One of the last two slam door units that were in use on the national network has been saved for preservation.
Unit 1497 Freshwater has been purchased from South West Trains by the Freshwater Preservation Group and will be based at the Mid Norfolk Railway. Units 1497 and 1498 were withdrawn earlier this year after a farewell day on the Lymington branch, which saw thousands of enthusiasts turn out to travel on them for one last time.
RAIL UNION RMT confirmed this morning that it is re-focusing its campaign to retain Guards on Scotrail services, and its opposition to the extension of Driver Only Operation, through a renewed legal and political drive.
The legal challenge will be based on the failure of Scotrail to adhere to a binding agreement with RMT not to extend Driver Only Operations which was signed off back in 2001. The union has concrete legal opinion that the 2001 agreement is still absolutely valid.
RMT will also be stepping up the political campaign, targeted at the Scottish Government, to enforce the current franchise agreement on safe staffing levels on their services which are compromised by the profit-driven dash to Driver Only Operation. The political campaign will also address the on-going scandal of indemnities paid out from precious taxpayer funds to prop up Scotrail’s strike-breaking operations.
RMT has stood down the current campaign of industrial action to allow for a concentration of energies on the legal and political objectives.
RMT General Secretary Bob Crow said:
“Our members on Scotrail have shown their determination to defend the safety-critical role of the Guard on their services and to stop the profit-driven dash to extend Driver Only Operation.
“Our campaign continues and at a time when we are entering a new phase of ConDem Government cuts it is right for us to regroup in light of the further attacks on rail safety and rail workers jobs that we know are being mapped out behind closed doors.
“The fight to defend the Guards on Scotrail services was always about putting public safety above private profit and that fight is right at the heart of RMT’s national Keep the Guard – Keep the Train Safe campaign as we move into an autumn of unprecedented spending cuts”.
TUBE UNION RMT today demanded a full external investigation into an escalator fire at Euston station four weeks ago where smoke detection systems failed and the station was only safely evacuated through the experience and vigilance of station-based staff. RMT have this morning referred the matter to the safety regulator the Office of Rail Regulation (ORR).
The Euston fire, which has close parallels with the Kings Cross disaster in 1987 one stop up the line, was caused by mechanical friction in the closed chamber underneath an escalator igniting accumulated dust. The incident happened on the 6th July.
Fire detection systems failed and the smoke was spotted by staff members who activated the manual evacuation procedure and closed the station averting a potential disaster. RMT is pointing out that it’s those very staff who are among the 800 jobs that are currently under threat from Boris Johnson’s cuts and which are subject to a current ballot for industrial action.
London Fire Brigade have formally raised the failure of fire detection systems to activate in an internal incident report.
RMT General Secretary Bob Crow said:
“Anyone who is in any doubt as to why we are balloting for action over the threat to safety-critical tube station jobs only needs to look at the incident report into the Euston escalator fire four weeks ago. Fire detection systems failed and it was only the vigilance and experience of station-based staff that averted what could have been a major disaster.
“Not only should Mayor Boris Johnson now call an immediate halt to the station job cuts programme but there should also be a full, external investigation into the fire detection systems on escalators across the tube network which failed at Euston on the 6th of July.
“RMT will tolerate no cover-ups when it comes to tube safety and we are wholly opposed to those responsible for these failures effectively investigating themselves. 23 years after the Kings Cross fire we should have learnt the lesson that there can be no compromise when it comes to safety across London Underground.”
FirstGroup, the leading transport operator in the UK and North America, has published its 2009/10 CSR Report.
The Aberdeen based company revealed that it has reduced its carbon dioxide emissions, increased lifelong learning opportunities for staff and improved safety performance across its operations.
Sir Moir Lockhead, Chief Executive of FirstGroup, said: “Our business is built around our core values of safety and customer service with CSR at the heart. CSR issues guide our successful delivery of public transport services today and ensure they start to meet society’s future needs.
“Despite a challenging economic environment in the last 12 months, I am very pleased that we can point to such a positive CSR Report and one that demonstrates our improving performance.”
