International & UK Railway News Wednesday 31st July 2013

   National Railway Museum - The Heart of International Steam Locomotive Preservation.



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


A new rail link from the Italian city of Bari to Karol Wojtyla Airport was inaugurated on July 19, when the mayors of seven municipalities served by the Bari – Barletta line attended the opening..

AMTRAK President Mr Joe Boardman, Federal Railroad Administrator Mr Joseph Szabo and Siemens Rail Systems USA president Mr Michael Cahill visited the Transportation Technology Center (TTCI) at Pueblo on July 29 to see the ACS-64...

THE World Bank has agreed to lend $US 205m to the municipality of Quito to support construction of the first metro line in the Ecuadorian capital, which is due to open in 2016..



www.progressiverailroading.com US News

Maine transportation commissioner asks five freight railroads to share parked train practices

Keyera, Kinder Morgan to build crude-by-rail facility in Edmonton

M-1 Rail contracts Stacy and Witbeck to manage Detroit's streetcar construction

CREATE partners seek $16 million TIGER V grant for grade separation

Metro Transit's ridership in Twin Cities ticked up in year's first half

CTA readies new fare system, reports drop in employee absenteeism

RTA tie market report: A June swoon for purchases, production

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

  NYCT's new hurricane division takes steps down long road to recovery, resiliency

Second federal grant would help spur new train station for Raleigh and North Carolina region

Crude oil surge in Permian Basin drives Texas-style business boom for short-line railroad



www.railway-technology.com Updates...

Perth Airport rail link moves forward
The Australian federal government has provided $3m in funding to move the Perth Airport rail link project towards its construction phase. 
       
Street Crane delivers tram maintenance overhead crane to Edinburgh depot
UK-based overhead crane and hoist manufacturer Street Crane has delivered a double girder overhead travelling crane to the Edinburgh Gogar tram depot.   
     
Quebec orders rail and oil firms to bear expenses of train crash clean up
The Quebec Government in Canada has ordered the rail and oil firms involved in the Lac Megantic train accident that killed 47 people earlier this month to bear the expenses of fixing the environmental damage caused. 
       
SNCF exercises order option for 40 additional Alstom Euroduplex trains
French rail operator SNCF has exercised its option with Alstom for the delivery of 40 Euroduplex high-speed trains, as part of a framework agreement signed by both firms in June 2007.




Shedmaster Railway News

5 Reasons California's High Speed Rail Is The Best Public Works Project In The United States - Carbonated.TV

EBRD backs expansion of Kazakh wagon leasing company - Railway Gazette


World Heritage & Railway News

Summer speed activities - Plan a visit - National Railway Museum

Dunster Castle Express « West Somerset Railway


Railway Engineering News

KinkiSharyo to open California factory in following Los Angeles order - Railway Gazette

Le Tramway T5 ouvre ses portes !

International & UK Railway News 30th July 2013

Total Rail

What is the future of transport ticketing?

Škoda Transportation wins €39m light rail contract

How Hitachi plans to dominate the European Rail Market

Santiago de Compostela rail crash



European Bank for Reconstruction and Development

Full steam ahead for the Kazakh railway sector

US$ 24.8 million loan to private leasing provider Olzha

Author(s):	Svitlana Pyrkalo
Date:	30 July 2013

The EBRD is providing the private Kazakh rail company JSC Olzha with a US$ 24.8 million (€19.2 million equivalent) loan to support the development and growth of the company.

Olzha, a joint stock company, is providing operating leases for freight wagons to corporate clients in Kazakhstan and beyond, mainly for the transportation of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and oil products. Olzha has been active in the market for the last 18 years. As freight owners increasingly favour leasing over ownership of railroad cars, demand for Olzha’s services is expected to increase significantly. This will be fuelled further by an increase in oil and gas production in Kazakhstan in the years ahead.

Kazakhstan has one of the world’s largest railway networks. With its vast territory and lack of a significant water transport alternative, railways play a key role in the national transport sector, accounting for some 60 per cent of all freight movement.

Thomas Maier, EBRD Managing Director for Infrastructure, said: “This is our first private sector transaction in the railway sector in Kazakhstan and it makes us very proud to support the future growth and development of a local company with strong potential such as Olzha. Especially at a time when access to finance remains scarce, the EBRD can really make a difference when it comes to funding the real economy.”

Bolat Dyuisekin, General Director of Olzha, added: “The EBRD loan will enable the company to expand its fleet and strengthen its position in the market. Also, as part of this engagement with the Bank, the company will implement a programme to align health and safety practices with the relevant international standards. This will give the company a competitive advantage.”

Since the beginning of its operations in Kazakhstan 20 years ago, the EBRD has invested close to US$ 6.3 billion in the country’s economy, with more than half of the Bank’s projects supporting the private sector.



Future Rail
The latest issue of Future Rail has arrived! Read your free copy now >> Level crossings remais a pressing safety issue for the industry. In this issue we explore new technologies that could help save lives by making traditional crossing techniques obsolete.

We also introduce the nominees for the Future Rail Innovation in Safety Awards 2013, find out how German rail operator Deutsche Bahn is keeping an eye on illegal graffitists with unmanned drones, and ask how behavioural science was used in the redevelopment of London Bridge station to make it more passenger-friendly.

Moreover, we take a look at significantly under-used stations in the UK and the business case for their closure, and investigate if metal-rich particles found in the air on underground networks could be harmful to staff and passengers.



International Railway Journal

BUENOS AIRES metro authority Sbase has announced that it is acquiring 73 series 6000 vehicles from Madrid Metro for use on Line B, following the opening of the 2km western extension of the line from Los Incas to Juan Manuel de Rosas on July 26.

