Table of contents for Issue 814 in RAIL

“...there’s no reason why this investigation should not proceed much more rapidly than has become the norm...” Ye Gods, there’s a lot going on! Big news developments are led by the fatal Croydon tram derailment, the announcement of the HS2 routes from Birmingham to Manchester/ Leeds and the National Audit Office report into Network Rail’s Great Western electrification. Any one of those stories would have dominated a single issue of RAIL but dealing with all three simultaneously has been a challenge. The RAIL team has done a brilliant job burning midnight oil. You should find out all you need to know in this full-to-bursting issue. The Croydon tram crash came as a terrible shock, with seven people killed on an ordinary early-morning commute to work on November 9. The pictures…

The tram involved in the crash (2551) was one of 24 Bombardier CR4000 three-section trams built in Vienna for the Croydon system. The trams are articulated, with a Bo-2-Bo wheel arrangement, and are fitted with sliding plug doors. They are 30.1 metres long and 2.65 metres wide. Each tram has 70 seats. They weigh 36.3 tonnes, are powered by 750V DC overhead, and have 643hp (480kW). The trams are fitted with disc, rheostatic and magnetic track brakes, and have a maximum speed of 50mph.…

Parts of Route 1 and Route 4 (Elmers End to Woodside) and Route 2 (Arena) follow the track bed of the former British Rail line to Addiscombe. The former station buildings stand disused at Woodside, although the original platforms have been replaced. From Woodside until near Sandilands (Routes 1, 2 and 4), and from near the latter until almost Lloyd Park (Route 3) the tram route follows the former Woodside and South Croydon Railway (closed on May 13 1983), including the Park Hill (or Sandilands) tunnels. The section from Wimbledon to West Croydon (Route 3) largely covers the BR line closed on May 31 1997 for conversion to light rail. Within this (from Phipps Bridge to near Reeves Corner) is one of the oldest railway alignments, the Tramway Path.…

The Croydon Tramlink system has its origins in a 1990 Act of Parliament, but took ten years to come to fruition. In 1996 Tramtrack Croydon Limited (TCL) won a 99-year Private Finance Initiative (PFI) deal to design, build, maintain and operate Tramlink. TCL was a partnership between FirstGroup, Bombardier, Sir Robert McAlpine and Amey, and Royal Bank of Scotland and 3i. TCL sub-contracted operations to CentreWest Buses. Tramlink opened in May 2000 under the auspices of the old London Regional Transport, shortly before Transport for London (TfL) came into existence in July of that year. The first decade marked a period of extraordinary growth in passenger numbers across all public transport modes in London, not least on trams. So it was appropriate that from the beginning there would be three…

SECRETARY of State for Transport Chris Grayling announced the Department for Transport’s preferred route for Phase 2b of High Speed 2 on November 15. The estimated cost of the second phase - connecting Manchester, the East Midlands, Sheffield and Leeds - is £28.5 billion. This includes £3.7bn for Phase 2a, which will link Phase 1 from London to the West Midlands with Crewe. Grayling also announced £900 million of enabling works contracts for Phase 1 (see panel, page 14), covering archaeological investigations, site clearance and setting up construction compounds before main civil engineering works start. While much of the route follows that proposed in the 2013 consultation, Grayling is consulting on seven ‘refinements’, on which a decision will be made next year. These are: • Moving the proposed rolling stock…

A NEW franchise encompassing the InterCity West Coast (ICWC) franchise and High Speed 2 (HS2) services will start from 2019, the Government announced on November 4. The new franchise, known as the West Coast Partnership (WCP), will incorporate the first three to five years of HS2 services, from 2026. The new operator will collaborate with HS2 Ltd to design, launch and operate the initial HS2 services, and deliver the transition of the timetable on the West Coast Main Line as it is revised to take use capacity freed by HS2. The formal expression of interest for the WCP is due to be published in December, followed by the Invitation to Tender in October/November 2017, with the franchise starting on April 1 2019. The new franchise means a short-term 12-month contract…

Southeastern is to introduce smart ticketing across its network from December 5, as part of the Department for Transport’s South East Flexible Ticketing programme. Initially the smart tickets will be used on weekly, monthly and annual season tickets. Passengers can buy tickets online or from Southeastern ticket machines. Tickets are automatically loaded onto the smartcard by tapping it onto a reader at the station - either at the ticket barriers or the ticket machine. Online tickets can be collected two hours after purchase, while those bought from ticket machines will be loaded onto the smartcard immediately. At the launch of the programme, Rail Minister Paul Maynard said it would reduce busy queues on Monday mornings.…

Work is ongoing regarding the development of a robust Strategic Outline Business Case and funding plan for Crossrail 2, Rail Minister Paul Maynard said in a Commons Written Reply on November 10. Responding to a question from David Lammy (Labour, Tottenham), Maynard said officials were working with Transport for London and Network Rail. This includes examining ways to improve the scheme’s affordability, and helping to ensure that the non-transport benefits such as housing are realised.…

OPEN access trains operated by Alliance Rail could be running between Southampton and London Waterloo from December 2017, subject to Office of Rail and Road (ORR) approval. The plan is for seven off-peak trains initially, to be joined by two peak-time trains one year later. These would use Class 442 electric multiple units that are currently off-lease. Alliance Rail Holdings is consulting with the rail industry regarding the trains, which would call at Eastleigh, Winchester, Basingstoke and Hook. Managing Director Ian Yeowart told RAIL that the line serves a number of important locations, and needs competition. He said there was capacity for the extra trains, and that the main driver “is significant passenger benefits”. The company says the peak-time trains would offer 600 seats by running as ten-car units. Alliance…

THE RMT union has announced a further six days of strike action by conductors on Southern Railway. They span the three days before Christmas, and New Year’s Eve to Monday January 2. A spokesman for Southern said: “The RMT has hit a new low and is determined to cancel Christmas for the travelling public. These strikes are spiteful, vindictive and pointless. This has never been about safety - it’s purely about the RMT hanging on to outdated working practices and union power.” The RMT countered that it was clear neither the Government nor the train operator had any interest in resolving the dispute. General Secretary Mick Cash said: “Yet again the sheer pigheadedness of the company and the Government means that our members are being forced to take further action…

