What will rail travel be like in 2050? The Future Rail item discusses some interesting views....
What's rail travel like now.....? Numbers rising sharply... But still the occasional problem with failing ..and falling infrastructure.....(See RAIB item).. and leaves on the line (Network Rail video)
What's it like trying to maintain the railway? The TfL video shows the challenges faced when replacing escalators.....
And then there is HS2.....and compensation claims....pleasing some, but not all....and the supply chain....
In the US, high speed rail is still touted with vigour (USHSR newsletter)...
So, click on the links.....
Headlines
UK
Number of UK train passenger numbers rises sharply.(FT.com)
Your pictures: Railways.(BBC News)
Manx Electric Railway: First bridge repairs 'for 116 years' approved.(BBC News)
Corwen welcomes first train for 50 years.(BBC News)
Cheryl Gillan hits out at HS2 compensation scheme in House of Commons debate.(Bucks Free Press)
HS2 commissioner to help Sheffield people with compensation claims.(Doncaster Free Press)
Third bus-tram collision in Edinburgh centre.(heraldscotland)
Violent assaults on Welsh train network show increase despite fall in overall number of most serious crimes, new report showsWalesOnline)
Find out what happens at night on the Embankment Tube station upgrade - Tube improvements.(TfL on YouTube)
Keeping escalators in top condition helps ensure the safety and accessibility of our network.
Find out what we have been doing across the Tube network, watch our video.
We are replacing the escalators at Embankment Tube station and as a result we have had to close the Northern and Bakerloo line platforms for a period of time.
Why does it take so long?
At some of our older stations, escalators form part of the actual structure of the station and require extensive building works to replace. We also have to work in narrow passageways deep underground.
Watch the complicated work taking place during one night at Embankment station.To find out more about Tube improvements, visit http://www.tfl.gov.uk/tube-improvements
Delays explained - Vegetation (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...
Rail Accident Investigation Branch
Dangerous occurrence at Denmark Hill station
Report name:
141023_R232014_Denmark_Hill
141023_R232014_Denmark_Hill
Incident date:
01 August 2013
01 August 2013
Category:
Heavy Rail
Heavy Rail
Summary: At about 16:00 hours on Thursday 1 August 2013, concrete cladding fell from the bridge spanning Denmark Hill station, London, and most of the debris landed on platform 1. The fallen concrete was reported by two train drivers and train services were stopped on the line closest to the fallen concrete. Fortunately no-one was struck and there was no damage to trains. However, train services were disrupted until 02:48 hrs the following day while emergency repairs were carried out.
The concrete cladding had been added to the bridge structure in about 1910 and fell because of gradual deterioration of the fixing arrangements. Deterioration of the cladding fixing arrangements had been reported to Network Rail over a period of at least four years but the resulting actions taken by Network Rail and its works contractor were inadequate.
The RAIB has identified several factors which led to the absence of appropriate remedial work. Urgent repairs were not implemented in a timely manner and information collected by examiners was not entered promptly onto Network Rail’s asset management database (CARRS). Communications between Network Rail’s asset management and works delivery team were sometimes ineffective.
Remedial work was not always precisely specified, staff implementing the work sometimes lacked the necessary competencies, and processes for verifying completion of remedial work were inadequate. Repeated reports of the same defect should have, but did not, led Network Rail to recognise that remedial works instructions were not achieving the intended effect. The high workload of some staff is a possible factor. Non-compliance with Network Rail’s maximum permitted intervals between bridge examinations was noted but was not a factor in the incident.
RAIB has made one recommendation and identified one learning point in addition to referencing previous RAIB recommendations relevant to issues identified at Denmark Hill. The recommendation requires Network Rail to review its processes for evaluating reported defects and managing the associated repairs. The learning point reinforces the importance of rigorously recording structure defects reported by examiners.
The concrete cladding had been added to the bridge structure in about 1910 and fell because of gradual deterioration of the fixing arrangements. Deterioration of the cladding fixing arrangements had been reported to Network Rail over a period of at least four years but the resulting actions taken by Network Rail and its works contractor were inadequate.
The RAIB has identified several factors which led to the absence of appropriate remedial work. Urgent repairs were not implemented in a timely manner and information collected by examiners was not entered promptly onto Network Rail’s asset management database (CARRS). Communications between Network Rail’s asset management and works delivery team were sometimes ineffective.
