London King's Cross.(C) P.S. Lewis
More campaigning for local railway investment(Basingstoke, electrification, Stoke), but some dark clouds ahead, possibly, for DLR users, (and the Tube..see yesterday's news)
Network Rail provides timely advance information on the Scarborough Railway Bridge.. and Industry and government join forces to launch new vision for UK rail supply chain..
And a European Award for Andrew Adonis....
For more details on these, and other world stories, click on the links......
Headlines
UK
Report criticises government's HS2 strategy (Bucks Free Press)
More campaigning for local railway investment(Basingstoke, electrification, Stoke), but some dark clouds ahead, possibly, for DLR users, (and the Tube..see yesterday's news)
Network Rail provides timely advance information on the Scarborough Railway Bridge.. and Industry and government join forces to launch new vision for UK rail supply chain..
And a European Award for Andrew Adonis....
For more details on these, and other world stories, click on the links......
Headlines
UK
Report criticises government's HS2 strategy (Bucks Free Press)
Eurostar hits fresh problems, with delayed and cancelled trains (The Independent)
DLR workers vote for strike over terms and conditions.(BBC News)
Wrexham to Birmingham commuters fear peak-time service cut.(BBC News)
Basingstoke MP Maria Miller campaigns for investment in Hampshire railways.(Basingstoke Gazette)
Campaigners want electrification to speed up railways.(Hartlepool Mail)
Stoke HS2 station 'could deliver greater value' - report.(insider media)
KKR buys thetrainline.com (FT.com)
British Rail's Galloway landscape returns to Kirkcudbright.(BBC News)
Network Rail
Countdown to Scarborough Railway Bridge replacement
(Network Rail Photograph)
Rail passengers, York residents and visitors to the city are being reminded to plan ahead this half term as the old bridge deck of Scarborough Rail Bridge will be lifted out and a new one installed.
The work to refurbish the bridge means that no trains can run over it between 14 and 23 February, with coaches replacing First Trans-Pennine Express trains between York and Seamer.
Replacement coaches will run between York and Scarborough every hour. There will be two coaches in each direction each half hour; one stopping service and one express service.
Direct trains between York and Scarborough re-start on Monday 23 February. The first train out of Scarborough will be the 06:30 and the first train out of York will be the 06:40.
Between 14 and 23 February First Trans-Pennine Express services to and from the west will all use platforms 1, 6 & 7 at York station, not platform 4.
The Hull to Scarborough via Bridlington (Yorkshire Wolds Coast) route operated by Northern Rail remains open.
- vegetation clearance to improve driver visibility
- improvement work at Haxby level crossing and Haxby Station level crossing
- track renewals at Malton
- improvements to around eight culverts to improve flood resilience
- general maintenance
- minor improvement work on platforms 2 and 4 at York station
Network Rail has planned this work closely with the Canal and Rivers Trust, Natural England and Environment Agency, securing the necessary permissions. The River Ouse will need to be closed to river traffic for certain times while the work is undertaken.
During the Marygate car park closure, alternative parking can be found at www.york.gov.uk/parking .
Alternative walking and cycle routes are available via either Lendal Bridge or Clifton Bridge for the footbridge closure (9 February to 2 March),.
During the footpath closure (14 and 22 February), pedestrians and cyclists should use Kingsland Terrace/Leeman Road if they would normally use Cinder Lane; and via Longfield Terrace/the subway under the railway/Marygate Lane if they would normally use the path on the Museum Gardens side of the river.
Deliveries and site management are being carefully planned and managed to protect the safety of pedestrians, local residents and the engineers involved.
Parking will be restricted on Marygate and Netherton Road overnight between Friday 6 and Thursday 12 February. The restricted parking areas will be coned off well in advance.
====================================================================
The worksite in York will also affect local residents and visitors. Marygate car park will be closed from 2 to 27 February to safely accommodate the crane and other construction equipment. The footbridge alongside Scarborough railway bridge which also carries National Cycle Network route 65 across the river will be closed from 9 February to 2 March and the shared use paths on either side of the river under Scarborough railway bridge will close between 14 and 22 February.