A nationwide campaign to encourage passengers and station visitors to report unusual items of baggage or unusual activity was launched by Rail Minister Paul Maynard at London Waterloo on November 1. Designed by Government, police and the rail industry, the campaign aims to build a “more vigilant network on railways across the country.” Posters and updated security announcements are being put in place, with stations in London, Birmingham, Glasgow and Manchester among the first to receive them. “We want to send a clear message to anyone threatening the security of the rail network that there are thousands of pairs of eyes and ears ready to report any potential threat to the British Transport Police and rail staff, who are ready to respond to these reports,” said Maynard. “A recent incident…

The RMT has claimed that of 156 stations used by Southern Railway, 35 are unstaffed and 58 are only staffed for some of the day. It said the figures highlighted that no official impact assessment has been made of Southern’s plans. It warned that trains will be able to leave with just the driver on board, saying this would “clearly disadvantage” passengers requiring help at unstaffed platforms. A Southern spokesman said: “Our changes mean we will have more trains with a second person on board, not fewer, and they will be freed up from closing the doors to give people with disability needs more help.”…

A £1 million project to restore Bury St Edmunds station has been completed by Greater Anglia. Brickwork across the entire station has been restored and repaired to fix “decades of damage” caused by leaks, 500 metres of canopy has been restored, and 500 metres of platform resurfaced. Damaged pipework has been replaced, new roof access created, and deteriorated sandstone parapets repaired by a specialist stonemason. All windows have been cleaned and repainted, while cycle storage has doubled to 20 spaces. Additional car parking, including two extra motorcycle spaces, has also been created.…

Mark Phillips took up his role as new Chief Executive Officer of RSSB (Rail Safety and Standards Board) on November 14. Phillips (pictured) joined RSSB in February 2015 as Director of Research and Standards, and was appointed interim Managing Director in May this year. He graduated from the University of York with an Economics degree, and joined British Rail as an operations graduate trainee before moving to the privatisation team. He worked for Railtrack as head of operational planning and engineering, for Network Rail as regional director for Anglia, and for National Express East Anglia as deputy MD. He is a Fellow of the Institute of Railway Operators and a Fellow of the Institute of Logistics and Transport. He is also is a board member of the British Transport Police…

Vernon Barker is Siemens UK’s Rail Systems’ new Managing Director. Barker will take over in early 2017. He replaces Steve Scrimshaw, who after nine years in the role is moving to be MD of Siemens UK’s Power & Gas and Power Service Divisions. Barker has been running a consultancy firm for the past year, and is also currently working with Transport for the North as Northern Powerhouse Rail Director. Before that he spent for more than 15 years in senior roles within FirstGroup, including as MD of UK Rail. He started in rail in 1990, and was awarded an OBE in 2011. In his new role, Barker will oversee 850 employees, contracts with nine different operators, and maintenance activities at eight Siemens traincare facilities and at a number of shared…

Eurostar reported a decline in passenger numbers for the third quarter of 2016 (Q3 2016, July-September), compared with the corresponding period in 2015. But it says there have been signs of recovery. In its report released on November 4, the cross-Channel operator said that demand had been dampened following the terrorist attack in Nice on July 14. However, Eurostar Chief Executive Nicolas Petrovic added: “After a softening in demand over the summer, we saw an increase in travel from the continent to London during the half-term holiday. “With the weakening of the pound, the UK is proving to be an attractive destination. The outlook to the end of the year is encouraging with many travellers taking day trips to London to do their Christmas shopping.” Overall, passenger numbers in Q3…

DB Cargo has signed a ten-year deal with Day Group to operate more than 15 aggregates trains per week in the South East. DB will move sea-dredged aggregates from Cliffe (Kent) to depots at Crawley, Purley, Tolworth and Battersea. The material is used for production of concrete and general construction, and is currently being used to support construction projects in London including the Battersea Power Station development and the Northern Line extension. Additional trains move incinerator bottom ash from the waste plant at Newhaven to Brentford, where it is processed into aggregates for use in construction. The train that delivers the ash is reloaded with recycled aggregates for distribution from Newhaven. New wagons will be introduced to support the services.…

Bombardier Transportation reported a 10% drop in revenue to $US 1.78 billion (approximately £1.42bn) in the third quarter of 2016. But its order intake rose by 32% compared with the same period in 2015, to $US 2.9bn. Earnings before interest and tax increased by 15% to $US 125 million, with the 665-vehicle Aventra order for Greater Anglia assisting the results. The company says it is confident that its ‘turnaround plan’, which includes substantial job cuts, will help it achieve its targets for 2020.…

The Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB) has made four recommendations following an investigation into the collision between an East Midlands Trains Class 222 diesel multiple unit (DMU) and a conveyor boom projecting from an aggregates train at Barrow-upon-Soar on February 14. The train struck the projecting boom at 102mph but did not derail. A fitter who had been working on the conveyor was seriously injured. After the accident, Tarmac removed all of its Self-Discharge Train wagons and placed them in store. While checking the operation of one of the wagons in the train, the fitter identified the need for maintenance, and during this activity a subsequent failure occurred in the control unit. A push-button switch controlling the movement of the boom became stuck in the ‘on’ position, causing it to…

NORTHERN businesses are calling on the Government to devolve transport powers without delay, and announce the funding in the Autumn Statement. They say spending commitments per head in the North should exceed those of London in the next decade. This would free Transport for the North to make decisions that matter for the region, and reverse years of what they call underfunding. Funding for roads, rail and ticketing systems, as well as improving freight connections and East-West links, should all be devolved. Currently, Government spending on transport is more than six times higher in London. Figures from August produced by IPPR North show spending averages at £280 per person in the North and £1,870 in London. This is despite the Northern economic area having 15.1 million residents, compared with 8.7…

THE Government is committed to East West Rail and wants to deliver the railway as soon as possible, Secretary of State for Transport Chris Grayling told local authorities on November 7. Rodney Rose, deputy leader of Oxfordshire County Council and chairman of the Joint Delivery Board for East West Rail Western Section, said: “East West Rail is one of the top three rail investment projects in the UK. Compared to other projects, it is a relatively low-cost project that will provide an exceptional return on investment and benefits to the communities it will serve.” Rose said that when it costed the prospectus to Government in 2011, the scheme was forecast to pay £6 for every £1 spent, recouping its cost within five years of opening. It’s forecast to deliver wider…