Remedial work was not always precisely specified, staff implementing the work sometimes lacked the necessary competencies, and processes for verifying completion of remedial work were inadequate. Repeated reports of the same defect should have, but did not, led Network Rail to recognise that remedial works instructions were not achieving the intended effect. The high workload of some staff is a possible factor. Non-compliance with Network Rail’s maximum permitted intervals between bridge examinations was noted but was not a factor in the incident.
RAIB has made one recommendation and identified one learning point in addition to referencing previous RAIB recommendations relevant to issues identified at Denmark Hill. The recommendation requires Network Rail to review its processes for evaluating reported defects and managing the associated repairs. The learning point reinforces the importance of rigorously recording structure defects reported by examiners.
Download report:
141023_R232014_Denmark_Hill.pdf (5,338.69 kb)
GOV.UK
HS2 supply chain conference: a new phase for the HS2 programme
Encourages suppliers about how industry can work together and get involved in the next phase of the HS2 project.
Good afternoon everyone.
And welcome.
It’s great to see so many of you here today (23 October 2014).
With over 750 delegates representing more than 500 companies.
From small technology specialists to global infrastructure developers.
All linked by a common purpose.
To be part of the biggest rail project in this country since Queen Victoria was on the throne.
And the most exciting engineering scheme in Britain for generations.
One of the words you’ve heard a lot today is “momentum”.
Because the HS2 programme is entering a new phase.
And it’s moving forward, fast.
The fundamental case for the new line has been made.
Capacity. Regeneration. Connectivity. So I won’t go on.
What matters, is the debate has shifted now.
From whether we should build HS2, to how we should build it.
And how the rest of the transport network should link with the new railway.
Because in infrastructure terms, HS2 is just around the corner.
Subject to royal assent, construction on Phase One starts in just 3 years’ time.
The Bill’s been making excellent progress through Parliament.
It is now moving through the committee stage.
Backed by overwhelming cross-party support.
And that’s vital.
Because it sends a message to you that HS2 will happen.
Phase One and Phase Two.
But there’s another reason why you should plan ahead with confidence.
And that’s the record of this government over the past 4 and a half years.
We said we’d get Britain growing again and we have. This country now has the fastest growing economy of any major developed nation.
We said that investment in infrastructure would be at the heart of our growth strategy and it is.
When you look at where we were 4 and a half years ago, we’ve made massive progress.
Not so long ago, a British government would have raided the transport budget in times of austerity.
Found an excuse to delay Crossrail and the Northern Hub.
And derail HS2.
But we did the opposite.
We made transport a central part of our strategy for growth and jobs.
We developed a national infrastructure plan.
Providing a steady and predictable chain of schemes over time.
All backed by record investment.
But of all the infrastructure schemes in the plan, HS2 is the biggest.
The question is, how to grasp that opportunity and exploit it to the full.
That’s what today has been all about.
My thanks to Simon, David, Beth and Alistair.
For providing such a detailed update on HS2 progress.
But this event is also a chance for you to get together.
A chance for you to meet your fellow suppliers.
To share ideas.
And maybe see if there’s potential to work together.
This is your event as much as it’s ours.
Because now that we’re nearing the procurement stage, HS2 is as much yours as ours.
All of us have a stake in this.
And all of us are learning as we progress.
That’s what makes it so exciting.
We in government are learning how to ease a project of this size through planning and procurement.
And to inspire pride in British engineering.
The rail industry is learning to become less risk-averse.
To embrace new technologies and new ways of working.
And you are here today to learn more about opportunities for the supply chain.
So you can find the answers to the questions that HS2 poses.
Increasingly, the spotlight is turning on you.
Because it’s now that we start to harness the innovation and creativity of the supply chain.
The HS2 Growth Taskforce encouraged us to consult with you early.
To set new standards for industry engagement.
And to provide opportunities for businesses of all sizes.
And that’s what we’ve done.
We listened and responded to what you told us.
Your feedback has been instrumental in the design of our procurement strategy.
For example, in the key areas of skills and apprenticeships.
We’ve now committed to at least 2,000 HS2 apprentices.
More than double the number created by the London Olympics and Crossrail together.
And skills is now one of our strategic priorities.
That was re-affirmed recently when we announced the new National College for High Speed Rail.
Giving specialist vocational training to the next generation of engineers working on HS2 and beyond.
So the positive and open dialogue we’ve developed over the past year has been crucial.
And let me assure you that it will continue as we move ahead.
Before I finish, I’d like to make one last observation.
