UK Office of Rail Regulation (ORR)
Rail travel in Britain reaches record levels
New statistics published today by the Office of Rail Regulation show that rail use is on the rise as Britain’s railways clocked up 1.23 billion journeys in 2011-12. This accounts for a 6% increase in rail passenger journeys compared with the previous year – the highest since records began in 1995-96.
The data highlights passenger journeys within Great Britain, looking at travel within and between 11 regions – East of England, East Midlands, London, North East, North West, Scotland, South East, South West, Wales, West Midlands and Yorkshire and Humber.
The data also shows that:
- The total number of rail journeys within England was 1.11 billion – 749.8 million of those started or ended in London, accounting for about 67.3%
- Rail journeys within individual regions increased by 6.8% compared with 2010-11 and rail journeys between the 11 regions were up 4.3% from 2010-11.
- The total number of rail journeys for Scotland was 87.1 million – up 4.7% on 2010-11. Over 90% of journeys were within Scotland. Areas that saw the largest growth were West Lothian and East Ayrshire, which grew by 17.0% and 11.8% respectively.
- The total number of rail journeys for Wales rose to 28.1 million – up 2.9% from 2010-11. Journeys between Wales and other regions went up by 5.2% compared to 2010-11 – exceeding 9 million journeys for the first time.
- London had more rail journeys than any other region – 754 million. London was the origin or destination for 61.3% of all rail journeys in Great Britain. The number of journeys within London grew by 9.0% compared to 2010-11.
Network Rail (UK)
Securing the West Coast Main Line to improve performance
In a week when rail services have been disrupted by livestock on the tracks, Network Rail has confirmed that it is installing over 100 miles of new line side fencing along the West Coast Main Line to secure the line and improve performance on the route.
The new fencing between Rugby and London Euston is part of a package of projects worth nearly £40m, aimed at improving the reliability of the infrastructure and punctuality of train services on Britain’s busiest mixed-use railway line.
Overhead line improvements: A specialist team of engineers has walked the entire route between London and Rugby and recommended a series of improvements to improve the reliability of the infrastructure that are being delivered over and above regular maintenance and inspection activity.
To complement this work, Network Rail is changing the way it stores and analyses overhead line condition data which is captured by two specially adapted Pendolino trains. This change will enable the data to be analysed and essential maintenance work to be completed much more quickly.
Network Rail is also working with London Midland and Samaritans to put in place suicide prevention measures at London Midland stations between Watford and Milton Keynes.
The West Coast Main Line runs for 399 miles between London and Glasgow and connects many of Britain’s key cities including Birmingham, Manchester and Liverpool.
Information about current levels of performance on the West Coast Main Line (WCML) in comparison to other long distance routes is available at: http://www.networkrail.co.uk/about/performance/
Around 70% of delays to Virgin services are attributable to Network Rail – around 35% of which are down to infrastructure faults and around 25% to external factors such as cable theft, fatalities, trespass, vandalism and extreme weather. The remaining 10% are caused by operational issues.
In November 2012, following a six-month secondment to Network Rail, Chris Gibb, Gibb, Chief Operating Officer, Virgin Trains, published his recommendations http://www.rail-reg.gov.uk/upload/pdf/wcs-reliability-programme-191112.pdf for how Network Rail could improve the West Coast Main Line. Chris spent time with maintenance crews, mostly at night, and the recommendations were largely the ideas he heard from these experienced staff.
Network Rail accepted Chris’ recommendations in full. Network Rail’s London North Western route, which is responsible for operating, maintaining and upgrading the West Coast Main Line, has been focusing on meeting those recommendations, meeting with train and freight operating partners regularly to keep them updated.
Dyan Crowther, route managing director, Network Rail said: “We are not satisfied with the current performance of our infrastructure on the southern end of the West Coast main line, and would like to apologise to passengers for the delays this week caused by livestock on the track. We are working closely with landowners along rural parts of the line to make sure fencing is secure, including the areas affected this week. This is part of a package worth nearly £40m aimed at improving performance by targeting some of the most common causes of delay.”
Notes :
Other projects being delivered this year include:Overhead line improvements: A specialist team of engineers has walked the entire route between London and Rugby and recommended a series of improvements to improve the reliability of the infrastructure that are being delivered over and above regular maintenance and inspection activity.
To complement this work, Network Rail is changing the way it stores and analyses overhead line condition data which is captured by two specially adapted Pendolino trains. This change will enable the data to be analysed and essential maintenance work to be completed much more quickly.
