BIRMINGHAM CITY CENTRE EXTENSION GIVEN GO-AHEAD
Midland Metro – Sunday 21st March 2010
The 1.5km extension of Midland Metro through Birmingham City Centre to New Street station has been given initial approval and is now at “programme entry status”. This means the DfT expect to fund the scheme subject to the availability of funds, the costs remain at £127.1 million and the relevant planning permission is obtained.
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FIRST SET OF TRACKS LAID ON EAST MANCHESTER LINE
Manchester Metrolink – Sunday 21st March 2010
Construction work on the new East Manchester Metrolink line – linking Piccadilly Station with Droylsden – is progressing well, with the first sets of tracks being laid on Ashton New Road. The latest sections of construction work on the line have recently been inspected by Councillors from GMITA and Tony Lloyd – MP for Manchester Central.
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EXPANSION PLANS AHEAD FOR WIRRAL TRAMWAY?
Wirral Tramway – Sunday 21st March 2010
As we have previously reported on British Trams Online, Merseytravel are to take on a 99 year lease of the Wirral Tramway in Birkenhead. Tramways and Urban Transit have now provided further details as to what the future may hold the line.
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REPORT CLAIMS GOGAR DEPOT IS NOT EVEN 20% COMPLETE
Edinburgh Trams – Sunday 21st March 2010
An official report into the Edinburgh Tram scheme has given details of where various areas of work are currently at – with the depot at Gogar said to be only 19% complete, despite the fact that trams are due to start arriving in the next few months. Despite this report tie officials claim is it progressing well.
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REGULAR BLACKPOOL TRAM TOURS TO BE RUN IN 2010
Blackpool & Fleetwood Tramway – Sunday 21st March 2010
Trams Magazine have announced that they are to organise a series of tram tours throughout 2010, as an additional attraction for the events year. Tours will take place from July until the end of October. The tours will give enthusiasts, visitors and locals a rare opportunity to ride on a vintage or illuminated Blackpool tram on days they don’t normally operate and to travel over part of the route not normally used by them.
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TIE VOW TO GET TOUGH ON CONTRACTORS
Edinburgh Trams – Sunday 21st March 2010
Tie have vowed to get tough with Bilfinger Berger – part of the consortium building the Edinburgh Tramway – as the major dispute between the two parties comes to a head. Sources are quoted in the Edinburgh Evening News as saying that things are coming to a head, and that everything will be resolved one way or another within the next few months. As part of this strategy tie have bought in a “tough-talking” construction expert to fight their corner.
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MERSEYTRAM: THE DREAM STILL ALIVE?
Merseytram – Sunday 21st March 2010
The latest issue of Tramways and Urban Transit reports that there are still hopes that the Merseytram scheme will go ahead in the future. In January work commenced on a Park and Ride scheme and Compulsory Purchase Orders were made in February for land along the proposed route of Merseytram Line 1. These measures have been taken so as to keep the Parliamentary powers to build the line from expiring. Initially the Park and Ride facility will be used for more than 600 cars for football matches to the Liverpool and Everton grounds.
Source: Tramways & Urban Transit (with thanks to Tony Packwood)
EDINBURGH TRAMS DENY MEDIA CLAIMS
Edinburgh Trams – Sunday 21st March 2010
Following claims in the media (and also reported here last week) that the dispute between tie and Bilfinger Berger (one of the partners in the consortium to construct the tramway) that the project was to see a 30 month delay, the route will never be fully opened, part of the scheme will be phased in and the contractor is to be axed, Edinburgh Trams have this week released a denial into most of the points.
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WORK ON BALLOON 715 TO START IN MAY
Lancastrian Transport Trust – Sunday 21st March 2010
Work is to be start on the repaint of Lancastrian Transport Trust owned Balloon 715 in mid-May. The tram is to receive the 1970s Green and Cream fleet livery, as originally received by the tram back in 1981. Blackpool Transport are also to undertake some tidying up of some panelling and new fibreglass somes are also to be fitted. A shareholder meeting is planned to take place to coincide with a tram tour before work commences and it is hoped that 715 will be ready for action by late June, and a possible appearance at Totally Transport.
Source: Balloon 715 Blog
DLR NEW UNIT UPDATE
Docklands Light Railway – Sunday 21st March 2010
Further to our recent update of the new DLR units in service it appears that 145 has now been noted in use. The unit can be seen in a photograph on the Railway Herald website at Shadwell station in early March, and it is likely that 144 is also around – however this has not yet been seen by our correspondent.
Source: Brian Elvidge
M5000 LRVS UPDATE
Manchester Metrolink – Sunday 21st March 2010
Twelve of the new M5000 LRVs have now been delivered to Manchester with 3007, 3011 and 3012 not yet having been noted in service – all others have been seen at least once. 3005 and 3007 currently seem to be dedicated to driver training whilst 3001 is temporarily out of service following a collision with a road vehicle. 3010 is the latest to have been noted in service with reports to this effect on Tuesday 16th March. The most seen in service on any one day, so far, has been five. There is some discussion on both the new vehicles and Metrolink extensions on the Skyscraper City forum - link here.