We’ve proved in this country that we do have what it takes to deliver world class rail infrastructure.
We’ve built High Speed 1.
St Pancras and King’s Cross.
A fantastic Olympic Games.
The Northern Hub underway.
Of course HS2 is on a different scale to any of these schemes.
But when I see the diversity and expertise of our supply chain in this country.
And when I see how much enthusiasm there is for this project.
I know that the future of HS2 is in excellent hands.
So thank you for coming today.
Thank you for your interest in this momentous project.
Now let’s make HS2 something that Manchester, and Britain, can be proud of.
(Rt Hon.Patrick McLoughlin MP.)
141023_R232014_Denmark_Hill.pdf (5,338.69 kb) GOV.UK
HS2 supply chain conference: a new phase for the HS2 programme
Encourages suppliers about how industry can work together and get involved in the next phase of the HS2 project.
Good afternoon everyone.
And welcome.
It’s great to see so many of you here today (23 October 2014).
With over 750 delegates representing more than 500 companies.
From small technology specialists to global infrastructure developers.
All linked by a common purpose.
To be part of the biggest rail project in this country since Queen Victoria was on the throne.
And the most exciting engineering scheme in Britain for generations.
One of the words you’ve heard a lot today is “momentum”.
Because the HS2 programme is entering a new phase.
And it’s moving forward, fast.
The fundamental case for the new line has been made.
Capacity. Regeneration. Connectivity. So I won’t go on.
What matters, is the debate has shifted now.
From whether we should build HS2, to how we should build it.
And how the rest of the transport network should link with the new railway.
Because in infrastructure terms, HS2 is just around the corner.
Subject to royal assent, construction on Phase One starts in just 3 years’ time.
The Bill’s been making excellent progress through Parliament.
It is now moving through the committee stage.
Backed by overwhelming cross-party support.
And that’s vital.
Because it sends a message to you that HS2 will happen.
Phase One and Phase Two.
But there’s another reason why you should plan ahead with confidence.
And that’s the record of this government over the past 4 and a half years.
We said we’d get Britain growing again and we have. This country now has the fastest growing economy of any major developed nation.
We said that investment in infrastructure would be at the heart of our growth strategy and it is.
When you look at where we were 4 and a half years ago, we’ve made massive progress.
Not so long ago, a British government would have raided the transport budget in times of austerity.
Found an excuse to delay Crossrail and the Northern Hub.
And derail HS2.
But we did the opposite.
We made transport a central part of our strategy for growth and jobs.
We developed a national infrastructure plan.
Providing a steady and predictable chain of schemes over time.
All backed by record investment.
But of all the infrastructure schemes in the plan, HS2 is the biggest.
The question is, how to grasp that opportunity and exploit it to the full.
That’s what today has been all about.
My thanks to Simon, David, Beth and Alistair.
For providing such a detailed update on HS2 progress.
But this event is also a chance for you to get together.
A chance for you to meet your fellow suppliers.
To share ideas.
And maybe see if there’s potential to work together.
This is your event as much as it’s ours.
Because now that we’re nearing the procurement stage, HS2 is as much yours as ours.
All of us have a stake in this.
And all of us are learning as we progress.
That’s what makes it so exciting.
We in government are learning how to ease a project of this size through planning and procurement.
And to inspire pride in British engineering.
The rail industry is learning to become less risk-averse.
To embrace new technologies and new ways of working.
And you are here today to learn more about opportunities for the supply chain.
So you can find the answers to the questions that HS2 poses.
Increasingly, the spotlight is turning on you.
Because it’s now that we start to harness the innovation and creativity of the supply chain.
The HS2 Growth Taskforce encouraged us to consult with you early.
To set new standards for industry engagement.
And to provide opportunities for businesses of all sizes.
And that’s what we’ve done.
We listened and responded to what you told us.
Your feedback has been instrumental in the design of our procurement strategy.
For example, in the key areas of skills and apprenticeships.
We’ve now committed to at least 2,000 HS2 apprentices.
More than double the number created by the London Olympics and Crossrail together.
And skills is now one of our strategic priorities.
That was re-affirmed recently when we announced the new National College for High Speed Rail.
Giving specialist vocational training to the next generation of engineers working on HS2 and beyond.
So the positive and open dialogue we’ve developed over the past year has been crucial.
And let me assure you that it will continue as we move ahead.
Before I finish, I’d like to make one last observation.
We’ve proved in this country that we do have what it takes to deliver world class rail infrastructure.
