (sd) - Manchester Victoria (sd) - Warrington Bank Quay (sd) - Crewe

Additional Tour Information

20/1: Re-routed on the return via Tyne Valley, Durham and York to Wakefield Kirkgate and then to Huddersfield as per original route back to Crewe via Standedge and Manchester Victoria. Change due to insufficient DBS drivers knowing route over S&C.

Added 12:01 on Sunday 20th January 2013

 

Cumbrian Mountain & Coast Statesman (Statesman Rail)

  • WCRC Class 47 (Pair) Hereford (pu) - Ledbury (pu) - Great Malvern (pu) - Worcester Foregate Street (pu) - Droitwich Spa (pu) - Kidderminster (pu) - Stourbridge Junction (pu) - Rowley Regis (pu) - Tame Bridge Parkway (pu) - Walsall (pu) - Cannock (pu) - Rugeley Town (pu) - Stafford - Crewe - Blackburn - Hellifield - S&C - Carlisle (break/rev) Carlisle - Maryport - Workington - Ravenglass - Ulverston - Grange over Sands - Carnforth - Preston - Crewe - Stafford - Rugeley Town (sd) - Cannock (sd) - Walsall (sd) - Tame Bridge Parkway (sd) - Rowley Regis (sd) - Stourbridge Junction (sd) - Kidderminster (sd) - Droitwich Spa (sd) - Worcester Foregate Street (sd) - Great Malvern (sd) - Ledbury (sd) - Hereford

The Marylebone Flyer (Vintage Trains)

  • 5043 Birmingham Moor Street - Solihull - Leamingtoin Spa - Banbury - Bicester - Princes Risborough - High Wycombe - London Marylebone (break/rev) & return

Additional Tour Information

3/1: scheduled non stop outward. Set down at Banbury only on return

Added 11:35 on Thursday 3rd January 2013

Sunday 7th April 2013

The Atlantic Coast Express (Railway Touring Company)

  • 34067 London Waterloo (pu) - Wimbledon - Surbiton - Weybridge - Woking (pu) - Basingstoke (pu) - Salisbury (pu) - Yeovil Junction - Crewkerne - Axminster - Honiton - Exeter Central - Exeter St. Davids
  • 30777 and 34067 Exeter St. Davids - Exeter Central
  • 30777 Exeter Central - Honiton - Yeovil Junction - Salisbury (sd) - Basingstoke (sd) - Woking (sd) - Weybridge - Surbiton - Wimbledon - London Waterloo
 
Always check with operators to confirm running. No guarantees implied by this listing.
Always observe Network Rail photographers' guidance.

March 28, 2013

International & UK Railway News Thursday 28th March 2013

UK Office of Rail Regulation (ORR)

Rail passengers' complaints data shows focus on train punctuality

28 March 2013
New statistics published today on the regulator's data portal show that passengers' complaints continue to focus on train punctuality.
Updated rail complaints data highlights that, between 1 October 2012 and 31 December 2012, rail passengers' complaints concentrated on train punctuality (42%), followed by complaints about the quality of facilities on-board the train (14%), and fares (14%).
Data also shows that the overall number of complaints has been steadily decreasing over the past decade – dropping from a high of 128 complaints per 100,000 journeys recorded at the end of 2002-03, to latest levels which stand at 33 complaints per 100,000 journeys in the last 12 months.


International Railway Journal

SINGAPORE Land Transport Authority (LTA) has signed a $S 119m ($US 96m) contract for a second batch of 45 Movia C951 metro cars from Changchun Bombardier Railway Vehicles (CBRC), China.

THE Brazilian subsidiary of VAE is putting the finishing touches to its new turnout plant at Bacabeira, in Maranhão state, which is due to begin production in May.

PUBLIC Transport Victoria (PTV) has unveiled a 30-year blueprint for the development of the Melbourne suburban rail network, which if implemented in full could increase peak capacity by 50% by 2023..

MITSUBISHI Heavy Industries (MHI) has started construction of what it describes as Japan's first comprehensive railway system verification facility.


www.progressiverailroading.com US News....

