The UK Parliament starts scrutinising the HS2 Bill, with opponents fearing they will not get included for the committee stages.
The talk of high speed rail has "The Engineer" looking back at an editorial from 1873....
HS1 trains will now stop at more Kent stations...
But the Tube will not be stopping at any stations for a while, possibly, due to a power workers strike.
Network Rail continue with electrification of the Great Western Mainline..... and transportgovuk comes up with a video describing "Improving the transport network"...
And Network Rail partner with the Samaritans with a five year programme to reduce rail suicides ..278 in 2013.
Click on the links for the full stories...
Headlines
MPs begin scrutinising HS2 bill, as hundreds voice concerns.(BBC News)
Anti-HS2 groups could be barred from committee.(The Telegraph)
HS2 opponents fear bar from Commons(FT.com)
Editorial from 1873!!
Days to go until rail track closure.(Redditch Advertiser)
WITH just one week to go, London Midland is reminding passengers that the railway between Barnt Green and Redditch will close for eight weeks from this Sunday, July 6 to Sunday, August 31.
Great Central Railway bridge gets go-ahead.(BBC News)
King's Cross team on board for Belfast transport hub.(BBC News)
Tractor rolls on to railway line near Golspie.(BBC News)
Rail suicide deaths increasing.(heraldscotland)
Network Rail
Life-saving partnership extended
Samaritans and Network Rail have announced plans for a new five year partnership to reduce suicides on the railways. Since the original partnership began in 2010, railway staff have approached and potentially saved the lives of more than 200 vulnerable people at railway locations. British Transport Police also report more than 700 approaches . Many of these are a result of attending Samaritans courses.
Almost 600 courses have been run by Samaritans trainers for around 7,000 rail staff from train operating companies from all over the country, as well as British Transport Police officers and Network Rail front line staff, since 2010. About 6,000 have attended the Managing Suicidal Contacts course, while a further 1,000, mainly train drivers and driver managers, have undergone the Trauma Support Training course.
The numbers of deaths by suicide on the railways has fluctuated since the partnership began in 2010. In 2011 they dropped from 232 to 224, and in 2012 they rose to 268. The 2013 figure was 278. However, it is important to remember that looking at the number of deaths alone does not give a full picture of whether suicides are increasing or decreasing. For this, rates based on the population must be considered. Such rates are not available for railway deaths as they are for national suicides; but we can look at the proportion of suicides that occur on the railways and we see that since 2003, this has remained relatively stable with an overall fluctuation of around 1.5% of all suicides. The rail network is also increasingly busy. A million more passenger trains a year run across Britain than ten years ago. Every day 22,000 train services operate across the network.
As well as training staff, the period of the partnership has seen significant numbers of physical improvements to the rail network aimed at reducing suicide. These include mid-platform fencing, which has now been installed at 50 stations, platform hatching, trespass guards, platform end barriers and various kinds of new technology such as smart cameras, designed to help identify people in difficulties, and blue lights, which are being piloted.
The partnership delivers bespoke training for rail staff in identifying vulnerable people who may be looking to take their lives on the railway, providing the skills and confidence to approach them and lead them to safety. A further course and Samaritans volunteers also help rail staff deal with the aftermath of a death. The partnership also includes national communications campaigns, research and guidelines to promote responsible reporting of suicide in the media.
Catherine Johnstone, Chief Executive of Samaritans said:“Samaritans and the rail industry have been working together for many years, but this partnership with Network Rail has taken that co-operation to a new level. Close to seven thousand rail staff have been trained and they are joined by Samaritans volunteers on the ground.
"Given the challenging economic circumstances over the last five years, the creation of the partnership was very timely. It seems clear from the very large number of interventions by rail staff that rail deaths would have been considerably higher had the partnership not been in place. It’s certainly an example that is being closely studied by many other countries.”
Ian Stevens, suicide prevention programme manager for Network Rail said: "Any death on the railway is a tragedy but the impact is felt not only by those who knew the person but by the train driver and station staff and those who are involved in the aftermath. We want to do everything we can to stop this from happening, and if it does, to help our people deal with it. Samaritans have helped us enormously to develop our work in this area, with their great expertise, empathy and tenacity. A continued collaborative approach across the industry and everyone working in mental health is needed to tackle this societal problem and to help us keep Britain moving by rail."
