As the summer season approaches, and tourism comes into its own, a couple of news items to warm the hearts!
Edinburgh Trams start operating tomorrow (31st May 2014)...and what a saga that has been..
And Network Rail, confident of the repairs to the Dawlish Wall, are planning on further reinforcements before the winter weather sets in...
So, Devon and Edinburgh look set fair for a good summer!!
Click on the links for the full stories....
Headlines
Ontario Pension Fund Mulls Investing in U.K.'s High Speed Rail Project.(WSJ)
Jeans close a platform at Coventry railway station.(BBC News)
Disabled man's train refusal 'misunderstanding'(BBC News)
Isle of Man museum for 'record-breaking' railway.(BBC News)
Essex Thameside franchise delay prompts fears over East Coast.(The Telegraph)
East Coast at King's Cross,London
Network Rail
Network Rail announces follow-up work to Dawlish Sea Wall following successful reinstatement of train services
Network Rail Picture
The plans involve raising the sea wall in front of the site of the main breach, to provide extra resilience and support.
The sea wall runs at a high level in front of Dawlish, except for a 340 metre stretch between Coastguards Footbridge and Rockstone (aka Blackbridge) Footbridge. This section was left at a lower level when the railway was originally built in the 19th century due to pressure from a local landowner.
Now, however, the footpath will run at the higher level along the whole section. In addition to offering greater protection, this will mean that pedestrians will be able to use the footpath at high tide. Before now, the footpath was often flooded by the sea at high tide, meaning that safety diversions were needed.
The work will mean that some access to the footpath and beach is limited, but Network Rail is working closely with the local authorities and community to minimise disruption.
Julian Burnell from Network Rail said: “Many residents suggested this solution when we were dealing with the original damage in February and March. Now is the perfect time to raise the footpath and give the sea wall extra protection.
“We need to complete this work before next winter, so we will need to work across the late summer and autumn. We’ve been here long enough to know how important the tourist season is, so we’ll be making sure we cause as little disruption as we can. Wherever we can we will be bringing in material by sea.
“We are also meeting with local residents to discuss any concerns they may have. We’re confident that we can maintain our excellent relationships with the people of Dawlish.”
Now, however, the footpath will run at the higher level along the whole section. In addition to offering greater protection, this will mean that pedestrians will be able to use the footpath at high tide. Before now, the footpath was often flooded by the sea at high tide, meaning that safety diversions were needed.
The work will mean that some access to the footpath and beach is limited, but Network Rail is working closely with the local authorities and community to minimise disruption.
Julian Burnell from Network Rail said: “Many residents suggested this solution when we were dealing with the original damage in February and March. Now is the perfect time to raise the footpath and give the sea wall extra protection.
“We need to complete this work before next winter, so we will need to work across the late summer and autumn. We’ve been here long enough to know how important the tourist season is, so we’ll be making sure we cause as little disruption as we can. Wherever we can we will be bringing in material by sea.
“We are also meeting with local residents to discuss any concerns they may have. We’re confident that we can maintain our excellent relationships with the people of Dawlish.”
Britain’s rail revolution quickens pace as first contracts for new ‘traffic management’ technology are awarded.
Network Rail’s plans for a more affordable, higher performance railway have taken a step forward with the award of contracts for the first phase of a new nationwide traffic management system for Britain’s railways.
Traffic management technology sits at the heart of Network Rail’s operating strategy, which will consolidate control of Britain’s rail network from more than 800 signal boxes into 12 state-of-the-art rail operating centres over the next 15-30 years. Once fully implemented, this strategy will cut the cost of Britain’s railways by £250m each year, improve industry efficiency, reduce delays and provide more accurate and timely information to staff and passengers.
Today, contracts worth a combined £28.8m have been awarded to Thales UK to deploy traffic management technology at Network Rail’s Cardiff and Romford operating centres by December 2015. Thales is one of three global suppliers who have been working with Network Rail since 2012 to develop and test a traffic management software prototype, using real-time information to mock up how the new system would control the railway in future.
Robin Gisby, Network Rail’s managing director of network operations, said: “As the number of people and businesses relying on rail continues to grow, it is vital we have the technology to make the best use of Britain’s rail infrastructure. The traffic management which will be deployed on the network uses tried and tested technology used on railways around the world to help deliver a leaner, more efficient and reliable network.”
Network Rail is leading the industry in bringing this modern technology onto the UK railway system, which will ultimately transform our network. This new, highly automated system will allow larger areas of the network to be controlled from fewer locations and will help increase capacity and improve reliability through more effective handling of disruption.
Thales has been chosen after an exhaustive process and rigorous testing. Train operators will also be using common systems to maximise the benefits this new technology will bring.
