Timing is everything in life....so what to make of the announcement that HS2 is set to miss the general election legislation deadline....Meanwhile arguments for and against are made for the project...Oxfordshire traffic congestion would be worse, ...investment opportunities and jobs would be lost.... change the route..more tunnels......and so on. Bruce Everiss' blog gives 15 reasons why HS2 is "silly". Expect more arguments on both sides in the future....
Crossrail's PR seems to be well timed.... property supply is boosted as a result of the project, and major developments are unlocked near to Crossrail stations....
And rail travel is increasing...at least Eurostar has now carried 10 million passengers in one year...and UK railways carried more freight in a recent period, according to the UK regulator ORR.
Future projects and developments are covered in the eurotransport magazine (via the link)....
..so read on......
Headlines
HS2 set to miss general election legislation deadline.(FT.com)
Commons jeering over locomotives relocation plan from north to south. (Telegraph & Argus)
Sewage dumped on tracks by trains is a 'health risk'. (BBC News)
Southeastern criticised after rail line reopening delay.(BBC News)
Eurostar lifts capacity to enter new markets.(FT.com)
Eurostar hits 10m passengers in one year for the first time .(London Evening Standard)
Government to appoint UBS on possible Eurostar stake sale - sources. (Reuters)
HS2 route should be altered, says group.(Express & Star)
Lidington adds support to HS2 tunnel extension call.(Bucks Free Press)
Bruce Everiss whinge #1. 15 reasons HS2 is silly. (blogspot)
Building high-speed rail link ‘will worsen Oxfordshire traffic,’ says environmental report.(Oxford Mail)
Scrapping HS2 ‘would sacrifice UK investment and jobs’, rail industry claims.(blue & green tomorrow)
You wait for a new railcard for 30 years and Two Together turns up.(Campaign for Better Transport)
DfT lined up to lose rail franchising and projects.(Passenger Transport)
How is Urban Mobility Developing in Brazil?(totalrail)
One more loco added to Nilgiri Mountain Railway fleet.(The Hindu)
Russian Railways - Cabin POV (Project Helix)
HS2 set to miss general election legislation deadline.(FT.com)
Bruce Everiss whinge #1. 15 reasons HS2 is silly. (blogspot)
DfT lined up to lose rail franchising and projects.(Passenger Transport)
Russian Railways - Cabin POV (Project Helix)
Information resources, prepared by us for the Russian Railways, were shown at London Olympics 2012.
eurotransport magazineAnna Walker reappointed as ORR chair
6 March 2014
The Secretary of State for Transport, Patrick McLoughlin MP, has confirmed the reappointment of Anna Walker as chair of the Office of Rail Regulation (ORR) until December 2015.
Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin said:
Welcoming the reappointment on behalf of ORR, the regulator's chief executive Richard Price said:
Anna led an independent review of household water charging for the Government in 2008-09. She chairs a charity, Young Epilepsy, was vice-chair of Consumer Focus and is on the Board of Welsh Water. She is also currently a member of council of Which?
Read the full announcement from the Department for Transport: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/anna-walker-reappointed-as-chair-of-rail-regulator
2013-14 Quarter 3 Statistical Release
Freight Rail Usage
Summary of key results
The third quarter of 2013-14 saw the rail network in Great Britain carry a greater amount of freight compared to the same quarter last year. Both the freight moved and freight lifted measures increased in 2013-14 Q3 compared to the 2012-13 Q3. The amount of freight lifted increased 2.7% compared to the previous year, whilst the amount of freight moved increased by 4.9% over the same time frame.
Coal has accounted for the greatest proportion of freight moved since the time series began (with 36.0% of all freight moved in 2013-14 Q3) and experienced an increase of 5.9% in 2013-14 Q3 compared to the same quarter last year. This is a decrease in the pace of growth compared to the previous quarter, and appears to be in contradiction to the increased energy requirement linked to autumn seasonality. The continued increase in coal freight moved, which has been rising since the beginning of 2010-11, can be partly explained by an increase in the use of imported coal for UK electricity generation.
