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January 12, 2015

UK & International Railway News Monday 12th January 2015

..Total Railway News
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London King's Cross.(C) P.S. Lewis


In the week when its chief executives appear before the House of Commons Transport Select Committee,(Wednesday) Network Rail publishes a report on the passenger disruption over the Christmas/New Year period caused by overrunning engineering works...... Lessons to be learned.....


Crossrail bring us up to date with progress so far...and progress expected in the coming months....
Progress film (very brief) on a battery powered train....


A new station opens...
Something on the lines.....and its not leaves either....but what it is might make them sprout.....
A nine (9) year old will appear before Parliament to express opposition to HS2.....
Alstom look back on 2014 achievements...Bombardier look forward with its award winning monorail...
And a new administrator for USDOT's Federal Railroad Administration..


For full details...click on the links....


 
Headlines
UK
Network Rail
Christmas passenger disruption investigation report published


12 January 2015
Our report into the disruption affecting thousands of passengers using King's Cross and Paddington services on 27 December has been published.
 
 
On 27 December 2014 thousands of passengers using London King's Cross and London Paddington services, many of whom were travelling home after visiting friends and family, suffered severe delays and disruption.
Network Rail launched an immediate investigation into what went wrong and today publishes its findings.
Mark Carne, chief executive, said: "The report highlights what went wrong and it is quite clear that there are areas that could have been done better. Equally, our contingency plans should have protected the travelling public from any problems we had and our industry service recovery could have done more to minimise the impact of disruption.
"We sincerely apologise for the disruption over the festive period and we are determined to learn the lessons so that we can continue to make the improvements the travelling public deserve."
King's Cross and Paddington overruns report (2.5 MB)


Battery powered train trials in Manningtree



Network Rail’s battery powered train (IPEMU) cuts through the countryside during live, on-track trials. The new train contributes to Network Rail’s commitment to reduce its environmental impact, improve sustainability and reduce the cost of running the railway by 20 per cent over the next five years. It could ultimately lead to a fleet of battery-powered trains running on Britain’s rail network which are quieter and more efficient than diesel-powered trains, making them better for passengers and the environment
(Network Rail on YouTube)


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Full steam ahead for £1million project to link Nottingham and Loughborough by steam train.(Nottingham Post)




GOV.UK
Transport Secretary sees Northamptonshire transport improvements
Patrick McLoughlin visits new Northampton rail station and meets local leaders to discuss A45 scheme.
Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin visited Northampton today, Monday 12 January 2015, to mark the opening of a £20 million new railway station that will provide improved journeys for thousands of passengers every day.
The new station, which has been partly funded with £10 million of government investment, will provide a modern gateway to the town, and will help meet the demand from growing numbers of visitors and commuters. The building is more than twice the size of the previous station, and features more ticket gates to reduce bottlenecks, along with accessible lifts.
Patrick McLoughlin said:
As part of our long-term economic plan, we are investing record amounts in building a world-class rail network fit for the 21st century.
I am delighted that passengers in Northampton are able to benefit from this impressive new station, with further improvements to come as the work is completed. This, along with the thousands of extra seats being provided by £62 million of government investment, will make a real difference to passengers’ journeys.
The station, which is managed by London Midland, has been built by Network Rail in partnership with Northamptonshire County Council and Northampton Borough Council. Work can now begin to fit out the station’s new shops.
The opening of the station is further good news for passengers. Last month, London Midland launched 10 new trains into service on its network, providing 40 new carriages in total. The trains, which were paid for by £62 million of government funding, are providing passengers in Northampton, Milton Keynes, Leighton Buzzard, Tring, Hemel Hempstead and Watford Junction with 139,000 extra seats every week.
Over the next 5 years, £38 billion will be invested in improving and maintaining the UK’s rail network.
Following the visit to Northampton station, the Transport Secretary then visited the Chowns Mill roundabout at A45/A6 junction at Higham Ferrers. The scheme which was announced at Autumn Statement 2014, is part of government’s £1.4 billion vision to improve roads in the Midlands.
Once the scheme is completed, road users will benefit from new segregated lanes, improved signalling and additional carriageways at the A45/A6 junction at Higham Ferrers. The work which is expected to be completed in 2019, will help increase capacity, improve journey reliability and ease congestion in supporting local growth.






Rail sector: export help
Companies providing products and services in the railways sector can get help from UK Trade and Investment (UKTI) to export overseas.


