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October 31, 2014

International & UK Railway News Friday 31st October 2014


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Fair fares; getting out of the south west....apart from through Dawlish!....Manchester Airport Metrolink opens a whole year early....
HS2 pays for a primary school in Warwickshire... and the Transport Select Committee's recommendations to the Government on community rail partnerships for rural areas brings a response...
Post Lac Megantic recommendations for Canada's railways.......and more diligence required in reporting "occurences".....
We take a look at maintenance work on the railway in France, courtesy Philibru productions... and include Think Railways news briefs from Europe......


Click on the links.....








Headlines
UK
Rail ticket 'rip-off': passengers routinely denied cheapest fares.(The Telegraph)


Train tickets: the seven worst rip-offs.(The Telegraph)


Rail fare petition handed over.(Telegraph & Argus)


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Commuters to be affected by Thameslink rail changes.(East London Lines)


Minister for transport examines rail options out of Devon and Cornwall.(Western Morning News)



Plans to re-open Wisbech to March rail line builds up steam.(Fenland Citizen)





HS2- Engine for Growth

Improving city connectivity key for boosting knowledge economy
27 October 2014
New report examines rail links in the Midlands and North
Journey times between Leeds and Manchester could be cut in almost half under proposals published today by Sir David Higgins, Chairman of High Speed Two (HS2) Ltd.  This, he says, would be as important to the North as Crossrail is for London, but should only be one step in an overall strategy to improve transport as a whole from Liverpool to Hull.
His report also suggests that the journeys between Leeds and Birmingham, Leeds and Sheffield Meadowhall, York and Birmingham, and Nottingham to Birmingham could also be reduced by a half or more, and many more journeys across the country substantially shortened.
“Improving connectivity is vital”, he says,” if Britain is to compete in the knowledge economy in which this country has a competitive advantage, but in which ease of travel is an essential element.
"Knowledge based companies whether they are in high-tech manufacturing, the creative industries, finance or the law, have to be close, or feel close to the talent, skills base, support network, knowledge pools, collaborators and clients necessary to create the "hot-house atmosphere"  in which they thrive.  That is why reducing the journey times between and within our cities isn't just desirable for both passengers and freight.  It is a strategic necessity."
Sir David's comments and recommendations are contained in his second report on the future of HS2.  Rebalancing Britain: from HS2 towards a national transport strategy - looks at the prospects for improving connectivity across the North of England and the Midlands.
The four main proposals are:
1.    Need to take forward both legs of the proposed HS2 Y-network – the alternatives will not bring the same capacity, connectivity and economic benefits.
2.    Improve the rail services between east and west - sharply reducing journey times between Liverpool, Manchester, Leeds, Sheffield and Hull will stimulate local economies.  Sir David says the journey from Leeds to Manchester could be cut from today's average of over 55 minutes to somewhere between 26 and 35 minutes, depending on which option is chosen, and the number of trains could be doubled.
3.    Northern cities should speak with one voice – local authorities from five key cities should join together to form a new body.  Sir David suggests calling the group Transport for the North.
4.    Set out a timetable to develop a new transport strategy - building on the One North report to decide on an approach for improving rail and road connectivity across and within the region north of Birmingham.
In addition to these recommendations the report sets out a series of conclusions from Sir David’s review of the proposals for Phase Two of HS2.  These include:
•         To continue with the planned route into Manchester city centre via the airport – keeping open the option to add a new airport station.
•         Need to review the best station solution for Leeds to include provision for increased east-west services through the city.
•         The line should be extended to Crewe by 2027 - six years earlier than originally proposed.
•         A new station at Sheffield Meadowhall remains the best way to serve the wider South Yorkshire region, though Sir David recognises Sheffield continues to argue for Sheffield  Victoria
•         That the East Midlands hub should be near the proposed site at Toton but that its precise location needs further work
The report has now been submitted to Government and any final decision on the recommendations made by Sir David will be made by ministers.  An announcement on Phase Two is expected from the Transport Secretary before the end of the year.

Download the full copy of the press release here
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Community Rail Partnerships
Recommendation 8: Community Rail Partnerships are a cost-effective way to facilitate passenger transport in isolated communities, but their future viability may be threatened by a funding shortage. The Association of Community Rail Partnerships must lead the CRP sector in taking up the offer of financial help from the Association of Train Operating Companies. It must also work with train operating companies and the DfT in sharing best practice on maximising revenue from fare collection. (Paragraph 30)


Response: The Association of Community Rail Partnerships (ACoRP) is funded by DfT, see response to Recommendation 9. ACoRP are pro-active and work closely with the community rail sector and rail industry to support community rail. They will do all they can to encourage financial help from other organisations such as Association of Train Operating Companies (ATOC) and are well aware of the funding challenges. They have been active at designing alternative models which keep local rail partnerships intact when funds are short. Initiatives include the creation of Community Interest Companies allowing, for example smaller contributions from councils and a corresponding larger contribution from the train companies. ACoRP are members of the DfT's National Community Rail Steering Group and in that forum regularly discusses funding measures and shares best practice on strategies that lead to higher passenger numbers on rural networks. They provide an extensive range of 'best practice' notes, reports, specialist information and newsletters. Much of this is available on their website.


