Differing views on the impact of HS2....
How will Scotrail fare in Dutch hands?
Double deckers into Waterloo?
A tunnel linking Ireland and Wales?
Electrifying the Great Western mainline.....
In India, the Railway minister says he'll go if things haven't improved in 15 days!
(We await the outcome of that promise with interest. Perhaps this could be accepted practice elsewhere!!)
..and, Can rail help deliver a brighter future for Europe?
Click on the links....
Headlines
UK
Will Scotland's railways improve by going Dutch?(BBC News)
High-speed trains 'will stop at Euston', boss insists.(BBC News)
HS2 campaigners in new court bid.(Yahoo)
Blackett outlines HS2 impact.(insider media)
Dave Wood: 260mph trains too much for our network.(Bristol Post)
Northern Rail takes part in The Yorkshire Post online interview.(Yorkshire Post)
MP Nadine rails against new Govia train franchise.(Bedford Today)
Double decker train plan for Waterloo a 'desperate measure' (London Evening Standard)
Institute proposes 80km tunnel between Ireland and Wales.(GCR)
London Bridge prepared for part-closure for Thameslink.(BBC News)
Police seek commuters' help to fight terror threat.(BBC News)
FirstGroup Falls After Eurostar Tipped to Win East Coast Tender.(Bloomberg)
Network Rail
Residents invited to third drop-in event about the electrification of the railway through Bath.
Local residents are invited to find out more about the electrification of the railway through Bath city centre by attending the third in a series of monthly drop-in events.
Network Rail
Residents invited to third drop-in event about the electrification of the railway through Bath.
Local residents are invited to find out more about the electrification of the railway through Bath city centre by attending the third in a series of monthly drop-in events.
The event will take place between 4pm and 7.30pm on Tuesday 2 December at the Guildhall on the High Street in Bath. Representatives from Network Rail and its contractor, Hochtief, as well as train operator First Great Western will be on hand to explain the work being undertaken and to answer any questions.
Network Rail is electrifying the historic Great Western Main Line from London Paddington through to Swansea, with work starting in Bath in 2015. The upgrade will deliver significant benefits for Bath, North East Somerset and the whole of the South West including:
Robbie Burns, Network Rail’s regional managing director, said: “The benefits of electrification for Bath and the South West region as a whole are considerable. We are working closely with Bath and North East Somerset Council and First Great Western to manage the work carefully and considerately, but there will be some unavoidable disruption to trains through the city while we upgrade the railway.
“Throughout the first half of 2015 we will continue to hold regular drop-in sessions for residents and I would encourage anyone who has not yet had the opportunity, to come along to find out about the work and the long-term benefits electrification will bring.”
The next drop-in event will take place on Thursday 8 January 2015. Details of this session will be circulated in due course.
About the Great Western Electrification Programme:
For more information about the Great Western Electrification programme visit:
http:www.networkrail.co.uk/great-western-route-modernisation/
Network Rail is electrifying the historic Great Western Main Line from London Paddington through to Swansea, with work starting in Bath in 2015. The upgrade will deliver significant benefits for Bath, North East Somerset and the whole of the South West including:
- Faster, quieter and more reliable trains
- Up to 20% more seats on trains, along with better facilities for disabled passengers and passengers with bikes
- Up to 30% less carbon emissions
Robbie Burns, Network Rail’s regional managing director, said: “The benefits of electrification for Bath and the South West region as a whole are considerable. We are working closely with Bath and North East Somerset Council and First Great Western to manage the work carefully and considerately, but there will be some unavoidable disruption to trains through the city while we upgrade the railway.
“Throughout the first half of 2015 we will continue to hold regular drop-in sessions for residents and I would encourage anyone who has not yet had the opportunity, to come along to find out about the work and the long-term benefits electrification will bring.”
The next drop-in event will take place on Thursday 8 January 2015. Details of this session will be circulated in due course.