A brand new railway museum is set to be built at Leicester, on the Great Central Railway. Designed by WilkinsonEyre, the museum’s estimated cost is £18 million, using Heritage Lottery Funding of £10m. The design was selected from a shortlist of six, following public consultation early in October. The museum is a partnership between the GCR, Leicester City Council and the National Railway Museum. It will house locomotives from the national collection, and will be located adjacent to Leicester North station. GCR Chief Executive Andy Munro said: “There were several key factors to consider: would the new building be the right environment for the intended displays; was it iconic enough considering where it will sit on the city skyline; and of course, does it fit with the project’s budget?” The…

THE Class 50 Alliance (CFA) has purchased main line-registered 50007 Hercules from Neil Boden, with the locomotive set to be used on an as-yet-unspecified main line hire contract. The CFA already owns 50035 Ark Royal, 50044 Exeter and 50049 Defiance, as well as operating and maintaining privately owned 50031 Hood. The CFA locomotives are generally based on the Severn Valley Railway, and, although the Alliance has yet to confirm a home base for its new locomotive it is anticipated it will be based on the SVR when not in main line use. The CFA was formed to manage the main line and heritage railway operations of the Class 50s in its care, following a merger of The Fifty Fund (50035 and 50044, and custodian of 50031) and Project Defiance (50049).…

DIRECT Rail Services has explained the thinking behind its order for dual-mode Class 88s, with the first locomotive due in the UK as this issue of RAIL went to press. With European Union diesel emission protocols getting evermore restrictive, DRS decided to look at options beyond any existing type operating in the UK to solve its fleet expansion plans. The company wanted what can genuinely be described as a mixed-traffic machine that could haul (and provide an electric train supply to) 100mph passenger trains, and which could also undertake freight work but excluding heavy haul services. The UK rail industry had regarded mixed traffic diesel traction as dead, largely because it was impractical to encompass a 125mph capability and tractive power for freights up to 2,000 tonnes within one diesel…

The first refurbished Northern Class 158 entered traffic at the end of October. Three-car 158752 has been fitted with new carpets and seat cushions, LED lighting has been installed, designated wheelchair spaces in the carriages have been introduced, and ‘call for aid’ buttons have been installed. The on-board toilets have also been refurbished and fitted with improved baby changing facilities. “Our trains will be phased in and out of refurbishment in order to ensure minimum impact on our daily services, and we are excited to welcome this first milestone - our first train back in service for our customers,” said Northern Managing Director Alex Hynes. The ‘158’ has also been repainted in the operator’s new livery that will be applied across the fleet, including on the new trains on order…

Direct Rail Services will continue hiring locomotives and stock to Greater Anglia until the start of 2019, at which time new Stadler bi-mode trains enter traffic. In the meantime, top-and-tail Class 37/4s and Mk 2s will continue to be hired by GA for use on the branches between Norwich and Great Yarmouth/Lowestoft. This deal began in June 2015, when the ‘37s’ replaced Class 47s that were due to be used on an ad hoc basis, but in reality were used on most days. DRS has supplied the Anglia franchise with traction since 2009, initially as standby locomotives, and then for passenger trains from 2011. The Mk 2s owned by DRS arrived in 2014. DRS owns 37401/402/405/407/409/413/419/422-425, although 37409 Lord Hinton is understood to be due for withdrawal, while 37413 has…

Cornwall’s struggles With reference to Mathew Lovett’s letter regarding Cornish services (Open Access, RAIL 809): the population of Cornwall has increased considerably in recent years. Following the collapse of copper mining in about 1860, the population fell from approximately 350,000 in the mid-1850s to just 250,000 by 1900. Early in the 19th century Cornwall was the third most important industrial area in the country, but this had declined so much that in the 20th century it became one of the poorest English counties. In recent years the population of Cornwall has increased, and at the most recent census was approximately 531,000. And with increasing standards of living, commuters are travelling further to work, so that the A30 road becomes quite busy during commuter time. In my experience the railway has…

• One concern I have about HS2 is that it may result in Britain’s rail network being far less resilient. The scheme involves the bulk of the West Coast, East Coast and Midland Main Line long-distance traffic being channelled onto a single two-track route, timetabled to maximum capacity, with most passengers travelling in ‘Continental gauge’ double-deck trains that are too wide to fit onto the existing network. Connections with the existing rail network are also sparse. There will still be lightning strikes, flash floods and times when the wires come down in high winds - and when these inevitably happen on the two-track HS2 trunk route south of Birmingham, long-distance services between London and the Midlands, North West, North East and Scotland will all be completely stopped. Trains will be…

Richard Clinnick Assistant Editor richard.clinnick@bauermedia.co.uk Stefanie Browne News & Features Writer stefanie.browne@bauermedia.co.uk Paul Stephen Assistant Features Editor paul.stephen@bauermedia.co.uk SEVEN passengers died when a Croydon tram travelling at more than three times the speed limit derailed and overturned on a curve at Sandilands Junction in Croydon on November 9. A further 51 people were taken to hospital - eight suffered injuries described by the London Ambulance Service as “serious or life-threatening”. The accident happened at 0607. The Rail Accident Investigation Branch’s (RAIB’s) Interim Report, published on November 16, stated that an initial review of the on-tram data recorder (OTDR) shows the tram was travelling at approximately 70kph (43.5mph) as it entered the curve. The maximum speed for the curve is 20kph (12.5mph). The maximum speed of the tram…

What is the relevant legislation covering UK tram system safety? Trams are subject to ROGS - Rail and Other Guided Systems Regulations 2006 that are enforced by the Office of Rail and Road (ORR). Are trams road or rail vehicles? You have to think of trams as like a bus on rails. They are like road vehicles in how they operate, using line-of-sight principles and generally without signalling, but are built similarly to rail vehicles. However, the topography they run over and the speeds they operate at are very different from trains. Do trams have automatic brakes or speed limiting technology? No. Unlike trains, you cannot have a TPWS-type system if there is no signalling for it to link to. However, trams are generally built for speeds of up to…

The UK’s last tram crash resulting in passenger fatalities occurred in Glasgow on January 28 1959, when a tram burst into flames after being hit by a reversing lorry. The collision on Old Shettleston Road brought down overhead power lines, causing a power surge that rapidly turned the double-decker Glasgow Corporation vehicle into an inferno. The driver and two passengers were killed, and there were reports of passengers jumping from the upper deck to escape the flames.…