Of the seven commodities which combine to provide the overall amount of freight moved, six experienced an increase in 2013-14 Q3 compared to 2012-13 Q3. The largest increases were for construction and other freight moved, increasing by 20.3% and 11.6% respectively which could be due to a new deep-water container port with a rail terminal designed to handle one-third of the port’s total throughout being opened at London Gateway1. There are also other projects being undertaken to move freight from road to rail in Scotland.2
Domestic intermodal freight was the only commodity to experience a decrease in freight moved in 2013-14 Q3 when compared to the same quarter in 2012-13, decreasing by 4.8%. But this category continues to account for the second largest proportion, behind coal, of total freight moved, despite having consistently declined for the last five quarters.
The amount of freight lifted in 2013-14 Q3 was the fourth highest amount of freight lifted in a single quarter since the time series began, with total freight lifted 2.7%heavier in 2013-14 Q3 than the same quarter in the previous year. The coal freight lifted category has decreased in 2013-14 Q3 compared to the same quarter in the previous year, from 13.4 million tonnes to 13.0 million tonnes; a decrease of 0.4 million tonnes. This is despite an increase of 5.9% for coal moved which takes in to account both weight and distance travelled. This means that coal is now being moved longer distances than previously. A possible reason for this is the construction of a new deep-water freight
terminal north on the Thames estuary which may have increased journey distances. The other category in freight lifted has increased by 1.1 million tonnes from 14.9 to 16.0 million tonnes.
Freight delays per 100 train kilometres in 2013-14 Q3 increased by 0.4% compared to the same quarter in 2012-13. The reason for the increase can be partly explained by lightning strikes, possession overruns, signal failures and other non-track related incidents.
www.railway-technology.com Updates..
CTA to revamp Train Tracker screens
CAF to deliver new Urbos trams for Budapest
EIB funds EUR150m for Dublin's new LUAS connection
www.progressiverailroading.com US News
The Secretary of State for Transport, Patrick McLoughlin MP, has confirmed the reappointment of Anna Walker as chair of the Office of Rail Regulation (ORR) until December 2015.
Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin said:
These are exciting times for our railways as we embark on the biggest programme of rail investment ever. This will deliver significant benefits to both passengers and taxpayers and I am determined it is delivered on time and on budget.
With so much public money involved, it is vital that we have robust oversight of Network Rail to ensure every pound spent delivers significant benefits for passengers and tax payers alike. I look to Anna to continue to provide the leadership for the regulator and for her team to continue to hold Network Rail to account.Anna Walker, ORR Chair since 2009, has led the regulator through current and future five year plans for the railways. She will continue to oversee the early implementation of the plan for 2014-19.
Welcoming the reappointment on behalf of ORR, the regulator's chief executive Richard Price said:
Anna Walker's reappointment as chair of the Office of Rail Regulation is excellent news, not only for the regulator, but for the whole industry. The continuity of Anna's leadership, as the industry implements plans for the railways between 2014 and 2019, will help the industry to build on successes over the past five years and deliver even more for customers and taxpayers.Anna Walker said:
I am delighted to be continuing my role as chair of the Office of Rail Regulation until the end of 2015. This is a crucial time for the railways as the whole industry works to implement plans for 2014 and 2019, which will build on the improvements in safety, performance and efficiency we have seen over the past five years. I will be working to ensure that rail passengers and customers are at the heart of these exciting plans and significant investment.Anna Walker's previous roles include chief executive of the Healthcare Commission from 2004-09, and director general for Land Use and Rural Affairs at the Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs from 2001-2003, director general at the Department for Trade and Industry, responsible for the Government's energy policy from 1998 to 2001. She was also deputy director General at the Office of Telecommunications (OFTEL) from 1993 to 1997.
