Infrastructure news includes a royal reopening for the refurbished Reading station.. a BBC2 3- part documentary on the Crossrail project.. dismay for some who will see fares rise.. and a victory of sorts for First Group shareholders regarding the chief executive's remuneration package...
Another warning about level crossings...please take extra care! And use responsibly...
For more details, click on the links.....
Headlines
UK
New HS2 compensation scheme revealed.(Bucks Free Press).
Committee rules HS2 court decision 'breached European guidelines'.(Bucks Free Press).
New transport ministers named.(Railnews)
Commuters' anger as Government warns regional rail fares could soar to pay for improved services.(Telegraph & Argus).
Lincolnshire puts its case for East Coast Main Line investment to the Government.(Lincolnshire Echo).
Risky projects like HS3 are the only way to rescue our languishing regions.(CityAM)..
Queen opens revamped Reading railway station.(BBC News).
Network Rail
Her Majesty The Queen opens the redeveloped Reading station
Used by nearly 20 million passengers a year, Reading station is one of the busiest rail hubs in Britain.
We've transformed the station in the last five years as part of a £895m project to rebuild the railway around Reading which will remove one of the worst bottlenecks on the network, improving reliability and increasing capacity so more trains can run.
The bigger, better station – completed a year ahead of schedule and within budget – now has two entrances, 15 platforms including five new platforms, new retail facilities and a new passenger bridge three times the size of the original footbridge.
All platforms have new lifts, escalators and canopies making the station more accessible, lighter and brighter and better able to accommodate the growing number of passengers. By 2030, a forecasted 30 million people will use the station each year.
The Queen met key members of the engineering team behind the project and unveiled a plaque marking the official opening of the new and improved station. Her Majesty was also joined by more than 100 railway workers involved in the construction for a special group photograph to mark the occasion.
Network Rail chairman, Richard Parry-Jones, said: “We are extremely honoured that Her Majesty has officially opened the new Reading station. Thousands of men and women have worked on this project over the last five years and this is a proud moment for them and for the entire rail industry.
“The scale of the new station here at Reading reflects the huge and growing demand for rail travel in Britain and it has already started to deliver a better experience for passengers.”
The official opening of Reading station is a significant milestone in the Reading Station Area Redevelopment Programme, with the overall set of enhancement works – including a new viaduct to the west of the station which will cut delays and increase capacity so more trains can run in future – set to complete in spring 2015, also a year earlier than originally planned.
The Reading station area redevelopment programme is part of the government’s £7.2bn investment to upgrade and modernise the Great Western route, which includes electrification of the line from London to Bristol (including Newbury and Oxford) by 2016 and to Cardiff by 2017.
Much of the electrification work will be carried out by a specially designed engineering train – a 23-vehicle factory on wheels – which will enable Network Rail to work without closing the line to trains. As part of her visit, The Queen named the engineering train Brunel, after Isambard Kingdom Brunel, the engineer who built the Great Western main line.
More about the rebulding of the railway around Reading station
FirstGroup to review board's remuneration after criticism.(heraldscotland).
Ed Miliband to resist trade union calls for renationalisation of railways if Labour win next election.(The Independent)
Crossrail
BBC iPlayer
The Fifteen Billion Pound Railway - 1. Urban Heart Surgery
This series follows a team of more than 10,000 engineers and construction workers as they race to build a brand new railway under London - Crossrail - London's new Underground. Costing fifteen billion pounds, it's the biggest engineering project in Europe and a huge challenge to pull off. As they burrow the forty-two kilometres of tunnels, engineers must battle to make sure that listed buildings don't crack, London Underground trains keep running, roads don't shut and the City stays in business. Crucially, they must drive one of their gigantic 1,000-tonne tunnel boring machines through a tiny gap in the congested underbelly of Tottenham Court Road station without the passengers on the tube platforms below knowing they are there.
Crossrail Bond Street Station works.(March 2014)
Eurostar passenger numbers up by 2%.(BBC News)
The BBC reports that Eurostar says passenger numbers rose by 2% in the first half of 2014 to five million from 4.9 million a year earlier, with sales revenue up by 0.5% to £456m.
Converging spring holidays and people stopping home to watch the football World Cup led to a "dampening in demand"....but business travel was up 6% due to a more favourable and stable economic climate in France and the UK.....
London St Pancras.