Network Rail Route Managing Director, Phil Verster, said: “We thank rail passengers, residents and visitors to York for their patience as we complete this essential work. The bridge has given good service for 140 years but now needs significant replacement.
“This is a complex project as the bridge spans the River Ouse and is in the middle of a residential area with narrow streets as well as being close to several important rail lines.
“We have worked very closely with City of York Council and First Trans Pennine Express to minimise our impact on both local residents and the travelling public. We will also deliver around 17 other projects between York and Scarborough while the bridge work is carried out. This additional improvement work is worth around £2m and will help provide more reliable journeys for passengers for many years to come.”
Engineers will be working 24 hours a day on the bridge to complete the work on time.
The last direct trains between York and Scarborough on 13 February leave York at 22:00 and Scarborough at 22:07.Replacement coaches will run between York and Scarborough every hour. There will be two coaches in each direction each half hour; one stopping service and one express service.
Direct trains between York and Scarborough re-start on Monday 23 February. The first train out of Scarborough will be the 06:30 and the first train out of York will be the 06:40.
Between 14 and 23 February First Trans-Pennine Express services to and from the west will all use platforms 1, 6 & 7 at York station, not platform 4.
The Hull to Scarborough via Bridlington (Yorkshire Wolds Coast) route operated by Northern Rail remains open.
Anna-Jane Hunter, from First Trans-Pennine Express, said: “We are working with Network Rail to minimise the disruption caused by the improvement works and put in place the best possible journey options for customers.
"Express coaches will replace rail services between York and Scarborough and we have issued updated timetables and customer information posters.
"We would advise customers to check before they travel and allow extra time to complete their journey. Full details of the improvements works and alternative arrangements will be available from National Rail Enquiries."
"Express coaches will replace rail services between York and Scarborough and we have issued updated timetables and customer information posters.
"We would advise customers to check before they travel and allow extra time to complete their journey. Full details of the improvements works and alternative arrangements will be available from National Rail Enquiries."
Notes:
The other projects on the York to Scarborough during the bridge deck replacement include:- vegetation clearance to improve driver visibility
- improvement work at Haxby level crossing and Haxby Station level crossing
- track renewals at Malton
- improvements to around eight culverts to improve flood resilience
- general maintenance
- minor improvement work on platforms 2 and 4 at York station
Network Rail has planned this work closely with the Canal and Rivers Trust, Natural England and Environment Agency, securing the necessary permissions. The River Ouse will need to be closed to river traffic for certain times while the work is undertaken.
During the Marygate car park closure, alternative parking can be found at www.york.gov.uk/parking .
Alternative walking and cycle routes are available via either Lendal Bridge or Clifton Bridge for the footbridge closure (9 February to 2 March),.
During the footpath closure (14 and 22 February), pedestrians and cyclists should use Kingsland Terrace/Leeman Road if they would normally use Cinder Lane; and via Longfield Terrace/the subway under the railway/Marygate Lane if they would normally use the path on the Museum Gardens side of the river.
Deliveries and site management are being carefully planned and managed to protect the safety of pedestrians, local residents and the engineers involved.
Parking will be restricted on Marygate and Netherton Road overnight between Friday 6 and Thursday 12 February. The restricted parking areas will be coned off well in advance.
Have your say on updated plans for the Hope Valley rail line
Members of the public are invited to comment on plans to construct two new sections of railway track near Dore & Totley station and between Bamford and Hathersage.
Network Rail intends to deliver this package of work to allow more trains to run on the Hope Valley railway line between Sheffield and Manchester. The work is a key part of over £1 billion of investment to deliver faster, more frequent services across the north of England.
Phil Verster Route Managing Director for Network Rail said: “The updated plans to improve the railway between Manchester and Sheffield are an important part of a wider programme of investment in the north of England. Demand for train travel between the two cities is increasing, with forecasts showing by 2029 demand will grow by 56% in Sheffield and 66% in Manchester. These proposals will deliver better journeys on the Hope Valley line, improving capacity, frequency and reliability.”