  • Key sectors other than coal will outpace slow economic growth, CSX's Ward says
  • Denver RTD to speed up release of North Metro RFP
  • BTS: Value of cargo moved by surface modes climbed in January
  • Time running out for 'Rising Star' nominations
  • OmniTRAX installs Brede as president, makes three other top appointments
  • New England rail authority awards contract for Brunswick layover
  • Peabody Energy's Boyce to chair Coal Industry Advisory Board
  • Crossing projects top-of-mind in Texas, Ohio
  • Rail supplier news from Greenbrier, Bombardier, MERMEC, CTC, Transit Center Inc., Thales and Comet (March 28)

  • www.railway-technology.com Latest...

    Public Transport Victoria unveils Melbourne suburban rail improvement plan
    Thursday, March 28, 2013 Public Transport Victoria (PTV) in Australia has released the A$30bn ($31.4bn) Network Development Plan - Metropolitan Rail to develop Melbourne's suburban rail... 
     
    Mitsubishi Electric delivers silicon carbide power modules for Tokyo Metro railcars
    Thursday, March 28, 2013 Mitsubishi Electric has developed and delivered the auxiliary power supply systems that include the world's first silicon carbide (SiC) power modules for use in... 
     
    Tognum to deliver 307 power packs to Alstom
    Wednesday, March 27, 2013 German engine manufacturer Tognum has secured a contract from Alstom to deliver 307 power packs for new... 
     
    MTR to start modification works at Diamond Hill station in April
    Wednesday, March 27, 2013 Hong Kong's MTR is scheduled to start a HK$1.6bn ($213m) project to develop Diamond Hill station in mid-April...


    Additional News.....

    Shedmaster Railway News
    railwaygazette.com - SPAIN: Alstom and Spanish infrastructure manager ADIF have signed an agreement to develop ‘an inexpensive and quick-to-implement signalling system’ for use on mixed-gauge railways.

    World Heritage & Railway News

    Planning a visit to a heritage steam attraction......?? Some ideas here....


    Railway Engineering News



    Through improved methods and flexibility, GE is delivering the world's most efficient heavy haul locomotives in North America. The Tier 3 Evolution Series Locomotive stands 15 feet tall, reaches 72 mph, and runs on an engine that is 6% more fuel efficient; it is composed of 18,000 different parts that are manufactured in sites like San Luis Potosí, Mexico and Erie, PA before arriving for assembly in Fort Worth, TX. GE's global supply chain has a 100 year history of producing locomotives, allowing it to develop core competencies at each of its sites that help optimize efficiency.

    Connect with GE Online:

    Visit GE's Website:
    http://full.sc/12xawCV






    Network Rail



    Passengers in Reading are being asked to prepare themselves for 10 days of changes to train services as their new station arrives this Easter.

    Staff from Network Rail, First Great Western and Reading Borough Council are on hand from 7.30am until 6.30pm on Tuesday 19th and Wednesday 20th March to answer questions about the £895m investment in the area which includes the upgrade of the station and work to unblock the bottleneck on the railway.

    From Friday 29th March to Sunday 7th April there is planned disruption to train services, with passengers being urged to check before they travel. From Tuesday 2nd April commuters will be able to use the station’s four new platforms, two new entrances and a spectacular new link bridge for the first time.

    Bill Henry, Network Rail programe director, said: “We realise it will be an inconvenience to passengers to plan alternative routes while we undertake the most ambitious part of this massive project to date. If there was any other way that we could deliver the improvements we would do it. But passengers should understand that during the 10 days of disruption to train services we plan to achieve as much as we could in 20 weekends of work.

    “By compressing together the work we need to do we are on target to finish the upgrades one year ahead of schedule in 2015. This Easter is an historic one at Reading – as it will see the wonderful new parts of the station being opened to the public for the first time. It will also see the biggest commissioning of new track, signalling and infrastructure works at one time in the history of Network Rail. We have a huge task ahead of us, but all of this is only possible through the patience of the travelling public and for that I would like to thank them.”

    During the ten-day period, the platforms that trains arrive into and depart from will change, and passengers are being asked to check which platform their trains will depart from on arrival at the station. First Great Western will have staff on hand to help customers while they get used to the changes.

    First Great Western managing director, Mark Hopwood, said: “The works taking place over Easter are the most extensive phase of the upgrade scheme to date. Network Rail is doing a fantastic job improving Reading station and we’re looking forward to unveiling the latest phase in the redevelopment of our station to customers after Easter.

