FINAL TRAM CONSTRUCTION PROGRAMME ANNOUNCED
Trams for Edinburgh – Sunday 27th April 2008
Tie have announced the construction programme for the Trams for Edinburgh project – it will see trams back and running on the Scottish capital’s streets by 2011. The main highlights of the announcement see construction commence in June 2008 and running through to January 2011, the first trams will run in passenger service in July 2011 and the final contract price has been set as £508 million (an increase of 2% on the price forecast in the Final Business Case).
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PREFERRED BIDDER SELECTED FOR METROLINK EXTENSIONS
Manchester Metrolink – Sunday 27th April 2008
The GMPTE have announced that the preferred bidder to design, construct and maintain the extensions to Manchester Metrolink is the M-Pact Thales consortium. The companies making up the consortium are Thales UK, Laing O’Rourke and GrantRail. The contract will see Metrolink extend to Oldham and Rochdale, Droylsden in Tameside and Chorlton in South Manchester – nearly doubling the size of the network.
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TRAMS RETURN TO FLEETWOOD IN PASSENGER SERVICE
Blackpool & Fleetwood Tramway – Sunday 27th April 2008
On Saturday 26th April 2008 trams finally returned in passenger service on the section of the Blackpool & Fleetwood Tramway between Cabin and Fleetwood. This comes after the major trackwork which was undertaken during the winter from Cabin as far as Little Bispham. The timetable introduced will be in operating until 25th May 2008.
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RAIB RELEASE REPORT INTO POMONA DERAILMENT
Manchester Metrolink – Sunday 27th April 2008
The Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB) have released their report into the derailment of a tram on Manchester Metrolink at Pomona station back on 17th January 2007. The report states that the evacuation of the tram was difficult and that factors contributing to the derailment were deficiencies in track inspection and maintenance, the design of the track and the contractual framework surrounding audits and repairs of the infrastructure.
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FARES TO RISE ON NET
Nottingham Express Transit – Sunday 27th April 2008
Nottingham Express Transit have announced that after “above-inflation increases in operating costs” fares will be revised from Monday 28th April. Adult tickets will rise but those for children will remain static as they attempt to encourage young people to use the tram.
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MAY DECISION FOR TIF MONEY?
Manchester Metrolink – Sunday 27th April 2008
The Manchester Evening News are reporting that sources at the DfT have told them that a decision as to whether Greater Manchester will receive funding from the Transport Innovation Fund – which will enable Metrolink extensions to be built to Oldham and Rochdale town centres and to Ashton-under-Lyne, East Didsbury, Manchester Airport and the Trafford Centre. Part of the TIF deal would involve the controversial congestion charge.
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FORMER METROLINK ENGINEER RETURNS
Manchester Metrolink – Sunday 27th April 2008
Jim Harries – the former Managing Director of Greater Manchester Metrolink Limited (GMML) who helped to oversee the original construction of Metrolink – is to return to the city as Metrolink engineering manager at the GMPTE.
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TOP LOTS RETURNS
Crich Tramway Village – Sunday 27th April 2008
TopLots – the online auctions for special behind the scenes access to and unique experiences offered by the UK’s vast range of arts and heritage organisations – returns between 15th May and 15th June 2008. In last years inaugural auctions – which are powered through ebay – the Crich Tramway Village offered three lots including driver experiences and a behind the scenes day in the workshops. And again for 2008 Crich will be taking part, this time with two lots. The first lot is a unique experience – the chance to spend one whole day with the museum’s curator including seeing the world renowned archives. The second lot is a day in the restoration workshops (which remained unsold last time). Lot one will launch on 18th May whilst the second launches three days later on 21st May. More details from the TopLots website – link below.
Source: TopLots

ALTRINCHAM LINE TO BE CLOSED FOR ENGINEERING WORKS
Manchester Metrolink – Sunday 27th April 2008
The Altrincham line of Manchester Metrolink will be closed all day on Sunday 4th May and from 1900 on Monday 5th May, this is for essential engineering and maintenance work. On Sunday 4th a replacement bus service will be in operation throughout the day running every 12 minutes, this bus service will also operate from 1900 the following day. The Altrincham bound platform at Timperley will also be shut all day on Monday 5th for resurfacing work.
Source: GMPTE

EDINBURGH CITY CENTRE DIVERSIONS AMENDED
Trams for Edinburgh – Sunday 27th April 2008
The diversions for road traffic in the West End area of Edinburgh city centre have now been amended as the next stage of the utility diversion work gets underway. Now traffic heading north on Lothian Road will be sent along Hope Street and around Charlotte Square rather than going down Princes Street. Any southbound traffic will remain as it is now.
Source: The Scotsman