First’s five key CSR areas are:
1. Safety – Injury Prevention
2. Customer service; delivering the promise
3. Valuing employees
4. Minimising environmental impact
5. Community engagement
Sir Moir Lockhead added: “I am particularly proud of our progress and commitment to reducing our carbon footprint.”
Since the introduction of its carbon reduction programme in 2006, First has reduced its carbon dioxide emissions per kilometre in its UK Rail Division by an average of 6%. Its UK Bus division has achieved a 5.8% reduction in emissions per passenger kilometre in the last two years. First has fitted its UK bus fleet with DriveGreen, driver advisory systems to help drivers drive more safely and fuel efficiently. First was also the first train operator to introduce equivalent systems.
Energy usage in First’s buildings has reduced by 4.3% in UK Bus and 2.3% in Rail, whilst across the UK, waste recycling levels have improved by 7%. During the last 12 months in the UK, First has reduced its total water usage by more than 50,000m3 and the carbon emissions associated with business air travel by 57%.
“The achievements highlighted in the CSR Report are testament to the quality and commitment of our staff right across the Group. We will always strive for improvement and look forward to reporting further successes in 2011,” Sir Moir Lockhead added.
Other highlights of the CSR report include:
An employee from FirstGroup, Britain’s biggest transport operator is itching to get back in the saddle after an adventurous charity bike ride to Brussels left him battered and bruised.
Alastair Sexton Jones, Rail IS Programme Manager cycled 310 miles from London to Brussels as part of a 20-bike convoy all raising money for different charities.
On day three, Alastair suffered an unfortunate 25mph crash as he checked on the fortunes of another rider. He sustained deep tissue leg injuries, a frozen shoulder and whip-lash. Luckily there was a qualified doctor with the group but even so Alastair had difficulty in walking for a couple of days. Despite the pain, he courageously carried on cycling, determined not to let down his charity; the Railway Children, for whom he has raised £2,500 including a generous donation from First’s Charity Committee.
Even before the accident, it was not all plain sailing. Alastair unfortunately over-shot one of the signposts at speed and got lost in the middle of the Belgian countryside. Fortunately, he managed to find his way and make up the time (unlike one rider who went missing for four hours after failing to follow directions.)
Alastair commented: “It was a great adventure and tougher than expected –Holland and Belgium are flat, but riding against the wind and rain was a struggle at times.
“My injuries are healing well – but the pain of spending 35 hours in the saddle is still fresh in my memory!
“I will definitely do it again, perhaps the year after next, so as to give my sponsors the chance to save up!”.
Kate Lamb, the North West representative on First’s Charity Committee, congratulated Alastair and said; “we are always pleased when we can support our staff in their fund-raising efforts especially when they are helping the community. Well done to Alastair. The Railway Children does a fantastic job in helping children who unfortunately risk their lives living around the world’s railways.”
Alastair, 50, is married with one 10 year old son and lives in Glossop. He has worked for First for almost six years. He has always been a keen cyclist but lost his father-in-law to Alzheimers in 2009 and decided to do something useful with his holidays and so rode to Paris to raise awareness of the disease. He is always riding one of his five bikes and continuously trains to keep fit.
The Railway Children provides help to children in need, hardship or distress and in particular to those living on railway stations in the UK and across three continents. Donations can be made at www.justgiving.com/railwaychildren.
Alastair was awarded funding to donate to The Railway Children by FirstGroup’s Sponsorship and Charity Committee. The Committee comprises 12 members of staff based throughout Britain and considers requests for funding and gifts from groups and organisations across the country. For further information on the Committee please visit www.firstgroup.com
This week has been a landmark for Manchester’s Metrolink system as contractors were appointed to construct new Metrolink lines to Oldham and Rochdale town centres and to Manchester Airport via Wythenshawe.
GMPTE has appointed MPact-Thales (MPT) to design, construct and maintain the three new tram lines.
In addition to the 48 new trams ordered for Greater Manchester’s expanding Metrolink network, 14 new trams are being procured to serve the extensions to Manchester Airport and Oldham and Rochdale town centres, bringing the total number of trams on order with Bombardier to 62.
David Leather, Chief Executive of GMPTE, said: “Following the approval of funding support from AGMA and GMITA, we have concluded negotiations for the delivery of the long awaited expansion of the Metrolink network.