Eurostar brings south of France closer with direct route to Marseille from Ashford from next May.(KentOnline)
Network Rail
Passengers reminded of Chorley Tunnel closure as part of £1bn+ railway investment.
Passengers are being reminded that train services between Chorley and Leyland will be disrupted from Saturday (19 July) until the end of August as part of Network Rail’s investment in the railway in the north west.
Chorley Tunnel will be upgraded as part of Network Rail’s £1bn+ investment to provide a faster, more reliable and efficient railway. The track through the 113m tunnel will be lowered to accommodate overhead line equipment which will power electric trains between Manchester and Preston from December 2016.
As a result, the line between Chorley and Leyland, via Chorley Tunnel, will be closed from Saturday 19 July to Sunday 31 August while the upgrades take place.
Much of the work to electrify the railway across the north west is being completed without causing significant disruption to rail services but larger projects – such as the Chorley Tunnel upgrade – require full closures to allow heavy engineering work to take place.
Ian Joslin, area director for Network Rail, said: “More than £1bn of investment is being made to provide a better railway and boost the economy across the north of England.
“Significant engineering is required to lower the track and install the electrification equipment inside the tunnel and there is no other option but to close the line while this is carried out.
“The closure has been carefully planned so that it is kept to a minimum and we are working closely with the train operators regarding amended services and disruption. I apologise for any inconvenience caused and advise passengers to plan their journeys and check with National Rail Enquiries before travelling.”
Rob Warnes, performance and planning director for Northern Rail, said: “Once the electrification work is complete, customers will benefit from longer, faster, quieter and more environmentally friendly trains. While the work is carried out there will be a revised Northern Rail timetable, including replacement bus services, that customers can pick up at their local station or download from our website.”
To make the most of the closure three bridges will also be rebuilt at Harpers Lane (Chorley), Railway Road (Adlington) and Lockstock Lane (Bolton) as well as the River Chor aqueduct. Two bridges at Station Road (Blackrod) and Chorley Road (Adlington) will be modified in preparation for reconstruction in 2015. Relevant diversions and information will be clearly signed in connection with each location.
For information about the amended train service during the work visit www.nationalrail.co.uk/chorley
As a result, the line between Chorley and Leyland, via Chorley Tunnel, will be closed from Saturday 19 July to Sunday 31 August while the upgrades take place.
Much of the work to electrify the railway across the north west is being completed without causing significant disruption to rail services but larger projects – such as the Chorley Tunnel upgrade – require full closures to allow heavy engineering work to take place.
Ian Joslin, area director for Network Rail, said: “More than £1bn of investment is being made to provide a better railway and boost the economy across the north of England.
“Significant engineering is required to lower the track and install the electrification equipment inside the tunnel and there is no other option but to close the line while this is carried out.
“The closure has been carefully planned so that it is kept to a minimum and we are working closely with the train operators regarding amended services and disruption. I apologise for any inconvenience caused and advise passengers to plan their journeys and check with National Rail Enquiries before travelling.”
Rob Warnes, performance and planning director for Northern Rail, said: “Once the electrification work is complete, customers will benefit from longer, faster, quieter and more environmentally friendly trains. While the work is carried out there will be a revised Northern Rail timetable, including replacement bus services, that customers can pick up at their local station or download from our website.”
To make the most of the closure three bridges will also be rebuilt at Harpers Lane (Chorley), Railway Road (Adlington) and Lockstock Lane (Bolton) as well as the River Chor aqueduct. Two bridges at Station Road (Blackrod) and Chorley Road (Adlington) will be modified in preparation for reconstruction in 2015. Relevant diversions and information will be clearly signed in connection with each location.
For information about the amended train service during the work visit www.nationalrail.co.uk/chorley
Stark safety warning to Grimsby level crossing users.
Network Rail and the British Transport Police (BTP) have today issued a warning that reckless and dangerous behaviour at Grimsby town centre level crossing could end in tragedy.
Footage captured by CCTV cameras at crossings on Littlefield and Wellowgate shows pedestrians using the crossings after the lights and sirens have started, and in some cases, as the barriers are coming down.
One piece of footage, which was filmed at the Wellowgate crossing, shows a group of young people running over the crossing after the barriers have started to lower, and become stuck on the wrong side of the barriers until they physically lift it.
Other footage shows pedestrians walking over the crossings as the barriers are starting to lower, when the lights and sirens would be clearly showing and sounding.