Consultations were held on the original plans in November 2013. These proposals included the construction of a new 1km passing loop near Grindleford station as well as improvements around Dore & Totley station. Since then, the project has developed a new option to the East of Bamford station as a replacement for the previous proposal at Grindleford
While Grindleford was the optimum location for new track that would allow four fast trains to run each hour between Manchester and Sheffield; timetable constraints meant it would not be possible to evenly space those services. As a result, the rail industry decided to progress plans for three fast trains per hour and a review of the scheme developed the revised proposals for Bamford.
The new option close to Bamford is easier to build than the previous one at Grindleford and does not affect any ancient woodland. The new plan will also free up capacity for additional local stopping services.
Proposals for the area east of Bamford station include a new section of track running alongside the existing railway between the station and Jaggers Lane in Hathersage. At Dore, the railway line between West View Lane and Dore West Junction will be extended and a new platform constructed with a footbridge and lifts at Dore & Totley Station.
A Transport and Works Act Order from the Secretary of State for Transport will be required to build the new sections of track. It is anticipated that an application will be submitted in summer 2015 following a period of consultation and, subject to consent, work is due to complete by the end of 2018.
Phil Verster Route Managing Director for Network Rail said: “The updated plans to improve the railway between Manchester and Sheffield are an important part of a wider programme of investment in the north of England. Demand for train travel between the two cities is increasing, with forecasts showing by 2029 demand will grow by 56% in Sheffield and 66% in Manchester. These proposals will deliver better journeys on the Hope Valley line, improving capacity, frequency and reliability.”
Consultations were held on the original plans in November 2013. These proposals included the construction of a new 1km passing loop near Grindleford station as well as improvements around Dore & Totley station. Since then, the project has developed a new option to the East of Bamford station as a replacement for the previous proposal at Grindleford
While Grindleford was the optimum location for new track that would allow four fast trains to run each hour between Manchester and Sheffield; timetable constraints meant it would not be possible to evenly space those services. As a result, the rail industry decided to progress plans for three fast trains per hour and a review of the scheme developed the revised proposals for Bamford.
The new option close to Bamford is easier to build than the previous one at Grindleford and does not affect any ancient woodland. The new plan will also free up capacity for additional local stopping services.
Proposals for the area east of Bamford station include a new section of track running alongside the existing railway between the station and Jaggers Lane in Hathersage. At Dore, the railway line between West View Lane and Dore West Junction will be extended and a new platform constructed with a footbridge and lifts at Dore & Totley Station.
A Transport and Works Act Order from the Secretary of State for Transport will be required to build the new sections of track. It is anticipated that an application will be submitted in summer 2015 following a period of consultation and, subject to consent, work is due to complete by the end of 2018.
GOV.UK
Industry and government join forces to launch new vision for UK rail supply chain
Industry and government have come together to set the strategic vision for the strengthening of the UK’s rail supply chain
Industry and government have today (21 January 2015) come together to set the strategic vision for the strengthening of the UK’s rail supply chain.
At an event hosted by Business Secretary Vince Cable, Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin and Terence Watson, President of Alstom UK, the Rail Supply Group (RSG) presented a vision statement outlining how it will meet the demands of tomorrow’s railways, create more jobs and boost UK exports.
The vision statement also confirms that over the coming months the RSG will develop an Industrial Strategy for the rail supply chain with a clear implementation plan.
Speaking at the launch, Business Secretary Vince Cable said:
Britain’s valuable train supply chain is renowned for excellence in an array of disciplines from train design to signal solutions. We are committed to keeping the industry on track as a global leader which is why we are creating a unique partnership through the Rail Supply Group.Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin said:
The group will work together to future proof this valuable sector through a long-term Rail Supply Chain Industrial Strategy - creating more jobs and ensuring the UK can capture a share of the global rail market, worth £150 billion per year.
We are investing record amounts in the UK’s rail network, and other countries around the world are following in our footsteps. This is a massive opportunity for British rail suppliers to capitalise on this investment and win new business at home and abroad.Co-chaired by the Business Secretary, Transport Secretary and Terence Watson, President of Alstom UK, the Rail Supply Group brings together private sector representatives from across the rail industry with government.
The Rail Supply Group has a vital role to play in supporting these companies, ensuring they deliver a lasting legacy of long-term economic growth.