Read the full announcement from the Department for Transport: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/anna-walker-reappointed-as-chair-of-rail-regulator
Freight Rail Usage
The amount of freight lifted in 2013-14 Q3 was the fourth highest amount of freight lifted in a single quarter since the time series began, with total freight lifted 2.7%heavier in 2013-14 Q3 than the same quarter in the previous year. The coal freight lifted category has decreased in 2013-14 Q3 compared to the same quarter in the previous year, from 13.4 million tonnes to 13.0 million tonnes; a decrease of 0.4 million tonnes. This is despite an increase of 5.9% for coal moved which takes in to account both weight and distance travelled. This means that coal is now being moved longer distances than previously. A possible reason for this is the construction of a new deep-water freight
terminal north on the Thames estuary which may have increased journey distances. The other category in freight lifted has increased by 1.1 million tonnes from 14.9 to 16.0 million tonnes.
Freight delays per 100 train kilometres in 2013-14 Q3 increased by 0.4% compared to the same quarter in 2012-13. The reason for the increase can be partly explained by lightning strikes, possession overruns, signal failures and other non-track related incidents.
From 1st to 3rd April at Lingotto Fiere in Turin discover the latest international innovations in the rail sector.
EXPO Ferroviaria is back in Turin with the major leaders in the rail industry.310 exhibitors from 17 countries will display their products and services in the following key areas:
Onsite registration €15 Contact us on +44 (0)845 218 6040 or |
US DOT sanctions $2.5bn for 26 transit projects
The US Department of Transportation (DOT) has sanctioned around $2.5bn in funds for around 26 rail, bus rapid transit (BRT), and streetcar projects across 16 states, under President Obama's Fiscal Year 2015 budget.
CTA to revamp Train Tracker screens
The Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) is set to revamp its Train Tracker electronic screens at rail stations with new features, which will provide customers with additional travel information in less time.
CAF to deliver new Urbos trams for Budapest
Spain's Construcciones y Auxiliar de Ferrocarriles (CAF) has been awarded a contract to deliver 37 low-floor Urbos trams for use in the Hungarian capital, Budapest.
EIB funds EUR150m for Dublin's new LUAS connection
The European Investment Bank (EIB) has decided to provide a loan of EUR150m to the Irish Government to construct a new connection between the Red and Green lines on Dublin's LUAS light rail tram system.
Proposed federal budget includes no diesel-emissions program dollars
BNSF Logistics, Tri Global Energy team up to develop wind energy logistics center
Arizona, Oregon transportation leaders seek public input on passenger rail
Progressive Railroading seeks nominations for Rising Stars 2014
L.A.-area grade separation program to continue in 2014, OCTA says
X Train seeks private partnerships, acquisitions to consolidate existing passenger-rail operations
EdgePoint report: Global rail industry racked up more mergers, acquisitions in 2013
International Railway Journal
SANTIAGO Metro has awarded a €220m contract to Alstom to modernise a fleet of 35 seven-car trains which Alsthom supplied more than 40 years ago.
BELGIAN light rail operator, De Lijn, has issued a call for tender for 146 low-floor LRVs for operation in Antwerp, Ghent and the West Flanders coastal line.
BUDAPEST Transport Centre (BKK) has placed a €90m contract with CAF, Spain, for a fleet of 37 low-floor LRVs of two types with an option for another 87 units.
TANZANIA-Zambia Railway Authority (Tazara) has awarded CSR Qishuyan Locomotive Company, China, a contract worth $US 12.5m to supply four additional type SDD20 diesel locomotives for use on its 1860km line between Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania, and New Kapiri Mposhi in Zambia.
SANTIAGO Metro has awarded a €220m contract to Alstom to modernise a fleet of 35 seven-car trains which Alsthom supplied more than 40 years ago.
BELGIAN light rail operator, De Lijn, has issued a call for tender for 146 low-floor LRVs for operation in Antwerp, Ghent and the West Flanders coastal line.
BUDAPEST Transport Centre (BKK) has placed a €90m contract with CAF, Spain, for a fleet of 37 low-floor LRVs of two types with an option for another 87 units.
TANZANIA-Zambia Railway Authority (Tazara) has awarded CSR Qishuyan Locomotive Company, China, a contract worth $US 12.5m to supply four additional type SDD20 diesel locomotives for use on its 1860km line between Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania, and New Kapiri Mposhi in Zambia.
Other News...