Traffic management systems are used extensively, and successfully, around the world on a number of rail networks. Network Rail has analysed and compared best practice from these different systems in order to develop a reliable product which will suit the varied demands of Britain’s complex rail network.
The contract for traffic management LINX development, delivery and support has been awarded to Signalling Solutions Ltd at value of £3.4m with completion scheduled for December 2015.
The award of contracts for the national rollout of traffic management will be subject to future competitions and will involve all current traffic management framework holders:
Thales UK
Signalling Solutions Ltd (a joint venture between Alstom Transport and Balfour Beatty Rail)
Hitachi Rail Europe
Procurement process
Hitachi, Thales and SSL each developed a prototype TM system which demonstrated specific functionality. These three systems were rigorously tested and evaluated by experienced frontline users for a three month period from July 2013.
Plans for further deployment of TM across the network are currently being developed and will be subject to a separate commercial process.
About Network Rail’s operating strategyNetwork Rail has over 800 operating locations, with aging and inconsistent equipment and different ways of working. Many of these locations already need replacing. By upgrading our signalling at faster than usual pace we can deliver savings sooner and for longer. Similar approaches have already been proven internationally.
At the heart of the strategy are rail operating centres – 12 centres which will become the central hub for all aspects of operating the railway, where Network Rail works with train and freight operators to deliver a better railway for Britain using leading technology. By 2015, Network Rail plans to have built six new operating centres, in addition to six existing locations.
Existing locations:
Cardiff
Derby
Didcot
Edinburgh
Glasgow
Gillingham
New buildings:
Basingstoke
Manchester
Romford
Rugby
Three Bridges
York
The development and implementation of traffic management technology adds the systems to complement the physical construction and investment taking place at these locations.
What are the benefits?
There are significant benefits for Network Rail and the broader industry including passengers, freight users and train operators, notably:
Less delay – better technology will help us restore normal services much quicker following disruption
More flexibility and capacity – more reliable performance and better train regulation will allow us to be more flexible with train plans and potentially put more services onto the network
Reduced operating costs – when complete, this will save £250m a year. A more affordable railway with more passengers will help create a sustainable future for the network
Protecting our heritage
Whilst the ROCs bring big benefits for the future, they also mark the end of a remarkably long era for the 500+ mechanical signal boxes on the national network. We are keen to acknowledge this, and are working closely with heritage organisations to ensure the best examples of our signalling heritage are suitably preserved.
Today, contracts worth a combined £28.8m have been awarded to Thales UK to deploy traffic management technology at Network Rail’s Cardiff and Romford operating centres by December 2015. Thales is one of three global suppliers who have been working with Network Rail since 2012 to develop and test a traffic management software prototype, using real-time information to mock up how the new system would control the railway in future.
Robin Gisby, Network Rail’s managing director of network operations, said: “As the number of people and businesses relying on rail continues to grow, it is vital we have the technology to make the best use of Britain’s rail infrastructure. The traffic management which will be deployed on the network uses tried and tested technology used on railways around the world to help deliver a leaner, more efficient and reliable network.”
Network Rail is leading the industry in bringing this modern technology onto the UK railway system, which will ultimately transform our network. This new, highly automated system will allow larger areas of the network to be controlled from fewer locations and will help increase capacity and improve reliability through more effective handling of disruption.
Thales has been chosen after an exhaustive process and rigorous testing. Train operators will also be using common systems to maximise the benefits this new technology will bring.
Traffic management systems are used extensively, and successfully, around the world on a number of rail networks. Network Rail has analysed and compared best practice from these different systems in order to develop a reliable product which will suit the varied demands of Britain’s complex rail network.
Notes:
The value of the contracts for traffic management first deployment are worth a combined £28.8m to deploy traffic management technology at Network Rail’s Cardiff and Romford ROCsThe contract for traffic management LINX development, delivery and support has been awarded to Signalling Solutions Ltd at value of £3.4m with completion scheduled for December 2015.
The award of contracts for the national rollout of traffic management will be subject to future competitions and will involve all current traffic management framework holders:
Thales UK
Signalling Solutions Ltd (a joint venture between Alstom Transport and Balfour Beatty Rail)
Hitachi Rail Europe
Procurement process
Hitachi, Thales and SSL each developed a prototype TM system which demonstrated specific functionality. These three systems were rigorously tested and evaluated by experienced frontline users for a three month period from July 2013.
Plans for further deployment of TM across the network are currently being developed and will be subject to a separate commercial process.
About Network Rail’s operating strategyNetwork Rail has over 800 operating locations, with aging and inconsistent equipment and different ways of working. Many of these locations already need replacing. By upgrading our signalling at faster than usual pace we can deliver savings sooner and for longer. Similar approaches have already been proven internationally.