The numbers of deaths by suicide on the railways has fluctuated since the partnership began in 2010. In 2011 they dropped from 232 to 224, and in 2012 they rose to 268. The 2013 figure was 278. However, it is important to remember that looking at the number of deaths alone does not give a full picture of whether suicides are increasing or decreasing. For this, rates based on the population must be considered. Such rates are not available for railway deaths as they are for national suicides; but we can look at the proportion of suicides that occur on the railways and we see that since 2003, this has remained relatively stable with an overall fluctuation of around 1.5% of all suicides. The rail network is also increasingly busy. A million more passenger trains a year run across Britain than ten years ago. Every day 22,000 train services operate across the network.
As well as training staff, the period of the partnership has seen significant numbers of physical improvements to the rail network aimed at reducing suicide. These include mid-platform fencing, which has now been installed at 50 stations, platform hatching, trespass guards, platform end barriers and various kinds of new technology such as smart cameras, designed to help identify people in difficulties, and blue lights, which are being piloted.
The partnership delivers bespoke training for rail staff in identifying vulnerable people who may be looking to take their lives on the railway, providing the skills and confidence to approach them and lead them to safety. A further course and Samaritans volunteers also help rail staff deal with the aftermath of a death. The partnership also includes national communications campaigns, research and guidelines to promote responsible reporting of suicide in the media.
Catherine Johnstone, Chief Executive of Samaritans said:“Samaritans and the rail industry have been working together for many years, but this partnership with Network Rail has taken that co-operation to a new level. Close to seven thousand rail staff have been trained and they are joined by Samaritans volunteers on the ground.
"Given the challenging economic circumstances over the last five years, the creation of the partnership was very timely. It seems clear from the very large number of interventions by rail staff that rail deaths would have been considerably higher had the partnership not been in place. It’s certainly an example that is being closely studied by many other countries.”
Ian Stevens, suicide prevention programme manager for Network Rail said: "Any death on the railway is a tragedy but the impact is felt not only by those who knew the person but by the train driver and station staff and those who are involved in the aftermath. We want to do everything we can to stop this from happening, and if it does, to help our people deal with it. Samaritans have helped us enormously to develop our work in this area, with their great expertise, empathy and tenacity. A continued collaborative approach across the industry and everyone working in mental health is needed to tackle this societal problem and to help us keep Britain moving by rail."
High speed trains to stop at east Kent stations.(BBC News)
Southeastern publishes new timetable early to cope with upheavals for £6.5bn London Bridge Thameslink programme.(KentOnline)
Tube strike: power workers due to walk out from 8pm this evening.(London Evening Standard)
Network Rail
Planning underway to electrify Bath’s railway
Electrification will open the way for a new generation of electric intercity trains to be introduced on routes serving Bath from 2017, meaning more seats, more legroom, more tables and a reduction in journey times for passengers. It will also deliver a greener, quieter, more reliable railway with fewer emissions being released into the atmosphere and a reduction in noise as electric trains replace existing diesel ones.
Network Rail is undertaking a package of work in preparation for the electrification of the Bath railway corridor, most of which will be completed at night so trains can operate as normal for passengers. Work which cannot be completed at night and which will affect services to and from Bath is to be combined during a six-week period in summer 2015, from mid-July to the end of August, with work completed in two main phases during those six weeks.
The first three-week phase will affect only the immediate Box Tunnel area (near Corsham), while the second three-week phase also closes the entire railway immediately east of Bath station and the direct route to Trowbridge.
By maximising work over a six-week period it will be completed with the minimum possible level of disruption to passengers. Network Rail will also be using this period to complete other work that was due to be undertaken in the Bath area over the coming years, minimising disruption further still.
Patrick Hallgate, Network Rail route managing director, said: “The work that we will be undertaking at Bath is part of our wider electrification project, delivering not only a greener and quieter railway but a better service for passengers across the south west.
“We realise that this work will cause disruption to rail users, but we are working closely with all the relevant parties to minimise that disruption, and when the work is complete, it will pave the way for a massively improved rail service.”