Vicki Beadle, community safety manager for Network Rail, said: “Some people are not using these crossings in a safe way. This is not only against the law, but puts people’s lives in danger.
“When the sirens and lights sound at a crossing, people should not attempt to cross it. I understand it can be frustrating waiting for trains to pass at level crossings, but please be patient, wait for the trains to pass and for the crossing to open and clear. Trying to rush across could possibly mean more delays for everyone.
“It is never worth the risk. Even if you manage to cross without getting hurt, misusing level crossings can cause delays to train services and other people.”
Inspector Tracy Metcalf from the British Transport Police (BTP), said: “Despite our constant warnings and enforcement action, motorists are continuing to risk their lives and the lives of others at level crossings. Incredibly, some people are still willing to put their lives on the line by ignoring warning lights and sirens and trying to dash through crossings when trains are approaching.
“Our main concern is for the safety of those who use level crossings everyday. We are more interested in preventing accidents and saving lives than enforcement.
"Most accidents are as a result of impatience; not being prepared to wait and trying to beat the train. For the sake of 60 seconds, a little patience can prevent lives being ruined.
"I have seen what happens when a train hits a car or person and have had the sad duty of destroying people’s lives by informing them that their loved ones have died. I would urge anyone who thinks trying to beat the red light is OK, take a second to think of the consequences and stop. It might just save your life. If anyone witnesses motorists ignoring level crossing procedures please contact BTP on Freephone 0800 405040 or text 61016 in confidence,” she added.
Helping people stay safe level crossings is one of Network Rail's top priorities. Whether you're walking, driving, cycling or even riding a horse, the company has guidance to help you use a level crossing safely.
When walking up to a level crossing, you need to:
More about level crossing safety can be found at: www.networkrail.co.uk/level-crossings
Network Rail also runs the 'Rail Life' campaign which is aimed at young people, and highlights the dangers and consequences of taking risks the on railway. This includes going into schools and colleges to speak with young people about this issue.
With the summer school holidays approaching and lighter evenings, parents can also help keep your children safe by reminding them that trespassing is against the law, but also incredibly dangerous. For more about Rail Life, visit www.rail-life.co.uk
One piece of footage, which was filmed at the Wellowgate crossing, shows a group of young people running over the crossing after the barriers have started to lower, and become stuck on the wrong side of the barriers until they physically lift it.
Other footage shows pedestrians walking over the crossings as the barriers are starting to lower, when the lights and sirens would be clearly showing and sounding.
Vicki Beadle, community safety manager for Network Rail, said: “Some people are not using these crossings in a safe way. This is not only against the law, but puts people’s lives in danger.
“When the sirens and lights sound at a crossing, people should not attempt to cross it. I understand it can be frustrating waiting for trains to pass at level crossings, but please be patient, wait for the trains to pass and for the crossing to open and clear. Trying to rush across could possibly mean more delays for everyone.
“It is never worth the risk. Even if you manage to cross without getting hurt, misusing level crossings can cause delays to train services and other people.”
Inspector Tracy Metcalf from the British Transport Police (BTP), said: “Despite our constant warnings and enforcement action, motorists are continuing to risk their lives and the lives of others at level crossings. Incredibly, some people are still willing to put their lives on the line by ignoring warning lights and sirens and trying to dash through crossings when trains are approaching.
“Our main concern is for the safety of those who use level crossings everyday. We are more interested in preventing accidents and saving lives than enforcement.
"Most accidents are as a result of impatience; not being prepared to wait and trying to beat the train. For the sake of 60 seconds, a little patience can prevent lives being ruined.
"I have seen what happens when a train hits a car or person and have had the sad duty of destroying people’s lives by informing them that their loved ones have died. I would urge anyone who thinks trying to beat the red light is OK, take a second to think of the consequences and stop. It might just save your life. If anyone witnesses motorists ignoring level crossing procedures please contact BTP on Freephone 0800 405040 or text 61016 in confidence,” she added.
Helping people stay safe level crossings is one of Network Rail's top priorities. Whether you're walking, driving, cycling or even riding a horse, the company has guidance to help you use a level crossing safely.
When walking up to a level crossing, you need to:
- Concentrate – it’s easy to get distracted, especially by phones, music and conversation
- Stop, look and listen. Follow signs and instructions
- Check both ways before crossing – if there is a train coming, don’t cross
- Understand the warnings (lights, barriers, alarms)
- Cross quickly, keeping children close and dogs on a lead
More about level crossing safety can be found at: www.networkrail.co.uk/level-crossings
Network Rail also runs the 'Rail Life' campaign which is aimed at young people, and highlights the dangers and consequences of taking risks the on railway. This includes going into schools and colleges to speak with young people about this issue.