About the Great Western Electrification Programme:
Electrification will transform the railway between London and Oxford, Newbury, Bristol and Cardiff to deliver a faster, greener, quieter and more reliable railway for passengers with extra capacity. Electrifying this part of the Great Western route will enhance 235 miles of one of Britain’s busiest and oldest railways, better connecting major towns and cities across southern England and South Wales. This investment, as well as the introduction of a new fleet of trains, will improve journey times and make services more comfortable, smoother, cleaner and quieter for passengers and people living near the railway.
For more information about the Great Western Electrification programme visit:http:www.networkrail.co.uk/great-western-route-modernisation/
====================================================
GOV.UK
Thanks for that welcome.
And thanks also to the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport for organising this important conference.
Today is all about progress. About momentum. And seizing the opportunities this fantastic new railway will present.
So I’m delighted to be here. To talk about the next stage of the HS2 journey. And what that means for the whole of our country.
We’re building Crossrail and Thameslink together. And we’re rolling out the most ambitious national infrastructure programme for at least 50 years.
But of all the schemes we’re taking forward, HS2 is the biggest. Nothing else will provide Britain with the space it needs to grow and prosper. And nothing else will offer the same benefits for our cities and regions.
Today’s conference is timely, because HS2 is now entering a new phase. The fundamental case for the new line has been made. Providing the capacity and connectivity we’ll need. To meet rapidly rising demand. To relieve overcrowding. To free up space on the existing rail and road network. And support economic growth.
Now the debate has moved on. From whether we should build HS2, to how we should build it. And how the new railway will integrate with the rest of the transport system. That progress is crucial. Because in infrastructure terms, HS2 is just around the corner.
The bill’s been making excellent progress through Parliament. It is now moving through the committee stage, backed by overwhelming cross-party support. And subject to royal assent, construction on Phase 1 will start in just 3 years’ time.
To get us to the stage where we can soon start procurement. The industry has been instrumental in helping us plan procurement.
For example in key areas like skills and apprenticeships. We’re now committed to at least 2,000 HS2 apprentices. More than double the number created by the Olympics and Crossrail together.
We’re investing in a National College for High Speed Rail based in Birmingham and Doncaster. To provide future generations of rail engineers. And also to provide training in environmental skills. Because HS2 is not just about digging tunnels and laying concrete.
And as momentum with the project builds, we’re also seeing a change in focus. Away from central government and towards the regions. That sends out another message to the country. The most important of all. That everyone has a stake in HS2.
Not just the government. Not just London. Not just rail commuters. Not just cities with HS2 stations. And indeed, not just this present generation.
It’s vital that people see the big picture. One which will capture the imagination of the British public. Because this is about the whole of Britain. And about leaving a legacy for our children and grandchildren.
Of course, it’s a privilege to be a transport minister at a time like this. When we’re making the biggest improvement to our railway since Queen Victoria was on the throne. And when, God willing, I get to travel on HS2 for the first time, I’ll be hugely proud of what we all achieved.
Just as much as the current main rail network, that was built in the 19th Century is still delivering today. HS2 will still be a mainstay of our railway long into the future.
And what’s so inspiring now is that we’re seeing people grasp the potential. With partnerships embracing HS2 and taking the project forward. Local authorities engaging with businesses, other transport providers, passengers, and communities. So they’re ready to exploit the once in a lifetime opportunities that are opening up.
We want cities to control their own destinies. With HS2 locally led and designed to fit in the local context. So every HS2 station becomes a hub for growth and jobs. That’s why last summer we created the HS2 Growth Taskforce. To help advise us on the best way forward.
Its report earlier this year made clear the importance of making the right decisions now. To prepare cities for the coming of high speed rail.
Among the key recommendations, the Taskforce urged cities to develop HS2 growth strategies. We strongly back the Taskforce’s call for local leadership. Cities are best placed to drive this process themselves. And take advantage of what is an unparalleled opportunity for regeneration.
King’s Cross/St Pancras has shown what’s possible. We want to see every city on the line take full advantage.
