CLEARANCE WORK FOR METROLINK TO OLDHAM & ROCHDALE STARTS THIS MONTH
Manchester Metrolink – Sunday 16th November 2008
Clearance work to make way for the Metrolink extension to Oldham and Rochdale is due to start on the disused Smedley Viaduct later this month. Trees, hedgerows and shrubs along the top of the viaduct are due to be cleared by contractors.
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PHOTO REPORT: METROLINK CITY CENTRE TRACKWORK
Manchester Metrolink – Sunday 16th November 2008
Another photo report from the City Centre trackwork on Manchester Metrolink between Piccadilly Gardens and Piccadilly Station. Plus other Metrolink news updates.
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NO BACKING FOR METRO CITY CENTRE EXTENSION FROM COUNCIL LEADER
Midland Metro – Sunday 16th November 2008
The leader of Birmingham City Council – Cllr Mike Whitby – has refused to give his backing for the extension of Midland Metro from Snow Hill to Five Ways via the city centre during a video press conference in China. He was asked three times during the conference whether the tram extension through the city centre would be a priority if the money was in place and each time he did not give any backing towards the plan.
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NEW TIMETABLE FOR TRAMLINK
London Tramlink – Sunday 16th November 2008
London Tramlink services are now operating a revised timetable, with slightly reduced frequencies on the Elmers End and Beckenham Junction routes. In addition the revised tram map omits route numbers with colours used instead – a darker green for the Wimbledon-New Addington service and a slightly lighter shade of green for services round the Croydon loop to Elmers End and Beckenham Junction.
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CROYDON COUNCIL BLAME GOVERNMENT AND NOT BORIS FOR TRAMLINK EXTENSION AXE
London Tramlink – Sunday 16th November 2008
Croydon Council – run by the Conservatives – have laid the blame for the axing of the proposed extensions of Tramlink at the door of the Labour government – rather than fellow Conservative, Mayor of London Boris Johnson. Croydon Council’s leader, Cllr Mike Fisher, said that a lack of government funding for improving the Underground and building Crossrail left Boris with no choice but to abandon expansion plans.
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DISAPPOINTMENT & PLEASURE IN CRYSTAL PALACE OVER TRAMLINK EXTENSION AXE
London Tramlink – Sunday 16th November 2008
Crystal Palace has seen a mixed reaction over the news that the Tramlink extension to their town has been axed with many traders being disappointed whilst members of a local association pleased that the tram will not now cut through the Crystal Palace Park.
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DLR ANNOUNCE SERVICE CHANGE FROM MONDAY 17TH NOVEMBER
Docklands Light Railway – Sunday 16th November 2008
The Docklands Light Railway have announced that a service change will be implemented from Monday 17th November to improve train frequencies on their temporary timetable. Quite what the service change is, is anyone’s guess as it isn’t mentioned in the Press Release! The temporary timetable was introduced last month in an effort to maintain reliability during an intensive period of signalling and infrastructure upgrades.
Source: Docklands Light Railway
DLR DISRUPTION AS BANK STATION CLOSED
Docklands Light Railway – Sunday 16th November 2008
DLR services were unable to operate to Bank station on Tuesday 11th November due to faulty equipment at the station. The fault was in the fans at the station and London Underground and Metronet had to repair this before trains were allowed back into the station. All other DLR services were unaffected by the issue.
Source: Docklands Light Railway
MAN INJURED AFTER FALLING ON BOARD TRAM
London Tramlink – Sunday 16th November 2008
A man was injured after slipping and falling on board a tram in George Street, central Croydon on Saturday 8th November. The incident happened at approximately 0945 and the man suffered neck and back injuries following the fall. He was taken to hospital for treatment of his injuries.