We’ve built High Speed 1.
St Pancras and King’s Cross.
A fantastic Olympic Games.
The Northern Hub underway.
Of course HS2 is on a different scale to any of these schemes.
But when I see the diversity and expertise of our supply chain in this country.
And when I see how much enthusiasm there is for this project.
I know that the future of HS2 is in excellent hands.
So thank you for coming today.
Thank you for your interest in this momentous project.
Now let’s make HS2 something that Manchester, and Britain, can be proud of.
(Rt Hon.Patrick McLoughlin MP.)
International
Will China encircle the world with rail?(Global Construction Review)
Cambodia
Commuting Cambodians create bamboo 'rail taxis' on abandoned train line, complete with frames made from rusting civil war tanks.(Mail Online)
USA
RAIL#36Overview (CTMag1)
Seeking Alpha Breaking News Team
- Railroad stocks were hammered today after some executives threw cold water on the idea that the railroad industry is ripe for consolidation.
- Norfolk Southern (NYSE:NSC) CEO said during today's earnings conference call that he thinks a major merger would be “highly problematic,” since in the past they have led to "significant service problems for some period of time" and potential cost savings such as overlapping routes do not exist as much anymore.
- Yesterday, Canadian Pacific (NYSE:CP) CEO Hunter Harrison confirmed that talks with CSX fell apart after several meetings because they couldn't agree on key issues, and added that a deal with Kansas City Southern (NYSE:KSU) is unlikely because the stock is expensive.
U.S.-NAFTA freight totaled $100.6 billion in August 2014 as all five major transportation modes – air, vessel, pipeline, rail, and trucks – carried more U.S.-NAFTA freight than in August 2013, according to the TransBorder Freight Data released today by the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS) (Figure 1, Table 1). August was the sixth consecutive month with U.S.-NAFTA freight flows exceeding $100 billion....
.......
Rail remained the second largest mode, moving 15.5 percent of all U.S.-NAFTA freight, followed by vessel at 9.2 percent, pipeline at 7.4 percent, and air at 3.7 percent. The surface transportation modes of truck, rail and pipeline carried 82.5 percent of the total U.S.-NAFTA freight flows (Table 2).
http://www.dot.gov/...
www.progressiverailroading.com.
US HSR
Be Where the $68 Billion Action is...
CA HSR WINS MAJOR LEGAL BATTLE!
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 California Supreme Court: YES to HSR!
In a significant victory for California's high-speed rail project, the California Supreme Court ruled to decline an appeal of a lawsuit challenging the issuance of bonds for its construction.
"This decision reaffirms that the Authority can continue building a modern high-speed rail system that connects the state, creates jobs and complies with the law," said Authority Board Chair Dan Richard. "We will continue to move forward aggressively to deliver the nation's first high-speed rail system." This is a major legal victory for the project and further affirmation that the authority is moving forward in accordance with the law. It means the Third District Court of Appeal rulings will stand, allowing the issuance of the high-speed rail bonds and withdrawing the requirement to issue a new funding plan. The rail project earlier this year secured a stream of future funding, with the enactment of a budget that directs a portion of the state's cap-and-trade revenue - money polluters pay to offset carbon emissions - to the project.
Crews this summer have been working on the first construction segment of the project, near Fresno, relocating utilities and demolishing, among other work.
"This visionary fast rail project can now move full speed ahead!" said Andy Kunz, USHSR President. "California continues to lead the way in visionary long-range planning. This project sets the nation on a new course into 21st century transportation. Congratulations to all those who have helped deliver this important project." More
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ABC NEWS: MAJORITY PREFER TRANSIT
 New Poll - Majority Prefer Transit Investment Over Road Spending
Americans in an ABC News/Washington Post poll favor expanded public transportation options over road building in government efforts to reduce traffic congestion.