In Birmingham, for example, the Local Enterprise Partnership has begun the process of developing its own HS2 growth strategy. The government is providing £2.5 million to speed up this work.
Birmingham has also launched the Curzon Urban Regeneration Company to maximise the benefits of HS2.
The company will lead a programme that will ultimately create 14,000 jobs, provide space for 4,000 new homes, and contribute up to £1.3 billion a year to the local economy.
Growth strategies will help ensure that local developments and investments are aligned with HS2, and that benefits are spread across the region.
Collaboration on a broader scale will drive further benefits. One such collaboration is Midlands Connect.
A partnership between Midlands Local Enterprise Partnerships and local authorities working with Network Rail, the Highways Agency, and businesses.
The partnership will help the Midlands get the most from high speed rail. Integrating the new line with the rest of the transport system. And improving connectivity right across the country.
The Chancellor reiterated the importance of local leadership in his Northern powerhouse speech in Manchester earlier this year. In response, Manchester joined together with four other cities to produce the One north report. Which has proposed a £15 billion road and rail plan to connect with HS2.
Subsequently, we’ve announced plans to devolve more powers to Manchester. So like London, it has its own Mayor. And responsibility for funding, developing and delivering its own transport strategy.
We’ve created a formal body which will work with local authorities and other stakeholders so the north can speak with one voice. So rather than having 20 different transport plans like today. The north would have one united, integrated plan. Like TfL in London, which has a transport vision stretching to 2050.
This is genuine devolution. Harnessing the potential and transforming the prospects of a massive region. So it can compete globally for jobs and investment. And so it can integrate HS2 into the fabric of the north.
What’s even more exciting is the potential for extending the high speed network. We’ve already announced that we’re looking at HS3.
A high speed rail link connecting some of the north’s great cities, from Liverpool through to Hull. Which could cut the journey time between Leeds and Manchester to between 26 and 34 minutes.
We’ve also asked Sir David Higgins to analyse how HS2 could unlock the potential for growth in Scotland.
The HS2 Growth Taskforce’s report was called Get ready for a reason.
We have to get ready today.
To attract new companies – and billions of pounds of investment – to areas around high speed stations. To link HS2 with other local transport services. To market and promote the new line in innovative ways. To engage with local businesses. And to involve as many people as possible in the project.
Particularly youngsters, who stand to benefit the most.
HS2 won’t just be a fantastic new railway.
It will also be a catalyst for change. So let’s be ambitious. And let’s make High Speed 2 transformational.
For our communities, our cities, and our country.
Thank you.
Speech: The next stage of the HS2 journey
Robert Goodwill at the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport HS2 conference, about the next stage of HS2.
Good morning.Thanks for that welcome.
And thanks also to the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport for organising this important conference.
Today is all about progress. About momentum. And seizing the opportunities this fantastic new railway will present.
So I’m delighted to be here. To talk about the next stage of the HS2 journey. And what that means for the whole of our country.
Progress
We’ve shown in recent years that we can build world class infrastructure. We delivered High Speed 1 and King’s Cross. Terminal 5 at Heathrow. And one of the best Olympic Games in history.We’re building Crossrail and Thameslink together. And we’re rolling out the most ambitious national infrastructure programme for at least 50 years.
But of all the schemes we’re taking forward, HS2 is the biggest. Nothing else will provide Britain with the space it needs to grow and prosper. And nothing else will offer the same benefits for our cities and regions.
Today’s conference is timely, because HS2 is now entering a new phase. The fundamental case for the new line has been made. Providing the capacity and connectivity we’ll need. To meet rapidly rising demand. To relieve overcrowding. To free up space on the existing rail and road network. And support economic growth.
Now the debate has moved on. From whether we should build HS2, to how we should build it. And how the new railway will integrate with the rest of the transport system. That progress is crucial. Because in infrastructure terms, HS2 is just around the corner.