UK companies have the expertise to provide equipment and services for rail systems worldwide.
Companies in the rail supply chain make a significant contribution to the UK economy accounting for £7 billon turnover and employing 80,000 people. UK based companies have an established supply chain and lots of experience in:
  • building bigger and better rail systems
  • managing and improving long-established rail networks
  • managing the privatisation of a rail industry

UKTI help for companies

We help UK rail companies to:
  • exhibit at major international trade fairs
  • take part in our trade missions
  • meet important decision makers and potential partners
  • overcome challenges of doing business in overseas markets
  • apply for large business opportunities through our High Value Opportunities (HVOs) programme
We do this by:
  • providing grants to attend trade fairs
  • running workshops, seminars, inward missions
  • making it easier for companies to access overseas markets
  • working with the main industry bodies and stakeholders
  • promoting the UK’s rail infrastructure sector overseas
  • helping to develop the UK’s supply chain by working with the sector
  • bringing major overseas opportunities to the attention of UK companies

Contact UKTI

We’d like to hear from companies that want to grow and do business with overseas railways. Sign up and meet with a trade advisor.
Find out about other UKTI services for exporters.
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Crossrail
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Tunnelling to complete this Spring and Liverpool Street to Shenfield rail services to be integrated with TfL in major year for Crossrail

 

  • Crossrail programme is now over 60 per cent complete
  • Major tunnelling to complete in spring 2015 with focus shifting to huge task of fitting out new tunnels and stations
  • TfL to operate services between Liverpool Street and Shenfield from May 2015
 
During 2015, Crossrail’s major tunnelling works will conclude and the focus will shift towards fit-out and implementing railway systems within the tunnels and stations.
 
Eight 1,000 tonne tunnelling machines have bored over 39 kilometres of new 6.2m diameter rail tunnels under London with tunnelling due to complete in spring 2015. Construction is also advancing on the ten new Crossrail stations and on works above ground west of Paddington and east of Stratford. Over 10,000 people are currently working on Crossrail, including nearly 400 apprentices, with the project at peak rate of construction.
 
On 31 May this year the rail services between Liverpool Street and Shenfield will join the TfL transport network. This will be the first phase of the introduction of Crossrail, which will be fully integrated with TfL services. Customers will benefit from stations staffed at all times trains are operating as well as better accessibility provision with turn up and go services being offered for those who need ramps to board trains. 
 
Andrew Wolstenholme, Crossrail Chief Executive said: “Crossrail is being delivered on time and within budget. While we are over 60 per cent complete there is still a huge amount of work to be undertaken as the challenge shifts to the complicated and substantial task of fitting out the stations and tunnels with the necessary systems and equipment to enable Crossrail services to operate.”
 
Mike Brown MVO, Managing Director of London Rail, said: “While construction is forging ahead the first steps towards opening London’s new rail line will happen as rail services between Liverpool Street and Shenfield become part of the TfL network this Spring. This is another step in our transformation of rail services across the capital as we work to support London’s economic growth and meet the demands of the city’s rapidly growing population.”
 
Upcoming Crossrail milestones include:
 
  • Major tunnelling for Crossrail to complete in spring 2015 when tunnelling machines Elizabeth and Victoria reach Farringdon.
  • Network Rail to continue major surface works on the existing rail network including construction of a landmark new station at Abbey Wood. Major station improvements in outer London will get underway; a number of stations will be completely rebuilt, providing passengers with brighter, more spacious ticket halls.
  • The fit out of Crossrail’s tunnels will begin in early 2015. New track will be laid as well as overhead conductor bar to power the trains, lighting, signalling, ventilation and everything else that is required to run Crossrail’s new trains beneath the streets of London.
  • As part of the UK’s largest archaeology project, Crossrail will excavate the former Bedlam burial ground in Liverpool Street from March 2015 to enable construction of the Broadgate ticket hall. The dig will exhume thousands of bodies and artefacts dating from Roman times through to the 18th Century.
  • The Wallasea Island nature reserve in Essex, constructed using Crossrail excavated material, will be flooded with sea water in summer 2015, creating a new wetlands habitat for bird and marine life.
  • Joint venture partners will be sought during 2015 for major above station property developments at Paddington, Tottenham Court Road West, Fisher Street, Farringdon East and Woolwich.
  • Announcement of commissions for the Crossrail Art Programme, which will see large-scale permanent art-work put in place at seven central London sites.
  • Construction of the major new Crossrail depot at Old Oak Common is underway and will continue throughout 2015.
  • From 31 May 2015, Transport for London will begin operating the existing rolling stock between Shenfield and Liverpool Street. There will be staff at every station at all times that trains are running, better accessibility provision, full integration with TfL customer information and with TfL fares and ticketing, including cheaper journeys in many cases using Oyster or contactless pay as you go. TfL will also put in place a phased programme of deep cleaning and painting the stations and introducing help points, CCTV, gate lines and better lighting and customer information.
  • Ahead of the new Crossrail trains arriving on the Shenfield to Liverpool Street services in 2017, TfL will clean up the existing trains and refresh them inside and out within six months of transfer.
 