Overall, 54 percent prefer focusing on public transit, such as trains and buses, while four in ten say the government should focus on expanding and building roads instead. Preference for public transit, though, ranges from 61 percent of urban residents to 52 percent of suburbanites and 49 percent of people in rural areas. The results come as Vice President Joe Biden and six mayors from major U.S. cities attend a Washington Post forum on relieving traffic congestion. More info |
NORTHEAST CORRIDOR HSR MEETINGS
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 Open House Meetings Corridor Progress The Federal Railroad Administration is hosting nine public open house meetings from November 5-20 to introduce the alternatives that will be evaluated in the Tier 1 Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the Northeast Corridor high speed rail project.The meetings will be held from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the locations and dates listed. All are welcome to attend and arrive at any time during the meeting. Each open house will consist of displays outlining the NEC FUTURE program, the Tier 1 EIS Alternatives, and the next steps in the environmental review process. FRA representatives and other NEC FUTURE team members will be available to discuss the material and answer questions. Meeting Schedule |
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Other Railway Press
Think Railways
40.5 percent decrease in international railway passenger transport in CIS and Baltic countries
The number of international railway passengers on CIS and Baltic countries railway networks has dropped by 40.5 percent compared to the same period last year, stated Vladimir Yakunin, President of Russian Railways, during the 61st meeting of the Council for Rail Transport of CIS and Baltic states in Baku. MoreMAV-Start begins trial passenger operation of prototype IC+ coaches
MAV-Start has begun trial passenger operation of the two prototype IC+ coaches. Designed and built at the Szolnok workshop, the 200 km/h IC + coaches are equipped with air conditioning, Wi-Fi, power points, video surveillance and GPS based audio-visual passenger information systems. MorePars nova a.s. completes EUR 22 million project for passenger coaches modernisation
Pars nova a.s., rolling stock modernization, repair and production Czech company, part of Group Škoda Ttransportation Group, has completed the project of the modernisation of 40 passenger coaches, included now in both national and international express trains EuroCity and InterCity of Ceské dráhy(CD). More
Alstom and Transmashholding to supply St. Petersburg’s first low-floor tramway
Tramrus LLC, the joint venture of Alstom and its partner Transmashholding (TMH), has been awarded a contract by the St Petersburg transport operator in Russia to provide them with a low-floor tram by 1 December 2014. This is St Petersburg’s first fully low-floor tram. The tram is 25m long with a capacity of over 200 passengers. MoreMBTA USD 566.6 million contract awarded to China CNR
Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) voted to award CNR MA, a joint venture of China CNR Corp and CNR Changchun Railway Vehicles, a contract to supply 284 metro cars to service on Greater Boston area. The contract, with a total value of USD 556.6 million, including an option for additional 58 cars, represents CNR’s first deal in USA. MoreUITP: 45 new metro systems built since 2000
World metro systems are growing rapidly, according to a new Statistics Brief from UITP, with 45 new systems having being built since 2000. 148 cities currently have a metro system, carrying 150 million passengers per day on 540 lines. Two-thirds of the world’s metros are located in Asia and Europe, with Tokyo metro carrying the most passengers annually (3.2 billion) whilst Shanghai has the longest network (more than 500km). More======================================================================
www.railway-technology.com
Rail projects worth $300bn being planned in the Middle East
The annual MEED MENA Rail & Metro Summit has been informed that rail and metro projects worth a total of $300bn are currently being planned or under construction in the Middle East.
Germany's SSB selects IBM Cloud to improve SAP applications performance
German public transportation company Stuttgarter Strassenbahnen (SSB) has selected IBM's Cloud, Software Defined Storage and Flash infrastructure solution to enhance its business application performance and customer response times.
Alstom to supply Citadis trams for Strasbourg Transport Company
French train manufacturer Alstom has signed a framework agreement with Strasbourg's Communauté des Transports Strasbourgeois (CTS) for the delivery of 50 Citadis trams.
New Crossrail tunnels in Docklands and south-east London completed
Crossrail's new train tunnels in Docklands and south-east London, UK, has been completed, bringing the total number of finished rail tunnels under the programme to 87%.
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Issue 20 | November 2014
Dear colleague,
Future Rail is now available for the iPad. You can download our app from Newsstand, or continue to read your free copy in our web viewer*.
This month London Underground revealed designs for a new generation of driverless trains which will be introduced to the network from the mid-2020s and could potentially operate autonomously in the future. We take a look at the designs to find out what Tube travel will look like for the decades to come. Staying with ambitious plans for the UK capital, we also find out more about Mayor Boris Johnson's plans for a new orbital railway and how viable they are.
Meanwhile, Arup has also cast its eyes to the future with a new report detailing its vision for rail in 2050. We explore the engineering firm's proposal of weird and wonderful solutions to the potential challenges awaiting rail operators in the future.
We also speak to Honeywell about how tried and tested airport security technology could be applied to rail stations to reduce high crime rates, find out which benefits Samsung's data-driven B2B tech could bring to rail operators, and catch up with China's ambitious plans to take on the international high-speed market.
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