The introduction of the first tram-trains in the UK moved a step closer today as train operator Northern Rail issued an Invitation to Tender  to build and maintain the modern, lightweight vehicles.

The tender invites responses for the manufacture and maintenance of a minimum of five tram-trains, which will operate on the 37-mile Penistone line between Sheffield, Barnsley and Huddersfield during a two-year trial.

The trial will start in late 2010, will take two years and is designed to test the suitability of the UK rail network for tram-trains. A significant amount of preparation work, including changes to the rail infrastructure and operating standards, is required before the trial can start.

In addition the trial will look at the operating costs and the popularity of the vehicles with passengers on the route.

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Network Rail's chairman Sir Ian McAllister has confirmed his intention to step down from the Board following the company's AGM in July 2009 and the search is now on to find his successor.

Speaking on the sixth anniversary of Network Rail taking charge of Britain's rail infrastructure, Sir Ian McAllister, chairman, said: "Network Rail has delivered substantial improvements in the safety, reliability and efficiency of the railway over the past six years. Safety is at record levels, train punctuality is now above 90%, and we are on track to reduce costs by around 30% by the next AGM. I have led the Board for over six years now and a great deal has been achieved in that time.

"As the company enters a new phase in its development, it is entirely appropriate that a new chairman helps take the company forward. The next challenge is for Network Rail to help deliver an expanded and enhanced railway to meet the growing demand from passengers and freight customers. My role now will be to help find a replacement and see through a smooth transition."

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Air conditioned Tube trains that will serve the London Underground Metropolitan line from 2010 and the Circle, District and Hammersmith and City lines from 2011 have been unveiled by London's mayor Boris Johnson and transport commissioner Peter Hendy.

A model of the new S-Stock trains, which will serve around 40% of the Tube network, is on show for the public to view at Euston Square Gardens until Thursday 2 October. The new trains will have air conditioning  and walk-through carriages They also feature CCTV coverage in each carriage and improved accessibility.

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Picture courtesy ATOC

The increasing demand for rail in the Yorkshire and Humber region has lead Network Rail launching a consultation on a far-reaching plan to increase services for passengers and freight users.

Covering routes such as Leeds to Bradford, York and Hull to Leeds and Manchester, and Sheffield to Manchester as well as important freight routes to the ports, the Yorkshire and Humber route utilisation strategy (RUS): draft for consultation outlines how Network Rail proposes to deliver a network capable of coping with the predicted growth in rail use over the next ten years.
The strategic routes covered by the RUS are primarily the North Transpennine, North and West Yorkshire, and South Transpennine, South Yorkshire and Lincolnshire routes.

The RUS process is led by Network Rail on behalf of the rail industry. A number of rail industry organisations are involved in the process including train operating companies, freight operating companies, ATOC, the ORR, Passenger Focus, DfT, South Yorkshire PTE, West Yorkshire PTE, and local authorities.

A plan to re-open the  15 miles railway line between Plymouth and Tavistock, are a little closer with the news that a developer has offered to pay for the line to be restored in exchange for being allowed to build 750 new homes in Tavistock. The line would cost about £20m to reopen.

The deal has been proposed by a company called Kilbride Community Rail. and a planning application is now in the process of being submitted to West Devon Borough Council. The rights to the track bed of the old line will be transferred to Devon County Council later this year.

A new visionary designs for Birmingham New Street station has been unveiled.
This striking concept designs, which will be clad in shimmering, reflective metal, will create a bold, modern gateway to the city for the millions of people who will use the station each year. The iconic design is the work of the renowned Foreign Office Architects. They won an international competition beating dozens of rivals, including many of the world’s top practices  to land the prestigious project.
Speaking at the launch event, Cllr Mike Whitby, chairman of the New Street Gateway Funders’ Board, said: “The Birmingham Gateway, which will support over 52 million passengers a year, demands a world class architectural vision to embody the rebirth of New Street station.