THE cost of modernising the Great Western Main Line has risen to £5.58 billion, according to an investigation by the National Audit Office (NAO). This figure represents a £2.1bn increase since 2013. Meanwhile, further delays of 18 to 36 months will cost the Department for Transport up to £330 million. “This is a case study in how not to manage a major programme,” said NAO Chief Executive Amyas Morse. “The Department’s failure to plan and manage all the projects which now make up the Great Western Route Modernisation in a sufficiently joined-up way, combined with weaknesses in Network Rail’s management of the infrastructure programme, has led to additional costs for the taxpayer.” The day before the NAO report was published (November 9), Network Rail announced that four elements of the…

The announcement of the preferred route of High Speed 2 Phase 2b on November 15 drew a largely positive response. The Trades Union Congress was quick to react, with General Secretary Frances O’Grady saying: “HS2 is a shot in the arm for the British economy. Extra capacity and modern rail infrastructure will help companies outside of London to compete globally. “Today’s announcement is not only good news for rail workers, but for companies throughout the UK supply chain. Britain’s steel workers stand ready to provide the steel needed for HS2 - all they need is for the Government to commit to buying British.” Rail Delivery Group Chief Executive Paul Plummer said: “HS2 will become a very important part of Britain’s railway for decades to come, and will play a huge…

More than 45,000 hours of railway upgrade work has been carried out between Shenfield and London Liverpool Street, during a Network Rail campaign lasting eight weekends from September until early November. NR installed more than 8.6 miles of overhead line wires. and carried out construction work at Shenfield relating to the new Crossrail operations that start there from next year. During the weekends, NR started to remodel the junction at Shenfield that will create extra capacity for passing freight and passenger trains. Station improvements for TfL Rail were carried out at Manor Park, with the existing footbridge demolished and work beginning to install a temporary structure. Meanwhile, a road bridge over the railway at Ardleigh Green (near Gidea Park) was also replaced. Additionally, signalling work was also carried out at…

“Infrastructure is a key driver of productivity and living ” standards. CAROLYN FAIRBAIRN CBI Director-General says delivery of infrastructure is more important than announcements and commitments. “ As the UK plans for post-Brexit scenarios, the role of infrastructure is more vital than ever. ” RICHARD ROBINSON Chief Executive - Civil Infrastructure, Europe, Middle East, India and Africa, at AECOM calls for focus on infrastructure delivery. “The RMT has hit a new low and is determined to cancel Christmas for the travelling public. ” SOUTHERN SPOKESMAN Operator criticises the union as more industrial action is announced. “We are determined to get both the Midlands Engine and Northern Powerhouse firing on all cylinders. ” SAJID JAVID Communities Secretary describes the importance of expected growth from HS2. “Government needs to clarify how it…

A signal at Oulton Broad North (near Lowestoft) has been moved 50 metres, meaning the level crossing barriers next to the station will not be down for as long, therefore reducing congestion in the area. “We listened to the community, who told us that they were unhappy with the current waiting times at this crossing,” said Network Rail’s Anglia Route Managing Director Richard Schofield. “Together with the train operator we’ve found a solution that benefits motorists and doesn’t increase journey times for passengers.” Work at the station also includes relocating a passenger shelter and installing a barrier directing people along the platform to a new stopping position.…

Drivers’ union ASLEF postponed a strike ballot on Southern, only a day after voting opened. It was halted for what the union called “technical reasons”. ASLEF had asked almost 1,000 members if they wanted to take industrial action in their dispute over driver-only trains. The result of the ballot was due in mid-November, raising the threat of strikes at the end of the month. It is the third time in a year that the union has failed to carry out a strike on Southern, over its plans for drivers to operate train doors and operate some additional services without guards. On two previous occasions Southern Railway obtained High Court injunctions to prevent industrial action, successfully claiming the union had acted unlawfully. Southern’s Passenger Services Director Angie Doll said it presented…

MPs on the Transport Select Committee have questioned if there had been a deliberate attempt to conceal plans to switch control of the train doors from guards to drivers. TSC Chairman Louise Ellman asked: “It appears the proposal for DOO [Driver Only Operation] was in the tender documents for the GTR franchise, but did not then appear in the public consultation for this, when it could have been discussed with the unions. Is that correct?” Peter Wilkinson, Managing Director for Passenger Services at the Department for Transport, confirmed that it was true. Ellman pressed: “DOO is very contentious. Is that why it was left out of the consultation stage? Was it deliberate?” Wilkinson responded: “I don’t believe it was because of that. We do publish a lot more information now…

Volunteer collectors were at Network Rail’s managed stations for City Poppy Days on November 2 (Birmingham), November 3 (London and Bristol), November 9 (Leeds) and November 10 (Manchester), as part of the Royal British Legion’s annual Poppy Appeal. Actress Dame Barbara Windsor recorded a special public announcement. NR Managing Director for England and Wales Phil Hufton said: “Network Rail has a long tradition of supporting our armed forces, both in employing ex-service personnel and supporting the work of the Legion.”…

Balfour Beatty (BB) is urging the Government to invest in smaller and medium-sized infrastructure projects, to boost the economy and develop skills. The calls were made in its paper Small scale, big impact, published on November 10. Pointing out that the Government could use historically low borrowing costs to invest in infrastructure, the company says: “We believe this should be spent on the kind of local infrastructure spending that would result in economic activity nationwide - ideally on ‘shovel-ready’ projects that can demonstrate they will deliver homes and jobs over the next four or five years.” Among rail recommendations, the paper advocates platform lengthening, connecting regional airports with the rail network, improving the main line through Devon and Cornwall to enhance resilience, and speeding up and expanding London Underground’s modernisation…

Extra rolling stock Government is working with Southeastern to develop the proposal and business case for additional rolling stock, Rail Minister Paul Maynard said in a Commons Written Reply to Matthew Pennycook (Labour, Greenwich and Woolwich) on November 2. A cascade of Class 377/1s from Southern to Southeastern was planned. Kiosks in Scotland ToGo Coffee Houses and W H Smith kiosks have opened at stations across Scotland - in Aberdeen, Aviemore, Ayr, Glasgow Charing Cross, Dundee, Kirkcaldy, Motherwell, Paisley Gilmour Street and Stirling - as part of a £1 million project between W H Smith and the ScotRail Alliance. Sunningdale extension Platforms at Sunningdale will be extended to accommodate ten-car trains. Work will be completed in February, says Network Rail. So far commissioning of new signalling at the station has…