Source: Gordon Ferguson & WatcherZero
INFORMATION EVENTS FOR OLDHAM & ROCHDALE METROLINK EXTENSIONS
Manchester Metrolink – Sunday 21st March 2010
People in Oldham will be able to find more about the project to convert the Oldham Loop Line to Metrolink at a series of information events to be held this week. Events will take place on Monday, Wednesday and Thursday.
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OVERHEAD FAILURE CAUSES METROLINK RUSH HOUR DELAYS
Manchester Metrolink – Sunday 21st March 2010
Services on the Altrincham line of Manchester Metrolink were delayed during the evening rush hour of Wednesday (17th March) after an overhead line failure between Dane Road and Sale at approximately 1700. Services were suspended between Altrincham and Old Trafford with replacement bus services in operation. There were knock on delays on the Bury line but the Eccles line was unaffected.
Source: Manchester Evening News
SIGNAL BOX REMOVED AS PART OF METROLINK CONSTRUCTION WORK
Manchester Metrolink – Sunday 21st March 2010
The signal box at Shaw and Crompton on the Oldham Loop line – which is currently being converted for Metrolink operation – has been removed this week as construction work continues. The signal box – dating from Victorian times – is not required for the Metrolink line and because of the discovery of asbestos in the fabric of the building it was not possible for it to be saved. However, some of the levers, power switches and other electrical and mechanical equipment from the box have been saved for use at the East Lancashire Railway.
Source: GMPTE
NEW ALL OVER ADVERT FOR NET 211
Nottingham Express Transit – Sunday 14th March 2010
NET 211 has received a new all over advert – its first ever – for Tram It! – Nottingham Express Transit. The colourful design is a full wrap around version as favoured by the tram system. It becomes the second Nottingham tram to be currently carrying an all over advert (201 being the other). Click below for a photo.
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FLEETWOOD TRAM SUNDAY CANCELLED FOR 2010
Blackpool & Fleetwood Tramway – Sunday 14th March 2010
It has been confirmed that the Fleetwood Transport Festival – also known as Tram Sunday – will not take place in 2010 because of a lack of finances. As reported last week there was a shortfall of between £5,000 and £16,000 (depending on which report you read!) and after discussions between the Fleetwood Chamber of Trade and Commerce and FTF Ltd (the Festival organisers) it was decided to cancel the event for 2010, however the Chamber of Commerce are now taking on the organisation and there are already plans for a bigger and better event in 2011.
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MORE PROBLEMS FOR EDINBURGH TRAM SCHEME?
Edinburgh Trams – Sunday 14th March 2010
The Edinburgh Evening News are reporting more trouble for the Edinburgh Tram project with Bilfinger Berger and tie claiming and counter claiming over the future of the scheme. It is suggested that £375 million of the £545 million has already been spent with large amounts of work to be completed and Bilfinger Berger claim tie are in denial about the scale of the problem with reports that parts of the line may yet be abandoned before construction – leaving just a tramway from the Airport to Haymarket.
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BURY LINE TO SEE PARTIAL CLOSURE THIS SUMMER
Manchester Metrolink – Sunday 14th March 2010
The Bury line of Metrolink will see a weeks closure this summer to contact the network up to the Oldham loop extension. Buses will replace Metrolink services between Crumpsall and Victoria between 31st July and 8th August.
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ASHTON & EAST DIDSBURY METROLINK EXTENSIONS GET FUNDING
Manchester Metrolink – Sunday 14th March 2010
The Department for Transport have confirmed final funding approval of £120.9 million for two further extensions of Manchester Metrolink – to Ashton-under-Lyme and East Didsbury.
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METROLINK EXTENSION TO AIRPORT BACK ON THE AGENDA
Manchester Metrolink – Sunday 14th March 2010
Significant steps towards extending Metrolink to Manchester Airport are set to take place later this year. The GMITA are approved releasing £26 million to fund design and preparatory work on the line. The construction of the line will be funded mainly from the Greater Manchester Transport Fund.
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OLDHAM LOOP LINE WILL CLOSE ONCE OLDHAM TOWN CENTRE LINE COMPLETED
Manchester Metrolink – Sunday 14th March 2010
It has been confirmed that the Oldham Loop line currently being converted to Metrolink operation, will only last in service for three years as it will close once the Oldham Town Centre line is completed in 2014. It has initially been hoped that both lines would operate concurrently but it has now been decided this is not possible.
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BLACKPOOL MARTON BOX 31 REPAINT UPDATE
Beamish Tramway – Sunday 14th March 2010
Blackpool Marton Box 31 continues to be stripped in preparation for its repaint into Works Green livery for the “Power from the Past” event. Details have also been released of the livery the tram will be painted into once the event finishes – that originally carried between 1924 and 1928. This is more or less identical to its previous finish but will have the correct lining shades and bulkhead colouring as well as carrying the fleet number in a roundel on the side of the decency panels. As ever photos are available on the Beamish Transport Blog – link below.