    “We have sought to minimise disruption to our customers’ journeys as far as possible as Network Rail carries out these essential works, which will mean improved journeys for thousands of rail passengers. However, many journeys will be affected and I’d encourage anyone travelling through Reading and surrounding stations during this period to check their journeys before they travel.”
    After the first phase of the new station opens on 2nd April, there will be around 12 months of further improvement works. These will include the demolition of the old link bridge and replacing old canopies and platforms, bringing them up to the standard of the new parts of the station.

    By spring 2014, the entire station upgrade will be complete, with the whole project, including a new viaduct to unblock the bottleneck on the railway, remaining on course to be finished in 2015 – one year ahead of schedule.

    Passengers and the public are also set to benefit from work Reading Borough Council is doing to improve the areas outside the station’s two new entrances.

    Tony Page, Reading Borough Council’s lead councillor for regeneration, transport and planning, said: "When complete the council's new interchanges, to the north and the south of the station, will markedly enhance the environment in and around the station, providing much improved facilities for pedestrians, cyclists and bus and taxi passengers.

    “The opening of the newly re-furbished subway underneath the station creates a route right into the town centre for people approaching the station from the northern side. For the tens of thousands of passengers who use Reading station every day, including a great many Reading residents of course, the new station will be a huge improvement."

    The station upgrades are just one part of the Reading improvement scheme, which also includes the construction of a new train care depot, a viaduct to provide more room for trains, the widening of Cow Lane, new signalling to improve reliability and the introduction of overhead electrical lines to allow new state-of-the-art electric trains to run.

    Network Rail started work to build the new viaduct in January 2013.




    New approach to rail planning seeks to boost economic growth


    The first step towards a new map for the future of Britain's railway has been taken today with the launch of the Long Distance Market Study.
     
    This document is the first in a new style of research designed to look 10 to 30 years into the future. Open to consultation from today, the final version will help form the basis of where long distance rail travel will go in control period 6 (2019-24) and beyond.

    Richard Eccles, Network Rail's head of strategic planning, said: "The goals of our study are to identify where rail can have the biggest effect on three key areas - namely enabling economic growth, improving people's quality of life and reducing the impact of travel on the environment.
    "Rail has a unique ability to offer fast and efficient connectivity for businesses and communities, while also being a greener, less carbon hungry form of travel. Only by planning many years ahead will we be able to keep trains moving and meet demand."

    As a market study, the document will not provide solutions (that will be the focus of the route studies that follow) but it will provide a guide to what capacity will be needed.

    Similarly, it is not limited by how well cities are linked by rail – or even if they are at all – but predicts the demand for travel between them; ranging from high speed (160mph average) down to existing interurban travel (45mph).

    If those cities are not connected with fast rail links, it will be the job of the route study to show how that challenge could be met.

    As an example, should the economy grow reasonably by 2043, travel between Leicester and Manchester – not directly connected by rail – could grow by 203 per cent. If the economy stagnates, it would still be 70 per cent. The estimates for 2023 (end of CP6) are 27 to 32 per cent respectively.
    In the case of Manchester and London, travel can be expected to grow by 143 per cent. If the economy remains stagnant, it could be as low as 85 per cent. The figures for 2023 are 46 to 31 per cent.

    It is assumed in all cases that HS2 has been, or is being, built.

    Notes:

    This draft study is open for consultation for 90 days and a final version will be published in the autumn of this year. It can be found at www.networkrail.co.uk. Further market studies will follow, focussing on London and South East Passenger; Regional Urban Passenger; and finally Freight.
    Research for the 12 route studies will begin this autumn and the first six should be available for consultation 18 months later.

    ----------------------------------

    Revamped King’s Cross station provides double boost for local economy.

    Investment in London’s transport infrastructure is playing a vital role in stimulating economic growth, say local business leaders in King’s Cross, as the station marks the first birthday of the stunning new western concourse.

    The new concourse, which opened to the public in March 2012, is the largest structure of its kind in Europe, containing over 27,000 sq ft of retail space across 27 units and employing over 500 staff. The local community are also enjoying the new facilities with research showing more people than ever are using the station simply for shopping.

    Retailers at some of Britain’s biggest and busiest railway stations across have seen like-for-like sales outperform the high street for the tenth consecutive quarter, new figures show.