OKLAHOMA Department of Transportation and the United States Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) have launched the Tulsa-Oklahoma City Passenger Rail Corridor Investment Plan to evaluate the feasibility of launching passenger services between the state's two largest cities.

TRANSPORT authorities in Saxony-Anhalt have published preliminary information for the tendering of regional services on non-electrified lines..

CORSICAN Railways (CFC) has awarded French National Railways (SNCF) subsidiary SNCF Partnerships a three-year contract to provide staff training and technical assistance on the island's 232km metre-gauge network.

CAF announced its first half figures on July 29, which show net profits for the first half reached €50m, 6.4% over net sales.


CAF

2013/07/29

CAF POSTS €50 M NET PROFIT AFTER TAX FOR THE FIRST HALF OF 2013

The backlog as of 30 June, 2013 amounted to €4,9338 M. of the current backlog, more than 85% relates to international market projects.

 CONSOLIDATED GROUP PERFORMANCE

 The Net Turnover as of 30 June, 2013 amounted to €780.9 M, which is less than the figure at the end of the first half of 2012, which amounted to €935.7 M.

 As of 30 June, 2013, the EBITDA Margin amounted to €120.4 M, approximately representing an 8% increase on the figure at the end of June 2012.

 The Net Profit for the year, after Corporate Tax, as of the 30 June, 2013, amounted to €50 M, representing 6.4% over net sales.

 Some of the Company’s ongoing projects worthy of mention include the supply of Suburban Units for São Paulo, Belo Horizonte and Recife (in Brazil), Trieste (Italy), Montenegro, Auckland (New Zealand) and EuskoTrenbideak; trains for Amtrak in the United States of America and for Saudi Arabia, LRVs for the cities of Granada, Málaga, Stockholm, Houston, Cincinnati, Debrecen, Besançon, Sydney, Fribourg, Tallinn, Cuiaba and Kaohsiung in Taiwan, and metro units for the cities of Rome, Bucharest, Caracas, Sao Paulo, Helsinki and Santiago de Chile.


www.progressiverailroading.com US News

Amtrak's new electric locomotives begin extensive testing at TTCI

CSX cuts ribbon on relocated North Carolina yard

Sound Transit approves Northgate Extension construction contract

ASLRRA produces video to commemorate centennial anniversary

MTA earns a B-plus for Second Avenue Subway progress, Maloney says

STB orders BNSF to delay asset revaluation from Berkshire acquisition

Oregon DOT unveils new Talgo train for Amtrak Cascades route

New siding on tap for North Carolina Railroad

www.railway-technology.com Updates..

SNCF exercises order option for 40 additional Alstom Euroduplex trains
French rail operator SNCF has exercised its option with Alstom for the delivery of 40 Euroduplex high-speed trains, as part of a framework agreement signed by both firms in June 2007.
One dead and 40 injured in Swiss train collision
Two trains collided on Monday evening in Western Switzerland, killing a drivers and injuring more than 40 passengers.
Saudi Arabia awards $22bn Riyadh Metro construction contracts
Saudi Arabia's Arriyadh Development Authority (ADA) has awarded $22bn in contracts to three consortiums for the design and construction of a new automated metro system in Riyadh.
Crossrail secures additional funding for Woolwich station fit-out project
The UK Department for Transport (DfT) and Transport for London (TfL) have given the green light to Crossrail to commence work on Woolwich station, following a £54m funding agreement for the project.



Shedmaster Railway News

California to Break Ground on the Nation's First High-Speed Rail Line This Summer

MoD to sell WWII Tube station command bunker - Telegraph

Crossrail 2 | Transport for London


World Heritage & Railway News

Moveable Feast - Plan a visit - National Railway Museum

Children’s Craft Activities | The East Lancashire Railway

Late Summer Weekend « West Somerset Railway

Drivers Hate Congestion Charges, but Does it Actually Work [Infographic]


Railway Engineering News

Drax unveils high-volume biomass wagon - Railway Gazette

Mumbai metro Line 3 approved - Railway Gazette

Commuters to benefit from state-of-the-art electric trains - Press releases - GOV.UK


GOV.UK

Commuters to benefit from state-of-the-art electric trains

Southern signs £180 million deal for additional 116 train carriages with Bombardier.

Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin has welcomed an order for more than 100 new electric train carriages while seeing the first of a British-built fleet being readied for use at a London depot today.
Following an open procurement competition Southern has signed a second contract with Derby-based train builders Bombardier, worth £180 million, for an additional 116 carriages, which will serve some of the capital’s busiest commuter routes from 2015.

Confirmation of the deal came as the Transport Secretary visited the Stewarts Lane Depot in Battersea where the train operator is currently preparing a new fleet of 130 carriages for use on its services from December. A further 40 vehicles will be delivered in the early part of next year.
Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin said:

London’s commuters deserve a first class rail network and comfortable modern trains, Southern is delivering that. This second order will also provide a further boost to the thousands of passengers who travel into London every day.

A successful rail network is vital for the economic prosperity of the country and its standing in the global race. The fact that these trains are made in Britain also protects jobs outside of the capital.

The 116 new carriages will initially be used on the Thameslink route allowing the release of existing rolling stock to newly electrified routes across the country.
Southern Managing Director Chris Burchell said:

We are delighted that the order we have signed today will help our industry grow. Southern has a great record in new train introduction and we are pleased to be able to offer our expertise in helping the Department for Transport deliver the benefits of the Thameslink programme.