At the heart of the strategy are rail operating centres – 12 centres which will become the central hub for all aspects of operating the railway, where Network Rail works with train and freight operators to deliver a better railway for Britain using leading technology. By 2015, Network Rail plans to have built six new operating centres, in addition to six existing locations.
Existing locations:
Cardiff
Derby
Didcot
Edinburgh
Glasgow
Gillingham
New buildings:
Basingstoke
Manchester
Romford
Rugby
Three Bridges
York
The development and implementation of traffic management technology adds the systems to complement the physical construction and investment taking place at these locations.
What are the benefits?
There are significant benefits for Network Rail and the broader industry including passengers, freight users and train operators, notably:
Less delay – better technology will help us restore normal services much quicker following disruption
More flexibility and capacity – more reliable performance and better train regulation will allow us to be more flexible with train plans and potentially put more services onto the network
Reduced operating costs – when complete, this will save £250m a year. A more affordable railway with more passengers will help create a sustainable future for the network
Protecting our heritage
Whilst the ROCs bring big benefits for the future, they also mark the end of a remarkably long era for the 500+ mechanical signal boxes on the national network. We are keen to acknowledge this, and are working closely with heritage organisations to ensure the best examples of our signalling heritage are suitably preserved.
Going off the rails: The Edinburgh trams saga.(BBC News)
Edinburgh Trams
What is the tram route?
The 14km tram route runs from Edinburgh Airport all the way to York Place in the city centre. Along the route are 15 tram stops, connecting passengers with bus and rail services and popular shopping and commuter destinations. Find out more by exploring our route map and tram stops.When will trams be operational?
Edinburgh’s new tram service will begin on 31st May 2014.How long is the journey from Edinburgh Airport to the city centre?
Travelling the full tram route is expected to take around 35 minutes. Exact timings will be known following tram testing and shadow running, where trams are run without passengers to validate the planned timetable. This is to take place in the first quarter of 2014. Trams will have automatic priority at traffic lights, making for more consistent journey times than other road traffic.Who runs the trams?
Edinburgh Trams operates both the tram vehicles and route. The City of Edinburgh Council wholly owns the public company, which is run as an arms-length organisation. Edinburgh Trams is part of the Transport for Edinburgh group, which also includes Lothian Buses.How will I buy tickets to travel by tram?
Find out more about buying tickets for trams.Can I use my RIDACARD on trams?
Yes. For passengers, Edinburgh Trams and Lothian Buses will work as one. So you will be able to use your RIDACARD on both services. Read more about the benefits of RIDACARD.As a wheelchair user, will I be able to travel by tram?
Yes. Our trams are 100% wheelchair accessible and our tram stops have ramps and lifts where necessary. So disabled passengers will be able to travel throughout the entire tram route.
Take a look at a tram HERE
Collision at Loughborough Central on the Great Central Railway (GCR), 12 May 2014
RAIB is investigating a collision that occurred at around 12:35 hrs on Monday 12 May 2014 between an unmanned runaway train and a set of five coaches that was stabled on the down main line about 450 metres on the approach to Loughborough Central station. Nobody was injured as a result of the collision, although significant damage was sustained by some of the rail vehicles involved. The GCR was not open to the public when the collision occurred.
The train consisted of a Class 37 locomotive coupled to a single preserved Travelling Post Office (TPO) coach. It ran away on the down main line, with the TPO coach leading, from a position opposite Quorn signal box for a distance of about 1.8 miles (2.9 km) before the collision occurred.
The RAIB’s preliminary examination has shown that the locomotive had been used during the morning of 12 May to undertake shunting operations within a section of line, around 4.4 miles (7 km) in length, that was closed to normal railway traffic (ie it was under a ‘possession’). As part of these shunting operations, the locomotive had been coupled to the TPO coach, although the braking systems of the locomotive and coach were not connected.
At around 11:50 hrs, the train was left unattended on the down main line opposite Quorn signal box (still within the possession). At this location the line has a 1 in 330 gradient, descending towards Loughborough. This descending gradient becomes steeper beyond Quorn before reducing and subsequently levelling out on the approach to where the collision occurred.
Evidence suggests that, before leaving the train unattended, the crew applied the locomotive’s air brakes, shut-down its engine and applied a single wheel scotch (also known as a chock) underneath one of the locomotive’s wheels. Neither of the two parking brakes (also known as hand brakes) on the locomotive were applied (the TPO coach is not equipped with a parking brake). While the train was unattended it ran away in the direction of Loughborough and exited the possession. Fortunately, no staff were working on the portion of line over which the train ran away.
The set of five coaches which was struck by the train had been stabled on the down main line outside of the possession and within the station limits of Loughborough Central station. The set had been secured by the parking brake of one of its coaches.
The RAIB’s investigation is independent of any investigation by the Office of Rail Regulation.
RAIB will publish its findings, including any recommendations to improve safety, at the conclusion of its investigation. These findings will be available on the RAIB website.
