As the network gears up..or is it gears down(?) for the holiday period, travel will not be as straightforward as hoped for, especially with essential engineering works (such as Reading viaduct) to consider, and perhaps the weather.....Manchester Airport station passengers will need to bear in mind essential work to the new Platform 4 which will leave only two platforms in use for a week in the middle of next month....
Two news items on safety...Australia's Tracksafe Foundation issues a seasonal reminder...and in Mumbai, the media report lays the blame for the average daily 10-12 deaths on the railway there on the railway authorities...
Click on the links.....
Headlines
UK
Gwili Steam Railway back on track after line extension.(BBC News)
Viaduct work at Reading station 'will disrupt trains'.(BBC News)
Call for Thameslink to compensate delayed commuters.(BBC News)
Network Rail
Passengers advised of Manchester Airport station closure
Work to complete the new fourth platform at Manchester Airport station will resume in January as Network Rail begins to install the new track and signalling.
The essential upgrade – which will allow extra services to call at the airport and provide passengers with better access from across the north of England - is part of the £1bn+ investment in the railway.
The majority of the work to build the fourth platform was carried out during construction of the Metrolink platform, ensuring that disruption caused by the expansion was kept to a minimum.
To complete the work – which also includes finishing platform improvements with new CCTV and information screens – only two platforms will be in use between Sunday 11 and Saturday 17 January and the station will then be closed to all trains until Monday 9 February.
Network Rail has worked with Manchester Airport and train operators to plan the closure at the least disruptive time of year to minimise the impact it has on train, Metrolink and plane passengers. Information on replacement buses will be made available nearer the time.
Ian Joslin, area director for Network Rail, said: “Much of the work to upgrade Manchester Airport station has been completed while trains continue to run but there is no other alternative but to close the station while we install the new track and complete the new fourth platform.
“While there is never a good time to close the railway we have worked closely with the airport, Metrolink and train operators to complete this work at a time which will impact the fewest numbers of passengers and I apologise for any short-term inconvenience while we deliver these long-term benefits.”
Wayne Poole, director of passenger services for Manchester Airport, said: “We’ll be working with the variety of partners that are involved in the fourth platform works to minimise disruption during the station closures. The station is a vital entry point for passengers and staff who are looking to access Manchester Airport but the addition of the fourth platform is significant and will provide one of the best connected rail stations in the north of England. We continue to work with transport providers to look at ways to further enhance access to the airport.”
Speaking on behalf or First Trans-Pennine Express, Northern Rail and Arriva Trains Wales, a spokesman said: "The investment in and development of Manchester Airport rail station presents a real opportunity for the future of rail in the north.
“The upcoming improvement works are an essential element of the £1bn investment that is taking place throughout the north of England and as operators we welcome the development.
"The additional platform at the airport and the introduction of Metrolink services will provide for greater capacity and improved reliability for customers.
"Of course this work requires a temporary closure of rail services in and out of the airport but we will be providing customers with detailed information about why this is happening and how they might complete their journeys. A comprehensive and appropriate coach replacement service is being delivered by train operators which should minimise any potential disruption to customers’ travel plans."
Transport for Greater Manchester’
s Metrolink director, Peter Cushing, said: “With the opening of the new airport line in November, the new heavy rail fourth platform will represent an excellent example of heavy and light rail integration at one of the best road and rail connected airports in the country.
“We are grateful to both Metrolink and rail passengers for their patience while this, ultimately, beneficial work is carried out.”
The work involved will result in some changes to Metrolink services between Manchester Airport and Wythenshawe town centre – including slightly later starts on Sundays in November and from Saturday 17 January to midday on Sunday 18 January. At those times, trams will run between Cornbrook and Wythenshawe town centre, and like-for-like replacement bus services will run between the town centre and the airport.
Over the next five years Network Rail is delivering over £1bn of investment which will enable faster, more frequent train services to run across the north of England. Information and details of replacement services will be available at www.nationalrail.co.uk.
The majority of the work to build the fourth platform was carried out during construction of the Metrolink platform, ensuring that disruption caused by the expansion was kept to a minimum.
To complete the work – which also includes finishing platform improvements with new CCTV and information screens – only two platforms will be in use between Sunday 11 and Saturday 17 January and the station will then be closed to all trains until Monday 9 February.
Network Rail has worked with Manchester Airport and train operators to plan the closure at the least disruptive time of year to minimise the impact it has on train, Metrolink and plane passengers. Information on replacement buses will be made available nearer the time.
Ian Joslin, area director for Network Rail, said: “Much of the work to upgrade Manchester Airport station has been completed while trains continue to run but there is no other alternative but to close the station while we install the new track and complete the new fourth platform.
