The thought of HS3 for Leeds- Manchester, has got other cities crying not to to be left out. Bristol wants high speed rail connectivity too.....
But Simon Jenkins (The Guardian) pours water on the very idea, saying "These mega-projects are the quack remedies of modern politics".
The Department for Transport (DfT) announces that c2c (National Express) will operate (and improve passenger services on) the Essex Thameside rail franchise until 2029.....
Network Rail enthuses over its apprenticeship programme... but Douglas McCormick, Commissioner for the UKCES, and Managing Director of Atkins’ UK rail business discusses skills shortages and how they affect the rail industry…
Siemens is philosophical about losing out on the Alstom deal, saying it understands the national interests of the French government regarding the reorganization of Alstom.....
And we take a look at the UIC's (International Union of Railways)
opening video of the 84th UIC General Assembly, Portoroz, 27 June 2014 ..
Click on the links for the full stories...
Headlines
UK
Eurotunnel given six months to stop Channel ferry service.(Reuters).
Manchester-Leeds high-speed line in Osborne’s northern vision.(TransportXtra)
High-speed 3? These mega-projects are the quack remedies of modern politics.(The Guardian).
George urges high speed rail investment for Bristol and Severn region.(Bristol Post)
thetrainline.com shows you can boost profit by millions if you address usability.(diginomica)
GOV.UK
Passengers in London and Essex set for host of benefits under new rail deal.
c2c to operate and improve passenger services on the Essex Thameside rail franchise.
A fleet of new trains will roll out on key lines through East London and Essex, delivering tens of thousands more seats and better journeys, after Rail Minister Stephen Hammond announced the intention to award the Essex Thameside franchise to the current operator c2c.
The 15-year contract will support the government’s multi-billion pound investment in Britain’s railways, allowing c2c to build on the impressive performance of the franchise and improving journeys between London and the commuter hubs of Barking, Basildon, Southend and further afield.
As part of the deal, c2c, which is managed by National Express, has committed to rolling out a host of passenger benefits costing around £160 million. These include:
- an additional fleet of 17 brand new trains providing almost 4,800 extra seats
- more than 25,000 additional seats for morning peak time passengers every week by the end of the contract
- free wi-fi at stations and on board trains
- an enhanced compensation system, meaning customers who use smart tickets will automatically receive compensation if their train is delayed
- over £30 million invested in improving stations, including Fenchurch Street and Barking
- complete step-free access at all stations, providing improved accessibility for people with limited mobility and parents with buggies and push chairs
- more than 200 new car parking spaces and £457,000 invested in improving cycling facilities and accessibility at stations
This deal is all about putting passengers at the heart of our railways. Brand new trains, thousands more seats and millions of pounds invested in stations will mean significantly improved journeys for those passengers who use these services every day. It’s further proof that our long-term economic plan is on track with the taxpayer getting more than £2 billion out of this deal.The Essex Thameside franchise is one of the highest performing operators across the network with around 97% of its trains running on time. It is in the top 10 for overall passenger satisfaction. During the last 14 years c2c has increased the number of passengers it carries by 42%, from over 26 million to around 37 million passengers a year, with the majority of journeys during the morning and evening peak as commuters travel to and from London.
The rigorous new processes we have put in place means passengers can have every confidence we have got the right bid for the franchise. The operator is ready to deliver and build on the high standards that customers have rightly come to expect from these vital services.
The deal will mean the total number of vehicles serving the franchise will increase to 364 by 2024. The current fleet will be fitted with wi-fi technology and will also be refurbished.
The Essex Thameside franchise follows the successful award of the Thameslink, Southern and Great Northern franchise earlier in the year. It is the second franchise the department has let since the re-launch of its franchising programme in March last year. This followed an independent review into franchising by industry expert Richard Brown, who concluded franchising was the right way to secure passenger services.
Richard Brown, chairman of the Rail Franchising Advisory Panel, said:
The new franchise will run until November 2029.The successful award of these competitions demonstrate the progress the department has made in its franchising programme. They go to show that skilful public sector specification married with excellence in delivery produce real benefits for passengers, with both innovation and a focus on efficiency.