    At King’s Cross, since the new concourse opened some retail units have seen sales increase by over 50%. Quarter 3 total sales were an impressive £11m, which was a jump of over £1.2m from quarter 2 and £2.8m up from quarter 1. It’s predicted that total sales for the full year will reach £38m.

    This was recognised earlier this year when Network Rail won a prestigious award from the British Council of Shopping Centres (BCSC) for retail at the station, beating off competition from major shopping centres across the country to take home the Gold in the ‘Refurbishment and Extension’ category.

    All profits from Network Rail’s commercial activities are reinvested in the railway, reducing the cost to taxpayers and passengers.

    But the benefits to the economy do not stop at the boundary of the station. The redevelopment of the station is credited by the major developers in the area with helping to encourage the regeneration of the area.

    Speaking about the huge 67 acre development to the north of the station, David Partridge, director of Argent (King’s Cross) Ltd, and chairman of the King’s Cross Business Partnership, said: “It is a year since the stunning western concourse opened at King’s Cross station and the area around it continues to evolve at a rapid pace. The concourse has helped to further change perceptions of King’s Cross and serves to welcome people to what is now one of the most exciting and extraordinary places in the capital.

    “In the year since the unveiling of the concourse, King’s Cross Central Limited Partnership has opened Granary Square, London’s newest public space, welcomed our first residents and signed a deal with Google that will see them developing their new UK headquarters at King’s Cross.

    “Much of this is made possible because of the unrivalled accessibility of King’s Cross and St Pancras stations following £2.5bn worth of investment into transport infrastructure and we now look forward to the opening of the new King’s Cross Square.”

    To the east on York Way, Macmillan’s global science and education division’s new ‘campus’ is now taking shape in Regent Quarter.

    Annette Thomas, CEO of Macmillan Science & Education, said: “Every day we welcome scientists, professors, teachers, journalists, editors, writers and entrepreneurs into our offices. Here at King’s Cross, we are perfectly placed to take advantage of the unrivalled transport connections on our doorstep, just a stone’s throw away from all that London has to offer in terms of science, culture and academia.”

    The Great Northern Hotel, which was designed by the same architect as the station, Lewis Cubitt, and was one of the first hotels aimed at rail passengers, has also been redeveloped and will soon be opening after a 12 year closure.

    Jeremy Robson, owner and operator of the Great Northern Hotel said: “This is an extremely exciting time for King’s Cross and we are delighted to be playing a part in its regeneration.

    “The Great Northern Hotel stands on an intersection of extraordinary, global connectivity in what is the biggest railway hub in Europe with 135m passengers passing through annually. The signature dome of the new western concourse was designed to fit the crescent shape of the hotel itself and our ground floor opens directly onto the concourse and is just 18 metres from the Eurostar terminal at St Pancras International. Our restaurant Plum + Spilt Milk and many of the bedrooms have views overlooking London’s newest public space – King’s Cross Square.”


    Footbridge to transform pedestrian flows in Lincoln approved.

    Pedestrians on Brayford Wharf East in Lincoln will no longer be disrupted by train services after city planners approved designs for a new footbridge. Network Rail is installing the bridge to reduce the risk of misuse at the level crossing.

    Phil Verster, Route Managing Director for Network Rail said: “I am pleased that the planning team recognised the worth of these plans which have been many months in development. The design is a direct result of consultation with people and will help improve connectivity across Lincoln.

    “Our team will now continue the detailed design and planning for the works. A critical part of this will be the interface with highways works to accommodate the bridge. Preparation work and the work to modify the jetty and on entrance paths to the University will start this summer."

    Brayford Wharf is one of two level crossings in the centre of Lincoln. Network Rail is also examining plans to install a bridge at High Street. However this site is much more constrained and so designs are taking longer to develop.

    Mr Verster added: “We are acutely aware of this need to address the risk of misuse at both of Lincoln’s level crossings and continue to seek the best possible solution for the High Street. We are in discussions with local property owners to see if it is possible to redevelop a building as part of the footbridge design. As soon as possible we will bring those designs to a public event for further discussion.”

    Notes:

    The website for this project can be found at www.networkrail.co.uk/Lincoln

    March 27, 2013

    International & UK Railway News Wednesday 27th March 2013

    International Railway Journal


    VOITH Engineering Services has been awarded a contract worth around €7m to develop a low-floor LRV for Xiangtan Electric Manufacturing Group, China.

