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September 30, 2013

International & UK Railway News Monday 30th September 2013



News from.....

International Railway Journal

MR Christian Kern, CEO of Austrian Federal Railways (ÖBB), has been appointed chairman of the Community of European Railways and Infrastructure Managers (CER) for the next two years

EUROSTAR has reached agreement with Netherlands Railways (NS) to launch a service between London and Amsterdam starting in December 2016 as part of a package of measures announced by the Dutch cabinet on September 27

THE European Union's Court of Justice (ECJ) has upheld an opinion in March made by advocate general Niilo Jääskinen that train operators cannot be exonerated from their liability for delays even in cases of force majeure such as bad weather.


www.progressiverailroading.com US News

  • Canadian agency again extends suspension date of Montreal, Maine & Atlantic's operating license
  • All Aboard Florida advances plans for proposed intercity passenger-rail service
  • FTA to solicit comments on proposed rulemaking for transit safety, asset management
  • FRA assigns Lauby, Fiorenzo to new posts
  • CSX earns recognition for sustainability efforts
  • Moody to manage Oklahoma DOT's rail division
  • APTA elects 2013-14 Executive Committee
  • Twin Cities' Metro Transit adds Wi-Fi to Northstar trains



  • www.railway-technology.com Updates..

    Siemens Inspiro metro trains approved to operate in Polish capital
    Siemens's new Inspiro metro trains have been certified to operate on the Warsaw Metro system in Poland.


    Network Rail begins work on major signalling and training centre
    Network Rail has started work on a major signalling and training centre in Basingstoke in the UK to manage large areas of railway in London and the south west.

     
    Alstom and Balfour Beatty Rail JV wins Great Western Main Line signalling contract
    Signalling Solutions Limited (SSL), a joint venture formed by Alstom and Balfour Beatty Rail, has secured three signalling system contracts for the Great Western Main Line from UK infrastructure manager Network Rail.



     
     

    Eurostar and Keolis announce joint bid for East Coast franchise - Railway Gazette

    Rwanda rail project on track to bridge Africa's economic divide | Global development

    Buenos Aires metro Line A opens to San Pedrito - Railway Gazette


    World Heritage & Railway News

    News from the Bluebell Railway

    Latest Autumn Gala News « West Somerset Railway

    Experience a Footplate Journey on Tornado 60163 | North Yorkshire Moors Railway :: A steam train adventure through the stunning Yorkshire Moors


    "Tornado" through Honeybourne!
     
     
     

    Government approves RENFE restructuring - Railway Gazette

    Rwanda rail project on track to bridge Africa's economic divide | Global development


    September 29, 2013

    International & UK Railway News Sunday 29th September 2013





       "Preserving the steam locomotive legacy...and more....on film"

    October 2013 edition....OUT NOW!

    Contents.....
     
    Welcome, and site news.100trains - progress report
    Steam Tube Photographic Highlights
    Steam Tube Video Highlights
    NFSA Film Australia
    Tornado- The Story So Far

    Mainline Steam Schedule
    New Build News.

    Heritage Lines News and Events
    On This Day in History.
    Around the World in 80 Railways.  No 39: Hungarian Railways
    Christian Wolmar...
    WATTRAIN

    Huntley Film Archives
    Memories of a Railway Man
    Shed Bash in 1963 (Dick Bodily)
    The Wye Valley Railway
    Steam Tube Railwayana




    Shedmaster Railway News

    Late Metro trains for holiday eve-Shanghai Daily

    Etihad Rail test running begins - Railway Gazette


    World & Heritage Railway News

    Reunification Project in the November issue of Railway Magazine

    Standard Travel Day Rover Tickets - Save 25% « West Somerset Railway


    Railway Engineering News

    If HS2 ever gets built, it'll take a hike to ride it - Telegraph

    Scrapping HS2 rail link would be a disaster, warns transport secretary | UK news




     
     
     
     
     
    Click on above link for a comprehensive listing of UK Heritage Railways' and Museums' Websites
     
     
     
     
     
     The Wye Valley Railway Project
     
    Peter Smallwood is putting two cars up for sale...One was used in the Vinny Jones film "Lock Stock and Two Smoking Barrels", and the other was owned by Victoria Beckham.
    Reason for the sale of these two iconic cars....Peter says..
     