“While there is never a good time to close the railway we have worked closely with the airport, Metrolink and train operators to complete this work at a time which will impact the fewest numbers of passengers and I apologise for any short-term inconvenience while we deliver these long-term benefits.”
Wayne Poole, director of passenger services for Manchester Airport, said: “We’ll be working with the variety of partners that are involved in the fourth platform works to minimise disruption during the station closures. The station is a vital entry point for passengers and staff who are looking to access Manchester Airport but the addition of the fourth platform is significant and will provide one of the best connected rail stations in the north of England. We continue to work with transport providers to look at ways to further enhance access to the airport.”
Speaking on behalf or First Trans-Pennine Express, Northern Rail and Arriva Trains Wales, a spokesman said: "The investment in and development of Manchester Airport rail station presents a real opportunity for the future of rail in the north.
“The upcoming improvement works are an essential element of the £1bn investment that is taking place throughout the north of England and as operators we welcome the development.
"The additional platform at the airport and the introduction of Metrolink services will provide for greater capacity and improved reliability for customers.
"Of course this work requires a temporary closure of rail services in and out of the airport but we will be providing customers with detailed information about why this is happening and how they might complete their journeys. A comprehensive and appropriate coach replacement service is being delivered by train operators which should minimise any potential disruption to customers’ travel plans."
Transport for Greater Manchester’
s Metrolink director, Peter Cushing, said: “With the opening of the new airport line in November, the new heavy rail fourth platform will represent an excellent example of heavy and light rail integration at one of the best road and rail connected airports in the country.
“We are grateful to both Metrolink and rail passengers for their patience while this, ultimately, beneficial work is carried out.”
The work involved will result in some changes to Metrolink services between Manchester Airport and Wythenshawe town centre – including slightly later starts on Sundays in November and from Saturday 17 January to midday on Sunday 18 January. At those times, trams will run between Cornbrook and Wythenshawe town centre, and like-for-like replacement bus services will run between the town centre and the airport.
Over the next five years Network Rail is delivering over £1bn of investment which will enable faster, more frequent train services to run across the north of England. Information and details of replacement services will be available at www.nationalrail.co.uk.
An artist's impression of the new fourth platform at Manchester Airport station
(Network Rail Picture)
Manchester Airport station (Network Rail Picture)
Office of Rail Regulation (ORR)
Rail regulator issues new guidance for train companies on protecting interests of disabled passengers
The Office of Rail Regulation (ORR) has issued new guidance for train operators to help ensure they meet disabled people’s protection policy (DPPP) requirements.Train operators are required to have an approved DPPP as part of their licence to operate. DPPPs must provide details of how train companies will protect the interests of disabled users of their trains and stations such as explaining how disabled people will be assisted when train service disruptions occur with little or no notice.
ORR has conducted a preliminary review of DPPPs, which has raised questions about how policies may be applied in practice and whether they are detailed enough. As a result, the independent regulator is asking train operators to review, and where necessary, change their policies in light of the guidance. Operators must agree DPPPs with ORR by 23 January 2015, with plans taking effect by 31 March 2015.
To read the letter in full, see: http://orr.gov.uk/__data/
To know more about how ORR is working to make rail travel easily accessible to all, visit: http://orr.gov.uk/info-for-
Great British Railway Journeys: (Series 6).
Monday 5th January 2015 BBC2 1830.
Ayr to Stewarton
Great British Railway Journeys, Series 6 Episode 1 of 20
Michael Portillo embarks on a new journey through southern Scotland from west to east. From Ayr, he admires the granite island of Ailsa Craig before getting to grips with the ancient sport of curling, with help from a Scottish world champion.
The Ancient Society of Kilwinning Archers invites Michael to take part in the oldest archery competition in the world. At Barassie, he rides the footplate of a freight train hauling coal on Scotland's oldest railway line. He caps off this leg of his journey in Stewarton..
(C) Boundless TV Picture
International
Australia
Tracksafe Foundation
Don’t let a short cut; cut your life short this Christmas
National Harm Prevention Charity, the TrackSAFE Foundation, is strongly urging all Australians to be mindful on the roads over the Christmas holiday period, especially when at level crossings.
TrackSAFE Director, Bryan Nye OAM, encouraged all drivers, cyclists and pedestrians to be even more observant when approaching level crossings at this busy time of year.
“At this time of year everyone is eager to kick start the holiday and get to their destination to see loved ones. In all the excitement, people can become complacent and that is when accidents can happen,” said Mr Nye.
It takes just seconds of not paying attention or rushing for your Christmas holiday to end in tragedy. TrackSAFE is appealing to all people this Christmas break to obey the rules, remain vigilant and to be patient when approaching level crossings.
“Do not let a short cut; cut your life short this Christmas,” said Mr Nye.