The work is planned for the summer of 2015 to avoid other major improvements being carried out by Network Rail at Reading and Bristol, while also avoiding bat and newt breeding seasons. The major elements of the work are:
Network Rail, First Great Western, Bath & North East Somerset Council and Bath Tourism Plus are working together to ensure that disruption to passengers and visitors to the city is minimised, keeping passengers on trains, wherever possible, rather than having to use coach services as the railway around Bath is modernised.
A firm objective of all parties is to ensure that Bath remains open during these works next summer, albeit with a reduced level of service. Service provision measures currently under consideration include:
Final plans for the programme of work and alternative travel arrangements will be announced this autumn following consultation with businesses, tourism representatives, passengers and user groups over the coming months.
Mark Hopwood for First Great Western said: "By working with businesses and the community in Bath we are developing a train service plan that supports the local economy while also allowing Network Rail the vital access it needs to the railway in order to electrify the route. Our goal is to ensure the route is modernised in the shortest time possible and with the minimum level of disruption to our passengers."
Cllr Paul Crossley, leader of Bath & North East Somerset Council, said: “These modernisation works offer a fantastic opportunity to improve rail services for visitors and commuters coming to Bath.
“We’re really pleased that Network Rail and First Great Western are working together to put meticulous plans in place to ensure that disruption is kept to a minimum during the short period of works. We’re also keen to make people aware that Bath will still be very much ‘open for business’, and assist them in getting around easily so they can continue to enjoy the wide variety of shops, entertainment and visitor attractions which our beautiful World Heritage City has to offer.”
Nick Brooks-Sykes, chief executive for Bath Tourism Plus, said: “A fast, efficient and frequent railway connection to London is key to future growth of the visitor economy in Bath. We therefore welcome the plans to electrify the lines and introduce new rolling stock. We recognise that there will inevitably be some short term disruption, so welcome the fact that Network Rail and First Great Western will be working with BTP to minimise this where possible and to support BTP in informing potential visitors of route and timetable alterations.”
Some further work will be needed in 2016 west of Bath that will require further changes to train services on some weekends, but this will not be on the scale of the summer 2015 alterations.
transportgovuk on YouTube
Network Rail is undertaking a package of work in preparation for the electrification of the Bath railway corridor, most of which will be completed at night so trains can operate as normal for passengers. Work which cannot be completed at night and which will affect services to and from Bath is to be combined during a six-week period in summer 2015, from mid-July to the end of August, with work completed in two main phases during those six weeks.
The first three-week phase will affect only the immediate Box Tunnel area (near Corsham), while the second three-week phase also closes the entire railway immediately east of Bath station and the direct route to Trowbridge.
By maximising work over a six-week period it will be completed with the minimum possible level of disruption to passengers. Network Rail will also be using this period to complete other work that was due to be undertaken in the Bath area over the coming years, minimising disruption further still.
Patrick Hallgate, Network Rail route managing director, said: “The work that we will be undertaking at Bath is part of our wider electrification project, delivering not only a greener and quieter railway but a better service for passengers across the south west.
“We realise that this work will cause disruption to rail users, but we are working closely with all the relevant parties to minimise that disruption, and when the work is complete, it will pave the way for a massively improved rail service.”
The work is planned for the summer of 2015 to avoid other major improvements being carried out by Network Rail at Reading and Bristol, while also avoiding bat and newt breeding seasons. The major elements of the work are:
- Lowering the track in Box Tunnel and installing electrification equipment
- Canopy works at Bath Spa station
- Installing specially designed electrification equipment in Sydney Gardens, in recognition of its unique status as a World Heritage Site. Huge care will be taken to ensure that the electrified rail route protects the special status of the City of Bath and its listed buildings.
Network Rail, First Great Western, Bath & North East Somerset Council and Bath Tourism Plus are working together to ensure that disruption to passengers and visitors to the city is minimised, keeping passengers on trains, wherever possible, rather than having to use coach services as the railway around Bath is modernised.
A firm objective of all parties is to ensure that Bath remains open during these works next summer, albeit with a reduced level of service. Service provision measures currently under consideration include:
- Ensuring commuters and off peak passengers can travel by train by keeping the rail route west of Bath open throughout the improvement works, so that a reduced service from Bath Spa to London Paddington and Bath Spa to Bristol Temple Meads and Cardiff Central can operate.