    "I AM SELLING MY OLD CAR AND USING THE CASH TO START A FUND TO REOPEN THE HEREFORD TO ROSS ON WYE RAILWAY AND TO HEREFORD,AND THEN ROSS TO SYMONDS YAT.
    PLEASE BID TO HELP WITH THIS PROJECT"
     
    ROVER P6 3500s LOCK STOCK & TWO SMOKING BARRELS original car
     
    ROVER P6 3500s 4 DOOR SALOON 5 SPEED SD1 GEARBOX FITTED
    WAS CONVERTED TO LPG GAS
    THAT WAS REMOVED AS THE CAR WAS GOING TO THE SCRAPYARD, MAYBE IT STILL WILL ,
    BUT I WILL GIVE ANYONE A CHANCE TO HAVE A GO
    THIS CAR WAS USED IN THE FILM
    LOCK STOCK AND TWO SMOKING BARRELS AND SMASHED UP BY VINNIE JONES
    CAR IS NOT SMASHED UP NOW AS I WAS DRIVING IT TO THE CAR SHOWS
    COLOUR IS ALMOND WITH BROWN VINYL ROOF
    THE CAR WAS LUNAR GREY IN THE FILM AND ROOF PAINTED BLACK
    IT WAS BLACK BOOT POLISH USED TO BLACK THE ROOF AND NOW IS ORIGINAL BROWN
    REGISTATION NUMBER GCO 777N.
     




    September 28, 2013

    International & UK Railway News Saturday 28th September 2013





    Mainline Steam ScheduleRailway 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 30th September 2013

    The Autumn Highlander: Day 4 (Pathfinder Tours)

    • To be confirmed Dumbarton - Carlisle - Appleby - S&C - Hellifield - Crewe (sd) - Stafford (sd) - Nuneaton (sd) - Coventry (sd) - Leamington Spa (sd) - Banbury (sd) - Oxford (sd) - Swindon (sd) - Chippenham (sd) - Westbury (sd) - Salisbury


    The Jacobite (West Coast Railway Company)

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


    Tuesday 1st October 2013

    The Cathedrals Express (Steam Dreams)

    • DBS tbc St.Albans (pu) - Radlett (pu) - Bedford (pu) - Leicester (pu) - Sheffield (pu) - Hellifield
    • 60163 Hellifield - S&C - Carlisle (break/rev) - Carlisle - S&C - Hellifield
    • DBS tbc Hellifield - Sheffield (sd) - Leicester (sd) - Bedford (sd) - St. Albans (sd) - Kensington Olympia (sd) - Clapham Junction
    Cancelled

    The Jacobite (West Coast Railway Company)

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


    Wednesday 2nd October 2013

    The Jacobite (West Coast Railway Company)

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


    Thursday 3rd October 2013

    The Cathedrals Express (Steam Dreams)

    • steam tbc Alresford (pu) - Alton (pu) - Farnham (pu) - Aldershot (pu) - Woking (pu) - Staines (pu) - Clapham Junction (pu) - Bromley South (pu) - Canterbury West (break) - & return


    The Cathedrals Express (Steam Dreams)

    • Mid Hants Diesel Alresford (pu) - Alton (pu)
    • 70000 Alton - Farnham (pu) - Aldershot (pu) - Woking (pu) - Staines (pu) - Clapham Junction (pu) - Bromley South (pu) - Canterbury West
    • 70000 Canterbury West - Dover - Folkestone - Ashford - Bromley South (sd) - Clapham Junction (sd) - Staines (sd) - Woking (sd) - Aldershot (sd) - Farnham (sd) - Alton (sd)
    • Mid Hants Diesel Alton - Alresford


    The Jacobite (West Coast Railway Company)

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


    Friday 4th October 2013

    The Lochalsh Highlander (Compass Tours)

    • To be confirmed Gourock (pu) - Greenock Centrak (pu) - Port Glasgow (pu) - Paisley Gilmour Street (pu) - Bishopbriggs (pu) - Larbert (pu) - Stirling (pu) - Dunblane (pu) - Perth (pu) - Aviemore - Inverness - Kyle of Lochalsh (break/rev) & return


    The Jacobite (West Coast Railway Company)

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


    Saturday 5th October 2013

    Wandering 1500 Tour (Railway Touring Company)

    • 70013 London Liverpool Street (pu) - Stratford - Canonbury - Finsbury Park - Hitchin - Cambridge - Ely - Thetford Norwich
    • 9466 and 70013 Norwich - Cromer
    • 70013 and 9466 Cromer - Sheringham
    • 61572 Sheringham - Holt (break/rev) Holt - Sheringham
    • 9466 and 70013 Sheringham - Cromer
    • 70013 Cromer - Norwich (rev) - Norwich - Diss - Ipswich - Colchester - Stratford - London Liverpool Street

    Additional Tour Information

    27/9: 70013 replaces 61306

    Added 14:12 on Friday 27th September 2013


    Lochs & Glens Statesman: Day 1 (Statesman Rail)

    • WCRC Class 47 & 57 Newport (pu) - Cwmbran (pu) - Abergavenny (pu) - Hereford (pu) - Leominster (pu) - Ludlow (pu) - Craven Arms (pu) - Church Stretton (pu) - Shrewsbury (pu) - Crewe (pu) - Warrington Bank Quay (pu) - Wigan North Western (pu) - Preston (pu) - Inverness