Every four weeks, the Government is to publish actual performance of train operating companies (TOCs) against the contractual benchmarks. The decision follows pressure from the Commons Transport Select Committee, which wanted greater transparency on TOC performance. The Committee had been examining the performance of Govia Thameslink Railway (GTR), in the context of inquiries into passenger experience and rail franchising. In a letter to TSC Chairman Louise Ellman, Rail Minister Paul Maynard wrote that the change in approach may require existing franchise agreements to be amended. Ellman said: “As a Committee we were continuously frustrated by the lack of information on the performance of individual rail companies during our recent inquires. “GTR was a particular concern, given the abysmal service that commuters have been forced to endure.” She said the new…

A new footbridge is being installed at Waltham Cross (Hertfordshire), to replace the Trinity Lane level crossing that is due to close at the end of November. The crossing keeper will control vehicular access for traffic on the road. Network Rail decided to close the crossing this year, following several incidents including when an adult and child were nearly hit by a train. There have also been incidents of crossing users wearing headphones or using mobile phones (which could prevent them from hearing an approaching train), groups of youths loitering on the tracks, and one young person sitting and lying down on the crossing. Trains pass at 85mph, and NR says up to 700 pedestrians per day use the crossing.…

Go-Ahead Group’s three rail franchises had a mixed first quarter for the 2016-17 financial year, with Southeastern and London Midland reporting revenue and passenger journey growth, but Govia Thameslink Railway (GTR) suffering declines in both categories. On Southeastern, passenger revenue rose by an estimated 3.5%, and on London Midland by around 8%, but on GTR it fell by 3%. The number of passenger journeys rose by 1% on Southeastern and 7% on London Midland, but fell by 0.5% on GTR. Go-Ahead Group says London Midland and Southeastern are making profit share payments to the Department for Transport. However, it says strike action has “adversely affected” GTR during the period. It adds that extra resources being invested in the franchise are affecting margins in the short term, but that its expectations…

Transport Focus interviewed its millionth passenger for its National Rail Passenger Survey on November 8. Matthew Barker, who commutes from Milton Keynes Central to London Euston on London Midland, was handed his survey by TF Chief Executive Anthony Smith. The NRPS is used to determine franchise targets, transform Network Rail stations, and help the British Transport Police in terms of safety. “My daily commute needs to be as easy and as stress-free as possible. I’m glad my train looks to be on time today,” said Barker. Smith said: “As passenger numbers rise and investment continues, it is vital that the voice of rail passengers is heard. Our mission is to get the best deal for passengers. The National Rail Passenger Survey helps us make a difference and influence decisions on…

A bridge carrying the Brighton Main Line at Purley is to be replaced, in a project beginning at the end of November. Outer tracks across Old Lodge Lane sit on twin wrought iron decks dating from 1894 (when the BML was widened), while the two centre tracks are carried on a masonry arch that will not be worked on. The iron decks will be replaced with concrete and steel spans. Network Rail planned to replace the structure last Christmas, but was prevented from doing so by bad weather.…

Doubling the Felixstowe branch and closing six level crossings in the Trimley area are part of Network Rail’s plans to enable 47 freight trains per day to run on the branch. Currently 33 freights per day use the line. Richard Schofield, Network Rail’s route managing director for Anglia, said: “These improvements will be a huge boost for the UK economy and make the Felixstowe branch line more reliable for passengers, as well as easing pressure on the roads that provide access to the port. “Where level crossings are closed, we will maintain connectivity with the countryside and in some cases improve the Rights of Way network.”…

D407 entered service with British Rail in March 1968 as the eighth-built member of the 50-strong fleet. It was renumbered 50007 in April 1974 following an intermediate overhaul at Crewe Works. 50007 was named Hercules without ceremony at Laira Depot on April 6 1978. It emerged from Doncaster Works following refurbishment on February 25 1983, becoming the 41st Class 50 to go through the refurbishment programme. The most controversial aspects of 50007’s working life on BR came exactly a year after emerging from refurbishment, on February 25 1984, when it was renamed Sir Edward Elgar. The ‘50’ had been painted into GWR lined green livery as part of the GWR150 celebrations, joining four ‘47s’ also repainted and renamed as part of the BR promoted celebrations. The renaming of 50007 proved…

Southeastern Class 375/8s and ‘375/9s’ are being refurbished as part of the overall SET Class 375 refurbishment scheme. The first to re-enter traffic was 375801, which returned to Ramsgate from Derby Litchurch Lane on October 22. It was replaced in the scheme by 375802. The first four-car ‘375/9’ to move to Derby was 375909 on October 15. Since August 13, SET has taken delivery of (in order) refurbished 375712/710/714/702/713/703/709/701/715, 375609 and 375801. They are delivered weekly and each ‘375’ takes around three weeks to complete. As this issue of RAIL went to press, 375802 and 375909 were at Derby.…

Up to 25 vehicles owned by Harry Needle Railroad Company are to be disposed of. Speaking to RAIL , HNRC Managing Director Harry Needle said he was waiting for the price of scrap metal to rise before disposing of the assets. He added that some would be stripped of re-usable components before being disposed of. Needle wouldn’t confirm what assets would be affected apart from stating that 09006 would be scrapped, although its wheelsets will be retained for possible re-use or re-sale. He added that he owned 38 Class 08s and ‘09s’, and that while he was looking to acquire some of the shunters made available by DB Cargo recently ( RAIL 810, 811) that could be at the expense of some vehicles he already owns. Some Class 20s could…

Last new ‘66’ in traffic Eight months after being deliv ered to the UK, GB Railfreight 66773 has finally entered traffic. Having been stored since arrival in February, the ‘66/7’ was put to work on October 31. It’s the final ‘66’ to enter traffic. GWR ‘150’ refurbished Great Western Railway 150234 has been refurbished, including being fitted with modified interiors to meet disability regulations. The ‘150’ has been fitted with an accessible toilet, passenger information screens and grab rails.…

Siemens pioneering high speed innovations HS2 is the most hotly anticipated infrastructure development in the UK for generations. It offers an unprecedented opportunity for the UK rail industry to make a step change in its practices through the latest innovations. Across the world Siemens is innovating to create the next generation of high speed rail. With six international rolling stock customers running high speed operations spanning nine countries, Siemens can harness its significant experience and cutting edge innovations to benefit HS2. These innovations include using data monitoring and analytics additive manufacturing and even augmented reality technologies to improve rolling stock maintenance. Data Monitoring & Analytics The digitalisation of rail is accelerating. Data monitoring, analysis and diagnostics mean we can increase the reliability and availability of trains by identifying potential faults…