Source: This is Croydon Today
SUPERTRAM ELECTRICITY TO COME FROM RENEWABLE SOURCES
South Yorkshire Supertram – Sunday 16th November 2008
South Yorkshire Supertram – along with other parts of the Stagecoach Group – are to source its electricity requirements from renewable sources in a drive for a cleaner environment and lowering the carbon footprint. The electricity will be purchased through Opus Energy who are committed to offering UK businesses cheaper electricity by purchasing from renewable or greener power sources. The use of renewable sources of electricity is only part of Supertram’s drive to be greener – various internal projects have also been introduced including heating and lighting controls, power saving units and waste compaction.
Source: South Yorkshire Supertram
TRAMS THE LOSER IN TFL 10 YEAR PLAN
London Trams & Light Rail – Sunday 9th November 2008
The news that many feared, and expected, was released this week by Transport for London – most tram and light rail projects in the capital will not now be going ahead because of a huge hole in funding partly due to the current economic climate. Schemes axed include the Cross River Tram, Crystal Palace extension to Tramlink, Oxford Street Tram and DLR Dagenham Dock extension.
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TFL 10 YEAR PLAN REACTION: ANGER OVER TRAM ABANDONMENT
London Trams & Light Rail – Sunday 9th November 2008
The news that all forthcoming tram projects in London have been abandoned in the latest TfL 10 year business plan has been met with general anger in those areas affacted with Mayor of London Boris Johnson accused of “abandoning outer regions of London”.
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RAILCOACH 679 FINAL TOUR DETAILS REVEALED
Blackpool & Fleetwood Tramway – Sunday 9th November 2008
The Lancastrian Transport Trust have announced that the farewell tour of Blackpool Railcoach 679 will take place on Saturday 29th November 2008, before a start is made on its restoration to original style. Between 1000 and 1500, 679 and Coronation 304 will operate between Tower and Thornton Gate on a half hourly basis for booked ticket holders only with interchange available at Bispham. At 1545 both cars will meet at Bispham for a trip to Fleetwood, Starr Gate and Foxhall then back to depot. Tickets will cost £10 (£5 for under 18s) and this allows unlimited travel on both cars. Further details – and a booking form are available at the link below.
Source: Lancastrian Transport Trust
PLANS REVEALED OF TRAMS FOR LEICESTER
Leicester – Sunday 9th November 2008
The Co-op have produced outline plans for a tramway which would link a new eco-town they wish to build south east of Leicester to Leicester City Centre. Trams would take just 15 minutes to travel the complete distance and Co-op are estimating that just £300 million would be needed to build the line.
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MIDLAND METRO CELEBRATE LIGHT RAIL AWARD
Midland Metro – Sunday 9th November 2008
The latest edition of the Tramlines newsletter has been released on the Midland Metro website. Read on to read about celebrations for Midland Metro following the Light Rail awards and a forthcoming customer survey.
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SPECIAL POPPY TRAM RUNS THROUGH GREATER MANCHESTER
Manchester Metrolink – Sunday 9th November 2008
A special poppy tram is to run on the Manchester Metrolink network until 11th November as part of the Armistice Day commemorations. Tram 1020 is named Lancashire Fusilier after the historic regiment and has been decorated with poppies in support of the Royal British Legion’s annual appeal.
Source: GMPTE
STANDARD 143 RESTORATION UPDATE
Lancastrian Transport Trust – Sunday 9th November 2008
The lower deck of Blackpool Standard 143 is currently taking shape at the Lancastrian Transport Trust’s Brinwell Road Depot. The end platform and load bearers are now in place and the saloon and platform floors are due to have been fitted by the time you read this. As soon as the floor-boarding is in place the next step is to refit the cantilever platform framing and then the lower deck ceiling and upper deck boarding. For the latest image of the restoration visit the link below.