    PASSENGER Rail Agency of South Africa (Prasa) has awarded a Bombardier-led consortium a Rand 1.1bn ($US 122m) contract to carry out resignalling of MetroRail KwaZulu Natal commuter lines in the Durban area.

    SWEDISH operator Hector Rail has acquired 42 type ICK coaches from Netherlands Railways (NS) leasing subsidiary NS Financial Services.

    JAPAN's Mitsubishi Electric Corporation says it has installed the world's first auxiliary power supply system incorporating silicon carbide power modules in a series-production train.


    TRENITALIA rolled out its next-generation high-speed train, the ETR 1000 Frecciarossa, at AnsaldoBreda's Pistoia plant on March 26, when the first completed train was nameed Pietro Mennea in honour of the Italian 100m sprinter who died on March 21.



    www.progressiverailroading.com US News


  • Long Beach port breaks ground for major rail project
  • Virginia Gov. McDonnell amends transportation package, comments on port authority
  • U.S. Class I workforce grew incrementally in February
  • Work under way on three portions of Port MacKenzie extension in Alaska
  • Maryland transit, labor agencies ink agreement calling for more skilled workers for transportation projects
  • MTA to reopen Brooklyn station
  • CN and Coalspur Mines ink transportation, rail line pacts
  • Sound Transit to display, discuss plans for light-rail extension
  • CP, short line forge pacts with Quebec port to bolster rail system




  • www.railway-technology.com Latest

    Tognum to deliver 307 power packs to Alstom German engine manufacturer Tognum has secured a contract from Alstom to deliver 307 power packs for new railcars. 
          
    Siemens to install train control systems on mainline routes in Tunisia
    Siemens has secured a contract from Réseau Ferroviaire Rapide (RFR) to provide train protection technology for mainline routes in the Tunisian capital of Tunis. 
          
    MTR to start modification works at Diamond Hill station in April
    Hong Kong's MTR is scheduled to start a HK$1.6bn ($213m) project to develop Diamond Hill station in mid-April 2013. 
          
    Canadian National Railway sells Oakville-Burlington rail segment to Metrolinx
    Canadian National Railway (CN) has sold a portion of its rail line west of Toronto, Canada, to Metrolinx, a local transportation agency that operates public transit for the GTHA, for C$52.5m ($51m).

    Plus....

    Shedmaster Railway News      
    Video feature: new look for Birmingham New Street - Railway Technology


    World Heritage & Railway News

    nymr.co.uk - Due to sudden illness, the evening talk this evening by Chris Ware has been cancelled. We apologise for any inconvenience caused. The exhibition will still be open until 20:00 for browsing..



    Railway Engineering News

    ..takes a look at the fastest series built train in Europe....and the RAIB is investigating an incident that occurred on the morning of 8 March 2013 in one of the two single bore tunnels between Old Street and Essex Road stations.

    March 26, 2013

    International & UK Railway News 26th March 2013



    Vintage Trains- The Cheltenham Flyer



    On Saturday May 11th, 2013, Vintage Trains in conjunction with First Great Western, West Coast Railways & Network Rail, are planning to re-run the Cheltenham Flyer non-stop for the 114 miles from Gloucester to Paddington in the morning, then in reverse in the afternoon.

    In true Cheltenham Flyer tradition, the train will be formed in Gloucester Station, with our award-winning ex-GWR double chimney Castle No. 5043 “Earl of Mount Edgcumbe” plus range extending water carrier attaching at the rear of the arriving train for reversed departure from Gloucester towards Stroud, Swindon and onto the Great Western Terminus of London, Paddington.

    Continue reading here.....