Network Rail is also working with London Midland and Samaritans to put in place suicide prevention measures at London Midland stations between Watford and Milton Keynes.
The West Coast Main Line runs for 399 miles between London and Glasgow and connects many of Britain’s key cities including Birmingham, Manchester and Liverpool.
Information about current levels of performance on the West Coast Main Line (WCML) in comparison to other long distance routes is available at: http://www.networkrail.co.uk/about/performance/
Around 70% of delays to Virgin services are attributable to Network Rail – around 35% of which are down to infrastructure faults and around 25% to external factors such as cable theft, fatalities, trespass, vandalism and extreme weather. The remaining 10% are caused by operational issues.
In November 2012, following a six-month secondment to Network Rail, Chris Gibb, Gibb, Chief Operating Officer, Virgin Trains, published his recommendations http://www.rail-reg.gov.uk/upload/pdf/wcs-reliability-programme-191112.pdf for how Network Rail could improve the West Coast Main Line. Chris spent time with maintenance crews, mostly at night, and the recommendations were largely the ideas he heard from these experienced staff.
Network Rail accepted Chris’ recommendations in full. Network Rail’s London North Western route, which is responsible for operating, maintaining and upgrading the West Coast Main Line, has been focusing on meeting those recommendations, meeting with train and freight operating partners regularly to keep them updated.
Manchester passengers warned: don’t let a tipple turn into a trip
- 112 people slipped, tripped or fell at Manchester Piccadilly in the year
- Newly released video footage shows late night incident at Manchester Piccadilly: amazingly the passenger escaped serious injury
- Campaign reminds passengers to take extra care when they travel home
A new campaign encouraging people in Manchester to take extra care on their way home after a night out has been launched today after figures show that 112 people have been hurt in the last year through slips or trips at Piccadilly station.
Network Rail says many incidents occur when people lose their balance after a night out drinking and is using a new digital and poster campaign to urge everyone to take care.
Leeds, London Paddington and London Liverpool Street stations top the table for the highest number of slips, trips and falls. Across Network Rail’s 17 managed stations the toll consists of, tragically, one fatality, 51 bone fractures, 19 dislocations, five concussions and dozens of bruises, cuts and abrasions as people have fallen on steps and escalators, over luggage and even off platforms between trains.
Dyan Crowther, Network Rail route managing director, said: “We do everything we can to make moving around our stations as easy and safe as possible but our teams deal with far too many people who have injured themselves where it appears alcohol has been a factor.
“We want people to enjoy their evenings and get home safe. The only thing I want to see fall is the number of incidents, so hopefully the campaign will be a gentle reminder for people to take extra care as they travel home through our stations.”
British Transport Police Deputy Chief Constable Paul Crowther said: “Somewhat inevitably, drinking alcohol can impair people’s judgement and coordination. Encouraging passengers to be more aware of their surroundings, particularly when they have had a drink, and to be alert to the inherent dangers that exist in stations will, we hope, reduce avoidable slips and falls across the network.”
The posters, which will be placed in all 17 Network Rail managed stations across Britain, include an optical illusion with wine and beer glasses giving the impression that the page is moving. The video, which will be placed on Youtube and on screens in stations, includes three incidents captured on CCTV highlighting the often painful consequences of taking a tumble at a station. Thankfully none of those involved sustained any permanent injuries – but no doubt bruised their pride.
“We want people to enjoy their evenings and get home safe. The only thing I want to see fall is the number of incidents, so hopefully the campaign will be a gentle reminder for people to take extra care as they travel home through our stations.”
British Transport Police Deputy Chief Constable Paul Crowther said: “Somewhat inevitably, drinking alcohol can impair people’s judgement and coordination. Encouraging passengers to be more aware of their surroundings, particularly when they have had a drink, and to be alert to the inherent dangers that exist in stations will, we hope, reduce avoidable slips and falls across the network.”
The posters, which will be placed in all 17 Network Rail managed stations across Britain, include an optical illusion with wine and beer glasses giving the impression that the page is moving. The video, which will be placed on Youtube and on screens in stations, includes three incidents captured on CCTV highlighting the often painful consequences of taking a tumble at a station. Thankfully none of those involved sustained any permanent injuries – but no doubt bruised their pride.