Meanwhile, Southern is currently testing its new fleet of carriages ahead of their introduction on the network just 2 years after the deal with Bombardier was signed. This will allow up to 10 car trains to run on some of the operator’s busiest Metro routes, including trains via Norbury, Streatham Hill and Hackbridge, boosting capacity by 10%.
Southern Fleet Director Gerry McFadden said:

Getting the trains built, tested and in service within a 2 year time scale is setting a new record for train delivery, but we and Bombardier are determined to provide our passengers with the longer trains they have been promised.

The Commercial Director for Bombardier Transportation UK, Des McKeon, said:

It is great to see the first of Southern’s 130 new carriages being delivered here today. Production of the rest of the order is progressing on time in Derby. We are confident of delivering the rest of the fleet in line with Southern’s requirements and meeting their challenge of getting these units ready for passenger service later this year.

The order underlines the strength of the relationship Bombardier has with Southern and the DfT – a relationship born out of our strong performance on existing contracts. It reinforces the quality of our products and our ability to deliver on time to demanding schedules. It is further evidence of the dedication and skills of our people in the UK.

Paul Francis Managing Director of Porterbrook which financed the 130 carriages being introduced in December, said:

We’re delighted to have been appointed financier for the purchase of these new Electrostar trains which will operate with the other 792 Electrostar vehicles we have on lease with Southern. We reiterate our hope that this is only the start of ongoing investment opportunities in new and existing rolling stock over the coming years as franchises are re-let.

International & UK Railway News Monday 29th July 2013

International Railway Journal

ETCS not operable on Santiago crash train
Read article here



POWER station operator Drax has unveiled Britain's first purpose-built biomass hopper which, at nearly 18.9m over buffers, is also one of the longest single wagons to operate in regular service on the British network.

THE Philippines' transport secretary Mr Joseph Emilio Abaya has told the domestic media that after three postponements, the four consortia which have prequalified for the contract to extend Line LRT-1 to Bacoor in Cavite will finally submit their bids on August 15.

ARRIYADH Development Authority (ADA) announced the winning bidders on July 28 for three design and build contracts worth almost $US 21bn for the construction of a 176.7km six-line automated metro network in the Saudi capital..

ATHENS Metro began commercial operations on July 26 on the 5.5km southern extension of Metro Line 2 from Aghios Dimitrios to Elliniko.


www.progressiverailroading.com US News

In memoriam: Former Progressive Railroading Publisher and Owner Frank J. Richter

Senators call on colleagues to address potential Highway Trust Fund shortfall

EPA: Demand broadens for various rail-car types, but maintains downward trend

WMATA's board OKs contract with ATU

Georgia ports set several volume records in FY2013

Sens. Udall, Bennet seek easier implementation of quiet zone rules

Progressive Railroading to present webcast on rail-car market

McCaskey to lead Delaware Operation Lifesaver

Rail supplier news from FreightCar America, Alstom, Colo Railroad Builders, Hatch Mott MacDonald and SISCOG (July 29)

  www.railway-technology.com Updates..

Crossrail secures additional funding for Woolwich station fit-out project
The UK Department for Transport (DfT) and Transport for London (TfL) have given the green light to Crossrail to commence work on Woolwich station, following a £54m funding agreement for the project. 
       
Australia allocates dedicated radio spectrum for rail industry
The Australian Government has allocated dedicated radio spectrum for rail networks in the 1,800MHz band, which will allow more trains to run with greater frequency. 
       
DCA to design interior for Hitachi's super express trains
UK-based product design consultancy DCA Design International is designing the interiors of its new Super Express Trains, supplied by Hitachi Rail Europe, as part of the government's £5.8bn Intercity Express Programme (IEP). 
       
Deal signed for €1.5bn Emmerich-Oberhausen line upgrade
Germany's Ministry of Transport and Deutsche Bahn (DB) have signed a €1.5bn agreement to fund an upgrade of the 73km line between the Dutch border at Emmerich and Oberhausen.


Shedmaster Railway News

Athens Line 2 extended south - Railway Gazette

Riyadh metro construction contracts awarded - Railway Gazette

Land Transport Authority awards Thomson Line contracts - Railway Gazette



World Heritage & Railway News

Pullman dining Friday 2nd August | North Yorkshire Moors Railway :: A steam train adventure through the stunning Yorkshire Moors

Folk art painting of a steam train

RIBBLE STEAM's Page - Steam Tube

Porthmadog | Where Worlds Collide


Railway Engineering News

Five new members appointed to the board of the British Transport Police Authority (GOV.UK)

The appointment of 5 new board members to the British Transport Police Authority (BTPA) was announced by Transport Minister Simon Burns today (29 July 2013), strengthening the effectiveness of the authority.
The new board members will take up their appointments from September for an initial term of 4 years, representing the interests of railway service providers, those travelling by rail and passengers in Wales.
The BTPA was established in 2004 to enhance the public accountability of the British Transport Police, by setting its targets and allocating funding for its budget.
Rail Minister Simon Burns said:

The calibre of these new appointments is extremely high and I look forward to seeing them bolster the work of the authority, particularly when representing those rail passengers.

Stella Thomas, who will represent the interests of passengers in Wales, is currently co-opted by the Welsh government Transport Minister to the Public Transport Users Committee for Wales. She is an experienced rail passenger representative and professional bilingual (English and Welsh) trainer in customer service.

Catherine Crawford, who will represent the interests of those travelling by rail, is a former Chief Executive of the Metropolitan Police Authority, a post she held for 10 years. She is currently retired and has over 12 years experience in the transport industry.

Andrew Pollins, Dominic Booth and Mark Phillips will represent the interests of service providers. Andrew has several years of experience in the transport industry and is currently the Director of Finance for London Underground and rail.