Source: Lancastrian Transport Trust
TRAM DERAILED BY BUS IN MANCHESTER CITY CENTRE
Manchester Metrolink – Sunday 9th November 2008
A collision between a bus and a tram in Manchester City Centre left 12 people injured and the tram – number 1001 - derailed on Saturday 1st November at approximately 1945. The incident happened at the junction of Mosley Street and Charlotte Street. The double decker bus was crossing Mosley Street when the collision occurred. A full investigation has now been launched to find the cause of the incident. No one on board either the tram or the bus were seriously injured and all were dealt with at the scene.
Source: Manchester Evening News
LATEST METROLINK PERFORMANCE FIGURES
Manchester Metrolink – Sunday 9th November 2008
The Greater Manchester Passenger Transport Authority Transport Network Authority regularly meet to discuss, amongst other things, the operation, performance and development of various forms of transport in the region. This includes looking at how Metrolink is doing and at their latest meeting – 7th November – they looked at the report for period 5: Monday 18th August-Sunday 14th September. Read on for a summary (the report is 12 pages and I don’t intend to cover it all) of what was discussed.
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FREE PUBLIC TRANSPORT IN SHEFFIELD WOULD SEND TAX BILLS INTO ORBIT
South Yorkshire Supertram – Sunday 9th November 2008
The Liberal Democrat run Sheffield City Council have said that plans of Labour councillors to allow free public transport travel into the city centre at weekends would cause council tax bills to rise considerably with costs of £20 million estimated. Labour believed it would tempt shoppers to go into the city centre during the run up to Christmas. Cllr Simon Clement-Jones – cabinet member of finance – said: “However much we would like to see free public transport on a weekend, Labour are absolutely barmy to want to make local council tax payers foot the bill. Labour's plan would cost at least £20m every year and would send council tax bills into orbit. Each council tax paying household would face a cost of £91 extra on top of their bill."
Source: Sheffield Star
DLR SERVICE CHANGES FOR WORLD TRAVEL MARKET
Docklands Light Railway – Sunday 9th November 2008
Services on the Docklands Light Railway are to be amended for the World Travel Market at ExCeL London between 10th and 13th November. At peak show times trains between Canning Town and Beckton will operate at an average frequency of 3.3 minutes. Read on for a full summary of service changes.
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METROLINK SERVICES AFFECTED BY REMEMBRANCE DAY CEREMONY
Manchester Metrolink – Sunday 9th November 2008
Metrolink services were suspended within the city centre section between 1000 and 1230 on Sunday 9th November, in connection with the Remembrance Day Ceremony at St Peters Square. During the ceremony trams operated Bury-Victoria, Altrincham-G-Mex and Eccles-G-Mex whilst a replacement bus served the gap between Victoria and G-Mex.
Source: Gordon Ferguson
CYCLE LOCKERS FOR PHOENIX PARK TRAMSTOP
Nottingham Express Transit – Sunday 9th November 2008
Six new cycle lockers have been fitted at Phoenix Park tramstop. They join nine other bike stands and provide a safe place for cyclists to leave their bikes as they are monitored by CCTV.
Source: This is Nottingham
BLACKPOOL TOWER HEADLAND WOULD SEE TRAM SERVICE SUSPENDED
Blackpool & Fleetwood Tramway – Sunday 9th November 2008
The plans to create a 20,000 capacity arena on the Tower Headland on Blackpool Promenade are progressing. As part of the plans the road here would be reduced to allow just 2 lanes of traffic (rather than the 4 currently) and presumably the tramway would then be moved further inland. But it doesn’t stop there as during concerts and other events at the Headland all tram services through the area would be suspended – although it is not clear whether this is during the complete event ot just during crowd dispersal. If all goes according to plans it would ready for March 2010.
Source: Blackpool Gazette
CRICH TRAMWAY VILLAGE WINS BRONZE AWARD
Crich Tramway Village – Sunday 9th November 2008
The Crich Tramway Village were awarded Bronze for large attraction in the Enjoy England Excellence Awards. The Museum had to fight off tough competition within the East Midlands to be shortlisted for the award. The award was presented at a ceremony in Nottingham on 8th October.