    Viewed from the newly constructed footbridge to newly reopened Platform 2 , GWR Castle No 5043 "Earl of Mount Edgcumbe" with the 10 coach Cathedrals Express becomes the first steam train through recently refurbished, and double tracked, Honeybourne Station.(17/09/11)



    Virgin Trains to run West Coast Main Line until April 2017


    The UK government has today announced that Virgin Trains will continue to run the West Coast main line until April 2017.
    "We welcome the Government's fresh plans to base the award of future franchises on measures such as improved customer service, innovation and planned investment," commented a spokesperson for Virgin Trains.
    "Virgin Trains has striven to deliver all of this over the last 16 years - resulting in record-breaking 92% customer satisfaction and the strongest growth of any long-distance company.
    "We will continue to do this for the remainder of the West Coast franchise and look forward to bidding for the chance to deliver similar improvements on East Coast."
    Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin has also today announced that there will be a number of changes introduced into the bidding process for rail franchises, following a review into the process.
    He said: “This programme is a major step in delivering tangible improvements to services, providing long-term certainty to the market and supporting our huge programme of rail investment.
    “Above all, in future franchise competitions we are placing passengers in the driving seat by ensuring that their views and satisfaction levels are taken into account when deciding which companies run our railway services.”
    To find out more about the services on the West Coast Main Line, head over to the Virgin Trains website.
    By . Content Executive. Tweets at @JackPressedOn



     

    UK Department for Transport (DfT)

    Fresh start for franchising


    Railway plan puts new focus on passengers.


    Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin today unveiled long-term plans designed to drive improvements to rail services, deliver on major infrastructure projects, and put passengers at the heart of a revitalised rail franchising system.
    In addition to publishing for the first time ever a detailed transparent timetable for all rail franchises over the next 8 years, the Transport Secretary announced the immediate start of the competition for the East Coast franchise, currently directly operated, with the expectation the new franchisee will carry its first passengers by February 2015.
    The new approach to franchising:
    • will provide long-term certainty to the market
    • support the Department for Transport’s massive programme of rail investment
    • deliver on the independent Brown Review of rail reform ahead of the April deadline for implementation of its recommendations
    In rolling out the programme the Department for Transport will work closely with the industry to negotiate further new services and more capacity in franchising contracts while delivering the best deal for both passengers and taxpayers. The new approach will see the interests of passengers strengthened within the franchising system, with passengers’ views on train company performance playing an enhanced role in deciding whether to continue an operator’s contract.
    On the day before the 50th anniversary of the Beeching Report, the Transport Secretary is also able to confirm the three stations most likely to be built with support from the government’s New Station Fund. These are Ilkeston in Erewash (Derbyshire), Pye Corner in Newport West (South Wales) and Lea Bridge in Walthamstow (East London). We will make a final announcement in May.
    In order to oversee this ambitious programme the government is also establishing the Franchise Advisory Panel, headed by Richard Brown, which will provide independent advice to support the department’s work on rail franchising.
    Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin said:
    This programme is a major step in delivering tangible improvements to services, providing long-term certainty to the market and supporting our huge programme of rail investment. Above all, in future franchise competitions we are placing passengers in the driving seat by ensuring that their views and satisfaction levels are taken into account when deciding which companies run our railway services.
    Franchising has been a force for good in the story of Britain’s railways, transforming an industry that was in decline into one that today carries record numbers of passengers.
    Richard Brown, Chairman of the newly formed Franchise Advisory Panel, said:
    I am pleased to see that government has engaged with my recommendations. It is clear to me that this announcement represents an opportunity for government to seek competitive and innovative proposals from the existing Train Operating Companies and potential new market entrants to demonstrate how they will continue to improve services for passengers.
    The clarity around the franchise programme will also allow fresh energy to be brought to the urgent task of developing closer partnerships with Network Rail to drive out costs from the industry and provide a better deal for passengers and taxpayers.
    Graham Smith, Director-General of the Rail Delivery Group, said:
    Britain’s railways have enjoyed significant growth and investment – restoring passenger, taxpayer and investor confidence in the franchising process will allow this growth to continue. A restart of the franchising programme, a transparent procurement process and clarity on what government wishes the passenger railway to provide will all help re-establish confidence and enable franchisees to deliver improved services for passengers.
    Rail Delivery Group Members will continue to work collaboratively with government to deliver the new programme, including franchise extensions where these are required, to get the best deal for passengers.
    Sir David Higgins, Chief Executive of Network Rail, said:
    Our goal is to work with the rest of the industry to provide a safer and more efficient railway which addresses the underlying issues of capacity and performance. The clarity provided in today’s statement is welcome in helping us achieve that goal.
    Delivering on Brown Review recommendations, the new programme will provide a more sustainable schedule for rail franchising by delivering no more than three to four competitions per year, and staggering the two principal Intercity franchises, West Coast and East Coast, so they will not be let at the same point in the economic cycle.
    In order to stagger the franchise start dates the government will use a mixture of extensions to existing franchises and direct award contracts to ensure the realignment of the programme. During this process the department will look to negotiate further passenger benefits, which will ensure the best deal for taxpayers.
    This process starts later today with the government serving notice on First Capital Connect and Southeastern to call contractual 6-month extensions.
    The programme has been designed so that as it is rolled out the department and Network Rail can continue to deliver on the massive programme of rail investment which will bring more trains and services to the network. These include:
    • The completion of a £500m package of enhancements that make up the Northern Hub programme. This will enable more services and greater capacity to be delivered between major cities including Manchester. Liverpool, Blackpool, Sheffield, Leeds and Bradford by the end of 2018
    • Electrification of the network in the North West by December 2016 and across the Pennines by December 2018 which will allow franchise operators to run faster and more reliable electric trains
    • The electrification of the Great Western Main Line and the Cardiff Valley Lines which will transform train travel across the South West and South Wales, including faster and more reliable journeys to London
    • The delivery of new state-of-the-art British-built trains from 2017 as part of the Government’s £4.9bn Intercity Express Programme
    • The electrification of the Midland main line which will deliver more passengers to destinations across the East Midlands and Yorkshire including Sheffield, Derby and Nottingham
    • Increased passenger services between Cambridge and Kings Lynn, and Cambridge and Norwich following work to improve Ely North Junction
    • The completion of the £14.5bn Crossrail project, the biggest construction project in Europe, and the £6bn Thameslink Programme, including the major redevelopment of London Bridge, which will provide massive benefits to passengers across London and the region
    • A major capacity enhancement programme across London and the South East, which together with Crossrail and Thameslink, will allow an extra 120,000 passengers to travel to Central London during the morning peak by 2019
    • The introduction of new services between Oxford and Marylebone and Oxford/Aylesbury and Milton Keynes/Bedford following investment in new and upgraded lines
    ================================================