    London Comes To Crich (Charter Organised By East Midlands Trains To Support Railway Children Charity) (UK Railtours)

    • East Midlands Trains HST London St. Pancras (pu) - Luton Airport Parkway (pu) - Bedford (pu) - Kettering - Leicester - Loughborough - Toton Centre - Alfreton
    • East Midlands Trains HST Alfreton - Toton Centre - Loughborough - Melton Mowbray - Oakham - Welland Viaduct (Harringworth)- Corby - Kettering - Bedford (sd) - Luton Airport Parkway (sd) - London St. Pancras


    Shrewsbury & The Welsh Borders (West Coast Railway Company)

    • WCRC Class 47 (Pair) Cleethorpes (pu) - Grimsby (pu) - Habrough (pu) - Barnetby (pu) - Scunthorpe (pu) - Thorne South (pu) - Crewe
    • WC Steam tbc Crewe - Chester - Wrexham - Gobowen - Shrewsbury (break/rev) - Whitchurch - Crewe
    • WCRC Class 47 (Pair) Crewe - Thorne South (sd) - Scunthorpe (sd) - Barnetby (sd) - Habrough (sd) - Grimsby (sd) - Cleethorpes


    Sunday 6th October 2013

    Lochs & Glens Statesman: Day 2 (Statesman Rail)

    • WCRC Class 47 & 57 Inverness (pu) - Preston (sd) - Wigan North Western (sd) - warrington Bank Quay (sd) - Crewe (sd) - Shrewsbury (sd) - Church Stretton (sd) - Craven Arms (sd) - Ludlow (sd) - Leominster (sd) - Hereford (sd) - Abergavenny (sd) - Cwmbran (sd) - Newport


    The Cathedral Express Luncheon Train (Steam Dreams)

    • 34046 London Paddington (pu) - Beaconsfield (pu) - Warwick (sd) - Stratford upon Avon (break/rev) & return
     
     
     

    Shedmaster Railway News

    Eurostar confirms launch of London – Amsterdam services in December 2016 - Railway Gazette

    Chinese DMUs for Buenos Aires commuters - Railway Gazette

    BBC News - King's Cross Square opens to the public

    World Heritage & Railway News

    Last minute Grosmont Station House availability. | North Yorkshire Moors Railway :: A steam train adventure through the stunning Yorkshire Moors

    Chris Kempster Photography | NYMR 40th Anniversary Autumn Gala

    Autumn Steam Gala - Cambrian Railways Theme « West Somerset Railway


    Railway Engineering News

    Alstom to renew signalling system of the Great Western Main line in the UK


    MENA Rail News

    Saudi Arabian Landbridge PMC Awarded

    The Project Management Consultancy contract has been awarded by the Saudi Public Investment Fund for the Landbridge railway project between Jeddah and Riyadh.

    The contract has gone to the subsidiary of Balfour Beatty Parsons Brinckerhoff and Fluor Corp. Parsons Brinckerhoff were involved in the original planning of the Landbridge project in 1997 so have experience on this particular planned project.

    The 750 km railway will link Jeddah with the existing 450 km network which links Riyadh with the port of Dammam. There will also be a 115 km line from Dammam to Jubail.

    This will reduce freight transport times between Jeddah and Dammam from four days by sea, to one day over land. In doing so this will improve efficiency of freight transport, and eventually link in with the GCC rail network which is being built at present.

    The European company will oversee the eight year building project, specifically the ‘complex elements’ of the railway such as tunnels and bridges. The project managers will be involved in awarding design and build contracts for the projects in the Jeddah region but also civil and track contracts, as well as major earthworks and tunnelling across the route.

    GCC Gears Up For Regional Rail Network As Domestic Routes Forge Ahead

    $18 billion rail scheme closer than ever to getting on track

    Dubai, United Arab Emirates; 25 September 2013 – The recently awarded multi-billion dollar contracts for two of the Gulf’s biggest rail schemes signals a turn of fortune for the planned GCC rail network that hopes to address mounting urban mobility issues confronting the region.

    $3.75bn Loan from China Helps Kenya Build Railway

    The Mombasa to Nairobi railway has had a cash injection of $3.75bn in a loan from China and should be complete by 2018. The standard gauge railway will cut journey times and increase capacity for intermodal trade via Mombasa.

    News Source: MENA Rail News.



    International Railway Journal Friday 27th September 2013



    International Railway Journal

    CONSTRUCTION of Line 1 of the Panama metro is now 92% complete and test running is underway

    BRITAIN's infrastructure manager, Network Rail, has awarded a £140m contract to Signalling Solutions Ltd, a joint venture of Alstom and Balfour Beatty Rail, to resignal part of the Great Western Main Line.