Transport Secretary tours East Coast Main Line
Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin toured the East Coast Main Line today (26 June 2014) to see how £million of rail improvements are being used to boost capacity and provide better journeys for passengers.
Services on the East Coast Main Line, which links some of the biggest towns and cities in England and Scotland, are set to be transformed thanks to significant levels of investment.
During stops at Doncaster, Peterborough and Hitchin, the Transport Secretary viewed recent Network Rail improvements along the route.
As part of the tour, he officially opened the North Doncaster Chord, a £45m railway flyover at Shaftholme that will help pave the way for additional passenger trains by removing slow-moving freight services from the East Coast Main Line. A level crossing has also been closed and replaced with a new road bridge.
Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin said: “In order to secure long-term economic growth, we need a world-class railway that works well for both passengers and industry. That is why more than £38bn will be spent over the next five years to improve and maintain the network.
“The North Doncaster Chord will help in freeing up space for much-needed additional passenger services between Yorkshire and London and reduce delays, while also improving the vital freight network across the region.”
The Chord will carry around 30 freight services above the East Coast Main Line every day, slashing the time taken to transport coal between the Humber ports and the Aire Valley power stations by up to 30 minutes. Cutting journey times also reduces fuel consumption and carbon emissions. Previously, these services had to run on the East Coast Main Line for up to 14 miles.
By removing freight trains from the main line, and by replacing a nearby level crossing with a new road bridge, delays to passenger services will be reduced, and help in creating capacity for additional trains to run in future.
Earlier in the day, the Transport Secretary viewed the recently-opened Hitchin Flyover, a £47m scheme to remove a major bottleneck on the line. This allows First Capital Connect services travelling between London and Cambridge to travel above the East Coast Main Line, preventing the need for them to cross the route and reducing delays by around 30,000 minutes a year.
The increased capacity it creates will also allow for faster and more spacious Intercity Express trains to be introduced on the East Coast Main Line from 2018 onwards.
The Transport Secretary also had the chance to see how a £43m improvement scheme has transformed Peterborough Station. Engineers have installed three new platforms, new lifts providing access to all platforms, as well as improvements to the concourse with better lighting, new customer information boards and more comfortable seating to improve the experience for passengers.
The work on the platforms will improve reliability by separating long-distance, local, passenger and freight services. It will also allow longer trains to be accommodated, paving the way for the new Thameslink and Intercity Express trains.
Patrick McLoughlin added: “We are investing record amounts in the biggest programme of rail modernisation since the Victorian age. These improvements will make a real difference to passengers across the East Coast Main Line, ultimately providing more services, more seats, fewer delays and a comfortable travelling experience.”
"It was our pleasure to show the Secretary of State around three of the projects which have made up this investment. At Peterborough we have improved track and signalling as well as the station itself to improve performance and facilities for passengers. Both Hitchin and North Doncaster unlock bottlenecks and improve the flow of trains, further boosting performance and reliability as well as helping us to meet future demand.
"Work is already underway on the East Coast Main Line on a further £1.6bn investment. We will deliver this over the next five years, to further boost passenger services while accommodating freight flows, which are essential to all of our lives."
Apprentices get to work on rail network’s front line
More than 200 apprentices have joined railway maintenance teams across Britain to start their on-the-job training after successfully completing the first year of the Network Rail Advanced Apprenticeship Scheme.
------------------------------------------------
Combating skills shortages in the UK’s rail industry.(Adjacent Digital Politics Ltd.)
Douglas McCormick, Commissioner for the UKCES, and Managing Director of Atkins’ UK rail business discusses skills shortages and how they affect the rail industry…
Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin pledges better train services for Lincoln.(Lincolnshire Echo)
London Underground power control staff to go on strike.(BBC News)
Revamp of Gleneagles transport links completed.(The Scotsman)
Virgin in talks to put on extra early and late trains to Birmingham International.(Birmingham Mail)
UK Heritage
THE WEST SOMERSET RAILWAY plc ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING SATURDAY JUNE 28th « West Somerset Railway
China
Closer Look: China's High-Speed Rail Diplomacy Hits Full Speed.(Caixin Online).