Recommendation 9: We welcome the DfT's recognition of the value of Community Rail Partnerships. The DfT must translate its support for Community Rail Partnerships into ring-fenced funding to reinforce the sector, which is a proven means of harnessing the power of volunteering to deliver passenger transport in isolated communities. (Paragraph 31)


Response: The Department provides core funding to ACoRP, the umbrella organisation for all Community Rail Partnerships (CRPs) and rail user groups. This funding covers several grant schemes that allow community rail partnerships to develop projects such as marketing campaigns, station improvements, passenger information and schemes involving community engagement. We recognise that there are funding challenges for some Community Rail Partnerships. However DfT will continue to work with ACORP and the wider rail industry to develop strategies that will help reinforce the community rail sector. Volunteers play a valuable role in the support of community rail. Around 4,000 volunteers contribute over 1.2 million hours of work, bringing around £27 million of extra value to the rail industry. Research has shown that every £1 invested in a CRP can bring £4.60 in benefits. A joint research report on the Value of Community Rail Partnerships and Volunteering will be published in the autumn of 2014. Volunteers are involved in many activities including gardening, promoting rail in local communities, campaigns, preparation and distribution of publicity material and station watches. Many are members of station adoption or rail user groups and some may hold an official post such as chair or treasurer. The elected 'chairs' of a Community Rail Partnership are unsalaried and yet play a major role in the success of the partnership.
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GOV.UK


Baroness Kramer views progress at Pye Corner station


UK Transport Minister visits Wales to see how new station will transform journey.
Baroness Kramer at Pye Corner station.
(GOV.UK Picture)
Transport Minister Baroness Kramer visited Newport in Wales today (31 October 2014) to see how a multi-million pound new rail station will transform journeys for local passengers.
The £3.5 million station at Pye Corner, which is nearing completion, will make it easier for residents to access train services – relieving congestion on the local road network and helping to boost the local economy. The station will provide connections to Cardiff and Ebbw Vale.
The work, which has been jointly funded by the UK government’s New Station Fund and the Welsh Government, will also help to build an integrated transport network in south east Wales.
Baroness Kramer said:
Pye Corner is a great example of how our record investment in the railway is building a network that meets the needs of local people and provides real benefits to the economy.
More than £38 billion will be spent in the next 5 years on modernising the rail network, giving passengers across the UK better journeys.
Work started on the station in April 2014, and is due to be completed by the end of the year. When it opens, it will be served by the existing hourly Ebbw Vale to Cardiff service, with the potential for additional services and destinations to be introduced in future.
Four other stations around the UK will be built after successfully applying for funding from the New Station Fund – Ilkeston in Derbyshire, Newcourt in Devon, Lea Bridge in London and Kenilworth in Warwickshire.

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Network Rail on YouTube



Vegetation can reduce drivers' visibility, cover up signals and fall on the track. Find out more, including how we're reducing delays caused by vegetation at http://www.networkrail.co.uk/timetabl...


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(ACT Government on YouTube)


Leading experts give their views on why Light rail is a good investment for Canberra. Good public transport is the glue in just about every world city and provides a range of benefits to the community. Benefits include better transport options, lower emissions, increased accessibility for all social groups, with more investment and economic activity along route.


Canada
See also:


Data review identifies discrepancies: TSB reminds railways to be more diligent in reporting occurrences

Gatineau, Quebec, 27 October 2014 - A review of reportable rail occurrences conducted by the Transportation Safety Board of Canada has identified late and missing accident information from the three railway companies it examined. The TSB is calling on all railway companies to meet their obligation to report occurrences outlined in the TSB Regulations. Reporting this information is mandatory and the TSB will consider enforcement action, if required to address non-compliance.
The TSB regularly reviews its railway occurrence database to ensure data integrity, and to identify any potential safety issues. Railway-specific data reviews were recently completed for Canadian National, Canadian Pacific, and Montreal, Maine & Atlantic railway companies. The examination determined that a total of 254 occurrences involving these railways had been unreported or reported late to the TSB over a 7-year period. The TSB has communicated these results to the railway companies and has stressed their reporting obligations.
The majority of these occurrences were minor, and many involved rail yard operations, where there was limited damage, and no injuries reported. These occurrences have now been entered into the TSB railway occurrence database.
The updated TSB Regulations which came into effect earlier this year clearly outline occurrence reporting requirements. The TSB will continue to monitor railway occurrence data and fully expects that the industry will report occurrences in a timely manner and in full compliance with the TSB Regulations.





France



Renovation of the Laon - Tergnier line(24/09/2014)


Philibru Productions on YouTube.