    THE battle between the Dutch and Belgian operators and the Italian supplier of the V250 electric trains for the aborted Amsterdam – Brussels Fyra service is intensifying.



    www.progressiverailroading.com US News

  • CN to resume service on major portion of Kelowna Pacific's shuttered line
  • Maryland transit agency provides public more time to review Purple Line environmental document
  • UP garners veteran magazine and AAR honors, advances trackwork in two states
  • TriMet posted commuter-rail ridership increase in summer
  • AAR: Carloads rose in Canada, fell in U.S. and Mexico last week
  • Amtrak to begin trackwork in Michigan next week
  • Crossing projects a priority in North Carolina, Ohio and Oregon
  • Sound Transit to start charging fares for Tacoma light-rail service
  •  
    www.railway-technology.com Updates

    Bombardier unveils first Omneo double-deck train in France
    Bombardier Transportation has unveiled its first Omneo double-deck train, the latest addition to the company's double-deck EMU range, at its site in Crespin, northern France.

    Strukton wins Netherlands-based Dynamic Passenger Information System contract
    Cityregion Eindhoven, in the Netherlands, has awarded Strukton Systems a contract to supply a dynamic passenger information system (DPIS) for the greater Eindhoven area.

    King's Cross railway station completes £550m redevelopment
    A £550m revamp of King's Cross railway station in London, UK, has concluded, with the official opening of the 7,500ft² King's Cross Square, the final part of the redevelopment scheme.

    Newcastle Light Rail project in NSW moves ahead
    The Newcastle Light Rail project in New South Wales (NSW), Australia, has moved a step forward as the government awarded local firm GHD a contract for early scoping studies for the scheme.
     

    Shedmaster Railway News


    Stadler and Newag win PKP Intercity train order - Railway Gazette

    GATX sells stake in AAE Cargo - Railway Gazette


    World Heritage & Railway News

    40th Anniversary Autumn Steam Gala | North Yorkshire Moors Railway :: A steam train adventure through the stunning Yorkshire Moors


    Railway Engineering News

    Chinese DMUs for Buenos Aires commuters - Railway Gazette





    September 26, 2013

    International & UK Railway News Thursday 26th September 2013




    International Railway Journal

    SERVICES on Metro-North Railroad's New Haven Line - the busiest commuter rail line in the United States – have been severely disrupted following the severing of a traction power cable on September 25.

    MRT Jakarta has awarded the final civil works contracts for the Indonesian capital's first metro line allowing construction to start next month.

    BRITAIN's Department for Transport (DfT) has invited bids for the first two passenger rail franchises since the cancellation of the West Coast franchise in October 2012 following the discovery of flaws in the DfT's bid evaluation process.

    TEST running started today on the first metro line to be built in the northern Chinese city of Harbin, where temperatures can plunge to -38oC.

    SIR David Higgins, CEO of Network Rail, says he wants to look at how he can accelerate the construction of the £50bn (HS2) project...


    www.progressiverailroading.com US News


  • Florida allocates $150 million for port infrastructure projects
  • Denver RTD to evaluate four proposals to rebuild North Metro line
  • Obama nominates Miller as STB member
  • Indiana, Amtrak begin negotiations for Hoosier State rail service contract
  • Power failure on Metro-North's New Haven Line could take weeks to repair
  • New Jersey provides $12.9 million for freight-rail projects
  • Frulla to succeed Bethel as VP of transportation for CSX's Northern Region
  • Rail supplier news from ARL, Wabtec, BSM Technologies, Brandt, QLS Logistic, Husch Blackwell, Voith Turbo and New York Air Brake (Sept. 26)
  •  
     
    www.railway-technology.com Updates..

    British rail operator National Express wins regional rail contracts in Germany
    UK-based transport company National Express has signed a €1.6bn deal to operate two regional train services in the German state of North Rhine-Westphalia. 

           
    India may allow 100% FDI in railway sector
    India may open up the railway industry to foreign direct investment (FDI) under a new proposal intended to bring relief to the cash-strapped Indian Railways, according to The Economic Times. 

           
    Newcastle Light Rail project in NSW moves ahead
    The Newcastle Light Rail project in New South Wales (NSW), Australia, has moved a step forward as the government awarded local firm GHD a contract for early scoping studies for the scheme. 

           
    DB International wins contract for first high-speed rail link in Saudi Arabia
    DB International, a wholly-owned subsidiary of German railway company Deutsche Bahn, has secured a contract from Saudi Arabia's state-owned Saudi Railways Organization (SRO) to supervise the construction of a 450km, double track high-speed rail link for the Al Haramain project.