There are around 1000 near hits and 80 collisions every year at level crossings where road users fail to obey the road rules. There are around 35 deaths annually on the Australian rail network resulting from level crossing and trespass incidents, with each incident deeply affecting train drivers and rail staff.
“Each near hit and collision has a profoundly traumatic and lasting impact on the train driver and crew involved,” Mr Nye continued.
“TrackSAFE is encouraging Australians to also spare a thought for these innocent victims who, just like you, want to get home safely to their families this Christmas.
“TrackSAFE wishes all Australians a safe and happy holiday season and looks forward to continuing its mission next year to keep everyone safe near trains and tracks” Mr Nye concluded.
China
High-speed rail design norms unveiled (China Daily USA)
China unveils plans for Balkan high-speed rail project(Want China Times)
Merger of China’s CNR, CSR Creates World’s Largest Train Maker.(China Topix)
China railway strategy goes off track.(FT.com)
China unveils plans for Balkan high-speed rail project(Want China Times)
Merger of China’s CNR, CSR Creates World’s Largest Train Maker.(China Topix)
China railway strategy goes off track.(FT.com)
Holland
Hungary
India
Sweden
Turkey
USA
Transportation Research Board
13th APTA/TRB Joint National Light Rail and Streetcars Conference: Transforming Urban Areas
TRB is co-sponsoring the 13th APTA/TRB Joint National Light Rail and Streetcars Conference: Transforming Urban Areas on November 15-17, 2015, in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The conference is designed to explore the latest issues and trends in light rail research and practice related to planning, design, construction, and operations and maintenance....
RFP: Prioritization Procedure for Proposed Road-Rail Grade Separation Projects along Specific Rail Corridors
Other Railway Press
www.railway-technology.com
New Zealand's Greater Wellington shortlists bidders for suburban rail contract
New Zealand's Greater Wellington Regional Council has shortlisted bidders for its new rail contract to operate suburban rail services.
Bombardier wins €150m maintenance contract for Trenitalia's Frecciarossa 1000 fleet
Bombardier's consortium partner AnsaldoBreda announced it signed a ten-year €250m contract with train operator Trenitalia earlier this month. Bombardier will work in association with AnsaldoBreda.
Strukton Rail and Twente University partner to enhance Dutch railway network
Netherlands-based rail technology company Strukton Rail has signed an agreement with the University of Twente (UT) for applied scientific research to enhance performance of the Dutch railway network.
Italy's Trenitalia receives new Alstom-built Jazz train
Italian rail operator Trenitalia has received a new Jazz train from French train manufacturer Alstom for operation in Abruzzo, Italy.
- Crosstie production, purchases nosedived in November
- Virginia rail department chooses HDR for environmental study
- November volume: Three ports cite gains, one notes decline
- Honolulu transit-rail project costs exceed original budget
- California High-Speed Rail Authority settles lawsuit with Bakersfield
- North Carolina DOT releases summary of draft rail plan
- Rail supplier news from Thales, Alstom, Hyperloop, Parsons Brinckerhoff and Railway Interchange (Dec. 23)
Transportation Research Board
| 2015 TRB 94th Annual Meeting: Session on U.S. DOT – Rulemaking for Safety On Monday, January 12, 2015, join Victor Mendez, Deputy Secretary of the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) as he and his colleagues discuss the challenges and opportunities to create a safer transportation system. Session participants include:
|
TRB is co-sponsoring the 13th APTA/TRB Joint National Light Rail and Streetcars Conference: Transforming Urban Areas on November 15-17, 2015, in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The conference is designed to explore the latest issues and trends in light rail research and practice related to planning, design, construction, and operations and maintenance....
RFP: Prioritization Procedure for Proposed Road-Rail Grade Separation Projects along Specific Rail Corridors
|
Other Railway Press
www.railway-technology.com
New Zealand's Greater Wellington shortlists bidders for suburban rail contract
New Zealand's Greater Wellington Regional Council has shortlisted bidders for its new rail contract to operate suburban rail services.
Bombardier wins €150m maintenance contract for Trenitalia's Frecciarossa 1000 fleet
Bombardier's consortium partner AnsaldoBreda announced it signed a ten-year €250m contract with train operator Trenitalia earlier this month. Bombardier will work in association with AnsaldoBreda.
Strukton Rail and Twente University partner to enhance Dutch railway network
Netherlands-based rail technology company Strukton Rail has signed an agreement with the University of Twente (UT) for applied scientific research to enhance performance of the Dutch railway network.
Italy's Trenitalia receives new Alstom-built Jazz train
Italian rail operator Trenitalia has received a new Jazz train from French train manufacturer Alstom for operation in Abruzzo, Italy.
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