The Government will develop specifications for the ‘shadow operator’ element of the franchise in the Expression of Interest to be published next month, as well as in the Invitation to Tender. However, the Government expects candidates to be willing to meet the following requirements: • New markets across the West Coast corridor will be identified. • The HS2 design and build programme will be engaged with.. • Emerging technologies will be exploited. • Implementation plans for HS2 rolling stock will be developed. • There will be collaboration with Network Rail and HS2 Ltd to develop the organisational model for the delivery of services on HS2. Already it is recognised that the role is expected to evolve over time, and the new franchise has a certain amount of flexibility to accommodate…

Tram 2551 was running between Lloyd Park and Sandilands tram stops on the route from New Addington. After the Lloyd Park stop the route runs in the open for about 900 metres before entering Sandilands Tunnels. These comprise three closely-spaced tunnels totalling 512 metres in length. The route then emerges into a cutting approximately 100 metres long before the left-hand curve where the crash happened. The curve’s radius is approximately 30 metres. The alignment is not street-running, but becomes so after the Sandilands stop. The alignment through the tunnels on the approach to the curve is straight, while the track is on a gently falling gradient from the tunnel portal to the curve, before rising through the junction. There is a reflective board denoting where the start of the 12.5mph…

The Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB), Office of Rail and Road (ORR) and British Transport Police (BTP) are all carrying out separate investigations into the November 9 crash. RAIB spokesman James Hotson explained the differences to RAIL. He said that ORR will be looking into the health and safety aspect of the crash, BTP will be looking into the criminal aspects, and RAIB will be examining the causes and outcomes of the accident. Both Hotson and the BTP told RAIL that the crash was being dealt with as a rail accident, even though the driver could be prosecuted under the Highways act.…

“Rail investment in the North is at its highest level right now since tracks were first laid in the 1800s.” MARTIN FROBISHER Network Rail’s London North Western Route MD discusses improvements for the northern railway over the next few years. “It is unacceptable for Ministers to renege on promises to deliver electrification of lines time and time again.” ANDY MCDONALD Shadow Transport Secretary responds to the Government’s announcement to delay GWML electrification. “It’s good that the rail industry is considering the future of rail freight in the UK. I just hope there is a future for the industry given the severity of the current crisis.” MICK WHELAN ASLEF’s General Secretary contributes to NR’s Freight Network Study. “What a statement it will be of the revolt against the Cult of Ugliness.”…

Britain’s rail industry broadly welcomed the Government’s announcement of the West Coast Partnership (WCP) franchise, with Rail Delivery Group Chief Executive Paul Plummer saying: “The rail industry is working hard to ensure HS2 is seamlessly integrated with the existing network as one railway, and this decision is crucial to enabling that. It also signals a smooth transition when the new line opens in 2026. “HS2 will become a very important part of Britain’s railway for decades to come, and will play a huge part in managing the capacity challenge that we face. “Rail companies are investing more than £50 billion as part of the Railway Upgrade Plan to build the bigger, better, more modern railway that Britain needs to carry even more people and freight safely, quickly, reliably and efficiently.…

Transport Minister John Hayes has called for the resurrection of the Euston Arch. Transport offers a way forward regarding the “desecration of towns and cities”, he said during a speech at the Independent Transport Commission discussion evening on October 31. On the subject of building design (and highlighting HS2), he added: “We will make good the terrible damage that was done to Euston, by resurrecting the Euston Arch. “Recently I have seen its stones pulled from the River Lea, where they were ignobly dumped in 1962. I support the Euston Arch Trust’s great ambition to see those stones stand in Euston once again as part of the rebuilt arch. And we will want to plan our work in the coming weeks. What a statement it will be of the revolt…

Network Rail has confirmed details of phased improvements planned for the North West over a five-year period. Electric trains will run between Manchester and Preston via Bolton, and there will be new direct trains to Manchester Airport from the Calder Valley, running via the Ordsall Chord (due to open in December 2017). Low Moor station is also due to open next year. In 2018, major changes planned include introducing an hourly direct train from Newcastle to Manchester Airport, six trains per hour between Manchester Victoria and Rochdale, frequency and capacity improvements across the Northern network, and a ‘weekday service’ seven days a week for TransPennine Express. From 2018 until 2022 there will be improvements delivered each year, said NR. This includes improved capacity at Liverpool Lime Street for three services…

Nineteen incidents in the past five years has made Network Rail determined to close a level crossing at Willingdon Trees (near Eastbourne). NR wants to build a footbridge by May 2017, and wants to close the crossing now before someone is hurt. NR’s South East Route Managing Director John Halsall said: “We have sought permission from East Sussex County Council and will close this crossing as soon as possible. I know this will come as a shock to some, but I cannot leave this crossing open. I’m keen to work with the community to close it, so we can keep them - and their children - safe.” Incidents in the past two years include two girls sitting between the rails, very close to touching the third rail, and four incidents…

A Southern commuter train without a conductor travelled a short distance with its doors open. The incident happened just after 0600 on November 7, at Reedham station in Purley. Southern confirmed the incident on the 0554 from Tattenham Corner to London Bridge. It said there was “nothing wrong” with the train and that it was likely to have been caused by a driver mistake, releasing the brakes before the doors had shut. A spokesman said: “This allowed the train to roll downhill unpowered one coach length at low speed, before the driver realised his error. This was an unusually rare set of circumstances on a train that has run without a conductor for many years, and could have happened even if there had been a guard on board.” The Rail…

The RMT union has urged the Rail Regulator to halt changes to the role of guards, claiming they are creating “confusion and chaos”. It has written to the Office of Rail and Road voicing its serious concerns over a special notice issued to Southern drivers and On Board Supervisors. The notice states that OBS staff may - in exceptional circumstances - not be present. It also says drivers should expect OBS staff to identify any passengers on platforms who may need help. The RMT claims that the notice contradicts previous statements made by the company, with “potentially lethal” consequences. A Southern spokesman responded: “There is a world of difference between checking for someone who needs assistance and dispatching a train. “On Board Supervisors will use a key to keep their…