Notes to editors
Statistics: From 1 April 2012 – 31 March 2013 there were:
- 1,601 recorded incidents of slips, trips and falls at 17 of Britain’s biggest stations managed by Network Rail
- 1,422 did not involve a train, 179 did
Station
| Total recorded number of slips, trips or falls by members of the public |
| Birmingham New Street | 115 |
| Edinburgh Waverley | 101 |
| Glasgow Central | 65 |
| Leeds | 179 |
| Liverpool Lime Street | 51 |
| London Bridge | 80 |
| London Cannon Street | 11 |
| London Charing Cross | 37 |
| London Euston | 83 |
| London Fenchurch Street | 27 |
| London King’s Cross | 49 |
| London Liverpool Street | 135 |
| London Paddington | 177 |
| London Victoria | 120 |
| London Waterloo | 125 |
| Manchester Piccadilly | 112 |
| St Pancras | 134 |
| Total | 1601 |
Rail industry activities to prevent slips, trips and falls at stations:
- New digital and poster campaign including using customer information screens
- Many station staff are trained first aiders
- Mats placed across station concourses to prevent slipping on wet surfaces during poor weather
- Public address messages and signs encouraging people to use lifts if carrying heavy luggage or bulky bags
- Escalators may be switched off earlier which helps to prevent people losing their balance.
"44,000 jobs created for every $1 billion spent on infrastructure"
CA HSR CALLED BEST U.S. PUBLIC WORKS PROJECT
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Top 5 Reasons For State Visionary Project
From Carbonated TV: California begins construction on a high speed rail line this summer in a project that has survived political battles and budget shortfalls. The rail will shuttle passengers between San Francisco and Los Angeles in less than three hours, with stops at various cities in between. This isn't just the best current public works project in the United States because it will one day make people's life a lot easier, there are at least 5 big reasons why:
1. 20,000 jobs a year for the next 5 years
2. Climate considerations make this a big win for the environment
3. High speed rail will take thousands of cars off the road every year
4. Many will choose the train over a plane as well
5. High speed rail shows a willingness to think long-term
The project won't be completed until 2029, and while everyone wishes it would happen faster, it is worth noting that the California and federal governments are willing to invest time and resources in a project of this scale (the Federal Railroad Administration is kicking in $3.5 billion). It would be politically easier to restrict concerns to those that will show visible results by the next election, but these sorts of projects are needed to drastically change the transportation infrastructure of the nation's most populous state. If more money can be secured for the project, construction will speed up. More info
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RAIL STILL SAFEST FORM OF TRANSPORT BY FAR
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Christian Science Monitor: Despite a grim July, train accidents are rare. This summer, images of traffic derailments have become all too familiar. Three major accidents this month alone have resulted in video and photographs of twisted metal and black smoke more frequently associated with the battlefield than the world's railways.
But even after several high-profile, catastrophic train accidents, rail is still a preferred means of transport. And the reason why is simple: Though train accidents are quite dangerous, rail transport is actually relatively safe. According to statistics from International Union of Railways (UIC), which collects information on train accidents for all of Europe, fewer than 2,000 people died in train accidents in 2011, down from 2,371 fatalities five years earlier. And 94 % of those deaths were not passengers, but rather third parties outside the train, such as trespassers, or in cars at grade crossings. Compare that to more than 40,000 people dying in car accidents EVERY YEAR in America alone, plus millions more permanently disabled. Train accidents are extremely rare. For example, the first high-speed rail system was implemented in Japan in 1964, and so far they have had no fatal accidents, and have transported more than 9 billion people during that time. According to the UIC, railway safety has been improving year on year due to the advent of better technology, a better safety culture, international efforts to coordinate safety strategies, and the advent of high speed rail, which is the safest form of all rail transportation. "Despite the continuing challenges faced by railways in a time of economic stringency and high demand in an increasingly mobile society, it is undeniable that railways remain among the safest modes of transport." - UIC More info |
HIGH SPEED RAIL PROMOTING HONG KONG TOURISM
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Convenient high-speed connections between Hong Kong and several Chinese border cities assist the facilitation and drive the increase of mainland tourists.
Transport is becoming more efficient and accessible for Chinese travellers to Hong Kong, the Hindu Business Line reported.