The bill’s been making excellent progress through Parliament. It is now moving through the committee stage, backed by overwhelming cross-party support. And subject to royal assent, construction on Phase 1 will start in just 3 years’ time.
A national scheme
That sends a message to the country that HS2 will be delivered. Phase One and Phase Two. On time and on budget. We’ve done a huge amount of work already. Consulting with industry and communities. Designing the route. Liaising with suppliers.To get us to the stage where we can soon start procurement. The industry has been instrumental in helping us plan procurement.
For example in key areas like skills and apprenticeships. We’re now committed to at least 2,000 HS2 apprentices. More than double the number created by the Olympics and Crossrail together.
We’re investing in a National College for High Speed Rail based in Birmingham and Doncaster. To provide future generations of rail engineers. And also to provide training in environmental skills. Because HS2 is not just about digging tunnels and laying concrete.
And as momentum with the project builds, we’re also seeing a change in focus. Away from central government and towards the regions. That sends out another message to the country. The most important of all. That everyone has a stake in HS2.
Not just the government. Not just London. Not just rail commuters. Not just cities with HS2 stations. And indeed, not just this present generation.
It’s vital that people see the big picture. One which will capture the imagination of the British public. Because this is about the whole of Britain. And about leaving a legacy for our children and grandchildren.
Of course, it’s a privilege to be a transport minister at a time like this. When we’re making the biggest improvement to our railway since Queen Victoria was on the throne. And when, God willing, I get to travel on HS2 for the first time, I’ll be hugely proud of what we all achieved.
Just as much as the current main rail network, that was built in the 19th Century is still delivering today. HS2 will still be a mainstay of our railway long into the future.
And what’s so inspiring now is that we’re seeing people grasp the potential. With partnerships embracing HS2 and taking the project forward. Local authorities engaging with businesses, other transport providers, passengers, and communities. So they’re ready to exploit the once in a lifetime opportunities that are opening up.
Local growth
We’ve made clear from the beginning that HS2 will rebalance our economic geography. With the north and the Midlands expected to receive at least double the economic benefits of the south.We want cities to control their own destinies. With HS2 locally led and designed to fit in the local context. So every HS2 station becomes a hub for growth and jobs. That’s why last summer we created the HS2 Growth Taskforce. To help advise us on the best way forward.
Its report earlier this year made clear the importance of making the right decisions now. To prepare cities for the coming of high speed rail.
Among the key recommendations, the Taskforce urged cities to develop HS2 growth strategies. We strongly back the Taskforce’s call for local leadership. Cities are best placed to drive this process themselves. And take advantage of what is an unparalleled opportunity for regeneration.
King’s Cross/St Pancras has shown what’s possible. We want to see every city on the line take full advantage.
In Birmingham, for example, the Local Enterprise Partnership has begun the process of developing its own HS2 growth strategy. The government is providing £2.5 million to speed up this work.
Birmingham has also launched the Curzon Urban Regeneration Company to maximise the benefits of HS2.
The company will lead a programme that will ultimately create 14,000 jobs, provide space for 4,000 new homes, and contribute up to £1.3 billion a year to the local economy.
Growth strategies will help ensure that local developments and investments are aligned with HS2, and that benefits are spread across the region.
Collaboration on a broader scale will drive further benefits. One such collaboration is Midlands Connect.
A partnership between Midlands Local Enterprise Partnerships and local authorities working with Network Rail, the Highways Agency, and businesses.
The partnership will help the Midlands get the most from high speed rail. Integrating the new line with the rest of the transport system. And improving connectivity right across the country.
Wider devolution
The development of HS2 coincides with a much wider devolution away from Whitehall, to the regions. We want to give cities and regions more control of transport investment. And more power to devise and lead their own transport programmes.The Chancellor reiterated the importance of local leadership in his Northern powerhouse speech in Manchester earlier this year. In response, Manchester joined together with four other cities to produce the One north report. Which has proposed a £15 billion road and rail plan to connect with HS2.