    CER - The Voice of European Railways

    Press Release
    Brussels, 26 September 2013
     
    ‘Force majeure’: Court decision widens the gap between transport modes
     
    Today’s decision of the Court of Justice of the European Union concludes that railways may not be exonerated from liability for train delays in case of ‘force majeure’. While the railways understand this judgment as aiming at a high level of consumer protection, they question the proportionality of this decision since other transport modes are not obliged to pay compensation for delays in case of extraordinary circumstances. This new scenario clearly violates the principle of a level playing field between transport modes. The Community of European Railways and Infrastructure Companies (CER) and the International Rail Transport Committee (CIT) call therefore upon EU decision-makers to ensure a more harmonised and consistent application of the principle of ‘force majeure’ across transport modes.
     
    The Court of Justice of the EU (ECJ) confirmed today the opinion delivered by Advocate General Niilo Jääskinen on 14 March 2013 in the case ÖBB vs Austrian National Enforcement Body (C-509/11) which concluded that railway undertakings may not be exonerated from their liability for delays. Concretely, this means that rail passengers are entitled to financial compensation for a delay of more than 60 minutes even if the delay is due to a case of ‘force majeure’, e.g. in case of severe weather conditions causing railway line closure.
     
    According to the ECJ, Regulation 1371/2007 on Rail Passenger Rights contains no cause of exoneration for delays, unlike for the aviation, maritime and coach sectors. If decision-makers had the intention to limit the right to compensation for delay on grounds of ‘force majeure’, they would have indicated this clearly in the Regulation, the ECJ said.
     
    CER and CIT note that the European Commission had already submitted written comments to the ECJ to clarify that the rules actually establish a limit to railways’ liability in case of ‘force majeure’. The annex of Regulation 1371/2007 refers in fact to the Convention concerning International Carriage by Rail (COTIF)[1], which states that ‘force majeure’ is a ground for limiting the liability of railways in case of delays. This is also a general principle of contract law – nobody is expected to be liable for ‘force majeure’.
     
    CER and CIT therefore call on the European Commission to ensure that railways compete with other transport modes on a level playing field, including in the area of passenger rights. In this regards, CER and CIT welcome the recently published report[2] on the implementation of Regulation 1371/2007, where the Commission confirmed its intention to consider aligning the obligations among the different transport modes by asserting that railways are not obliged to pay compensation in the cases of ‘force majeure’.
     
    CER Executive Director Libor Lochman said “We will definitely analyse the ECJ ruling in detail; in any case we can already state that the ECJ judgment provides a strong argument for what CER has been saying about for a long time: there is an urgent need to ensure a regulatory level playing field among transport modes, including in the area of passenger rights”.
     
    “We will support our members with the implementation of the ruling and make sure that international passengers benefit from their rights as confirmed by the ECJ. However we must be aware that this may have an impact on fares” stated CIT Secretary General Cesare Brand.
     
    [1] Article 32 of the Uniform Rules concerning the contract for international carriage of passengers and luggage by rail (CIV), Appendix A to the COTIF.
    [1] COM(2013) 587 final
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     GOV.UK


    Thameslink, Southern and Great Northern 2013: invitation to tender.

    The invitation to tender documentation for the Thameslink, Southern and Great Northern (TSGN) franchise.

    Combined Thameslink, Southern and Great Northern franchise: invitation to tender

    This file may not be suitable for users of assistive technology. Request a different format.

    If you use assistive technology and need a version of this document in a more accesible format please email webmasterdft@dft.gsi.gov.uk quoting your address, telephone number along with the title of the publication ("Combined Thameslink, Southern and Great Northern franchise: invitation to tender").

    Thameslink, Southern and Great Northern train service requirement

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    Train service requirement: capacity tables

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    Train service requirement: minimum service specification and first and last train specification

    This file may not be suitable for users of assistive technology. Request a different format.

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    This is the suite of documents that form the invitation to tender (ITT) for the Thameslink, Southern and Great Northern (TSGN) franchise that will begin in September 2014. ITTs set out what rail services the government requires bidders to provide when running franchises. Bidders will respond to these documents with their propositions that will then be evaluated by the department before awarding to the winning bidder in May 2014.

    September 25, 2013

    International & UK Railway News Wednesday 25th September 2013


    UK Law Commission


    Reforming the law on level crossings
    25 September 2013

    The Law Commission for England and Wales and the Scottish Law Commission have published a joint report on the law governing level crossings.

    There are between 7,500 and 8,000 level crossings on the railway network in Great Britain.  Every year there are accidents on level crossings.  These crossings can also cause considerable inconvenience to road users, pedestrians (particularly disabled users), horse riders and others.