FTA announces urban rail funding recommendations for 2015 - Railway Gazette
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Crossrail boosts London property supply, new research shows - Crossrail
Crossrail
Crossrail boosts London property supply, new research shows
Crossrail is unlocking major development in Central London, the East End and outer areas such as Woolwich and Southall
The number of planning applications using Crossrail as justification is increasing over time
Greater transport capacity, new connections and planned enhancements around and above stations is transforming areas all along the line
The arrival of Crossrail in 2018 is spurring London’s property developers into action, boosting the supply of new residential and commercial developments, according to new research by property consultants GVA.
The research shows that from 2008 to 2013, 41% of planning applications within a kilometre of a Crossrail station cited the new railway as a justification for the development proceeding, equating to around 53 million square feet of residential, commercial and retail space. Crossrail’s positive influence on development has increased over time, with 15% of planning applications citing it as a factor in 2009, increasing to 48% in the first six months of 2013.
Although the findings make clear that Crossrail is not the only factor influencing development, they do evidence the part Crossrail plays in unlocking regeneration in London and helping to alleviate constrained supplies of housing and offices in the capital.
Download Crossrail Development Pipeline Study, March 2014
Download Crossrail Development Pipeline Study, March 2014 - Executive Summary
The GVA research also identified that central London and the East End are seeing the most planning applications within a kilometre of Crossrail stations, with Tottenham Court Road, Farringdon, Liverpool Street, Canary Wharf, Custom House and Stratford each having over 5 million square feet in the development pipeline respectively. Outer areas such as Woolwich, Southall, Ilford, Slough and Maidenhead are also seeing significant regeneration brought forward by Crossrail.
Chris Hall, Senior Director at GVA said: “Our research again highlights the vital role Crossrail plays in unlocking London’s growth, the range and scale of development aligning itself to the line is considerable. The influence Crossrail has had extends beyond its transport role, raising the quality of the place through direct development and investment in the public realm and connecting new parts of London together. This is driving the growth and diversification of established areas, delivering a broader mix of activity and providing the impetus to deliver London’s major regeneration opportunities. What is clear from our findings is that confidence is growing with time and that, while progress to date is strong, there are still significant opportunities that can be realised.”
Mayor of London, Boris Johnson said: “The private sector has contributed financially to Crossrail and so it is only right that developers are now reaping the rewards that such major investment in transport can bring. From east to west, Crossrail offers us clear proof that investing in our transport infrastructure pays dividends on many other fronts. The creation of new homes, retail and office space is of paramount importance in galvanising and safeguarding London’s economy and Crossrail is helping to do just that.”
Ian Lindsay, Crossrail Land and Property Director said: “London is in need of new housing and top quality commercial office space. Crossrail is helping to deliver new property to the capital by giving developers and investors confidence to press forward with projects in close proximity to stations.
“Businesses and residents around Crossrail stations will benefit from a 10% uplift in London’s transport capacity, faster travel times, better connections and much enhanced public areas in and around the stations.”
Mike Brown MVO, Managing Director London Underground and London Rail said: “We know that improvements to transport infrastructure have a positive impact in unlocking growth and regeneration so it is not surprising that GVA’s research shows this is also happening along the Crossrail route. Crossrail will make it easier for people travelling across London, cutting journey times and supporting more jobs, homes and economic growth to support London’s growing population.”
In its own right, Crossrail is developing three million square feet (gross) of commercial, residential and retail space above 12 key construction sites. It already has joint ventures in place for six of these sites and will seek joint venture partners for the others in the coming months.
Previous research published by GVA at the end of 2012 found that Crossrail could help create £5.5 billion in added value to residential and commercial real estate along its route between 2012 and 2021. It will support the delivery of over 57,000 new homes and 3.25 million square metres of commercial space.
When Crossrail opens in 2018, up to 24 trains per hour will operate during peak between Paddington and Whitechapel. It will serve 38 stations, connecting Maidenhead and Heathrow in the west with Shenfield and Abbey Wood in the east via central London.
Find out more about how Crossrail is driving London development.