Source: Crich Tramway Village
TRAM TIMETABLE MAKES IT INTO EXAM PAPER
General – Sunday 9th November 2008
I never thought I would be writing about my employer on this website but the AQA exam board have made the tram news this week with a report that the Manchester Metrolink Tram Guide has been included in one of the A-level units “anthologies”. The guide is included alongside 30 texts on the subject Travel, Transport and Locomotion which accompany a unit on language and literature study.
Source: BBC News Online
RAILCOACH 679 SECURED FOR PRESERVATION
Blackpool & Fleetwood Tramway – Sunday 2nd November 2008
The break-up and distribution of the Blackpool & Fleetwood Tramway fleet has continued with the excellent news that the Lancastrian Transport Trust have secured Railcoach 679 for preservation. It is planned that the tram will be restored to its original streamlined appearance in time for the 2010 celebrations for the 125th anniversary of the tramway.
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NET SUFFERS SEVERE DISRUPTION
Nottingham Express Transit – Sunday 2nd November 2008
Nottingham Express Transit suffered severe disruption to their services from Tuesday 28th October until Thursday 30th October after damage to an overhead wire near to Butler’s Hill tramstop. During the disruption Hucknall trams were forced to terminate at Moor Bridge with a replacement bus service in operation between Moor Bridge and Hucknall.
Source: Nottingham Express Transit
ANOTHER SUPERTRAM REFRESH COMPLETED
South Yorkshire Supertram – Sunday 2nd November 2008
112 has become the 23rd tram to have its mid-life refresh completed and the tram has now returned to service in the Blue livery. 111 has now entered the workshops for its refresh leaving just 116 in service and unrefreshed. With the withdrawal of 111 the white Stagecoach livery has now been extinguished from Supertram with 116, of course, being in an all over advertisement for Meadowhall.
Source: South Yorkshire Supertram
MORE TRAMS RECEIVE NEW TRAMLINK LIVERY
London Tramlink – Sunday 2nd November 2008
Two further trams have been noted in the new Lime Green, Blue and White livery on London Tramlink - 2533 and 2553.
Source: Irvine Cresswell
PHOTO REPORT: METROLINK CITY CENTRE TRACKWORK
Manchester Metrolink – Sunday 2nd November 2008
As previously reported Manchester Metrolink is currently closed between Piccadilly Station and Piccadilly Gardens for the first stage of city centre trackwork. It is scheduled to remain so until 21st November with the remainder of the city centre due to attended to from 2009. Read on for photos of the latest progress.
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PHOTO REPORT: DLR 105 & 106 ENTER SERVICE
Docklands Light Railway – Sunday 2nd November 2008
As reported a few weeks ago new DLR units 105 and 106 have entered service, currently running as a pair until the completion of the infrastructure works to enable three train operation. As well as these two units 107, 112, 113 and 114 were visible at Beckton Depot. For photos of the new units read on.
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BLACKPOOL WINTER TIMETABLE STARTS 3RD NOVEMBER
Blackpool & Fleetwood Tramway – Sunday 3rd November 2008
The 2008/9 winter timetable for the Blackpool & Fleetwood Tramway has been revealed at tramstops (but at the time of writing not on the Blackpool Transport website) and is due to commence on Monday 3rd November with the Illuminations being switched on Sunday 2nd November. The timetable is as expected with a late start as per this summer and normal finish. Trams will run every 20 minutes during the day and every 30 minutes in the evening.
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HAYMARKET UTILITY DIVERSION TO BE COMPLETE BY CHRISTMAS
Trams for Edinburgh – Sunday 2nd November 2008
Willie Gallagher – Executive Chairman of tie – has announced that the utility diversion works at Haymarket will be finished in time for Christmas. The works at this location have been in operation since August.
Source: The Scotsman
BORIS SAYS “MIND NOT MADE UP” ON CROSS RIVER TRAM
Cross River Tram – Sunday 2nd November 2008