    The Law Commissions’ report recommends reform of the law aimed at:
    • Improving the safety regime for level crossings by bringing it into line with that of the railway generally, while making such special provision as is necessary.
    • Providing a new procedure to allow for the compulsory closure of level crossings.
    • Clarifying the law relating to rights of way across railways.
    Currently, safety is governed by a specific regime for level crossings alone (the Level Crossings Act 1983) which provides for inflexible and unresponsive orders, the legal status of which is uncertain.  The proposed reforms would bring level crossings into the general Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 system, with special provision for level crossings plans to be made when it is desirable to do so.

    There is no bespoke procedure for closing (if necessary, with replacement) road or private level crossings in England and Wales (only one for public footpath crossings), and none in Scotland.  The proposals would create a new, speedy but fair system for compulsory closure.

    Frances Patterson QC lead Commissioner at the Law Commission, said:

    “These reforms will, if adopted by Government, make for a more efficient safety system for level crossings.  It will also allow Network Rail to go further than they already have in closing as many level crossings as possible, reducing costs on both the railway and road networks”.

    Dr Andrew Steven, lead Commissioner at the Scottish Law Commission said:

    “Our recommendations provide a new legal framework for level crossings in Great Britain. In relation to Scotland we have sought carefully to draw a balance between the compelling need for safety on railway lines and the rights of the public to have access over land under the Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003 and common law.”

    Ian Prosser, Director of Railway Safety at the Office of Rail Regulation, said:

    “The Office of Rail Regulation (ORR) welcomes the Law Commissions’ proposals to modernise level crossing legislation, which will cut red-tape and make it easier for high-risk crossings to be closed.  Great Britain’s level crossings, although among the safest in Europe, pose a significant rail safety risk to the public.  That is why we have announced millions of pounds’ worth of extra funds to close or upgrade level crossings over the next five years, and will work to support implementation of improved level crossing laws.”

    The Commissions’ Report on Level Crossings is available at
    http://lawcommission.justice.gov.uk/areas/level-crossings.htm
    http://www.scotlawcom.gov.uk/publications/
    Our recommendations (extract from report)
               
    We published a report explaining and setting out our recommendations on 25 September 2013 (Law Commission Report No 339, Scottish Law Commission Report No 234), together with a draft Level Crossings Bill, draft Level Crossing Plans Regulations, an analysis of consultation responses and an economic impact assessment.  Our recommendations would:
    1. Create a new, more streamlined procedure to close individual level crossings where it is in the public interest to do so.
    2. Bring safety regulation entirely under the umbrella of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974.
    3. Provide tools to support this under health and safety regulations, including level crossings plans, enforceable agreements between railway operators and other duty holders, and a power for the Secretary of State to issue directions if necessary.
    4. Improve the balance of convenience to all level crossing users by imposing a statutory duty upon railway and highway operators to consider the convenience of all users when carrying out their obligations in respect of level crossings.
    5. Improve efficiency and level crossing management by imposing a statutory duty on highway and railway operators to make arrangements to co-operate with each other in carrying out their obligations in respect of level crossings.
    6. Provide clarity in certain areas of land law about the position of statutory level crossings.
    7. Disapply statutory provisions relating to safety at level crossings, which have been superseded by more recent law or are otherwise obsolete.
     
                                               Blackminster Level Crossing, Worcestershire.


    UK Office of Rail Regulation (ORR)
    ORR welcomes proposals for reform of level crossings law
    The Law Commission for England and Wales and the Scottish Law Commission today published a joint report which sets out plans to modernise, simplify and clarify the law governing level crossings.
    Welcoming the report, Ian Prosser, Director of Railway Safety at the Office of Rail Regulation, said:
    "The Office of Rail Regulation (ORR) welcomes the Law Commissions' proposals to modernise level crossing legislation, which will cut red-tape and make it easier for high-risk crossings to be closed. Great Britain’s level crossings, although among the safest in Europe, pose a significant rail safety risk to the public. That is why we have announced millions of pounds' worth of extra funds to close or upgrade level crossings over the next five years, and will work to support implementation of improved level crossing laws."
     

    International Railway Journal

    OKLAHOMA City and San Antonio, Texas, moved a step closer to starting construction on their first tram lines on September 24 after projects in both cities were approved in crucial ballots.

    URUGUAY Trains (TDU) has put forward plans to two local authorities to reintroduce a passenger rail service between Montevideo and Minas following completion of a feasibility study.

    REPRESENTATIVES of Rhine-Ruhr Transport Association (VRR), Westphalia-Lippe Local Transport (NWL) and Rhineland Local Transport (NVR) signed contracts with National Express Group in Wuppertal on September 25 for the operation of two regional routes in North Rhine Westphalia.

    BOMBARDIER presented the first Régio 2N double-deck emu to French National Railways (SNCF) president Mr Guillaume Pepy and representatives of regional governments at its Crespin plant in northeast France on September 25.

    BRITAIN'S National Skills Academy for Railway Engineering (NSARE) announced on September 24 that approval has been granted for the development of a new training academy for rolling stock engineers, which will be built at Siemens' Kings Heath maintenance depot in Northampton.