With the summer school holidays approaching and lighter evenings, parents can also help keep your children safe by reminding them that trespassing is against the law, but also incredibly dangerous. For more about Rail Life, visit www.rail-life.co.uk
Saving Lives at Level Crossings -- A price too high to pay (UIC)
Rail Accident Investigation Branch.
Summary:
Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB) has released its report into the runaway of a road rail vehicle and the resulting collision in Queen Street High Level Tunnel, Glasgow, 21 April 2013. RAIB has made four recommendations and has also identified a learning point.
UK Office of Rail Regulation(ORR)
kb)
ORR highlights next steps in review of complaints handling and disabled passenger assistance systems
The Office of Rail Regulation (ORR) has today published statements explaining how it will take a new approach to approving, monitoring and enforcing train operators’ complaints handling procedures (CHPs) and disabled people’s protection policies (DPPPs).The responsibility for overseeing CHPs and DPPPs of train companies was transferred to ORR from the Department for Transport in October 2013. Since then ORR has been working with train companies, passenger groups and the industry to review how well the current system is working; what improvements may be required; and how best to measure success.
ORR wants to see consistently high standards of passenger care and a culture of continuous improvement. As part of this process ORR is also inviting views on the best ways to measure success and quality of passenger experience when making a complaint or using assistance from operators. This will help the regulator to ensure train companies have the right systems in place to provide the right assistance to every passenger.
For more information the consultation on establishing ‘core data’ and statements published today can be found at: http://orr.gov.uk/
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The most dangerous job of all(National Railway Museum)
Simon Batchelor, our Assistant Curator of Collections, continues to explore the impact of World War One on Britain’s railways.
International
Africa
South Africa: Metal thieves 'steal 10km of railway'.(BBC News).
Australia
Regional Rail Link: Olympic Doughnuts kiosk opening
DTPLI on YouTube
July 2014: The new Olympics Doughnuts kiosk was opened at Footscray railway station. The specially-built kiosk in the new station forecourt is the new home of the iconic Footscray food institution.
Footscray railway station is being transformed by Regional Rail Link into a modern transport interchange with capacity to manage thousands of metropolitan and regional customers daily.
For more information visit www.regionalraillink.vic.gov.au
China
Economic reforms agenda 'key to Chinese growth'.(BBC News).
Xi proposes trilateral work group on transcontinental S. American railway.(xinhuanet)
France
France to launch high-speed rail inquiries.(IRJ).
India
CST rush-hour shocks and awes China’s top rail official.(Mumbai Mirror).
Japan
UIC HIGHSPEED 2015
Celebrate the past, design the future
7-10 July 2015, Tokyo
7-10 July 2015, Tokyo
The Congress is being coordinated by East Japan Railway Company in collaboration with all parties involved in high speed rail in Japan, and more generally with all UIC member railways.
This is the world’s most important meeting for high-speed rail, and is expected to attract more than 1,000 attendees from across the globe to exchange views on the development and achievements of high-speed rail worldwide.
The World Congress will feature international rail experts on transportation policy and technology. It will bring the public and private sectors together to provide insight and identify best practices for implementing high-speed rail projects at every stage - from planning, financing, and construction, to operations and management. Also, the Congress will feature an exhibit showcasing high-speed rail products and services.
Russia
Transmashholding
Press Release
14th July 2014
TVZ will build double-deck administrative and staff coaches for interregional trains
Photos courtesy Transmashholding
JSC Russian Railways has approved the Technical Design assignment for double-deck administrative and staff passenger coaches with sitting accommodation for interregional trains.
The project is implemented by Tver Car-building Plant (TVZ, belongs to Transmashholding Group) and constitutes development of the double-decker family. The coaches to be developed are expected to make part of double-deck trains consisting of coaches with sitting accommodation.
All types of double-deckers are designed for up to 160 km/h speed. Carbody shells having rounded upper part will be made from corrosion-resistant (stainless) steels. Due to the above the coach service life will be 40 years. The coaches will be equipped with air-conditioning systems, eco toilets, information displays and energy-saving lamps. Sealed gangways and slack-free couplers will allow noise and vibration reduction in the course of train motion.