Dominic has been the Managing Director of Abellio Transportation Group since 2007 and has several years of experience in the transport industry. He has fulfilled several roles as Chairman and Managing Director at a number of train companies and possesses a successful track record in both public and private sector environments.

Mark is currently the Bid Director for National Express’s Crossrail bid. He has 26 years experience in the rail industry including being a Deputy Managing Director and Operations Director for National Express East Anglia.

Bombardier Announces Sponsorship of The Millennial Trains Project (www.bombardier.com)

Rail technology leader Bombardier Transportation announced today its sponsorship of The Millennial Trains Project (MTP). Founded in 2012, MTP leads crowdfunded transcontinental train journeys to empower enterprising and civic-minded Millennials, aged 18 to 34, to advance new ideas that benefit local communities. The sponsorship will support the inaugural MTP train journey across the United States from August 8 to 17, 2013. During stops in San Francisco, Salt Lake City, Denver, Omaha, Chicago, Pittsburgh and Washington, D.C., 20 Millennial entrepreneurs will execute projects of their own design that benefit, serve and inspire others in each locality.

Bombardier is shaping The Evolution of Mobility by creating advanced mobility solutions that provide safe, efficient, and environmentally responsible rail travel. The mission of MTP is reflected in Bombardier’s commitment to Corporate Social Responsibility and to responsible citizenship in the areas of education, environment and entrepreneurship. Over the course of the 10-day journey, MTP participants will explore innovative solutions for sustainable transportation, renewable energy technologies, and improving access to higher education, among many others.

“What pioneering aspirations and initiatives will define our generation? This question is the driving force behind The Millennial Trains Project,” said Patrick Dowd, CEO and founder of The Millennial Trains Project. “Long before the internet brought the world to our fingertips, trains served as vehicles of discovery, connection, and economic opportunity. On a train journey this August, with the support of Bombardier, a group of Millennials will explore what it means to be a pioneer in the digital age by breaking new ground and connecting with diverse communities across the country.”

“Just as Bombardier is creating better ways to move the world with its groundbreaking rail products and services, MTP participants will be generating and implementing better ways to move the world through their individual projects,” added Robert Furniss, Vice President, Bombardier Transportation North America. “What better way to connect with and learn from each other, and with communities across the country, than on a train journey? We look forward to learning from the insights of MTP’s young entrepreneurs.”

About The Millennial Trains Project

The Millennial Trains Project (MTP) is a non-profit organization that leads crowdfunded transcontinental train journeys to empower diverse groups of Millennials to explore America's new frontiers. Over the course of a ten day train journey, MTP helps participants and virtual audiences to identify, evaluate, and explore new opportunities and challenges in the communities where our trains stop – and advance a project that benefits, serves, and inspires others. The inspiration for MTP comes from a similar train journey, the Jagriti Yatra, that founder Patrick Dowd helped lead as a 2010-11 Fulbright Scholar in India. Follow the Millennial Trains Project across the nation this August by visiting www.millennialtrain.co, Twitter and Facebook. 

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International & UK Railway News Sunday 28th July 2013

Alliance Rail Holdings

Alliance Rail Holdings is finalising its development plans for the operation of new rail services on a number of routes from 2013 through its subsidiaries Great North Western Railway Co Ltd (GNWR) and Great North Eastern Railway Co Ltd (GNER).

Alliance Rail Holdings (Alliance) is a Company established to provide new direct rail services between many northern towns and cities, whilst also offering direct links to London, both through Euston and King’s Cross.

Alliance is now currently undertaking detailed timetabling and economic work to support it’s application to the ORR for the establishment of these new rail routes.

This work will also provide the opportunity to review the potential for the re-introduction of a more regular Inter-City service at locations such as Nuneaton and Tamworth, and also offer new direct services between West Yorkshire and Crewe, allowing easy onward connections to Wales and the South West.

Delivering new ‘open access’ rail services – outside the franchising system – is a costly and complicated process, but the team at Alliance has a wealth of experience in the identification and delivery of such services.

Alliance is now currently undertaking detailed timetabling and economic work to support its application to the ORR for the establishment of new rail routes as well as undertaking detailed development work for sister company Grand Central.

Alliance has recently submitted a Section 17 application to the Office of Rail Regulation (ORR). Full details of the application and consultation undertaken can be seen by clicking here.

 
Alliance Rail Images.


MENA Rail News

$150m Railway Plant for Qatar

Tender Opportunity: Egypt: External tender for supplying railway sleepers

Tender Opportunity: Egypt: Feasibility study and doubling of the railway line mansoura/domietta

New Undersea Rail Link Between Morocco and Spain




Shedmaster Railway News

Coradia Meridian EMU roll-out - Railway Gazette

Lucas Bridge Towcester Model Layout - The SMJ Society


Other Headlines...

Spanish High-Speed Train Crash Offers Safety-System Lessons
Read the Scientific American article here


Guangzhou-Shenzhen High Speed Train

Video: Spain rail crash track ‘lacked high speed protection system’Morocco News

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International & UK Railway News Saturday 27th July 2013

La Vie du Rail


About 80 dead, at least twice that number wounded, the rail disaster that occurred in Galicia (northwest Spain) Wednesday, July 24 at 20:42, raises many questions, especially on the components of the high-speed Iberian and equipment.

In fact, the accident was caused by excessive speed (190km / h according to initial information), but the exact cause remains to be defined: failure driver of this train Madrid - A Coruna / Ferrol and / or malfunction of the signaling ?, or trouble on the automotive involved on the braking system
The disaster occurred at the end of a large new line speed with brand new material: long 88 km, Ourense - Santiago was set Service on December 10, 2011, and the train that derailed was an articulated train Talgo S-730.12 (or HSP 250) at Bombardier engine, a hybrid train, both electric and diesel, just out of the Iberian manufacturer factories.