UIC - International Union of Railways
Opening video of the 84th UIC General Assembly, Portoroz, 27 June 2014
Siemens.
Press Release.
US
www.progressiverailroading.com.
LACMTA chooses station location as best option to connect LAX people mover
Design-build team selected for Amtrak intermodal station in Rochester
Watco to purchase three North Carolina branch lines from NS
AAR: U.S. roads top weekly intermodal volume record a second time
Sound Transit names Harbour acting CEO
National business group pegs UP as a top health-promoting employer
BMWED re-elects Simpson as president, elects other officers
Rail supplier news from GE, Alstom, VHB, UNITRAC, Concrete Jack and Jacobs Associates (June 27)
US HSR
Other Railway Press
www.railway-technology.com.
NSW Government to open new rail maintenance facility
Australia's New South Wales (NSW) Government is to open a new rail maintenance centre in Western Sydney.
UK's Chorley Tunnel to undergo upgrades to accommodate electrified railway
Renovation work on the Chorley Tunnel, UK, will begin in July, in order to accommodate an electrified railway for reliable and efficient rail services.
DB Schenker Rail offers new train connection in Turkey
DB Schenker Rail has started a new train connection in Turkey, in a bid to expand its transport services in the country.
Bombardier to deliver 65 TRAXX locomotives to Railpool
Bombardier has been contracted to deliver 65 TRAXX trains to leasing company Railpool as part of a framework agreement between the two companies.
For Children of All Ages!!
During stops at Doncaster, Peterborough and Hitchin, the Transport Secretary viewed recent Network Rail improvements along the route.
As part of the tour, he officially opened the North Doncaster Chord, a £45m railway flyover at Shaftholme that will help pave the way for additional passenger trains by removing slow-moving freight services from the East Coast Main Line. A level crossing has also been closed and replaced with a new road bridge.
Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin said: “In order to secure long-term economic growth, we need a world-class railway that works well for both passengers and industry. That is why more than £38bn will be spent over the next five years to improve and maintain the network.
“The North Doncaster Chord will help in freeing up space for much-needed additional passenger services between Yorkshire and London and reduce delays, while also improving the vital freight network across the region.”
The Chord will carry around 30 freight services above the East Coast Main Line every day, slashing the time taken to transport coal between the Humber ports and the Aire Valley power stations by up to 30 minutes. Cutting journey times also reduces fuel consumption and carbon emissions. Previously, these services had to run on the East Coast Main Line for up to 14 miles.
By removing freight trains from the main line, and by replacing a nearby level crossing with a new road bridge, delays to passenger services will be reduced, and help in creating capacity for additional trains to run in future.
Earlier in the day, the Transport Secretary viewed the recently-opened Hitchin Flyover, a £47m scheme to remove a major bottleneck on the line. This allows First Capital Connect services travelling between London and Cambridge to travel above the East Coast Main Line, preventing the need for them to cross the route and reducing delays by around 30,000 minutes a year.
The increased capacity it creates will also allow for faster and more spacious Intercity Express trains to be introduced on the East Coast Main Line from 2018 onwards.
The Transport Secretary also had the chance to see how a £43m improvement scheme has transformed Peterborough Station. Engineers have installed three new platforms, new lifts providing access to all platforms, as well as improvements to the concourse with better lighting, new customer information boards and more comfortable seating to improve the experience for passengers.
The work on the platforms will improve reliability by separating long-distance, local, passenger and freight services. It will also allow longer trains to be accommodated, paving the way for the new Thameslink and Intercity Express trains.
Patrick McLoughlin added: “We are investing record amounts in the biggest programme of rail modernisation since the Victorian age. These improvements will make a real difference to passengers across the East Coast Main Line, ultimately providing more services, more seats, fewer delays and a comfortable travelling experience.”
All three improvement schemes were carried out by Network Rail. Phil Verster, Route Managing Director for Network Rail, said: “The East Coast Main line is a vital route which connects businesses and communities between London and Scotland. Demand for rail services continues to grow. Over the past five years we have invested £600m in a programme of targeted investment on the line to meet that demand.