Subsequently, we’ve announced plans to devolve more powers to Manchester. So like London, it has its own Mayor. And responsibility for funding, developing and delivering its own transport strategy.
We’ve created a formal body which will work with local authorities and other stakeholders so the north can speak with one voice. So rather than having 20 different transport plans like today. The north would have one united, integrated plan. Like TfL in London, which has a transport vision stretching to 2050.
This is genuine devolution. Harnessing the potential and transforming the prospects of a massive region. So it can compete globally for jobs and investment. And so it can integrate HS2 into the fabric of the north.
What’s even more exciting is the potential for extending the high speed network. We’ve already announced that we’re looking at HS3.
A high speed rail link connecting some of the north’s great cities, from Liverpool through to Hull. Which could cut the journey time between Leeds and Manchester to between 26 and 34 minutes.
We’ve also asked Sir David Higgins to analyse how HS2 could unlock the potential for growth in Scotland.
Conclusion
So the message is clear. HS2 is a national project in the national interest. But it’s planning and co-ordination at local levels that will ultimately make it succeed.The HS2 Growth Taskforce’s report was called Get ready for a reason.
We have to get ready today.
To attract new companies – and billions of pounds of investment – to areas around high speed stations. To link HS2 with other local transport services. To market and promote the new line in innovative ways. To engage with local businesses. And to involve as many people as possible in the project.
Particularly youngsters, who stand to benefit the most.
HS2 won’t just be a fantastic new railway.
It will also be a catalyst for change. So let’s be ambitious. And let’s make High Speed 2 transformational.
For our communities, our cities, and our country.
Thank you.
International
Europe
Europe shows how high speed rail can change regional economies, says new study(Infrastructure Intelligence)
Europe
Europe shows how high speed rail can change regional economies, says new study(Infrastructure Intelligence)
France
A report by the French Agency for International Investment (AFII), comparing France with 14 other
OECD countries on a number of criteria such as tax, research and development,
infrastructure and so on finds that, not surprisingly roads, railways and electricity all
score well....
India
Western Dedicated Freight Corridor electrification contract awarded - Railway Gazette
Commuters make MP travel second-class to understand their woes.(Mid-Day)
Commuters make MP travel second-class to understand their woes.(Mid-Day)
Angus McDonald: India's disappearing railways.(BBC News)
Indian Railways team in China for Delhi-Chennai bullet train Economic Times
Spain
Siemens, Thales to upgrade Spanish railway safety.(DW)
Turkey
Traxx Last Mile to Turkey and back - Railway Gazette
Bombardier Press Release
Bombardier TRAXX AC Last Mile Locomotive Pulls Rail Cargo Group (RCG) Freight Train on 4000 km Test Run Across Southeast Europe.
The trip followed a long distance intermodal route built by Rail Cargo Group to transport goods between the German Ruhr area to the Black Sea in Turkey. Currently this route has four departures per week with seven per week beginning in January.
The journey was not only a first for both Bombardier Transportation and RCG, but also an unprecedented achievement for this particular train configuration. On the test run, the TRAXX locomotive demonstrated its strength when this single locomotive pulled the 534-meter long, 1200-ton freight train across Romania’s Carpathian Mountains. This rugged terrain typically requires the RCG train to have two locomotives.
Earlier in the test run, an electrical failure along a 20-kilometer section of track provided another challenge. Here, the TRAXX AC Last Mile locomotive demonstrated its superior performance by crossing this non-electrified stretch using its Last Mile feature – avoiding a five-hour delay. The innovative Last Mile feature, a combination of an auxiliary diesel engine and battery, enables the locomotive to operate at full power for up to eight hours. The TRAXX’s ability to run on non-electrified route sections for extended periods eliminates the need for additional shunting locomotives in container terminals, harbours or side tracks to factories. Furthermore, while in Last Mile mode, the locomotive is still capable of pulling equally heavy loads just as when under catenary wire power.