RAIL Minister Paul Maynard has refused to commit to electrifying the entire Midland Main Line as far north as Sheffield. During an adjournment debate in the House of Commons on November 7, led by Conservative MP for Loughborough Nicky Morgan, Maynard explained that there will be two distinct services once electrification as far as Kettering and Corby is completed by 2019 - one for commuters from there south to London, and another for long-distance travellers. This was followed on November 16 in the East Midlands Franchise Prospectus, issued by the Department for Transport, which stated: “Provisions have been made for the Midland Main Line to be electrified between Bedford and Corby by the end of 2019.” There was no other mention of electrification. Maynard claimed the current slow Sheffield morning…

The sale of GB Railfreight has been completed (RAIL 812), with the deal confirmed on November 15. EQT Infrastructure II, through an indirectly owned company within the Hector Rail group, has bought the company from Groupe Eurotunnel. “EQT’s business model is very much aligned with GB Railfreight’s, and I look forward to working closely with our new owners to support our continued growth ambitions,” said GBRf Chief Executive Officer and Founder John Smith. Bo Lerenius, Industrial Advisor to EQT and Chairman of the Hector Rail Group, said: “The focus on innovation and delivery of outstanding customer service are two key factors that make us believe that GB Railfreight is an excellent fit with Hector Rail.” GBRf was founded in 1999 and started running trains in 2001. The UK’s third largest…

NETWORK Rail must review and improve its scour management risk on its Scotland route, following the structural failure of Lamington Viaduct on December 31 2015. The recommendation is one of three made by the Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB) in its report on the incident, which closed the West Coast Main Line in the area for seven weeks until February 22 2016 ( RAIL 793, 795). Secondly, NR should review and enhance its processes for operations staff responding to defect reports where they relate to structures over or adjacent to water. The final recommendation is that NR should review and improve the management and assurance systems for all control centre processes relating to the safety of railway infrastructure used by the Scotland Route. The RAIB’s investigation found that the immediate…

Plans are in place for a major recast of the Manchester Metrolink timetable, as a result of the Second City Crossing (2CC) opening early next year. Changes approved by Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) involve extending Manchester Airport services beyond Cornbrook to Deansgate initially, and eventually Victoria. Trams to Rochdale and Oldham to and from East Didsbury would also use 2CC. The changes were agreed at a TfGM Committee meeting on November 11. TfGM wants to run trams seven days a week between Altrincham and Piccadilly, Bury and Piccadilly, East Didsbury and Rochdale Town Centre, and Eccles and Ashtonunder-Lyne, with additional trams running from 0700-1900 on Monday to Saturday linking Altrincham and Bury, East Didsbury and Shaw & Crompton, and MediaCityUK and Etihad Campus. TfGM Committee Chairman Andrew Fender said:…

ESG is to supply, install and commission forward-facing closed circuit television (FFCCTV) cameras to London Midland Class 323 and ‘350’ fleets, in a turnkey contract. The deal also includes fitting CCTV to the operator’s Class 323 fleets and fitting a pantograph camera to a single Class 350/1 vehicle. In total, 26 Class 323 and 40 Class 350 vehicles will receive FFCTV equipment. ESG will train operations and maintenance staff, and provide 3G/4G data SIM cards. It will also provide WiFi connection facilities enabling train-to-shore communications at King’s Heath and Soho maintenance depots and at Northampton station and River Sidings.…

Trains will be running on the Halton Curve from December 2018, Rail Minister Paul Maynard said in a Commons Written Reply to Derek Twigg (Labour, Halton). “Merseytravel is managing the development and delivery, via Network Rail, of the devolved Halton Curve scheme on behalf of the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority,” he said. “Construction work on the scheme is expected to begin in June 2017 and be complete by spring 2018. Merseytravel anticipates that services will commence between Liverpool and Chester at the December 2018 timetable change, following the finalisation of agreements with operators and staff training.”…

Northern 156469 was named The Royal Northumberland Fusiliers (The Fighting Fifth) at Newcastle Central on November 11. The Royal Northumberland Fusiliers regiment was founded in 1674 as the Fifth Regiment of Foot, becoming a fusilier regiment in 1836. It served in many major conflicts including both world wars and the Korean War. In 1968 it was merged with the three other English fusilier regiments to form the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers. It still retains an Army Reserve Battalion in Newcastle, continuing the traditions of the ‘Fighting Fifth’. The ‘156’ also carries posters explaining the history of the regiment. Deltic D9011 previously carried The Royal Northumberland Fusiliers name between 1961 and 1981.…

Murphy has completed most of the 480 piled foundations on the £133 million Gospel Oak-Barking electrification project, and says it is “progressing well” with the installation of 78 pre-cast parapet beams. The contractor has also completed 90 of 97 steel brackets on the viaduct from Wood Grange Park to Leytonstone, and carried out slope reinforcing work before lowering tracks and upgrading signals and telecommunications on five sections of track on the route. The project has also involved the laying of pre-cast concrete slabs and installing foundations for electrification masts along the route.…

Investing in infrastructure from the South Coast to London is vital to a region contributing £48.5 billion to the UK, says a letter sent by the Coast to Capital Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) to Secretary of State for Transport Chris Grayling. The LEP, acting on behalf of the business community and residents along the Brighton Main Line (BML), is urging Government investment in the long-term development of the infrastructure and services. It is asking Grayling to address the urgency of bringing forward investment in the railway, so that it can support growth in Brighton and Hove, Crawley, Gatwick, Croydon, and across West Sussex and East Surrey. Businesses and employers across the region are dependent on reliable and effective rail services to help drive the economy, the letter adds. “The LEP,…

A new carbon-savings calculator is being used at Birmingham New Street station, to demonstrate emissions reductions resulting from its connection to the Birmingham District Energy Scheme. Both the station and the John Lewis store above the station are supplied with low-carbon heating generated by a combined heat and power (CHP) plant. It generates power on-site using excess heat to provide warmth. The station and the store are supplied with heat from an energy centre on Broad Street, and will connect to a newly-constructed CHP plant that is in its final stages of construction on the station roof.…

WESTERN Broadway: The Gloucestershire Warwickshire Railway’s northern extension is now within sight of the station. Tracklaying crossed the Worcestershire boundary near Little Buckland at the end of October, and is now just three-quarters of a mile short of its target. Passenger services are scheduled to start in 2018. Chinnor: CEMEX, owner of the cement works next to the Chinnor & Princes Risborough Railway’s headquarters station, issued a ten-day eviction notice on October 31 for the removal of seven items of rolling stock on its land. The company has not revealed whether the land is wanted for redevelopment. Plymouth: A new bridge is being built to extend the walking and cycle route to the city centre, using the old railway alignment from Plymstock. It already uses the Laira Bridge, whose restoration…