"Work is already underway on the East Coast Main Line on a further £1.6bn investment. We will deliver this over the next five years, to further boost passenger services while accommodating freight flows, which are essential to all of our lives."
Apprentices get to work on rail network’s front line
More than 200 apprentices have joined railway maintenance teams across Britain to start their on-the-job training after successfully completing the first year of the Network Rail Advanced Apprenticeship Scheme.
Omar Bingham, 22, has joined the track maintenance team based at London Bridge. Unusually, Omar joined the apprenticeship scheme after obtaining a BSc in aerospace engineering: “I’ve always liked planes but the course just wasn’t for me. I wanted to fall in love with engineering again after the disappointment of my degree choice. I went to a recruitment fair and met two Network Rail apprentices who told me about their experience. I applied then and there.”
Omar Bingham(Network Rail Picture)
The first year of Network Rail’s award-winning three-year scheme is spent at Europe’s largest engineering training facility at HMS Sultan in Hampshire. There apprentices specialise in track, signalling, telecoms and electrification and plant. During their second and third years they experience work on the rail network’s front line, gaining vital experience as they train to become maintenance technicians. Throughout this time they regularly return to HMS Sultan for further courses and training.
Neal Lawson, maintenance and operations services director at Network Rail said: “We are committed to building a better railway for Britain and we need a highly skilled workforce to help us meet that challenge. By developing the talented and enthusiastic people that come through our apprenticeship scheme we can help create a workforce that will be vital to our future success. I wish Omar and all his fellow apprentices good luck as they join their new teams to continue their training out on the network.”
Chris Hinde.(Network Rail Picture)
Network Rail’s Advanced Apprenticeship Scheme is open to applicants over 17 years of age and has no upper age limit. Apprentices come from all over the nation and range from those who have just left school or college to those changing careers. All share an interest in engineering. As Chris Hinde, a 35-year-old apprentice from Preston says: “I was unhappy in the job that I was doing where I was stuck behind a desk, but I thought that I couldn’t do anything else because of my age. I have a three-year-old daughter so it’s been hard moving away from home but this has given me a second chance. I’m confident that I’ll never get bored at work again”.
Omar Bingham(Network Rail Picture)
The first year of Network Rail’s award-winning three-year scheme is spent at Europe’s largest engineering training facility at HMS Sultan in Hampshire. There apprentices specialise in track, signalling, telecoms and electrification and plant. During their second and third years they experience work on the rail network’s front line, gaining vital experience as they train to become maintenance technicians. Throughout this time they regularly return to HMS Sultan for further courses and training.
Neal Lawson, maintenance and operations services director at Network Rail said: “We are committed to building a better railway for Britain and we need a highly skilled workforce to help us meet that challenge. By developing the talented and enthusiastic people that come through our apprenticeship scheme we can help create a workforce that will be vital to our future success. I wish Omar and all his fellow apprentices good luck as they join their new teams to continue their training out on the network.”
Chris Hinde.(Network Rail Picture)
Network Rail’s Advanced Apprenticeship Scheme is open to applicants over 17 years of age and has no upper age limit. Apprentices come from all over the nation and range from those who have just left school or college to those changing careers. All share an interest in engineering. As Chris Hinde, a 35-year-old apprentice from Preston says: “I was unhappy in the job that I was doing where I was stuck behind a desk, but I thought that I couldn’t do anything else because of my age. I have a three-year-old daughter so it’s been hard moving away from home but this has given me a second chance. I’m confident that I’ll never get bored at work again”.
------------------------------------------------
Combating skills shortages in the UK’s rail industry.(Adjacent Digital Politics Ltd.)
Douglas McCormick, Commissioner for the UKCES, and Managing Director of Atkins’ UK rail business discusses skills shortages and how they affect the rail industry…
Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin pledges better train services for Lincoln.(Lincolnshire Echo)
London Underground power control staff to go on strike.(BBC News)
Revamp of Gleneagles transport links completed.(The Scotsman)
Virgin in talks to put on extra early and late trains to Birmingham International.(Birmingham Mail)
UK Heritage
THE WEST SOMERSET RAILWAY plc ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING SATURDAY JUNE 28th « West Somerset Railway
China
Closer Look: China's High-Speed Rail Diplomacy Hits Full Speed.(Caixin Online).