The train’s return journey ended on Tuesday in Sopron, Hungary. High-ranked representatives of Rail Cargo Group and Bombardier Transportation welcomed the locomotive this morning in Wien-Westbahnhof.
Commenting on the interplay between the train and the TRAXX AC Last Mile locomotive, Georg Kasperkovitz, Member of the Board of Rail Cargo Group, said, “Competitive rail freight traffic requires innovative solutions for customers and cost-efficient, reliable and steady production. To best meet these demands, Rail Cargo Group promotes and invests in new, modern technologies. The endurance test also included some very difficult conditions.”
On occasion of the locomotive’s return to Austria, Ulrich Jochem, President, Locomotives, Bombardier Transportation said, "This journey provided us an excellent opportunity to once again prove the power and versatility of our TRAXX AC Last Mile locomotive. Both during the grid failure and while crossing the Carpathians, the locomotive demonstrated its exceptional performance under extreme conditions."
Rail Cargo Group: Freight traffic of ÖBB
The Rail Cargo Group, freight division of ÖBB, is, with an annual turnover of 2.3 billion euro and 8,100 employees, one of the leading rail logistic companies in Europe.Based on the home markets Austria and Hungary offers the Rail Cargo Group customized Rail logistic solutions between the North Sea, Black Sea and Mediterranean Sea. With its own companies in 19 Central and Southeastern European countries and an extensive international network of partners ensures the Rail Cargo Group a safe, environmentally friendly and reliable rail transport. Controlling company of the Rail Cargo Group is the Rail Cargo Austria AG.
USA
www.progressiverailroading.com.
CONFERENCE STARTS IN ONE WEEK!
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Don't Miss the Premiere Business Event...
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USDOT
BTS Releases September 2014 North American Freight Numbers
U.S.-NAFTA freight totaled $102.2 billion in September 2014 as all five major transportation modes – air, vessel, pipeline, rail, and trucks – carried more U.S.-NAFTA freight than in September 2013, according to the TransBorder Freight Data released today by the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS). September was the seventh consecutive month with U.S.-NAFTA freight flows exceeding $100 billion.
Freight by Mode
In September, the value of commodities moving by pipeline grew by the largest percentage of any mode, 21.0 percent. Truck freight increased 8.6 percent followed by vessel, 5.4 percent; air, 2.2 percent; and rail, 0.6 percent.
Of the $7.8 billion increase in the value of US-NAFTA freight from September 2013, truck freight contributed the most, $4.9 billion, followed by pipeline, $1.4 billion.
Trucks carry three-fifths of U.S.-NAFTA freight and are the most heavily utilized mode for moving goods to and from both U.S.-NAFTA partners. Trucks accounted for $31.2 billion of exports and $30.1 billion of imports.
Rail remained the second largest mode, moving 15.0 percent of all U.S.-NAFTA freight, followed by vessel at 8.4 percent, pipeline at 7.9 percent, and air at 3.7 percent. The surface transportation modes of truck, rail and pipeline carried 82.9 percent of the total U.S.-NAFTA freight flows.
U.S.-Canada Freight
Year-over-year, the percent change in the value of U.S.-Canada freight moved by pipeline increased the most of any mode, growing 19.2 percent. Freight moved by truck increased 6.0 percent and rail by 3.3 percent, while air and vessel were essentially unchanged.
Trucks carried 54.0 percent of the $57.4 billion of freight to and from Canada, followed by rail, 16.1 percent; pipeline, 13.3 percent; vessel, 5.3 percent and air, 4.3 percent. The surface transportation modes of truck, rail and pipeline carried 83.4 percent of the total U.S.-Canada freight flows.
U.S.-Mexico Freight
Year-over-year, the value of U.S.-Mexico pipeline freight rose 60.5 percent, the largest percentage increase of any mode, due to an increase in U.S. exports of mineral fuels. Freight moved by truck increased 11.5 percent; vessel, 8.5 percent; and air 5.3 percent. The 3.3 percent decline in rail freight was principally due to a decline in vehicles and parts trade.