 Ongoing investigations will reveal whether, as stated by the driver, "the convoy escaped control" and / or if the signal does not work well. Accuracy of importance since the derailment ultimately, the approach of Santiago, where the convoy then left a section where the maximum speed possible is 250 km / h to approach a curve limited to 80 km / h, and a classic way fit. So as we passed the signaling system ERTMS 2 to switch to the Spanish system ASFA (considered ERTMS level 1). Justice should hear the train driver on Friday acknowledged that, according to the headlines Spanish Friday: "I screwed up."

 This disaster occurs in the native region of Mariano Rajoy, President of the Spanish Council of Ministers, which is also his Transport Minister Ana Pastor. And it comes at a time when the country implements a restructured Renfe on July 31st 2013.



CER - The Voice of European Railways

Full steam ahead for the Fourth Railway Package’s Technical Pillar

Friday, 26 July 2013

The Community of European Railway and Infrastructure Companies (CER) and the European Rail Industry Association (UNIFE) emphasise their support for the Fourth Railway Package’s Technical Pillar and appreciate the European Parliament and Council intensive work to improve it. They therefore encourage the Council to assign the agreed principles of the Interoperability Directive to the Safety Directive. Building on what has already been achieved, the railway sector calls upon the European institutions to adopt the Technical Pillar of the Fourth Railway Package before the 2014 European elections.

 

CER and UNIFE appreciate that the Irish Presidency managed to reach a General Approach in the Council and hope the Council of the European Union will make similar progress on the Safety Directive and the European Railway Agency (ERA) Regulation during the Lithuanian Presidency. Both associations hope that the European Parliament will keep its ambitious timetable and that the Members of the European Parliament will make an early adoption of the Technical Pillar possible. The railway operators and the railway manufacturing industry have called for a reform of the authorisation regime and the safety certification since 2010. Both demands have been discussed extensively over the past three years with the European institutions and in the member states. After years of detailed and careful discussion CER and UNIFE call upon the European Parliament and the Council of the European Union to act now.

Concretely, CER and UNIFE jointly support the approach which underlines that ERA should issue the vehicle authorisation as a one stop-shop with the Agency being the decision making authority and supported by the national safety authorities (NSAs). Furthermore, both associations consider that the European vehicle authorisation should indicate the ‘area of use’.

Moreover, CER and UNIFE support the European Railway Agency being the authorisation body for trackside ERTMS whereas the NSAs should act for the authorisation on energy, infrastructure and CCS (class B systems). In future the streamlined European authorisation process should be based on a clear set of rules integrating technical specifications for interoperability and notified national rules exclusively. The key elements of the Interoperability Directive should apply reciprocally to the Safety Directive.

Finally, the railway and infrastructure companies and the railway manufacturing industry fully back the concept of the single safety certificate with ERA as one-stop-shop for the safety certification clearly indicating the ‘area of operation’, supported by cooperation in clusters of NSAs. In addition, without prejudice to civil liability, it shall be ensured that railway actors are each in charge for their own part of the system and its safe operation.

The European railway sector needs the Technical Pillar urgently in order to remain competitive in and for Europe – as a sustainable transport mode and as an industry. The sector needs to preserve and constantly improve its environmental advantage and increase the number of passengers and goods carried to fulfil the goals set in the European Commission’s 2011 Transport White Paper. The Fourth Railway Package’s Technical Pillar is a fundamental milestone on the way to create a Single European Railway Area and needs to be put on the right track by all parties involved. Putting the Technical Pillar on the right track means full steam ahead for the European railway sector and the creation of the Single European Railway Area. Therefore CER and UNIFE hope that the Lithuanian Presidency will find its way to a General Approach on the Safety Directive and the ERA Regulation.

CER Executive Director Libor Lochman said: “The principles of proposals of the European Commission and the General Approach of the Council of the European Union on the Interoperability Directive shall be supported – in fact they reflect what has been discussed for the last three years”.

UNIFE Director General Philippe Citroën stated: “The European industry needs a strong and large home market to develop. In this sense the Technical Pillar is not purely technical; it is an important element of competitiveness for our industry and of industrial policy”.

 

Network Rail


Read about (and view video)

European Rail Traffic Management System (ERTMS)

This tried and tested system will replace traditional railway signals with a computer display inside every train cab, reducing the costs of maintaining the railway, improving performance and enhancing safety.
It will offer a host of benefits to the railway and the application of its cab signalling component, the European Train Control System, ETCS, will spell the end for traditional signalling.

How does it work?

Instead of lineside signals, a computer in the driver's cab controls the speed and movement of the train, whilst taking account of other trains on the railway.

Taking control

By bringing the control system inside each individual train, ERTMS allows specific customised control. This allows the drivers to always run at the optimum safe speed helping more trains run faster and recover from delays quicker.

 

More trains, better services

Installing ERTMS across the country as signalling becomes life-expired will save an estimated 40 per cent over conventional systems. Each train will run at an appropriate safe speed, allowing more trains onto the tracks. ERTMS will improve train performance and reduce energy consumption.

Testing

We're carrying out testing on part of the Hertford Loop, north of London, using a converted former passenger train. This will trial four suppliers’ technology and will help us decide which contractor is best suited to work with us installing ERTMS on the Great Western and East Coast Main Lines in Control Period 5 (2014-19).

 

Bespoke system

Although still operating under the umbrella term of ERTMS, we're creating our own traffic management system to optimise performance.