Since July 2014, Réseau Ferré de France renovating the railway line between Tergnier and Laon in Picardy. Here are some pictures of the work site using the trains called "fast Suite." This project is part of an extensive renovation program is expected to continue until 2016


Mozambique
Mozambique: Rail Traffic Resumes On Maputo-South Africa Line.(All Africa.com)


USA
www.progressiverailroading.com
  • BNSF aims to better prep for harsh winter weather
     
  • New Amtrak station underway in Rochester
     
  • AAR: Last week's U.S. intermodal volume reached third-highest mark in history
     
  • Genesee & Wyoming rang up more revenue, income in 3Q
     
  • Rail-car backlog reached record level in 3Q, EPA says
     
  • VIA Rail completes Union Station restoration
     
  • Florida East Coast Railway begins to take delivery of GE locomotives
     
  • Rail supplier news from RailComm, Bombardier, Greenbrier, Mervis Railcar, Laird, Parsons Brinckerhoff and CG/LA Infrastructure (Oct. 31)
     

    • Other Railway Press
    Think Railways.

    Romania: First two Imperio tramways delivered


    The first two of the 6 tramways procured by Arad Municipality from Astra Vagoane Calatori (Astra Passenger Coaches) were delivered to the public transport operator CTP Arad. During the handover ceremony, Gheorghe Falca, Mayor of Arad, informed that the municipality plans to obtain EU fundin g in order to purchase another six new trams during 2015-2020. More


    Poland: Swing tramway for Bydgoszcz city starts trials


    First Pesa Swing tramway for Tramwaj Fordon,subsidiary of Bydgoszcz city council, has started two months trial operations. The Polish produces aims to identify the necessary modifications to be done before series deliveries, including any interior design suggested by Bydgoszcz passengers. The new Swing tramways will enter traffic next year on the 9.5 km tramway line to Fordon district. Tramwaj Fordon Sp. z o.o. and Pesa signed a EUR 26 million contract covering the supply of 12 Swing tramways in August this year. The 100% low-floor five-section tramway is 30.12 m long and has a capacity for 201 passengers. More

    Vossloh’s DE 12 and DE 18 locomotives obtain German certification

    Germany’s federal railway authority (Eisenbahn-Bundesamt, EBA) has now given its approval also for the four-axle diesel-electric DE 12 and DE 18 to be operated in Germany. More

    Czech Railways receives EUR 0.9 million fine for Railjet trains contract

    Petr Rafaj, Chairman of The Office for Protection of Competition (ÚOHS ) in Czech Republic confirmed that Czech Railways (CD) received a record CZK 25 million (EUR 0.9 million) fine for the acquisition of Railjet trains from Siemens, without open competition. More

    Serbian Railways to invest EUR 1.2 bn in the next three years

    In the next three years, Serbian Railways will invest EUR 1.2 billion euros in infrastructure development and acquisition of new rolling stock, informed Zoran Andjelkovic Chairman of the Directors Board of Serbian Railways during the “Railway investment Southeast Europe” conference, taking place in Belgrade. More

    Rail Baltica II joint venture established

    On October 28, Rail Baltica II joint venture of the Baltic States was established for successful implementation of the Rail Baltica II European standard railway line project. The project dates from 2005, but has seen delays due to disagreements among the three partners Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania. More

    Alstom and Indra to supply tunnel safety and security systems to new Madrid-Asturias high-speed line

    A consortium composed by Alstom and Indra has signed a contract with Spanish railway infrastructure authority Adif to supply the safety and security systems for 12 tunnels of the new Madrid-Asturias high speed line, including the 25 km-long Pajares bypass tunnel.More

    Warsaw Metro announced tender for new depot at Kabaty train yard

    Warsaw Metro has announced a tender for the construction of a new depot at Kabaty train yard (Kabaty STP). On an area of approx. one hectare, the new facility will accommodate 14 metro trains and a warehouse for chemical materials. Approximately 3.4km of railway lines will also be built.More
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    www.railway-technology.com


    Keymile to create mission-critical communications network for French LGV BPL line
    Telecommunications solutions provider Keymile has received a contract from France-based EIFFAGE Group to develop the mission-critical communications network for the French high-speed LGV BPL railway line from Le Mans to Rennes. 
           
    Baltic states sign agreement to establish Rail Baltica II joint venture
    The transport ministers of the Baltic states have signed an agreement to set up a joint venture to implement the estimated €3.6bn Rail Baltica II project. 
           
    Netherlands NS selects CAF to supply new Sprinter electric trains
    Dutch passenger railway operator Nederlandse Spoorwegen (NS) has selected Spanish train manufacturer CAF as the preferred bidder to supply its new-generation Sprinter electric multiple-unit fleet. 
           
    Alstom and Indra to provide safety and security systems for Spanish railway
    Spanish railway infrastructure authority Adif has awarded a €36m contract to a consortium consisting of Alstom and Indra for the delivery of safety and security systems for 12 tunnels of the new Madrid-Asturias high-speed rail line.

    Future Rail: Issue 20 

    In this issue: A new Tube for London, Arup's vision for rail transport in 2050, Samsung's tech offering to rail operators, what rail operators can learn from airport security, China's push for international high-speed projects and more.






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