The group is seeking to help British manufacturers take full advantage of the anticipated growth in domestic and international rail. Over £38 billion is being spent in 2014 to 2019 to maintain and improve the UK rail network in the biggest modernisation programme for over a century and projects such as Crossrail supporting 55,000 jobs and creating more than 400 apprenticeships along the supply chain.
Meanwhile the world’s rail supply market is expected to grow by 2.7% per annum over the next 6 years, presenting a wealth of exporting opportunities for UK suppliers.
The Rail Supply Group Vision Statement sets out an ambitious view of the future where, by 2025, the industry will:
- more than double export volumes
- attract the very best UK talent to create a sustainable skills base and to develop new technologies
- harness the energy, drive and innovation of SMEs to meet the needs of the global railway market
- be a global leader in High Speed Rail
- have an entrepreneurial supply chain that constantly innovates to meet customer needs, from urban to intercity networks
The RSG announcement is a further example of government support for the rail supply industry, such as the ‘Accelerating Innovation in Rail’ collaboration between rail companies and Innovate UK. Two competitive rounds have awarded £12.2 million of funding to date to 27 projects worth £22.2 million to the industry, with a further £6 million available from March 2015 in the third round of competition. This funding is awarded to businesses innovating in technologies which can address future challenges and customer needs in UK and international rail markets, laying the tracks for long-term growth.All of the UK’s industrial companies should be watching the rail sector closely. There are opportunities for growth not only for established players, but for digital, manufacturing, engineering and service companies of all sizes and from all industries. We need the best of the UK’s talented, innovative and entrepreneurial people to help us create a truly world class rail supply industry - and to make the UK a global leader in rail again.
International
Canada
Canadian National Railway Is An Efficient Company That Enjoys Long-Term Prospects.(Seeking Alpha)
China
Inter-city Bullet Trains to Stop Operation.( CRIENGLISH.com)
Bohai Sea underground rail project gets nod from NDRC (WantChinaTimes)
Europe
European Railway Award
Lord Andrew Adonis and Alexander Neumeister receive the European Railway Award 2015(CER & UNIFE).
The European Railway Award 2015 was presented today to Lord Andrew Adonis, former Secretary of State for Transport in the UK (2009-2010), and to industrial designer Alexander Neumeister. Since 2007 the European rail sector has celebrated and recognised personalities in the political and technical field. The ceremony, which took place at the Musées Royaux D’Art et Histoire in Brussels, was followed by the joint CER-UNIFE Annual Reception and attracted more than 500 guests from all over Europe, including high-level politicians and transport stakeholders.
Keynote speaker of the gala evening was the recently appointed European Commissioner for transport, Violeta Bulc, who congratulated the winners and reflected on her work as Transport Commissioner to improve rail transport, remarking, “Rail is an essential part of my vision of transport for next five years. The adoption of the Fourth Railway Package is my main priority for that sector. It should finally ensure stability of the regulatory framework as there will not be any ‘Fifth Railway Package’ if the fourth one as adopted by Council and European Parliament is sufficiently ambitious.”
Latvia´s Minister of Transport Andrijs Matīss presented the plans of the Latvian Presidency for the next six months. He highlighted: “Rail transportation and, in particular, rail freight services […] play a vital role in Latvian economy. We, therefore, strongly believe that the railway sector has a crucial role to play in ensuring the competitiveness and growth of the Union.”
Representing the European Parliament, MEP Michael Cramer (Greens/EFA, DE), Chairman of the Committee on Transport and Tourism, addressed the work of his Committee on rail transport under his leadership and commented: “The European Railway Award puts the spotlight on the most environmentally-friendly mode of transport. It shows that we should not be shy in communicating how attractive, comfortable and sustainable travelling by train can be!”
CER Chairman and CEO of ÖBB Christian Kern commented: "We need new and forward-thinking railway policies for the next four years. A way forward means investments in infrastructure, pushing the Technical Pillar of the Fourth Railway Package, reducing costs and increasing the quality of customer services. And we need the European railway sector as a major backbone of European growth and jobs: the 2.3 million employees and 142 Billion Euro - a 1.1% contribution to the European Gross Domestic Product – speak for themselves.”