New Civil Engineer is delighted to announce that incoming High Speed 2 Ltd chief executive Simon Kirby is to be one of the keynote speakers at this year’s UK Rail conference.
Kirby will be looking at how HS2 Ltd is driving the Hybrid Bill forward and what the future holds for the construction of this £42bn project. Joining HS2 from Network Rail, Kirby brings with him extensive experience of delivering major infrastructure programmes and working with partners from across the construction industry.
To ensure you are in the room to put your questions to Simon Kirby , book your place today.
There are three easy ways to book your place:
Joining HS2 Ltd’s Simon Kirby will be:
Kirby will be looking at how HS2 Ltd is driving the Hybrid Bill forward and what the future holds for the construction of this £42bn project. Joining HS2 from Network Rail, Kirby brings with him extensive experience of delivering major infrastructure programmes and working with partners from across the construction industry.
To ensure you are in the room to put your questions to Simon Kirby , book your place today.
There are three easy ways to book your place:
- Email: NCEevents@EMAP.com
- Call Will Fowler on 0203 033 4273
- Via our website
Joining HS2 Ltd’s Simon Kirby will be:
- Paul Harwood , Strategy and Planning Director (South), Network Rail
- Michèle Dix, Managing Director, Planning, Transport for London
- Howard Smith, Operations Director, Crossrail
- Peter Cushing, Metrolink Director, Transport for Greater Manchester
- Hugh Wark, Project Director, Borders Railway, Network Rail
- Paul Griffiths, Metro Programme Director, Centro
- Robbie Burns, Regional Director, Network Rail
- Simon Addyman, Programme & Project Manager – Bank Station Capacity Upgrade, London Underground
Download the programme to find out more about the 2014 sessions
UK Heritage
Egypt: RFP issued for Egyptian high-speed rail study .(IRJ)
India
United States of America
Conference Starts Monday...
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See you in San Francisco!
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Future Rail
In this issue: The two sides of the HS2 debate, a new streetcar for Washington, DC, finding long-term solutions to water damage on the UK network, new life for decommissioned rail stations and more .
HS2, the UK's proposed high speed rail project, has dominated discussion in the industry for years as well as sparking controversy with the British public. As both support and opposition remain strong, we round up opinions from both ends of the spectrum, including politicians, stakeholders and interest groups.
Also in this issue, we take a look at the new streetcar network under construction in the US capital, and find out which long-term solutions the UK rail operators and government are considering to reduce the impact of severe weather on the network. Moreover we investigate why some US operators remain reluctant to implement positive train control, which will become mandatory in the country by 2015, and explore the most innovative design concepts giving disused rail stations a new purpose.
Click here to read this issue.
In this issue
A Streetcar for DCWashington, DC is set to reap the benefits of a new streetcar network under construction in the city. Matthew Burgess finds out more about the project.
Read the full article.
HS2: Yay or Nay?
The UK's proposed High Speed 2 rail line has split opinions both in the industry and in the wider community. Lucy Ingham hears a range of arguments from various stakeholders, interest groups and operators.
Read the full article.
Busting Myths
The strength of feeling amongst the British public about HS2 is palpable but Texane managing director Arnab Dutt believes people are missing key information about the project.
Read the full article.
Changing with the Weather
This year extreme weather ground the UK's rail network to a halt for the second winter in a row. Matthew Burgess asks how operators and the government are working on a long-term solution.
Read the full article.
Positive Developments?
A number of train operators are doing their utmost to push back the deadline for the mandatory installation of positive train control. Ross Davies investigates whether this move could jeopardise the future safety of US rail passengers.
Read the full article.
When the Trains are Gone
What happens to stations once they are decommissioned? As conversions of old stations become increasingly ambitious, Lucy Ingham profiles some of the best uses for old stations.
Read the full article.
Getting on Board with Wireless
Samuel Buttarelli of CommScope discusses the challenges of achieving ubiquitous wireless coverage on Europe's rail networks.
Read the full article.
Construction collapse in Turkey leaves six workers injured
Six workers were injured when part of a building site on the new high-speed rail line collapsed in the north-western province of Sakarya, Turkey.
LTA to purchase 91 trains for Thomson and Eastern region lines in Singapore
Singapore's Land Transport Authority (LTA) is to purchase 91 new four-car trains for the country's Thomson and Eastern region lines, in a deal worth S$749m ($596.8m).
CARS deploys IBM's mobile-based platform to reduce train congestion
The China Academy of Railway Sciences (CARS) has deployed a new mobile-based platform to reduce train congestion and improve customer experience during peak hours.
Transport Scotland selects Serco to operate new £800m Sleeper rail franchise
Transport Scotland has selected Serco Group to handle the 15-year rail franchise for the Caledonian Sleeper service.
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