London’s population is set to grow from 8.4 million today to around 10 million by 2030. The Government, the Mayor of London and TfL are investing in Crossrail and other transport infrastructure to support access to jobs, education, housing and to boost economic growth. Crossrail is part of TfL’s investment programme.
 
Over the course of the project, it is estimated that Crossrail and its supply chain will support the equivalent of 55,000 full time jobs across the country. More than 8,000 people have completed training at Crossrail’s Tunnelling and Underground Construction Academy in Ilford, which opened in 2011.
 
A total of 84,300 jobs were supported last year across the UK, through TfL's investment programme and Crossrail. TfL and its suppliers have also created over 5,000 apprenticeship roles since April 2009.
Crossrail will add 10 per cent capacity to London’s rail network. It will serve 40 stations, connecting Reading and Heathrow in the west with Shenfield and Abbey Wood in the east via central London.
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Key Crossrail milestones to date include:
 
  • Start of Crossrail construction began at Canary Wharf on 15 May 2009.
  • The first giant tunnel boring machine broke ground in May 2012. Since then, 39 out of 42 kilometres of new train tunnels have been created under London. Six of Crossrail’s eight tunnelling machines have now completed their drives.
  • Another 9.5 kilometres of new passenger, platform and service tunnels have been constructed within the new Crossrail stations using a technique called sprayed concrete lining.
  • Crossrail rolling stock and depot contract awarded by Transport for London to Bombardier Transportation and Crossrail train operating concession awarded to MTR Corporation.
  • The surface works, delivered by Network Rail, are now over one-third complete.
  • All 40 Crossrail stations will have step free access from street to platform.
  • Completion of the Canary Wharf station ticket hall, and the roof of Canary Wharf Group’s over station development.
  • Around 400 apprentices have gained work on Crossrail. More than 8,000 people have undertaken training at Crossrail’s Tunnelling and Underground Construction Academy in Ilford, which opened in 2011.
  • Excavated items from the UK’s largest archaeology programme include skeletons from Bethlehem Hospital burial ground, 55 million year-old amber, Roman artefacts and industrial-era factories.
  • Crossrail’s Community Investment Programme has seen major contractors donating expertise, time and resources to create a lasting benefit to communities neighbouring Crossrail worksites.
  • Crossrail has plans in place to develop over three million square feet (gross) of commercial, residential and retail space above its stations and construction sites. Over 1 million square feet of this now has planning permission including Bond Street West (Davies Street), 101 Moorgate, Fisher Street and a number of developments above Crossrail Tottenham Court Road station
  • Alongside the physical railway a ‘digital version’ of Crossrail is being built using Business Information Modelling (BIM). This will be passed on to the train operator, helping to reduce long-term maintenance and operating costs, and to other major UK infrastructure projects to assist planning and design.
  • The Culture Line, a programme to deliver a permanent exhibition of large-scale world-class artworks in Crossrail’s central London stations is being delivered in collaboration with leading art galleries. The City of London Corporation is 50 per cent match funding the art works.



PRESS RELEASE

Terry Morgan re-appointed as Crossrail Chairman
Crossrail Limited today announced that Terry Morgan CBE has been re-appointed by the Crossrail Board as Non-Executive Chairman for a three-year term from 1 June 2015.
 
When Crossrail opens in 2018, it will increase London's rail-based transport network capacity by 10 per cent and dramatically cut journey times across the city, bringing an extra 1.5m people to within 45 minutes of central London.


Video125co
 InterCity Norwich Driver's eye view preview






www.video125 for Driver's eye views. This takes us aboard a class 86 electric loco hauling a train of MK2 coaches still in BR InterCity livery all the way from Norwich to London Liverpool Street at speeds up to 100 mph.

Cross City Birmingham Driver's eye view preview



Redditch to Lichfield Trent Valley via Birmingham New Street. This is a Driver's eye view from a class 323 electric multiple unit (EMU). To place an order for this DVD, please go to our website: www.video125.co.uk




International
China
Record breaker: China's incredible north-south high-speed train line plan (KETK)
 
China aids building of railway in Africa (ecns)
France

 
Look back at Alstom’s achievements, innovations and successes in 2014
(Alstom on YouTube)

 

 
USA
 
  
  
  
  
 
 
 



U.S Transportation Secretary Foxx Names Sarah Feinberg Acting Administrator of FRA
WASHINGTON – U.S. Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx announced today that Department of Transportation Chief of Staff Sarah Feinberg will serve as Acting Administrator of the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA).  She succeeds Joseph C. Szabo who was appointed and confirmed as the agency’s twelfth Administrator is 2009. Szabo stepped down as the agency’s head last Friday.