 

Timeline

1. 2013 - Testing begins at Hertford National Integration Facility test track
2. 2015 - Operational ETCS begins on Hertford Loop
3. 2016-2019 - Roll-out on Great Western main line from Paddington to Bristol
4. 2019-2020 - Roll-out on East Coast main line from King’s Cross to Doncaster
5. 2021-2022 - Roll-out on Midland Main Line from London St Pancras to Leicester
6. 2021-2024 - Roll-out reaches Scotland, including Stranraer-Ayr, Glasgow, Dundee-Aberdeen and Edinburgh West

Image gallery

 

A train passing a railway communications system mast

 

A driving cab fitted with ERTMS - the screen of which is fitted in the centre

 

A signaller training on the new controls for the Hertford National Integration Facility at King's Cross signalbox

 

The driver of a Class 158 on the Cambrian with the ERTMS screen - also called a Driver Machine Interface - showing target speed

 

 

The ERTMS test train under development at Asltom's Wembley facility

 

 

Rebuilding Nottingham’s railway: significant progress made in first seven days

 

The first week of the work to rebuild the railway around Nottingham is coming to an end, with the project running well on time and significant progress made.

One of the most important milestones was achieved on Monday morning, when the new signalling system controlling trains in the Beeston area was wired in and switched on.
This allowed trains to begin to run into Beeston, including Network Rail’s own engineering trains being used in the relaying of track outside the station.

Network Rail’s senior scheme sponsor, Kevin Newman, said: “We may only be a week into the project but already we have seen some important milestones and work taking place.
“People passing by the station will have seen some of the really big work going on, including the new platform, which is progressing well, and new track to the west of Carrington Street.
“This work will have a major impact on the reliability of the railway and we all really appreciate the patience passengers have shown while it is going on.”

Engineers are currently relaying the track near the station, working from south to north across the four lines, replacing infrastructure that was installed in the 1960s.
Equipment for constructing the new platform and doing other work at the station was carried over the tracks on temporary bridges built from expanded polystyrene blocks. These structures were then removed to allow Skegness trains to run.

Meanwhile, redundant equipment was (and is) being recovered, including miles of signalling cable and signals themselves.

Network Rail chief executive David Higgins and director of network operations Robin Gisby visited the project yesterday (Thursday), arriving on the bus service from East Midlands Parkway.

After the first few weeks of the project, there will be less heavy engineering, and more technical work, as the signalling aspect takes shape.

Notes:

From July 20 until August 25, Network Rail will be working on a £100m project to completely renew the railway around the city, relaying more than a mile of track and a series of junctions, constructing a new platform, closing three signal boxes and two level crossings, and erecting more than 140 new signals.
The work will bring a faster and more reliable railway infrastructure to complement the Nottingham Hub project. This will deliver bigger and better station facilities at Nottingham railway station, and will open in early 2014.
Funding for the scheme comes from Network Rail and the Office of Rail Regulation.

The resignalling is part of a wider scheme, which will see the station’s historic porte cochere turned into a new entrance hall, and a southern entrance constructed. This will link to the Nottingham tram station, being built on a bridge over the railway.
Network Rail is working in partnership with Nottingham City Council and East Midlands Trains on the Hub station project itself. Construction will conclude in early 2014. Nottingham’s tram project is due for completion in late 2014.

Nottingham Resignalling at a glance:
1 new platform in the station.
143 new signals.
6 miles of new track.
3 signal boxes and Trent power signalbox closed and replaced with 2 new workstations at Derby signalling centre.
2 level crossings renewed
2 level crossings closed and replaced with footbridges.

All signalling is designed with electrification in mind so disruption will be reduced when the wires come to Nottingham.

National train performance for period 4 is 91.1%

Punctuality on the railways reached 91.1% during period 4, according to monthly performance data released today by Network Rail.

The data for Britain's train services covers the period from 23 June 2013 - 20 July 2013. This compares to 92.7% for the same period last year. The moving annual average is now at 90.9%.

Franchise	Punctuality % Period 4, 2013/14	Punctuality % Period 4, 2012/13	Moving annual average (MAA)
Arriva Trains Wales	92.4	94.7	93.3
c2c Rail	96.6	97.2	97.3
Chiltern	96.2	94.1	95.4
Crosscountry	87.6	87.6	87.3
East Coast*	84.6	85.0	83.9
East Midlands Trains	89.6	91.1	92.4
First Capital Connect	89.7	92.9	88.4
First Great Western	87.6	89.6	88.9
First Scotrail	90.4	93.4	92.4
First Transpennine Express	90.1	92.6	91.7
Greater Anglia	92.1	94.5	92.6
London Midland	85.7	89.7	85.3
London Overground	96.3	96.6	96.8
Merseyrail	95.3	97.4	95.4
Northern Rail	91.5	91.2	90.6
Southeastern	93.2	92.9	91.3
Southern	91.9	92.9	88.0
South West Trains	89.9	93.0	91.5
Virgin Trains*	84.6	86.5	83.3
Total	91.1	92.7	90.9

Notes:

• Delays attributable to Network Rail (this includes external factors such as fatalities which made up around a quarter of these delays) accounted for 66% of delays to Virgin services during the period and 64% of delays to East Coast services
• For Virgin, the major incidents for the period have been trespass, a fatality and several signalling and track faults
• For East Coast three big incidents undermined the entire month. A signalling power failure at Doncaster, a bridge defect at South Kirby and a trespass incident where a man climbed onto an overhead line mast at Darlington and delayed services for several hours
• Nationally around 60% of delays to train services are attributed to Network Rail. As well as infrastructure faults, these also include external factors such as weather, trespass and vandalism, cable theft etc, which make-up about 20% of all delays and therefore around a third of the delays attributed to Network Rail
• Arrived on time - the measure of train punctuality also known as PPM (public performance measure) means trains arriving at their destinations within five minutes for commuter services and within 10 minutes for long distance services.
• This measure of punctuality is commonly used throughout Europe
• National train punctuality is measured for all trains across the whole network, including cancelled services and delays caused by external factors (such as vandalism, extreme weather, suicides etc).
• Punctuality did not start to be recorded in this vigorous and thorough way until 1997. Before then Railtrack, and BR before, did not measure all services and also excluded external factors and other items from their numbers
• These figures represent provisional data for the period and individual operators' performance data may vary slightly from the full period performance report that
• Network Rail publishes on its website every month
• Network Rail and the train operators run more trains across Great Britain than are run in most European countries - almost 20% more than in France and 60% more than in Italy.
• Great Britain's 24,000 trains per-day is also more than Spain, Switzerland, the Netherlands, Portugal and Norway combined

 





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NetworkRail_New - News Releases - Rebuilding Nottingham’s railway: significant progress made in first seven days


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Railway Herald - Railtours.

Listing offered in good faith. No guarantees offered or implied.
Please confirm runnings with operators.
Please observe Network Rail photographic guidelines.
Thank you.

Monday 29th July 2013

The Heart Of Wales Scenic Rambler (Compass Tours)

• WCRC Class 47 (Pair) Nottingham (pu) - Langley Mill (pu) - Alfreton (pu) - Chesterfield (pu) - Grindleford (pu) - Chinley (pu) - New Mills Central (pu) - Marple (pu) - Denton (pu) - Stockport (pu) - Wilmslow (pu) - Crewe (pu) - Shrewsbury (pu) - Craven Arms - Knighton - Llandrindod Wells - Llandeilo - Pantyffynnon - Hendy Junction - Swansea District Line - Port talbot - Cardiff Central (break) - Cardiff Central - Newport - Abergavenny - Hereford - Shrewsbury (sd) - Crewe (sd) - Wilmslow (sd) - Stockport (sd) - Denton (sd) - Marple (sd) - New Mills Central (sd) - Chinley (sd) - Grindleford (sd) - Chesterfield (sd) - Alfreton (sd) - Langley Mill (sd) - Nottingham

The Jacobite (West Coast Railway Company)

• To be confirmed Fort William - Glenfinnan (break) - Arisaig - Mallaig (break/rev) & return

The Jacobite: Afternoon Train (West Coast Railway Company)

• To be confirmed Fort William - Glenfinnan (break) - Arisaig - Mallaig (break/rev) & return

Tuesday 30th July 2013

The Welsh Mountaineer (Railway Touring Company)

• 45305 or 61994 Preston (pu) - Warrington (pu) - Frodsham (pu) - Chester (pu) - Rhyl - Llandudno Junction (sd) (rev) - Blaenau Ffestiniog (break/rev) & return

The Jacobite (West Coast Railway Company)

• To be confirmed Fort William - Glenfinnan (break) - Arisaig - Mallaig (break/rev) & return

The Jacobite: Afternoon Train (West Coast Railway Company)

• To be confirmed Fort William - Glenfinnan (break) - Arisaig - Mallaig (break/rev) & return

The Scarborough Spa Express (West Coast Railway Company)

• WCRC steam pool York (pu) - Normanton (pu) - Wakefield Kirkgate (pu) - Wakefield Westgate (pu) - Woodlesford (pu) - Castleford (pu) - York (pu) - Scarborough
• WCRC Steam tbc Scarborough (pu) - York (sd) - Normanton (sd) - Wakefield Kirkgate (sd) - Wakefield Westgate (sd) - Woodlesford (sd) - Castleford (sd) - York

Wednesday 31st July 2013

The Forth & Tay Bridges Express (Compass Tours)

• WCRC Class 47 (Pair) Blackpool North (pu) - Poulton-le-Fylde (pu) - Preston (pu) - Lancaster (pu) - Oxenholme (pu) - Penrith (pu) - Carlisle (pu) - Beattock - Carstairs - Motherwell - Cumbernauld - Stirling - Perth - Dundee (break/rev) Dundee - Tay Bridge - Leuchars - Kirkcaldy - North Queensferry - Forth Bridge - Dalmeny - Linlithgow - Falkirk - Cumbernauld - Motherwell - Carstairs - Beattock - Lockerbie (sd) - Carlisle (sd) - Penrith (sd) - Oxenholme (sd) - Lancaster (sd) - Preston (sd) - Poulton-le-Fylde (sd) - Blackpool North

The Dorset Coast Express (Railway Touring Company)

• 34067 or 34046 or 30777 London Victoria (pu) - Barnes - Staines (pu) - Woking (pu) - Basingstoke (pu) - Eastleigh - Southamptonb Central - Bournemouth (sd) - Poole - Wareham - Dorchester South - Weymouth
• To be confirmed Weymouth - Dorchester South - (steam banker from Weymouth to Dorchester South)
• 34067 or 34046 or 30777 Dorchester South - Wareham - Poole Bournemouth (pu) - Southampton Central - Eastleigh - Basingstoke (sd) - Woking (sd) - Staines (sd) - Barnes - London Waterloo

The Fellsman (Statesman Rail)

• 46115 or 45699 or 44932 Lancaster (pu) - Preston (pu) - Blackburn (pu) - Clitheroe (pu) - Long Preston (pu) - S&C - Carlisle (break/rev) & return

The Jacobite (West Coast Railway Company)

• To be confirmed Fort William - Glenfinnan (break) - Arisaig - Mallaig (break/rev) & return