Trucks carried 67.6 percent of the $44.9 billion of freight to and from Mexico, followed by rail, 13.5 percent; vessel, 12.4 percent; air, 3.0 percent; and pipeline, 1.0 percent. The surface transportation modes of truck, rail and pipeline carried 82.2 percent of the total U.S.-Mexico freight flows.
See BTS Transborder Data Release for summary tables and additional data. See North American Transborder Freight Data on the BTS website for additional data for surface modes since 1995 and all modes since 2004.
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Other Railway Press
www.railway-technology.com
Denver RTD receives first four commuter rail cars from Hyundai
The Denver Regional Transport District (RTD) has received the first four of 66 commuter rail cars from Hyundai Rotem, which will begin operations on its electric commuter rail network in 2016 in the US.
UK Government agrees to fund for Valley Lines electrification
The UK and Welsh Governments have agreed on funding for the electrification of Valley Lines and the £850m modernisation of the Swansea - London mainline by 2018.
Alstom to install signalling system on Toronto's Union Station Rail Corridor
French train manufacturer Alstom has received a €230m contract from the regional transportation agency for the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area, Metrolinx, to deploy new signalling system on the Union Station Rail Corridor (USRC) in Canada.
Sojitz and Larsen & Toubro to electrify Western DFC in India
Tokyo-based Sojitz Corporation and India's Larsen & Toubro (L&T) have been awarded a JPY50bn ($423.9m) contract from Dedicated Freight Corridor Corporation of India for the electrification works in a section of the Western Dedicated Freight Corridor (Western DFC).
Making devo work on transport
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Spotlight
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CER- The Voice of European Railways
Can rail help deliver a brighter future for Europe?
Thursday, 4 December 20149:00 - 10:30
Stanhope Hotel
Rue du Commerce 9 - 1000 Brussels
Thursday, 4 December 20149:00 - 10:30
Stanhope Hotel
Rue du Commerce 9 - 1000 Brussels
In Europe, demand for transportation is set to increase in the coming decades, both for passenger and freight. At the same time, Europe faces pressing challenges such as congestion, energy scarcity and the rising price of petrol. If solutions are not found urgently, these challenges are likely to have a negative impact on mobility and the economy.
Can Europe successfully address the strategic challenges it faces without compromising on mobility?
The European Commission´s 2011 Transport White Paper presented a strategy to address these challenges. In particular, the White Paper advocates a substantial modal shift towards rail. CER and its members recognise that for this vision to become reality, a number of actions need to be implemented, and not just within the rail sector. At the political level, strategies also need to be deployed. Only then can rail become the preferred transport mode of the future for both passengers and freight customers.
How can the EU support this transition towards the railways of the future?
What can the Member States do?
This will be the focus of an event organised by CER in Brussels, on 4 December, with the kind support of the Italian Presidency.
Please find attached the agenda for this event.
Should you need more information on this event, please contact Agnese Danelon
(Agnese.Danelon@cer.be / +32 (0)2 213 08 66).
SmartRail News
Welcome to the latest issue of SmartRail News. The year might be entering its final month as always there’s plenty to read about including; the best passenger information posters around the world, huge developments in Mumbai, cities struggling with urban mobility,mobile ticketing in Toronto, iBeacons, innovation in Asia and much more.
Plus! A new e-book, written for you, the SmartRail community - The Future of Asian Rail II. Download today, for free!
FEATURE: 10 of the best (and most unusual) rail passenger information posters from around the world.
NEWS: $4bn+ confirmed for two new Mumbai metro lines; bidders sought for construction of current phase.
And if you are a PTC or Operations expert and want to share your expertise with the industry, the PTC World Congress & Rail Capacity Summit in Orlando, Florida in March 2015 is now accepting submissions.
Would you like to contribute or write for SmartRail World? Yes? Then contact me today to find out how you can.
Thanks for reading!
Regards, Luke Upton (Editor, SmartRail World).
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