Source: Beamish Transport Blog
NEW GENERAL MANAGER FOR NOTTINGHAM TRAM CONSORTIUM
Nottingham Express Transit – Sunday 14th March 2010
Neil Wood has started his new job as General Manager for the Nottingham Tram Consortium, following two years with Transdev on the Edinburgh Tram scheme, and has vowed to improve relations with staff following last years industrial action.
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TRAMS ARE LATE SINCE TRAM GATE CHANGES
South Yorkshire Supertram – Sunday 14th March 2010
Sheffield City Council have confirmed that since they made controversial changes to the hours of operation of the Hillsborough Tram Gates tram and bus journeys through the area are taking longer. Traffic is now allowed through the “gates” between 1100 and 1500 on Mondays-Saturdays and all day on Sundays. Weekday tram journey times have increased by up to five minutes between Middlewood and Forbes Road. However, on the plus side the Council believe trade in the area has increased, there is less abuse of the “gates” and fewer accidents.
Source: Sheffield Star
NEW LRVS OFFICIALLY LAUNCHED IN ALTRINCHAM
Manchester Metrolink – Sunday 14th March 2010
The new M5000 LRVs for Metrolink were officially launched in Altrincham this week, with a four year old boy asked to do the “official welcoming”. Ned Banks is an avid fan of Metrolink and was delighted to greet the new generation of trams at Altrincham.
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BEAMISH FOULBRIDGE LOOP TRACKWORK FINISHED
Beamish Tramway – Sunday 14th March 2010
The trackwork at Foulbridge loop has now been completed and is being used by trams again. The top dressing of tarmac will be laid when further work on the internal road system takes place in the coming weeks, but apart from that the work has been completed ahead of schedule. Photos of the trackwork are available at the link below.
Source: Beamish Transport Blog
MORE METROLINK ENGINEERING WORK
Manchester Metrolink – Sunday 14th March 2010
Further engineering work is to take place between Whitefield and Bury on Metrolink all day on Sunday 21st March. A replacement bus service will be in operation.
Source: Gordon Ferguson
ENHANCED CYCLE PARKING FOR METROLINK STOPS
Manchester Metrolink – Sunday 14th March 2010
GMPTE are proposing to provide enhanced cycle parking facilities at Metrolink stops on the Bury and Eccles lines and also the extensions currently being constructed. They have presented the plans to the GMITA for approval.
Source: Bury Times
BLACKPOOL TRANSPORT CONCERNS OVER PROM STAKEPARK
Blackpool & Fleetwood Tramway – Sunday 14th March 2010
Blackpool Transport are objecting to the Council’s plans for a new skatepark on the Waterloo Road headland because of fears children could run across or fall onto the tram tracks. Trevor Roberts, Managing Director of Blackpool Transport, would like to see the area fenced off to avoid any accidents which he believes could happen at any point along the Prom on this section.
Source: Blackpool Gazette
FALL IN NEW ADDINGTON TRAMLINK VANDALISM
London Tramlink – Sunday 14th March 2010
British Transport Police are hailing a crackdown on tram vandalism after figures revealed there has been a significant decrease in the number of trams damaged in New Addington. In 2008 12 trams were badly damaged by stones and missiles being thrown near to the Addington Village, Fieldway, New Addington and King Henrys Drive stops. This fell to just 3 in 2009 and so far this year no cases have been reported. BTP officials believe the reason for the fall is the introduction of regular patrols on trams and at stops.
Source: This is Croydon Today
FOUR MORE BLACKPOOL TRAMS FOR CRICH!
Crich Tramway Village – Sunday 7th March 2010
It doesn’t seem an update of British Trams Online goes by nowadays without news of more Blackpool trams finding new homes! As briefly mentioned on the homepage at the last update Crich have revealed that a further four (or five if you prefer!) trams have been donated to them from Blackpool Transport, namely Brush 630, Centenary 648, Twin Car 672+682 and Jubilee 762.
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FIRST EDINBURGH TRAMS START TESTING IN GERMANY
Edinburgh Trams – Sunday 7th March 2010
Another momentous event has happened in the Edinburgh Trams Project with two trams (including 252) being moved to the Siemens test track at Wildenrath in Germany, for extensive testing before they start to move to the Scottish capital from early April 2010.
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THREE CARRIAGE TRAINS LAUNCHED ON DLR
Docklands Light Railway – Sunday 7th March 2010
Following infrastructure upgrade work the first three-carriage trains were operated on the Docklands Light Railway on Tuesday 23rd February. Services on the Bank to Lewisham route are the first to gain benefit with an extra carriage (obviously by extra carriage it means extra unit) being added to services providing 50% more capacity.
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DOUBTS EXPRESSED OVER TRAM SUNDAY AGAIN
Blackpool & Fleetwood Tramway – Sunday 7th March 2010
As seems to be usual practice for the early part of the year nowadays doubts have been expressed over whether the Fleetwood Transport Festival (“Tram Sunday” if you prefer) will take place in 2010, this time over funding. When the story originally broke the organisers were saying they had a £16,000 shortfall, although this is now reported as being down to £5,000.
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NET PASSENGERS NOW EVEN MORE SATISFIED
Nottingham Express Transit – Sunday 7th March 2010