“Contracts have now been signed for new lines to Manchester Airport and the town centres of Oldham and Rochdale, adding to the construction that is already underway from Manchester through Droylsden to Ashton, from Manchester through Chorlton to East Didsbury and the conversion of the former heavy rail line to Rochdale via Oldham.
“This milestone in Metrolink history will see the system almost treble compared to today’s network.
“With the support of our Delivery Partner, Parsons Brinckerhoff, and the experience of MPT, we are confident of successful delivery of the new lines.”
MPT, a consortium of Laing O’Rourke, VolkerRail and Thales UK, has already begun work on the three new lines and it is anticipated that trams will be running to Oldham and Rochdale town centres during spring 2014 and to Manchester Airport during mid 2016.
Bryan Diggins, MPT Project Director, said: “It is a great achievement for the consortium to continue working together on this critical project. This award will allow us to complete the original vision for Manchester, providing the vital link from the urban areas of the city to the Airport, and essential town centre links for both Oldham and Rochdale.”
Nick Flew, Managing Director of Parsons Brinckerhoff Europe, said: “We are very proud to be integral to the expansion of Greater Manchester’s iconic Metrolink network and this latest landmark, further improving transport facilities for the region.“
Burton-on-Trent based, ETS Workforce Ltd, is celebrating its 20th year in business, this summer. From a standing start the company now supplies engineering, commercial and industrial staff around the UK and globally. Success is all down to the quality of the people ETS attracts, says General Manager, Mark Heathcote. ‘We owe our success to the invaluable support of our clients and especially to all of the people who we have found work for over the years. They really are a cut above the competition and many return to us when they are in need of our services. We are looking forward to working with them over the next 20 years.’
The company was established in 1990 to provide a bespoke engineering recruitment, design and project management to the rail and power industries. Mark and his team have expanded their portfolio to include commercial and industrial recruitment as well as maintaining their origins in engineering. ETS now provides staff on both a temporary and permanent basis to clients from all market sectors in the UK and world-wide. ‘In 2003 we started an ETS On Site Service,’ says Mark. ‘We provide and staff up an ETS office on your premises and our people there work solely for that client. Talk about a seamless service – we really are only an open door away. This has proved very popular.’
ETS has always provided an all round recruitment service to its clients. Types of staff provided include both skilled and semi-skilled blue collar technical and industrial staff and office workers together with more senior level positions, providing a complete recruitment package – a ‘one stop shop’ for all recruitment needs.
The company prides itself on the skills and experience of its staff which is borne out by the fact that the collective industry experience of its in house team is well over one hundred years. Adds Mark, ‘We are really very proud of fact that we have been operating for as long as we have. To be in business for 20 years, especially in an industry as competitive as recruitment is a real achievement and I’d like to thank all our people who made it possible and continue to deliver every day. We may be having a bit of a wet summer– but the sun shining at ETS all right.’
Whether you are a company looking for staff or an individual looking for work please contact the team on (01283) 515511
A new £1.6m wash plant has opened at London Midland’s Tyseley depot. The new facility replaces a much older washer that was coming to the end of its working life, and compliments the depot’s underframe washer that was commissioned in 2007.
Network Rail has funded the new wash plant and it is leased back to London Midland.
The washer has 3 settings: no wash, wash-detergent and wash-acid. Each Tyseley based train will pass through the washer at least once every 48 hours.
As the £7million renovation of Sunderland train station nears completion, the final touches are being made with the installation of a revolutionary piece of public art to one of the station’s 144 meter long platforms.
The Sunderland train station refurbishment commissioned by Network Rail and Nexus, and designed by one of the North East’s most recognised architectural firms Sadler Brown, has taken just 12 months to complete.
Since its high-profile rebuild in the 1960s following a bomb attack in World War II the station had become tired and dated. The renovation was earmarked as part of Nexus, Network Rail, Northern Rail and Grand Central’s commitment to providing first class rail services for passengers in the North East.
The renovation project saw Sadler Brown Architecture design, manage and implement a concept that significantly increased the amount of light reaching the underground station. Adding suspended ceilings, installing heated waiting areas and improving access have been key components of the overall design.