Increasingly fast rail connections between Hong Kong and Shenzhen run every 10 minutes, with similar connections from other major Chinese cities, such as Guangzhou. This level of frequency and attractive ticket prices has increased tourism. Hong Kong has also become a popular shopping destination for many Chinese tourists. With an absence of sales taxes and strict regulations enforcing the sale of genuine brand-name products, some Chinese travellers even make the journey to Hong Kong for their weekly groceries. More info
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DON'T BELIEVE WHAT YOU READ ABOUT CHINA HSR
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The tone of western reporting about Chinese high speed rail has been fairly negative. Stories of safety concerns, lack of ridership, excessively high ticket prices that the Chinese cannot afford, inability to compete with the discount airlines, "white elephants," etc.
The safety concerns always mention the Wenzhou accident, which means the evidence has a sample size of precisely one. And as we just saw in Spain, accidents can happen anywhere. Maybe China's high speed rail is dangerous, but I don't see the evidence. I see no reason to believe that the massive infrastructure investment in Chinese HSR won't be a major success, especially compared to Europe, which is less densely populated than eastern China. Chinese incomes are rising rapidly, they'll grow into the system. More info |
CA HSR AUTHORITY WORK RFQ DEADLINE AUG 15
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The California High Speed Rail Authority has issued a Request for Qualifications for Right of Way Engineering and Surveying Services for the state's first phase of the visionary high speed rail system.
"This is a great opportunity for our members to get involved in some of the first contracts as they come out," said Joseph Shelhorse, USHSR Vice President. This engineering and survey work is for approximately 600 parcels of land along the new HSR route. The contract period will start with a Notice to Proceed (NTP) that is anticipated to extend up to June 30, 2016. The estimated dollar value for this contract may range from between One Million Dollars ($1,000,000) to One Million, Five Hundred Thousand Dollars ($1,500,000). The SOQ must be received by 4:00 PM, Thursday, August 15, 2013. More info |
NEW AMTRAK TRAINS NOW IN RIGOROUS TESTING
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The new Amtrak Cities Sprinter (ACS-64) electric locomotives are now in a comprehensive and rigorous testing program, and are being put through the paces before entering Northeast service this fall.
On July 29, Amtrak President and CEO Joe Boardman, Federal Railroad Administrator Joseph Szabo and Siemens Rail Systems President Michael Cahill traveled to the USDOT Transportation Technology Center (TTC) facility in Pueblo, Colo., to get an update on the testing program and to observe a testing demonstration. "These locomotives are the new workhorses of the Amtrak fleet in the Northeast and they must meet our performance-based specifications and reliability needs so we can keep the region's people and economy moving," said Boardman. The Amtrak Cities Sprinter (ACS-64) locomotives are being assembled in Siemens' Sacramento, Calif., rail manufacturing plant powered by renewable energy, with parts built from its plants in Norwood, Ohio, Alpharetta, Ga., and Richland, Miss., and nearly 70 suppliers, representing more than 60 cities and 23 states. The first units being used in the testing program rolled off the assembly line in May. Two locomotives are at the TTC facility to undergo a series of tests, including maximum speed runs, acceleration and braking, operating with Amtrak passenger coach cars attached and testing the overall performance capabilities of the locomotive. Engineers are also validating the on-board computer system and software, as well as evaluate ride quality by using instruments to measure things such as noise and wheel vibrations. "Safety is our number one priority," Szabo said. "Today's testing regime demonstrates the extraordinary safety standards FRA requires manufacturers and railroads to meet when building passenger rail equipment. One in seven Americans lives along the Northeast Corridor and as demand for passenger rail service continues to grow across the country, we will continue to ensure that rail equipment is safe, reliable and efficient." More info |
FLORIDA HIGH SPEED RAIL MOVING FORWARD
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All Aboard Florida reached an agreement last month with The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) to build a privately owned, operated and maintained passenger rail service linking Orlando to Miami.
Under the agreement, All Aboard Florida would lease portions of the Beachline Expressway (State Road 528) right-of-way to build a high speed train. The lease agreement is for 50 years, with an option to renew for another 49 years. All Aboard Florida will pay FDOT $275,000 per year, adjusting annually for inflation - the appraised, fair market value of the lease. There are stops planned for West Palm Beach and Fort Lauderdale along the roughly 250 mile route which will connect Orlando International Airport with a new train station in Miami. More than 50 million people travel between Orlando and South Florida annually for both business and pleasure. Disney World and Orlando is the world's most popular resort destination as well. Approximately 200 of the 230 miles of Right of Way (ROW) needed are in place and the corridor has been used for rail operations for more than a century. This gives the passenger rail service a jump start to begin operating in the shortest timeframe possible. All Aboard Florida is focused on choosing its rolling stock, identifying exact station locations and other significant decisions that will affect the overall timeline. The new train will become the nation's first privately financed, operated and maintained passenger rail system owned by Florida East Coast Industries, of Coral Gables. More info | All Aboard facts |
International Railway Journal
GERMAN Rail (DB), Alstom, the state government of Bavaria, and leasing company DAL launched a joint project on August 1 to trial hybrid traction technology on shunting locomotives in southern Germany.