UIC - International Union of Railways
Opening video of the 84th UIC General Assembly, Portoroz, 27 June 2014
Siemens.
Press Release.
Siemens understands the national interests of the French government regarding the reorganization of Alstom
Munich, 2014-Jun-20
Siemens has noted the announcement of the French government to stronger respect national interests itself, regarding the reorganization of Alstom. "We respect and understand the political interest of the government in the field of energy technology. Together with our partner MHI, we had verifiably the better offer with respect to industrial and strategic sustainability as well as regarding financial and social aspects. But the safeguarding of national interests is a matter of the State," said Joe Kaeser, President and CEO of Siemens, and added: "Dealing with Alstom, we have proven our competence, entrepreneurship, strategic finesse and last but not least discipline."
With its Vision 2020, Siemens has a long-term and integral business concept which will be followed decisively and ambitiously. In this context, the acquisition of the gas turbine business would have fitted into the overall strategy.
US
www.progressiverailroading.com.
Great leadership in action...
 |
 |
 |
Other Railway Press
www.railway-technology.com.
NSW Government to open new rail maintenance facility
Australia's New South Wales (NSW) Government is to open a new rail maintenance centre in Western Sydney.
UK's Chorley Tunnel to undergo upgrades to accommodate electrified railway
Renovation work on the Chorley Tunnel, UK, will begin in July, in order to accommodate an electrified railway for reliable and efficient rail services.
DB Schenker Rail offers new train connection in Turkey
DB Schenker Rail has started a new train connection in Turkey, in a bid to expand its transport services in the country.
Bombardier to deliver 65 TRAXX locomotives to Railpool
Bombardier has been contracted to deliver 65 TRAXX trains to leasing company Railpool as part of a framework agreement between the two companies.
For Children of All Ages!!
A New Arrival at Peter's Railway!
We are delighted to announce that there is a new Peter's Railway book on its way - it went to the printer today! It should be with us by the middle of July...
Holiday at Lunan Bay is the latest paperback in the series. It has the same small format as the previous books, but with more pages and more adventure.. This book follows Peter and Grandpa on their summer holiday. At just £4.99 this is a great holiday read, perfect for the car, on the plane, train, beach or relaxing at home.
If you would like to find out more, or even pre-order a copy, you will find it all here.
If you place a Pre-Order, you will be one of the very first people to get the new book. Don't forget to ask Chris to sign & dedicate it for you.. Happy Reading!
More information and Pre-OrderUpdate on Chris's summer schedule
It would be great to see some of you at an event!
Perrygrove Railway weekend 28th & 29th June Sorry, cancelled.
Talyllyn Railway Garden Railway Weekend 5th & 6th July Come and join Chris and Bongo for this fun Garden Railway weekend and find out more about Peter and Grandpa’s garden railway. Ride on the Talyllyn too! Stephenson Museum Newcastle 21st & 22nd July Bicentennial of the locomotive Blucher. Chris feels rather honoured to have been invited to display Bongo/Fiery Fox in the home of the steam locomotive! Ayshire Railway Preservation Society at Dalmellington 3rd August 40th Anniversary Steam Gala Buckinghamshire Railway Centre 31st August One day only : Full size and Model Engineering Exhibition. Severn Valley Railway Autumn Steam Gala 19th, 20th & 21st September Lots going on this weekend on the railway and the Young Engineers’ Centre will still be open so if you missed the opening in May, come along and see Chris and Bongo at this great event. Don’t miss the opportunity of riding on a steam train at night, it's fab!!... North York Moors Railway Autumn Steam Gala 26th, 27th & 28th September Peter’s Railway will be on the platform at Pickering at the NYMR. Bo'ness & Kinneil Railway 25th & 26th October Story Telling weekend Warley National Model Railway Exhibition NEC Birmingham 22nd & 23rd November A great day out for all the family come, join in the fun. Model Engineer Exhibition at Sandown Park London 12th, 13th 14th December If you like model engines, this show is a must!! Chris will be there with Bongo |
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