    Rail Delivery Group
    Government announcement on franchising programme will help to restore rail
    industry confidence

    26 March 2013



    The Rail Delivery Group, which is the leadership group for Britain’s railway industry, has
    expressed its support for the Government’s publication of the franchising programme, which
    has been announced today..
     
    Graham Smith, Director-General of the Rail Delivery Group, said
     


    As the leadership group for the rail industry the Rail Delivery Group (RDG) is pleased that the Secretary of State’s announcement has restored clarity to the franchising programme.. Many of the RDG’s franchising priorities were included in the Brown Review report and it is encouraging that this announcement demonstrates the Government’s support for Brown’s recommendations on restarting the franchise programme”.



    The announcement by the Rt. Hon. Patrick McLoughlin MP, Secretary of State for Transport,includes:
     
    A full, detailed and sustainable franchising programme of three to four competitions a
    year over the next eight years;
    The immediate start of the competition for the East Coast franchise;
    The intention to exercise a number of contractual extensions with current operators and
    also to negotiate a series of direct awards with current operators;
    The creation of a Franchise Advisory Panel, headed by Richard Brown; and
    A revised franchising policy statement.
     
    Graham Smith continued


    “Britain’s railways have enjoyed  significant growth and investment – restoring passenger, taxpayer and investor confidence in the franchising process will allow this growth to continue.
    A restart of the franchising programme, a transparent procurement process and clarity on what Government wishes the passenger railway to provide will all help re-establish confidence and enable franchisees to deliver improved services for passengers"


    The Rail Delivery Group submitted franchising priorities to the independent review of franchising chaired by Richard Brown in November 2012. Since that time the RDG and its Members have held detailed discussions with the Department for Transport regarding the timing and content of the franchising programme.
    Graham Smith concluded:


    "Rail Delivery Group Members will continue to work collaboratively with government to deliver the new programme, including franchise extensions where these are required, to get the best deal for passengers"

     
    End




     Christian Wolmar


    Christian Wolmar

    Franchise fiasco deepens

    The Department for Transport bombarded me with several copies of the press release on franchising but that did not make its contents any more coherent.Essentially, apart from speeding up the process on the successful publicly owned East Coast, the whole franchise programme has been delayed, with temporary extensions to most franchises. The most extraordinary bit about this abject failure is the statement that ‘ in order to roll out the programme and stagger future competitions, it will be necessary to exercise a number of contractual extensions with current operators and to negotiate a series of direct awards with current operators’. So much for competition. While in theory Directly Operated Railways will be hanging about in the wings, the private companies have the Department over a barrel. I somewhat suspect that they will be so pleased with this announcement that they will quietly drop the legal bid to get their money back on the failed franchise bids – having their tummy tickled will surely put them in a better mood.