 “Sarah has been my partner and served as my closest advisor during her tenure as Chief of Staff at the U.S. Department of Transportation.  With her ability to bring clarity, focus and direction to complex challenges, she has become a proven leader within our agency,” said Secretary Anthony Foxx.  “Sarah has the right mix of experience and skills to adeptly lead the FRA as it continues its important work to ensure the safe, reliable and efficient movement of people and goods.”


 Feinberg becomes the second woman to lead the agency since its founding in 1966.


 Since 2013 Feinberg has served as the Chief of Staff for the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT), managing the agency’s ten modal departments, and spearheading the agency’s legislative, policy, and communications efforts. Feinberg provided strategic advice and counsel to the Secretary regarding operational and legislative initiatives across all modes of transportation, as well as leading the department’s efforts on its $302 billion surface transportation reauthorization plan, sent to the U.S. Congress last year.

 During her time as Chief of Staff, Feinberg worked closely with Secretary Foxx and each agency in the Department to ensure that they are continuously raising the bar on safety. As Acting Administrator of the Federal Railroad Administration, Feinberg will work to strengthen the culture of safety across the railroad industry.

 The FRA is the Nation’s chief safety regulator for the passenger and freight rail industries.  The agency has a $1.6 billion budget and employs nearly 900 people in Washington, D.C. and eight regional offices across the country.  It establishes and enforces safety rules for the rail industry as well as manages a $20 billion rail investment portfolio.


Other Railway Press
 


.UK's ORR rejects GNWR's proposals for new direct train service
Arriva subsidiary Great North Western Railway (GNWR)'s proposals to introduce a new direct train service between north Manchester and London have been rejected by the UK Office of Rail Regulation (ORR).
Germany's Knorr-Bremse acquires Swiss train control management firm Selectron Systems
Germany-based braking system manufacturer Knorr-Bremse has signed an agreement to acquire train control management specialist Selectron Systems of Lyss, Switzerland.
US Federal Government grants $996m for Boston's Green Line extension
Massachusetts governor Deval Patrick and US Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx have announced a $996m federal grant to extend the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) Green Line light rail service from East Cambridge to Somerville and Medford.
UK Government signs agreement to enhance rail service in north of England
The UK Government has signed an agreement with TransPennine Express and Northern Rail to provide extra rolling stock for the north of England.


Bombardier.

BOMBARDIER INNOVIA Monorail 300 System Wins GOOD DESIGN Award

January 12, 2015 Berlin Transportation,  Press Release

GOOD DESIGN Awards recognize innovative and cutting-edge designs


INNOVIA Monorail 300 system offers iconic aesthetics, mass transit capacity and fast-to-build infrastructure


Rail technology leader Bombardier Transportation has won a GOOD DESIGNTM Award for its BOMBARDIER INNOVIA Monorail 300 system. This driverless transit system is designed on the principles of iconic aesthetics, mass transit capacity and fast-to-build infrastructure.
The INNOVIA Monorail 300 vehicle’s sleek, aerodynamically styled exterior design has attracted the attention of developers, politicians and the public like no other. The focus on design continues inside; spacious interiors with flexible seating arrangements provide high capacity mass transit capability and open gangways allow passengers to walk through the cars to enhance passenger flow, comfort and safety. System infrastructure is architecturally designed to integrate seamlessly into urban environments with slender, contemporary guidebeams that direct the vehicles and provide structural support.
Bombardier is currently delivering two INNOVIA Monorail 300 systems. In Saudi Arabia, a 3.6 km system with six stations and six two-car monorail trains will be the primary mode of transport for the prestigious new King Abdullah Financial District.  In Brazil, the addition of the new 24 km line, with 17 stations and 54 seven-car trains, will enhance the city of São Paulo and substantially reduce travel times for up to half-a-million people every day.
Pierre Attendu, President, Systems Division at Bombardier Transportation, said,  “Bombardier’s award winning INNOVIA Monorail 300 system combines excellence in product design with innovative technologies such as the Permanent Magnet Motor and the BOMBARDIER CITYFLO 650 train control system for driverless operation. INNOVIA Monorail 300 is a truly game-changing solution for city and airport authorities requiring an attractive, cost-effective and fast-to-build mass transit solution.”
Founded in 1950, the Chicago Athenaem: Museum of Architecture and Design’s GOOD DESIGN Award is the oldest and most recognised program for design excellence worldwide.  The emphasis of the GOOD DESIGN program is on quality design of the highest form, function and aesthetic standard.


 

 

 
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