    French Rail Network (RFF) has submitted a six-year €15bn plan to modernise the railway network to the deputy minister of transport, Mr Frederic Cuvillier.  Full Article

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    First Alstom Regiolis train arrives in Lorraine region of France
    Alstom has delivered the first of ten Régiolis bimodal trains to the French region of Lorraine, marking a key step in the roll out of the country's next-generation regional trains. 
           
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    GOV.UK

    New leadership of HS2 announced

    Sir David Higgins announced as new chairman of HS2 Ltd.

    Doug Oakervee has announced today (25 September 2013) that he will be standing down as Chairman of HS2 Ltd at the end of the year.
    His successor has been announced as current Network Rail Chief Executive Sir David Higgins, who will join HS2 Ltd on 1st January 2014 on a part time basis before taking up the post full time from March.
    Doug Oakervee, a distinguished civil engineer and former Chairman of Crossrail Ltd, took up the post of HS2 Ltd Chairman in April 2012. He has overseen the development of the detailed proposals for the new High Speed 2 line and laid a firm foundation for the delivery of the largest rail project seen in the UK in more than 100 years.
    Secretary of State for Transport Patrick McLoughlin said:
    The fantastic work that Doug Oakervee has delivered as Chairman of HS2 Ltd is testament to the experience and expertise that he brought to this role.
    His energy and professionalism have ensured that the detailed proposals for Phase 1 of the country’s first high speed line north of London will be introduced to Parliament on schedule later this year.
    The appointment of Sir David Higgins to replace Doug Oakervee ensures that we will continue to have leaders at the heart of HS2 who have a track record of delivery. His experience at both Network Rail and as Chief Executive of the Olympic Delivery Authority – where he oversaw construction of the magnificent Olympic Park, a legacy which will be enjoyed by generations – will be essential to ensure we deliver HS2 on time and on budget.
    Mr Oakervee will remain in post to oversee the introduction of the government’s Hybrid Bill before the end of this year. The Bill will secure parliamentary approval for Phase 1 of the 350 mile route between London and Birmingham, allowing work to start in 2017 and freeing-up essential capacity for passengers and freight across the rail network.
    HS2 Ltd Chairman Doug Oakervee said:
    I believe HS2 is vital to the growth of the UK economy and will deliver the capacity our rail network sorely needs. Sir David is the right man to continue the delivery of this project. I am delighted at his appointment and am confident that alongside Alison Munro our Chief Executive he will continue to drive the scheme forward.
    I am proud of all that I have achieved, particularly that we will be bringing the Hybrid Bill to Parliament by the end of the year, after which I will be standing down. I am pleased to have been able to play a key role in delivering this project which will serve the country for many generations to come.
    Chief Executive of Network Rail Sir David Higgins said:
    I am delighted to be taking up this role. Working at Network Rail I know the challenges we have ahead with capacity on the railways – they are real and we need to take action now. I also know the significant benefits that improved journey times between our northern cities will bring not just to the north, but the UK economy as a whole.
    HS2 is the right solution. It is vital for both passengers and the economy and will put the UK in a different league in terms of infrastructure. My first priority will be to rigorously scrutinise costs to ensure they remain under control.
    HS2 presents a strategic opportunity for this country and I am determined to make sure we take it by delivering a railway that will allow business and communities to prosper in the long term.
    Chief Executive of HS2 Ltd Alison Munro said:
    Doug Oakervee has been an inspirational Chairman who brought industry knowledge and a proven track record of delivering large, complex rail projects to his tenure at HS2 Ltd.
    In David Higgins HS2 Ltd has secured a proven leader with drive, passion and experience.
    Our new Chairman will bring with him a fantastic track record of delivery thanks to the success of the London Olympic Games. My team and I look forward to working with him as we move into the next chapter of delivering this vital project.



    Bombardier


    Bombardier Presents its New OMNEO Double-deck Platform in France: the Regio 2N

  • With the BOMBARDIER OMNEO double-deck train, Bombardier adds a new product platform to its EMU double-deck portfolio
  • A multi-type platform to meet a wide range of needs: from high capacity suburban to a more comfortable intercity, while integrating regional travel
  • The 129 double-deck trains ordered will operate in the Regions of Aquitaine, Brittany, Centre, Nord-Pas de Calais, Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur and Rhône-Alpes



  • Regio 2N Train

    Courtesy: Bombardier

    Rail technology leader Bombardier Transportation today presented the first OMNEO train to the vice presidents for transportation of various French regions and Guillaume Pepy, Chief Executive Officer of SNCF, at Bombardier’s site in Crespin in Northern France. This new double-deck train, named Regio 2N by the French regions, is wider than conventional EMUs. It offers a new level of passenger comfort through more onboard space, maximum seating, large access platforms with two wide doors, and quiet cars for long journeys. The Regio 2N platform is available in various configurations, from six to 10 cars, with a total length of between 81 m and 135 m. It is capable of travelling at speeds of between 160 km/h and 200 km/h.

