Picture courtesy of ATOC

Rail passengers in England and Wales face more overcrowding and higher fares until the network is expanded, according to he National Audit Office (NAO). It said that direct government control of the railways, which started in 2005, had delivered better value for taxpayers but warned that future pressure on capacity could reverse any benefits.

The NAO said 1,300 new train carriages had been ordered, and government ministers say they are tackling passenger growth.

The NAO report examined the deals the government has done with private train companies since it took control of the railways three years ago.

Eight contracts have been handed out so far for running services in England and Wales, but the report excludes the franchises in Northern Ireland and Scotland.

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The last two stations, Leicester Square and Bank, have now been connected to the digital radio system known as Airwave, which will mean compete  communication across the network. The system is designed to make sure that police at different stations, as well as those below ground, can communicate effectively with one another.

The system is intended to address the difficulties faced by the emergency services during the 7/7 London bombings in 2005, when an inability to communicate was said to seriously hamper the rescue efforts.

The official announcement is due to be made at an official launch at the end of the month, with Mayor Boris Johnson, Home Office ministers and senior police attending.

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Network Rail has taken another big step forward on its plans to train and develop its people when it became the latest, and one of the biggest, British companies to sign the government’s skills pledge.

Network Rail, which spent £25.5m on vocational training last year, has a budget allocation for 2008/9 of £30m - an increase of about 18%

Over the coming months working with the Learning and Skills Council, it will carry out a thorough audit of the adult literacy and numeracy skills of its frontline maintenance and operations people. Then it will develop and implement a programme so these skills can be raised up to the standard of NVQ levels 1 and 2.

Chief executive, Iain Coucher said on signing the pledge, “I am determined that Network Rail offers our people every opportunity to improve themselves through targeted and tailored training and development. As the railway becomes more technologically advanced it is crucial that our people have the right skills.

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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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