East Midlands Trains 158783 is the first refreshed Class 158 in traffic with the operator. The two-car diesel multiple units are undergoing a refresh programme at Wabtec Rail’s Brush Traction Loughborough facility. The work includes creating an extra wheelchair spare and fitting lowered door buttons to cater for disabled passengers. New passenger information screens have also been fitted internally, as have at-seat USB sockets. Better signage has been fitted, and the DMUs are being fitted with vacuum toilets and retention tanks. EMT Engineering Director Chris Wright said: “These incremental improvements to the Class 158 trains demonstrate our commitment to providing a great customer environment on board our trains. They will help to add even more comfort and value to our customers. “We will continue to look at ways to further…

AFTER more than ten years in BR green, 40135 is set to be repainted into BR blue. The Class 40 Preservation Society (CFPS) has moved the locomotive from the East Lancashire Railway to the Barrow Hill workshops of Harry Needle Railroad Company for welding repairs, prior to the locomotive moving to LORAM at Derby for the repaint. The ‘40’ returned to service on the ELR earlier this year following an 18-month refurbishment by the CFPS. However, it requires specialist welding repairs to the roof, headcode panels and various other areas of the bodywork before it can be repainted. Agreement was reached with HNRC to carry out the necessary repairs at Barrow Hill, and the ‘40’ was hauled to Barrow Hill on October 27 by the CFPS’ main line-registered Class 40,…

Direct Rail Services 37682 moved to C F Booth’s for scrapping on October 26, and it was dismantled by the end of the month. The Class 37/5 was stored by DRS in October 2014, and has since donated components to other DRS ‘37s’ at LORAM’s Derby workshops. The ‘37/5’ was delivered to Landore at the end of April 1964 as D6936. It was renumbered 37236 in March 1974, and was converted to 37682 in March 1987. It was withdrawn by EWS in December 2004, and bought by Harry Needle Railroad Company in November 2007. HNRC sold it to DRS in 2008, and entered traffic in January 2009. Other stored DRS ‘37s’ at LORAM with a bleak future are 37194 (stored January 2015) and 37413 (stored December 2000 by EWS). Both…

“The project is out of control. What were all those civil servants doing instead of minding the project? They have got it dreadfully wrong.” Christopher Irwin, TravelWatch SouthWest “This is a case study in how not to manage a major programme.” That’s the damning conclusion of the National Audit Office. Large elements of the Great Western Route Modernisation may not now be completed until 2024. isambard Kingdom Brunel built the entire route from London to Bristol in less time than it is taking to put up the wires… and he did it with navvies, shovels and wheelbarrows.in both time and money, this is an overrun of spectacular proportions. The National Audit Office (NAO) report destroys the credibility of those at the Department for Transport and at Network Rail who have…

I was surprised to read the article about Network Rail’s materials recovery team (RAIL 810), being unaware that any such organisation existed. It is a pity one of the three reported depots cannot stretch their area to clear much of the Network Rail trackside rubbish along the South coast between Bournemouth and Hastings. If their trackside housekeeping is symbolic of their equipment’s maintenance, I am not surprised they have endless signal failures, point failures, power failures, level crossing failures, engineering equipment breakdowns resulting in over-running line closure, and so on. The latest ‘excuse’ is a track defect that entails slow running because the track is being inspected. In this part of the railway system we have endless miles of replaced rail line between the running rails or piled up alongside.…

HIGH-SPEEd rail links to Liverpool could deliver a £15 billion boost to the region’s economy, as well as 20,000 jobs, 10,000 homes and an extra 2.9 million visitors per year, according to new research commissioned by the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority (LCRCA). The research was timed to coincide with the release of HS2 Ltd’s report Changing Britain: HS2 taking root (see Network News), which noted that LCRCA is calling for integration between HS2 and Northern Powerhouse Rail (sometimes also known as HS3), to give Liverpool high-speed links both from north to south and east to west. “Joining Liverpool to HS2 via Northern Powerhouse Rail is vital for our future prosperity, and we strongly welcome that this HS2 report recognises the importance of this to Liverpool City Region,” said Mayor…

• Rail Minister Paul Maynard: “I want to be very clear that this is a new type of franchise, requiring a new kind of approach to bidding. “A unique feature of this competition is that the winning bidding group will have superior transformational expertise across all rail operational and customer service disciplines.” • Patrick McCall, co-chairman of Virgin Trains: “There are huge advantages in having continuity of service during HS2’s critical enabling works – both up to the start of the new franchise in 2019 and beyond. “We firmly believe the franchise system has brought unparalleled success to the UK rail industry, with public-private partnerships between government and franchisees like Virgin Trains delivering success, innovation and growth that would simply never have happened under public ownership.” • Rail Delivery Group…

“We have the skills to do what is required for high speed in the UK.,,Iain Anderson, Executive Development Director, Colas Rail Colas Rail was formed when Seco Rail and AMEC Spie Rail were merged in January 2008. This brought the skills and expertise of what were already two top engineering companies into one body. Prior to that, Seco Rail was a leader in track maintenance and renewal, line construction, and urban transport which had been bought by Colas in 2000. After the merger, and the subsequent acquisition of Pullman Rail in 2012, Colas Rail has provided a broad range of specialist services to the UK rail industry, including: • High output and conventional track renewals • Multi-disciplinary rail systems project delivery • In-house rail systems design capability • Asset management…

EAST MIDLANDS An HS2 Growth Strategy for the East Midlands will complement the wider project being undertaken by the Midlands Connect Partnership to ensure the region is ready for the arrival of a station between Nottingham and Derby at Toton, and infrastructure maintenance depot at Staveley, near Chesterfield. Proposals include linking the station to the motorway network and classic rail and tram networks to secure journey times of just ten minutes to their respective city centres. LEEDS Leeds Chamber of Commerce sees HS2 as a ‘once in a lifetime’ opportunity to redevelop the city’s station, already the busiest in northern England, into an integrated hub for HS2. The adjacent Southbank regeneration initiative will double the size of Leeds city centre, and is expected to provide 35,000 jobs across key sectors…