UNIFE Chairman and President of Bombardier Transportation, Lutz Bertling, congratulated the laureates and took the opportunity to emphasise the importance of the Technical Pillar of the Fourth Railway Package, stating that, “it will lead to more efficient and less costly authorisation procedures, providing railway operators and European citizens with new vehicles in a quicker and more predictable manner. It is the cornerstone of the Single European Railway Area and it will help create the strong home market that the European rail industry needs to maintain its world leadership.”
As UK Secretary of State for Transport, Political Award winner Lord Andrew Adonis spearheaded the plan for High Speed 2, the proposed high-speed railway line from London to Birmingham and the north of England—which was adopted and by the British Government in 2010. He was also a key leader in promoting the electrification of railways throughout the UK. Under his leadership in the Ministry for Transport, the British rail system has improved extensively as a result of his many initiatives in high speed and mainline electrification. Moreover, he played a key role in the development of the National Skills Academy for Railway Engineering.
Jochen Eickholt, CEO of Siemens Mobility Division, gave the laudatory speech for Lord Andrew Adonis. When accepting the award, Lord Adonis commented: “Policy on high speed rail in the UK has been revolutionised in the last five years, drawing on the success of high-speed rail in continental Europe and Asia. HS2 and HS3 are set to become the biggest infrastructure projects in Europe and their impact is driving positive assessments of high-speed rail more widely across Europe, Asia and the United States. I’m delighted and privileged to have played a part in bringing about this fundamental change, which will also help to create far more effective, trans-European transport networks built around state-of-the-art rail systems.”
The laureate for the Technical Award 2015, Alexander Neumeister, is one of the most renowned industrial designers worldwide. Some of his famous designs include the German ICE-3 high-speed trains, the MagLev trains ‘Transrapid’, the Japanese ‘Shinkansen 500 Nozomi’, the German DMU trains ‘Talent’ and ‘Desiro’ or the C1 and C2 train-generations of the Munich subway.
The laudatory speech for Alexander Neumeister was given by Pablo Vázquez Vega, President of Renfe Operadora. When accepting his award, Alexander Neumeister remarked, “For nearly 45 years I have been designing trains! And still today, I see no other means of transport - be it private-cars, buses or airplanes, which combine so many positive factors - so many ‘unique points of sale’ - so to say.”
Each award is accompanied by a donation of €10.000 to the charity of the laureate’s choice. Lord Andrew Adonis gave the prize money to Teach First, and Alexander Neumeister gave his to the Mia Foundation.
Eurotunnel - Press Release.
22 January 2015
Eurotunnel Group 2014 Traffic and Revenue
2014 revenue growth +7%1 to €1.207 billion - Channel Tunnel Fixed Link Concession Eurotunnel Shuttles: further revenue growth (+7%) High speed trains: continued increase in traffic (+3%) Rail freight: a major increase in tonnage (+21%)
- Europorte: continued development with an increase in revenues of 8% to €66.5 million
Jacques Gounon, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Groupe Eurotunnel SE, stated: "Eurotunnel has had a record year in 2014, with a strong growth in all areas of its business. The year of the 20th anniversary of the opening of the Channel Tunnel has been dynamic: Eurotunnel continues to invest to maintain its leadership".