The Jacobite: Afternoon Train (West Coast Railway Company)

• To be confirmed Fort William - Glenfinnan (break) - Arisaig - Mallaig (break/rev) & return

The Scarborough Spa Express (West Coast Railway Company)

• WCRC steam pool York (pu) - Normanton (pu) - Wakefield Kirkgate (pu) - Wakefield Westgate (pu) - Woodlesford (pu) - Castleford (pu) - York (pu) - Scarborough
• WCRC Steam tbc Scarborough (pu) - York (sd) - Normanton (sd) - Wakefield Kirkgate (sd) - Wakefield Westgate (sd) - Woodlesford (sd) - Castleford (sd) - York

Thursday 1st August 2013

The Jacobite (West Coast Railway Company)

• To be confirmed Fort William - Glenfinnan (break) - Arisaig - Mallaig (break/rev) & return

The Jacobite: Afternoon Train (West Coast Railway Company)

• To be confirmed Fort William - Glenfinnan (break) - Arisaig - Mallaig (break/rev) & return

The Scarborough Spa Express (West Coast Railway Company)

• WCRC steam pool York (pu) - Normanton (pu) - Wakefield Kirkgate (pu) - Wakefield Westgate (pu) - Woodlesford (pu) - Castleford (pu) - York (pu) - Scarborough
• WCRC Steam tbc Scarborough (pu) - York (sd) - Normanton (sd) - Wakefield Kirkgate (sd) - Wakefield Westgate (sd) - Woodlesford (sd) - Castleford (sd) - York

Friday 2nd August 2013

The Scarborough Flyer (Railway Touring Company)

• 60009 Crewe (pu) - Wilmslow (pu) - Stockport (pu) - Denton - Rochdale (pu) - Hebden Bridge - Brighouse (pu) - Wakefield Kirkgate (pu) - York (sd) - Scarborough (break/rev) & return

The Jacobite (West Coast Railway Company)

• To be confirmed Fort William - Glenfinnan (break) - Arisaig - Mallaig (break/rev) & return

The Jacobite: Afternoon Train (West Coast Railway Company)

• To be confirmed Fort William - Glenfinnan (break) - Arisaig - Mallaig (break/rev) & return

Saturday 3rd August 2013

The Heart Of Wales Scenic Explorer (Compass Tours)

• WCRC Class 47 (Pair) Peterborough (pu) - Stamford (pu) - Oakham (pu) - Melton Mowbray (pu) - Leicester (pu) - South Wigston (pu) - Hinckley (pu) - Nuneaton (pu) - Coleshill Parkway (pu) - Craven Arms - Llandrindod Wells (break) - Swansea District Line - Cardiff (break) - Newport - Chepstow - Gloucester - Coleshill Parkway (sd) - Nuneaton (sd) - Hinckley (sd) - South Wigston (sd) - Leicester (sd) - Melton Mowbray (sd) - Oakham (sd) - Stamford (sd) - Peterborough

The British Pullman Circular Luncheon Train (VSOE)

• 35028 London Victoria (pu) - Barnes - Staines - Virginia Water - Woking - Guildford - Shalford - Reigate - Redhill - East Croydon - Selhurst - Clapham Junction - London Victoria

The Jacobite (West Coast Railway Company)

• To be confirmed Fort William - Glenfinnan (break) - Arisaig - Mallaig (break/rev) & return

Sunday 4th August 2013

The Weymouth Seaside Express (Railway Touring Company)

• 5029 or 34046 Bristol Temple Meads (pu) - Keynsham (pu) - Bath Spa (pu) - Trowbridge (pu) - Westbury (pu) - Frome (pu) - Castle Cary - Yeovil Pen Mill - Dorchester West - Weymouth (break/rev) & return

The Waverley (Railway Touring Company)

• 44932 and 46115 and 45699 York (pu) - Leeds (pu) - Shipley (pu) - Keighley (pu) - Skipton (pu) - Hellifield - S&C - Appleby (sd) - Carlisle (break/rev) & return

The North Wales Coast Express (Railway Touring Company)

• WCRC Class 47 (Pair) Crewe (pu) - Wilmslow (pu) - Stockport (pu) - Manchester Piccadilly (pu) -
• 45305 Manchester Piccadilly - Stockport - Altrincham (pu) - Northwich - Chester (pu) - Rhyl - Colwyn Bay - Llandudno Junction (change for Llandudno Town by service train) - Bangor (sd) - Holyhead (break/rev) - Holyhead - Bangor - Llandudno Junction - Colwyn Bay - Rhyl - Chesters - Northwich - Altrincham (sd) - Stockport - Manchester Piccadilly (sd) -
• WCRC Class 47 (Pair) Manchester Piccadilly - Stockport (sd) - Wilmslow (sd) - Crewe

The Torbay Express (Torbay Express Ltd)

• 70000 or 4464 or 34046 Bristol Temple Meads (pu) - Weston-Super-Mare (pu) - Taunton (pu) - Exeter St. Davids - Newton Abbot - Paignton (sd) - Kingswear (break/rev) & return

The Shakespeare Express (Morning Train) (Vintage Trains)

• 4965 or 5043 Birmingham Snow Hill (pu) - Birminngham Moor Street (pu) - Tyseley (pu) - Shirley - Henley in Arden (pu) - Stratford upon Avon (break/rev) - Stratford upon Avon - Claverdon - Hatton North Junction - Dorridge - Solihull - Tyseley (sd) - Birmingham Moor Street (sd) Birmingham Snow Hill

The Jacobite (West Coast Railway Company)

• To be confirmed Fort William - Glenfinnan (break) - Arisaig - Mallaig (break/rev) & return