    Remember Roger Salmon, the first franchising director – he was castigated for delaying the start of the process, and yet he managed to let the whole railway from scratch in just 18 months. That is why today’s announcement is such a clear indictment of the system. It has become too complex, impossible to manage and the only answer is to scrap the whole thing, let the franchises lapse and bring the lot in-house into a coherent railway.

    Of course, announcing the Search and Rescue privatisation, with the prospect of Prince William being out of a job, has grabbed the headlines, so this announcement has attracted little attention. Attention now must turn to Labour – will the party have the courage now to call time on this fiasco or will it retain its obsession with the free market and neoliberal ideology.
     On the Wrong Line
    On The Wrong Line (Kemsing Publishing, 2012)
    How ideology and incompetence wrecked Britain’s railways
    available-on-kindleBritain’s rail privatisation has been one of the greatest political failures of recent history. A well-functioning industry was torn apart to satisfy political dogma and privatised in a way that not only compromised safety and wrecked performance but also resulted in financial melt-down. In this new Kindle edition, read a new preface and a never-before-published statement written by Sir John Major on the privatisation of the railways; a subject he never mentions once in his autobiography. Read more >>

     

    International Railway Journal

    THE United States Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) has selected the Illinois Department of Transportation (Idot) to lead the multi-state procurement of at least 35 200km/h diesel locomotives for passenger operations...

    SWISS railfreight operator BLS Cargo saw a 13% fall in volumes last year as disruption on the Gotthard line, the poor performance of the European economy, and the strength of the Swiss franc took their toll on demand....

    BRITAIN's secretary of state for transport Mr Patrick McLoughlin today unveiled a revised timetable for rail franchises, which sets out how and when contracts will be tendered over the next eight years.



    www.progressiverailroading.com US News









  • Design to start on intermodal terminal at New Orleans port
  • New York lawmakers seek restoration of old Rockaway Beach line
  • FRA amends track, passenger equipment safety standards
  • Evergreen Line constituents unveil construction schedule, station names
  • Two Georgia ports cranked up cargo volume in February
  • Ohio utilities commission OKs crossing work
  • Metro-St. Louis to hold public meetings on rapid transit options
  • Rail supplier updates from Cooper Bearings, Chicago Freight Car, Parsons Brinckerhoff and Arup (March 26)

  •  
     
     
     
    PHX Sky Train to open at Phoenix airport in April 2013 Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport in Phoenix, Arizona, US, is set to open the $1.58bn PHX Sky Train on 8 April 2013. 
          
    Funkwerk to install electronic interlocking at Hochbahn Hamburg rail depot in Germany
    Funkwerk has won a contract from German public transport firm Hamburger Hochbahn to install its Alister SIL 2 electronic interlocking for depot control at the Barmbek depot in Hamburg. 
          
    Canadian National Railway sells Oakville-Burlington rail segment to Metrolinx
    Canadian National Railway (CN) has sold a portion of its rail line west of Toronto, Canada, to Metrolinx, a local transportation agency that operates public transit for the GTHA, for C$52.5m ($51m). 
          
    Thales wins ticket validation maintenance contract for SNCF Transilien network
    Thales has secured a four-year contract from France's national rail operator SNCF to maintain ticket validation equipment across the Transilien train network in the Paris area.
     
     
    Other news......
     
     
    From railwaygazette.com - Includes UK franchise news, Eurostar passengers rise, Pesa to supply Sofia's trams, and Jaén city council is planning to sell off the city’s light rail line..



    Future Rail

     Read the April 2013 edition HERE

    Includes a special report on "Crossrail takes shape", "The World's Busiest Stations", Amtrak's Grand Plan..and a look at Eurostar's new e320 locomotives, and comparisons with the current
    fleet of Class 373's.....