THE government of Loreto, the northernmost region of Peru, is developing plans for a 576km railway to link the city of Yurimaguas with the regional capital Iquitos, which is situated on the river Amazon.
SINGAPORE's National Research Foundation has awarded a $C 250,000 ($US 197,000) grant to a research project which is developing new real-time asset monitoring technology for third-rail electrification systems.
www.progressiverailroading.com US News
Amtrak begins test of new electric locomotives for Northeast Corridor
Amtrak's new Cities Sprinter (ACS-64) electric locomotives are undergoing a rigorous testing at the US Department of Transportation (DOT) Transportation Technology Center (TTC) facility in Pueblo, Colorado, prior to their introduction on the Northeast intercity rail passenger service.
Network Rail to upgrade Watford section of West Coast Main Line
Network Rail will commence upgrade work on the West Coast Main Line's Watford section in May 2014 to improve punctuality of train services.
NSW reveals design of Ingleburn station upgrade
The New South Wales (NSW) Government has proposed the design for the revamp of Ingleburn railway station, which is on exhibition for public review on environmental factors.
Perth Airport rail link moves forward
The Australian federal government has provided $3m in funding to move the Perth Airport rail link project towards its construction phase.
Shedmaster Railway News
Mercosur to fund Uruguay rail upgrade - Railway Gazette
BBC News - Crossrail: Where is it in the list of 'big digs'?
World Heritage & Railway News
GWR - Gloucestershire's mainline heritage railway - Heritage diesel weekend 'a roaring success'
Mallard 75 - National Railway Museum
Railway Engineering News
Rail Business Intelligence - incisive news and analysis for the UK rail industry
Lease deal funds hybrid shunting locomotive trial - Railway Gazette
Station Master app.
Station Master is the definitive travel reference App for London, with facts and figures collected from every station on the Underground, Overground and Docklands Light Railway networks.It's available now on the App Store for iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch.
To collect the extensive data for this App, we visited every station on the London Underground (270), London Overground (83) and DLR (45) networks - all 398 in total.
We counted every step on every staircase. We catalogued all the facilities, travelled on all the escalators and in the lifts, explored every publicly accessible part of every station and collected all the knowledge that was humanly possible. And then wrapped it all up into a nice App for you – which is why we think it’s worth every penny that it costs to buy.
No cellular data or Wi-Fi connectivity is needed to make the App work - meaning you can look things up whilst travelling on a train underground.
Summary of Features
Best Exit - Look up the carriage and door position nearest to the exit at every station.3D Maps / Exit Maps - See the true layout of a station, especially those underground with complicated corridor layout, and see what the best exit is to come to street level when there is more than one.
Accessibility information - See how accessible a station really is as it tells you about every staircase, step, ramp, lift and escalator that you might have to navigate.
Station Facilities - A complete list of facilities including toilets, shops, ticketing and Wi-Fi availability.
Description - Historical information, fun facts and things to see that you might have otherwise missed.
Transport Links - Tells you what transport links are available, including buses, bikes and boats.
Testimonials
"Save time on the tube with the shortcuts app Station Master"
- Evening Standard
"Perfect for anyone taking on the tube"- Capital Live (Evening Standard)
"It's a real geek’s guide to the Tube. You will, in effect, become The Station Master - A hero with the power to preternaturally bypass queues of tourists in a single bound."
"And it has a unique feature - 3D maps of the stations, fascinating in their own right, but also a helpful means to finding underground shortcuts, or a cunning lift or stairwell that can get you to the concourse quicker than the escalators. The maps are particularly helpful for those with special accessibility needs".
- Londonist.com
"Our eyes have been straying toward a hot new piece of technological crumpet – Station Master. The culmination of a year’s research, the emphasis here is about slackening your jaw with maps, statistics and facts, all of which it has in mind-blowing depth and detail. Tube nerds, prepare to swoon"
- Time Out London Blog (Now. Here. This.)
Works on ...
Download from the App Store for iPhone, iPod touch and iPad. Due to popular demand, an Android version is in now in development.Read our full Press Release here.
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