Rail Intelligence
This newsletter is provided with the compliments of SkyBlue, all details are for information purposes only, please consult with your own company procedures and line managers on any points of issue
Previous Issues
January 2010
February 2010
March 2010
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April 2010
1) Manchester Metrolink to grow again
2) Franchise system a mess say MPs
3) Level Crossings: A Safe Passage For Road And Rail
4) Don’t miss the 2010 National Rail Angling Championship
5) Rail watchdog raises safety fears over maintenance plans
6) SkyBlue Birmingham to host Open Day
7) New York to host New Rail Trends Conference
8) Trouble and strife for £5.5bn Thameslink
9) Tickets for RailStaff Awards now on sale!
10) See the Railways Golden Age in Pictures
Manchester Metrolink to grow again
Two further extensions to Manchester Metrolink have been authorised by the DfT, and talks are underway on the construction of another new line which would bring trams to Manchester Airport.
Transport Minister Sadiq Khan has announced the approval of plans to extend Metrolink from Droylsden to Ashton-under-Lyne in Tameside and from Chorlton to East Didsbury in South Manchester. Work on four other extensions is already under way. These will serve MediaCityUK at Salford Quays, Chorlton, Droylsden and the former heavy rail line through Oldham Mumps to Rochdale station.
Franchise system a mess say MPs
The franchise system is “creaking at the edges” senior MP Norman Baker said today (Monday) after a damning Parliamentary report condemned it as a mess. But the Prime Minister rejected suggestions that the renationalisation of the entire network is now inevitable, after National Express Group said it may default on its flagship East Coast inter-city rail service later this year. The government will take over the running of the line until it can be re-franchised.
Level Crossings: A Safe Passage For Road And Rail
The number of incidents of misuse at level crossings has continued to escalate in the UK. Alex Hawkes talks to Siemens' John Newton to find out what new technology is being developed to tackle the problem. Figures published in March 2010 by UK rail operator Network Rail revealed that as many as three motorists a week continue to break the law at level crossings, narrowly avoiding a fatal collision with a train. In total, 3,200 incidents of misuse were recorded at level crossings in the UK in 2009.
Rail watchdog raises safety fears over maintenance plans
Office of Rail Regulation criticises Network Rail's recent performance, saying too many passengers were left in the dark about services during the prolonged cold snap in January The rail regulator has raised safety concerns about the network, after warning that senior managers could be overworked under untested maintenance proposals that could threaten more delays on the troubled west coast main line.
SkyBlue Birmingham to host Open Day
The open day is being held as a result of an increased volume of requests for rail work. Rail workers can stop by and register at the rail depot at the Old Railway Yard, Duddeston, B7 4QS at 8th April at 11.00am. Contact Sarah Tipper for further details. Tel: 07891 568735 Sarah.Tipper@carillionplc.com
New York to host New Rail Trends Conference
If you’re interested in fleet dynamics, trends and financial management then the 2010 Rail Trends Conference is where you should be on the 28th – 29th September.
RailTrends is supported by two rail industry thought leaders; Progressive Railroading magazine and Senior Transportation Analyst Tony Hatch. The Information Leader for the Railroad Industry - Progressive Railroading is aimed at industry executives and managers from a cross section of disciplines including railroads, rail transit systems, private car lines, car and locomotive builders, repair shops and shippers. Reporting covers critical industry areas: freight, transit, mechanical, engineering, communications & signalling, finance, labor and technology.
Trouble and strife for £5.5bn Thameslink
Thameslink has endured a trying first year. Late delivery of new trains, driver disputes and bad weather that reduced punctuality to less than 20% have over-shadowed what is a hugely ambitious, massively important and very exciting multibillion-pound project. More delays have recently been announced, this time by the Department for Transport regarding the delivery of about 1,300 new coaches, while the possible change of plans at London Bridge (RAIL 640) means that the project will now be delivered in December 2016… a year late.
Tickets for RailStaff Awards now on sale!
Book your tickets before 1st August for only £55 per person, a £10 discount on each ticket! This years Awards event will be held at the ICC, Birmingham on Saturday 23rd October 2010 with entertainment from Pop impresario and railway entrepreneur, Pete Waterman.