- Keeping passengers on trains that normally travel through Bath Spa by diverting services where at all possible.
- Implementing a high quality coach service between Bath Spa and Chippenham, Trowbridge and Westbury which would operate at the same frequency as rail services, connecting passengers with onward train services at those stations.
- Easing ticket restrictions to enable passengers to use alternative rail routes.
- Allowing car park season ticket holders to use car parks at alternative train stations.
Final plans for the programme of work and alternative travel arrangements will be announced this autumn following consultation with businesses, tourism representatives, passengers and user groups over the coming months.
Mark Hopwood for First Great Western said: "By working with businesses and the community in Bath we are developing a train service plan that supports the local economy while also allowing Network Rail the vital access it needs to the railway in order to electrify the route. Our goal is to ensure the route is modernised in the shortest time possible and with the minimum level of disruption to our passengers."
Cllr Paul Crossley, leader of Bath & North East Somerset Council, said: “These modernisation works offer a fantastic opportunity to improve rail services for visitors and commuters coming to Bath.
“We’re really pleased that Network Rail and First Great Western are working together to put meticulous plans in place to ensure that disruption is kept to a minimum during the short period of works. We’re also keen to make people aware that Bath will still be very much ‘open for business’, and assist them in getting around easily so they can continue to enjoy the wide variety of shops, entertainment and visitor attractions which our beautiful World Heritage City has to offer.”
Nick Brooks-Sykes, chief executive for Bath Tourism Plus, said: “A fast, efficient and frequent railway connection to London is key to future growth of the visitor economy in Bath. We therefore welcome the plans to electrify the lines and introduce new rolling stock. We recognise that there will inevitably be some short term disruption, so welcome the fact that Network Rail and First Great Western will be working with BTP to minimise this where possible and to support BTP in informing potential visitors of route and timetable alterations.”
Some further work will be needed in 2016 west of Bath that will require further changes to train services on some weekends, but this will not be on the scale of the summer 2015 alterations.
To make our economy stronger and our lives easier we need good transport. That's why the government is making record levels of investment. It is estimated that in 2014 to 2015 there will be over £14 billion of public and private investment in transport infrastructure. This bold programme of transport infrastructure investment is playing a very big part in getting our country back up to speed.
Find out more about how we're improving and expanding the transport network: https://www.gov.uk/transport
Africa
Headlines
TRANSNET CONTAINER & MINERAL VOLUMES UP
PRASA’S NEW SA-BUILT TRAINS – ONLY IN 2017
RESIGNALLING GAUTENG
RAILWAY EFFICIENCY & PROFITABILITY SUMMIT
TRANSNET BUSINESS PROCESS PROPOSALS
DUNNOTTAR ASSEMBLY PLANT
GAUTRAIN GETS SERVICE EXCELLENCE AWARD
More details.... Here
As part of the Regional Rail Link project, new track is being installed over 26 kilometres from Deer Park to West Werribee Junction.
This video shows track being laid in Tarneit, looking west from Derrimut Road (near the location of the new Tarneit railway station).
For more information about the project visit www.regionalraillink.vic.gov.au
Japan: Bullet train gets foot baths.(BBC News).
Other Railway Press
Top Ten: Must Have Rail Travel Accessories
Tube Strike: Power Control Staff Walk Out For 8 Days
c2c: The 'Misery Line' has been transformed into the 'Best Performing Railway In The Country.'
Belgium Rail Strike Causes Havoc Throughout Europe
Miracle Escape: Woman Survives After Being Run Over By 3 NYC Subway Trains
London's upgraded Victoria line operates up to 34 trains an hour
Transport for London (TfL) has announced that the Victoria line on the London Underground (LU) is now offering the most frequent train service in the UK.
Harsco has won a second major railway track and infrastructure maintenance equipment contract from Swiss federal rail system SBB.
A contract for the development of a new genset locomotive has been signed by Russia's Yakutia Railways and Swiss company Molinari Rail.
The Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation (HART) has started column work on the regional elevated rail line in Hawaii, US.
Rail Staff.
Derby celebrates 175 years
Railway Chaplains - On a mission from God
Iarnród Éireann - A crisis to overcome
Rail freight rises
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