Sadler Brown was also instrumental in the appointment of artists to work on the station’s public art displays. The station’s ‘lost and found’ theme is continued in the latest piece of art which is due to be unveiled in August. The animated “light wall” situated on the west wall of the station was created by international artist Jason Bruges Studios and centres around a ‘hidden’ platform that was formerly used by the post office. The piece offers passengers an imaginative insight into the station’s history.
A glass block wall covering the platform will act as simplified pixel video screen, revealing the station’s past by projecting lights that portray movement and give the illusion that people are boarding trains arriving at the station. A sensor system registers the arrival of trains and the light wall responds accordingly by showing activity.
David Benison from Sadler Brown said: “Everyone involved in the project was keen to incorporate some public art into the station’s design – the whole concept behind the regeneration was to bring some pride back into the station and we wanted something unique to make it stand out.
“We thought it would be a shame to hide the station’s history so suggested the platform became a pinnacle piece of the overall design. Having sat on the committee to choose an artist, Jason Bruges’ suggestion stood out. The idea of bringing the platform back to life fits perfectly with our design and builds on the concept of finding the platform, the station and a sense of pride.”
Sadler Brown has a proven track record of train station architecture having already received awards for its work on St Peters’ Metro station which was commissioned after the route was extended to Sunderland in 2000. The team are also responsible for the successful development of the Metro’s Haymarket Hub station which was opened by HRH Princess Anne in March this year.
In addition, Sadler Brown is an integral part of the design team driving forward Nexus’ £350million reinvigoration of the Metro Rail System which is currently in its first phase of development.
Sunderland train station is unique in that it operates both major train lines to London as well as local Tyne and Wear Metro services. It is the only station in the UK to accept both light and heavy rail transport on the same platform.
Alastair Bell, director of Sadler Brown Architecture said: “It has been great to be involved in such an exciting project from the start. The station was in desperate need of an upgrade and the design had to take a host of elements into account such as passenger comfort, accessibility, safety and long term maintainability to ensure the stations long-term future.
“The design team made a commitment from the start that we wouldn’t close the station at any stage of the transformation, so a lot of consideration has been put into logistics and ensuring the work did not interfere with a full passenger service. The station now offers a relaxing and practical environment and is a gateway to the city that residents can be proud of.”
– Government urged to consider regional dimension in determining funding cuts –
A new report for pteg by finance and business advisors Grant Thornton UK LLP, shows that unprotected areas of the transport budget could be facing devastating cuts.
The report shows that if transport takes a disproportionate hit, and if areas of the transport budget continue to enjoy high levels of protection (such as London and national rail) then unprotected areas of transport spend (like local transport outside London) could be decimated.
The report sets out three scenarios for unprotected transport spending (which includes local transport outside London). In all three scenarios by 2014/15 capital spend falls by nearly 90%, whilst revenue spending falls by between 56% and 85%.
The report can be downloaded at:
<http://www.pteg.net/NR/rdonlyres/3B1DCAA1-0452-4E27-A825-B0B883130941/0/GovernmentspendingcutsGTreportFINAL.pdf>
Chair of pteg, Neil Scales, said:
‘We understand that we are living in tough times for public spending and that hard choices will have to be made. This analysis shows how much care will need to be taken in the spending review to ensure that the regional dimension is factored in – otherwise we could be looking at the regions taking a disproportionate and divisive share of the spending reductions.’
‘The potential reductions in revenue spend are particularly alarming. We have a legal duty to fund the free pass for older and disabled people – whatever it costs. So any reductions in revenue will hit hard the other frontline services we provide – such as concessions for children and younger people, bus stations, and lifeline bus services.’
Neil Scales added:
‘We recognise we will need to do more for less and we are already making efficiencies accordingly. However, if the spending review can get the balance right between London and the regions, and between local transport and other areas of transport spend, then we will be in a far better position to keep frontline big city transport services in place.’
Partner and Head of Transport at Grant Thornton’s Government and Infrastructure Advisory practice, Will McWilliams said:
‘As the coalition government does not consider public transport a front-line service, it will have to take its share of the cuts required to reduce the budget deficit and national debt. However, it is imperative that any under-investment in transport does not come at the cost of jeopardising the economic competitiveness of our core cities and regions.’
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