Peppa & George – 8th & 9th March | The UK's Only Main Line Heritage Railway(GCR)
FTA announces urban rail funding recommendations for 2015 - Railway Gazette
Budapest orders CAF trams - Railway Gazette
Rail Business Intelligence - incisive news and analysis for the UK rail industry
NetworkRail_New - News Releases - Rail plans mobilised to restore services through Bridgwater
Crossrail boosts London property supply, new research shows - Crossrail
Crossrail
Crossrail boosts London property supply, new research shows
The arrival of Crossrail in 2018 is spurring London’s property developers into action, boosting the supply of new residential and commercial developments, according to new research by property consultants GVA.
The research shows that from 2008 to 2013, 41% of planning applications within a kilometre of a Crossrail station cited the new railway as a justification for the development proceeding, equating to around 53 million square feet of residential, commercial and retail space. Crossrail’s positive influence on development has increased over time, with 15% of planning applications citing it as a factor in 2009, increasing to 48% in the first six months of 2013.
Although the findings make clear that Crossrail is not the only factor influencing development, they do evidence the part Crossrail plays in unlocking regeneration in London and helping to alleviate constrained supplies of housing and offices in the capital.
Download Crossrail Development Pipeline Study, March 2014
Download Crossrail Development Pipeline Study, March 2014 - Executive Summary
The GVA research also identified that central London and the East End are seeing the most planning applications within a kilometre of Crossrail stations, with Tottenham Court Road, Farringdon, Liverpool Street, Canary Wharf, Custom House and Stratford each having over 5 million square feet in the development pipeline respectively. Outer areas such as Woolwich, Southall, Ilford, Slough and Maidenhead are also seeing significant regeneration brought forward by Crossrail.
Chris Hall, Senior Director at GVA said: “Our research again highlights the vital role Crossrail plays in unlocking London’s growth, the range and scale of development aligning itself to the line is considerable. The influence Crossrail has had extends beyond its transport role, raising the quality of the place through direct development and investment in the public realm and connecting new parts of London together. This is driving the growth and diversification of established areas, delivering a broader mix of activity and providing the impetus to deliver London’s major regeneration opportunities. What is clear from our findings is that confidence is growing with time and that, while progress to date is strong, there are still significant opportunities that can be realised.”
Mayor of London, Boris Johnson said: “The private sector has contributed financially to Crossrail and so it is only right that developers are now reaping the rewards that such major investment in transport can bring. From east to west, Crossrail offers us clear proof that investing in our transport infrastructure pays dividends on many other fronts. The creation of new homes, retail and office space is of paramount importance in galvanising and safeguarding London’s economy and Crossrail is helping to do just that.”
Ian Lindsay, Crossrail Land and Property Director said: “London is in need of new housing and top quality commercial office space. Crossrail is helping to deliver new property to the capital by giving developers and investors confidence to press forward with projects in close proximity to stations.
“Businesses and residents around Crossrail stations will benefit from a 10% uplift in London’s transport capacity, faster travel times, better connections and much enhanced public areas in and around the stations.”
Mike Brown MVO, Managing Director London Underground and London Rail said: “We know that improvements to transport infrastructure have a positive impact in unlocking growth and regeneration so it is not surprising that GVA’s research shows this is also happening along the Crossrail route. Crossrail will make it easier for people travelling across London, cutting journey times and supporting more jobs, homes and economic growth to support London’s growing population.”
In its own right, Crossrail is developing three million square feet (gross) of commercial, residential and retail space above 12 key construction sites. It already has joint ventures in place for six of these sites and will seek joint venture partners for the others in the coming months.
Previous research published by GVA at the end of 2012 found that Crossrail could help create £5.5 billion in added value to residential and commercial real estate along its route between 2012 and 2021. It will support the delivery of over 57,000 new homes and 3.25 million square metres of commercial space.
When Crossrail opens in 2018, up to 24 trains per hour will operate during peak between Paddington and Whitechapel. It will serve 38 stations, connecting Maidenhead and Heathrow in the west with Shenfield and Abbey Wood in the east via central London.
Find out more about how Crossrail is driving London development.
Peppa & George – 8th & 9th March | The UK's Only Main Line Heritage Railway(GCR)
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