The double-deck administrative and staff coach will incorporate seats for disabled passengers. A commodious compartment will be equipped with three comfortable chairs. A special toilet equipped for disabled passengers is located close to the compartment. Special storage room for storage of wheeled chairs is designed in the coach. The gangway doors are of increased width. Lifting devices for convenient entrance from low platforms will be installed.
The new administrative and staff coach has a compartment with the integrated control, monitoring and diagnostics equipment for train systems and devices for communication with train and locomotive crews. The coaches will be fitted with GLONASS system. A lower deck will have one luggage compartment.
The upper deck will accommodate a cafeteria for 14 persons. A refrigerated display case, coffee-machine, microwave and other equipment enabling provision of beverages, hot drinks and snacks to guests will be installed behind a bar counter. To facilitate foodstuff delivery to the cafeteria, cargo hatches will be placed on both boards of the car to lift foodstuff from the platform with the help of a fork-lift truck. It is expected that cafeteria equipment for administrative and staff coach and business-class bars, as well as vendor machines in economy class cars will enable arrangement for passenger food catering.
The second half of the upper deck will have a kids’ play ground fitted with safety skirting boards and a large display for animated films demonstration.
The lower deck will incorporate five four-berth sleeping compartments for those passengers who prefer traveling in sleeping compartments even for short distances. At a crew change point these compartments may be used for recreation of all train attendants.
USA
Demolition continues in Fresno for state high-speed rail project.(The Fresno Bee).
www.progressiverailroading.com.
US HSR
High speed rail delivers many benefits...
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CALIFORNIA HIGH SPEED RAIL - VISIONARY MEGA PROJECT
California's $68 billion, statewide high speed rail system is just the beginning of America's $600 billion national high speed network. California's new transportation construction boom is well underway!
The $4.5 Billion mega project - Transbay Transit Center, known as the "Grand Central Station of the West" is currently under construction in the heart of downtown San Francisco. This has sparked a huge construction boom in the entire neighborhood surrounding the station, including the highest price ever paid for a small piece of property next to the new station.
The first billion dollar construction contract to build the first leg of the new high speed rail line has recently been signed. Construction is underway on the main trunk line between San Francisco and Los Angeles. A second multi-billion dollar contract is out to bid now for additional construction segments. Many more contracts are currently in the works to continue building the statewide high speed rail system segment-by-segment.
The state of California recently passed into law a major cap-and-trade program that sets up the first permanent funding source for the state's new high speed rail project. This pioneering legislation starts a new trend in reliable, consistent funding for visionary transportation projects, and will unlock billions of dollars in funding to move the new rail project along at a faster pace, with several hundred miles of HSR track and infrastructure under construction in the next few years.
The state of California recently passed into law a major cap-and-trade program that sets up the first permanent funding source for the state's new high speed rail project. This pioneering legislation starts a new trend in reliable, consistent funding for visionary transportation projects, and will unlock billions of dollars in funding to move the new rail project along at a faster pace, with several hundred miles of HSR track and infrastructure under construction in the next few years.
Other Railway Press Releases.
Real-Time Passenger Information supplement 2014.(eurotransportmagazine).
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www.railway-technology.com.
San Francisco to procure 260 LRVs from Siemens
The San Francisco Municipal Transportation Authority (SFMTA) in the US is set to award a $1.2bn contract to Siemens to supply light rail vehicles (LRV) for the city's Central Subway line.
Alstom delivers first Translohr STE5 train to Ayacucho project in Colombia
French train manufacturer Alstom has delivered the first Translohr STE5 model to the Ayacucho LRV project in Medellín, Colombia.
UK DfT awards Essex Thameside franchise contract to c2c
The UK Department for Transport has officially awarded the new Essex Thameside franchise to its current operator, c2c.
TMB to provide technical assistance for Panama City metro line 2 project
A consortium comprising Transports Metropolitans de Barcelona (TMB), Ayesa and Louis Berger, has secured a €23.5m contract to provide technical assistance in Panama City's metro line 2 project.
From Railway Gazette International
€53m loan for Rail Baltica and transit corridors - Railway Gazette.
Rail Business Intelligence - incisive news and analysis for the UK rail industry
Braunschweig orders Solaris trams - Railway Gazette
Alpine locomotive bogie - Railway Gazette
SBB overspend funded - Railway Gazette
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