1 All comparisons with 2013 revenues are at a constant exchange rate of £1 = €.258
Germany
KB Holding makes Vossloh takeover bid - Railway Gazette
Ireland
The Seat Sale continues with excellent value one way fares available online from just €14.99
No hidden fees or charges just relaxed fares like
Dublin to or from: -
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Limerick
Galway
Sligo
Mayo
Dublin to or from: -
Cork
Limerick
Galway
Sligo
Mayo
from just €14.99
Book online today at www.irishrail.ie
India
'We are looking at monorail, high-speed and Metro projects' (Hindu Business Line)
Alain Flausch: Falling oil prices give chance to review fuel subsidy, tax policies.(UITP)
►REVENUES: FULL YEAR In million euros
|
2014 un audited
|
2013 recalculated*
|
Change 2014/2013
|
2013 published**
|
Eurotunnel Shuttles Railway Network Other revenues
|
526.7 305.3 15.2
|
491.4 297.4 13.3
|
+7% +3% +14%
|
477.0 289.3 12.9
|
Sub-total Fixed Link
|
847.2
|
802.1
|
+6%
|
779.2
|
Europorte
|
266.5
|
246.2
|
+8%
|
238.5
|
MyFerryLink
|
93.0
|
74.3
|
+25%
|
74.3
|
Revenue
|
1,206.7
|
1,122.6
|
+7%
|
1,092.0
|
USA www.progressiverailroading.com. US HSR
TRANSPORTATION, ENERGY, CLIMATE
Other Railway Press & Events www.railway-technology.com. UK Government joins with industry to strengthen rail supply chain The UK Government has joined with supply industry firms and train operators to develop the strategic vision to strengthen the country's rail supply chain. UK's Network Rail to install collision protection beams on railway bridge in Stoke UK's rail infrastructure operator Network Rail is set to install collision protection beams on a railway bridge on Stoke Road to reduce the risk of damage during accidents. Finland to replace existing GSM-R network with VIRVE radio system on trains Finland's Ministry of Transport and Communications is planning to replace the current GSM-R network radio system for rail transport with its own VIRVE network. Leighton-led JV receives $760m contract from Hong Kong's MTR Corporation A joint venture between Australia's Leighton and China State Construction Engineering has secured a A$929m ($760.52m) contract from metro operator MTR Corporation for works on the Shatin to Central Link (SCL) in Hong Kong. Think Railways Sofia’s underground operator issues EUR 214 m tender to purchase new metro trains
Sofia underground operator, Metropolitan has issued a BGN 420 million (EUR 214 million) tender for the
purchase of 20 metro trains to be used on the 3rd Metro Line, with an option to a further 10 units
EUR 5 million EU financing for the overhaul of Yerevan metro system
Prime Minister’s Office of the Republic of Armenia and the EU Delegation to Armenia held a ceremony
on the launch of eight EU – Armenia Financing Agreements, intended to assist development and reforms in
Armenia. The new actions entail an EU contribution of € 77.5 million (44 billion AMD). Two large infrastructure
initiatives have also been agreed. More
Alstom to provide pro bono installation of passenger information systems on Metrorex’s Bombardier metro cars
Alstom will provide pro bono installation of 216 passenger information systems on Metrorex’s Bombardier BM2
metro cars. The project is estimated at EUR 800,000 and financing will be provided only by Alstom. More
Romanian consortium in the tender for Budapest metro cars modernisation
Romanian companies Electroputere VFU – Reloc Craiova, part of Grampet Group, and Astra Passenger
Coaches (Arad) are participating in the EUR 205 million tender launched by Budapest Transport Company (BKV)
to modernise 222 metro cars, with an option of further 42 cars. More
InfrastructureConstruction of Belgrade-Budapest railway line to start in September
Serbian Prime Minister Aleksandar Vucic and Chinese Premier Li Keqiang discussed in Davos, Switzerland,
about the construction of the Belgrade-Budapest railway line and agreed on deadlines for the project. More
Rete Ferroviaria Italiana signs three contracts for the construction of new high – speed lines
Italian rail infrastructure manager, Rete Ferroviaria Italiana (RFI) and the consortia CEPAV Due, IRICAV Due e
COCIV have signed three contracts for Brescia – Verona, Verona – Vicenza and Terzo Valico new high speed lines. More
2nd UITP MENA Assembly & Morocco Seminar | |||
Public Transport Financial & Economic
16-17 Feb 2015 - Casablanca, Morocco
UITP MENA will have their 6th UITP MENA Assembly along-with Public Transport Financial & Economic |
Eurotransport
In our latest free-to-view Vehicle Design Supplement, Mike Weston from TfL gives details about bus sensor technology trials in London; Richard McClean from DB Regio Tyne & Wear explains the Metro’s massive refurbishment programme; and Yannis Vardakastanis from the EDF outlines the importance of vehicle design for persons with disabilities...
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