    Representatives of the Transport Ministry and the Ministry of Industrial Renewal were also present, as well as Lutz Bertling, President of Bombardier Transportation.
    Bombardier has built nine test trains to allow the thousands of tests required for homologation to be conducted simultaneously. The fully-fitted Regio 2N train on show is the eighth of these special trains. While waiting for certification, several trains will run test journeys from January 2014 to allow SNCF’s staff to operate them and to check operational reliability before full commissioning.

    At Bombardier's site near Valenciennes, the Regio 2N project teams are ready to ensure production and delivery of all 129 trains within only two years.
    To date, the regions Aquitaine, Brittany, Centre, Nord-Pas de Calais, Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur and Rhône-Alpes have placed firm orders for 129 Regio 2N trains. The contract allows for a maximum of 860 trains.

    “The increasing use of regional trains in France reflects the Regions’ successful efforts to facilitate sustainable and comfortable mobility of their populations,” said Lutz Bertling, President of Bombardier Transportation. “This train is the right choice to meet the future needs of regional transportation not only because of its large capacity, passenger comfort and high performance but also thanks to the many configurations available, such as the InterCity V200 version. Bombardier’s Crespin teams have met an outstanding technical challenge by delivering a completely new industrial product as complex as this one, and in such a short time-frame.”

    OMNEO is the latest product of the Bombardier double-deck EMU portfolio. Offering high capacity in densely populated areas and fast speed on intercity rail links, double-deck trains are central to an eco-friendly and comfortable rail transportation, moving millions of people every day. Bombardier’s portfolio is well positioned to meet the demand of market growth in this sector. UNIFE research shows that demand for regional trains should remain high, reaching 4,000 cars per year in the period 2014 to 2016. France, Germany and the UK are forecast to represent more than half of the world’s regional train market. In the regional segment, the share of double-deck trains is increasing due to the constant need for increased capacity.



    Alstom

    Alstom delivers first Regiolis train to Lorraine Region

    23/09/2013
    Alstom delivered on Saturday 21 September at the Metz train station, the first Regiolis train to Lorraine Region (north-east of France). Attending the event were Jean-Pierre Masseret, Lorraine Regional Council Chairman, Alain Autruffe, SNCF Lorraine Director, Claude Solar, SNCF Regions and Intercités Director and Jérôme Wallut, Alstom Transport France Managing Director. Lorraine is France’s second region (after Aquitaine in July 2013) to receive its next-generation regional train.

    The arrival of Regiolis trains in Lorraine has closely followed the inauguration of Alstom’s Regiolis After-Sales Service premises on September 5th 2013 at the SNCF Technicentre in Metz. Alstom teams are on hand to take part in the training of drivers and maintenance teams.

    To date, 182 Regiolis trains have been ordered for 12 of France’s regions, as part of the contract signed by Alstom and SNCF in 2009. The Lorraine Region ordered 10 Regiolis bimodal trains (diesel or electric (dual voltage 25 kV / 1,500 V)), 72 metres in length and with capacity for up to 219 seated passengers. On top of the standard layout, Regiolis trains in the Lorraine Region will feature extra equipment like a passenger-counting system, a space for bike storage and door-recognition assistance.

    Regiolis trains have travelled around 250,000 km and are due to complete the certification phase in October 2013. They will be put into service upon receiving their AMECs (Commercial Operation Permits), issued by the EPSF (French Railway Safety Board). Thanks to the hard work performed by SNCF and all the players in France’s rail business channel, about 100 Regiolis trains will have been delivered by late 2014. Besides the Lorraine Region, trains for Alsace, Aquitaine, Lower Normandy and Picardie will be available as of 2013. Initial commercial service will begin in 2014.

    Regiolis trains are from the Alstom’s Coradia range. They are modular and can be adapted to the needs of every region: they come in three lengths (56, 72 or 110 metres), with a choice of four comfort levels to suit the travel distance (suburban, regional or intercity), and features a bimodal (diesel/electric) or electric drive. Regiolis trains are ecological and economical on account of their low energy use and reduced maintenance costs. Lastly, they are accessible to everyone thanks to their integral, platform-height low floor.

    Manufacturing Regiolis trains generates over 4,000 jobs in France at Alstom’s and its suppliers. Six out of the ten Alstom facilities in France are taking part in the project: Reichshoffen (design and assembly), Ornans (engines), Le Creusot (bogies), Tarbes (drive chains), Villeurbanne (on-board computers) and Saint-Ouen (design).