FULL BLACKPOOL REOPENING CONFIRMED AS 26TH APRIL
Blackpool & Fleetwood Tramway – Sunday 20th April 2008
Blackpool Transport have confirmed that the tramway will reopen between Cabin and Fleetwood on Saturday 26th April, following the completion of all track and related infrastructure work on this stretch. The news has been met with pleasure by businesses at the northern end of the tramway.
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LIVINGSTONE ATTACKS TRAMTRACK CROYDON AGAIN
Croydon Tramlink – Sunday 20th April 2008
Never one to miss a chance to criticise those he doesn’t like, current Mayor of London Ken Livingstone has attacked Tramtrack Croydon Limited claiming they were only ever interested in taking money from Tramlink and not developing or investing in it.
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PADDICK MAY REVIVE WEST LONDON TRAM
West London Tram – Sunday 20th April 2008
Brian Paddick – the Liberal Democrat candidate for London Mayor – has said that he may revive the currently abandoned West London Tram plan – a move which is sure to prove controversial in the area.
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INFORMATION SIGNS TO GO UP IN EDINBURGH
Trams for Edinburgh – Sunday 20th April 2008
18 information signs are going to be installed on the route of the Newhaven to Airport line in Edinburgh to keep residents and traders informed of all the latest developments. They are to be installed over the next few weeks and are likely to cost £60,000.
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BUSES FOR ROTHERHAM LINK BECAUSE OF “VALUE FOR MONEY”
South Yorkshire Supertram – Sunday 20th April 2008
Rosie Winterton, one of Ministers at the Department for Transport, has said that the reason for having a “Bus Rapid Transit” system between Sheffield and Rotherham is because it is better value for money.
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RAIB LAUNCH INVESTIGATION INTO DLR DERAILMENT
Docklands Light Railway – Sunday 20th April 2008
The RAIB have launched an investigation into the derailment on 4th April 2008 at Deptford Bridge on the Docklands Light Railway. The incident saw the first service of the day from Lewisham strike an object – revealed as a steel drilling template that had been in use during engineering works the previous night – having just left Deptford Station. The second axle of the front bogie derailed with the train coming to a rest 88 metres after striking the object. All passengers were uninjured and were evacuated safely back to the station. Trains did not run for around two days after the incident.
Source: RAIB

TWO BUSINESSES CLOSE – BLAMING THE TRAM WORKS
Trams for Edinburgh – Sunday 20th April 2008
Two businesses in the West End area of Edinburgh have announced they are to close – and surprise, surprise both have blamed the current tram construction works for their decision. Both shops – Cockburns Deli and Phone-In telecoms – have been located on Queensferry Street and are putting their leases up for sale.
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TRAMS REACH FLEETWOOD ON TEST
Blackpool & Fleetwood Tramway – Sunday 13th April 2008
Trams have finally reached Fleetwood on test after the completion of the main trackwork. So far Brush 631, Centenary 645 and Engineering Car 754 are amongst the trams which have reached the northern terminus of the tramway. 754 went on trolley power but was also fitted with a pantograph to check overhead alignment. It is thought trams could commence full operation to Fleetwood on 26th April. The only remaining work to be done on the track is the Little Bispham loop.
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MORE WIRE PROBLEMS FOR MIDLAND METRO
Midland Metro – Sunday 13th April 2008
Another “wires down” incident on Midland Metro on Friday afternoon, April 11. Car 04 heading for Birmingham Snow Hill and car 12 heading for Wolverhampton both involved. Both lost their pantographs just north of Handsworth Booth Street, cause unknown.
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BLACKPOOL OPERATING POOLS REVEALED
Blackpool & Fleetwood Tramway – Sunday 13th April 2008
Once again in 2008 the Blackpool & Fleetwood Tramway will be splitting their trams into operating pools – although how well they will be adhered to remains to be seen. Three periods have been selected – 21st March to 11th July, 12th July to 10th October and 11th October to 2nd November.
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ANOTHER WEEK, YET MORE MOANS OVER TRAM WORKS
Trams for Edinburgh – Sunday 13th April 2008
Businesses in Constitution Street in Leith have moaned again this week that they are being badly affected by the tram construction works. One business have claimed they are 80% down on trade whilst the compensation plans have again been criticised.
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DLR SERVICE CHANGES FROM 21ST APRIL
Docklands Light Railway – Sunday 13th April 2008
As from Monday 21st April there will be changes to weekday services on the Docklands Light Railway as part of the Investment Programme works creating a new junction at Canning Town. This will affect trains from Beckton to Tower Gateway and King George V to Bank.
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NEW BLACKPOOL TRAM BOOK LAUNCHED
Blackpool & Fleetwood Tramway – Sunday 13th April 2008
The long awaited Tribute to Rigby Road Works Volume 1 book by John Woodman was launched last week at a special ceremony at the very place of its name. Those who had pre-ordered the book were invited to the ceremony to meet the author – transport historian John Woodman – and to take a trip to Pleasure Beach by tram.
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LIVINGSTONE VISITS CROYDON AS MAYORAL RACE HOTS UP
Croydon Tramlink – Sunday 13th April 2008
In a visit to Croydon as part of his bid to be re-elected as London Mayor, Ken Livingstone said that improving the tram service is one of his priorities. A new fleet of trams would be purchased when TfL take over running the system and the Crystal Palace extension would be constructed.
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METROLINK SATISFACTION LEVELS ON A PAR WITH CARS
Manchester Metrolink – Sunday 13th April 2008
Satisfaction levels with Manchester Metrolink are now neck and neck with cars according to a new survey of 1,600 residents close to the Bury and Altrincham lines. Click here for more on this story

BRIDGE TO LINK LIMEHOUSE DLR & NATIONAL RAIL STATIONS
Docklands Light Railway – Sunday 13th April 2008
It has been revealed that a bridge is to be built at Limehouse DLR station linking it directly with the westbound platform at the adjacent national rail station. The bridge will be funded by TfL and the Department for Transport and will cost £1.9 million.
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MAN IN COURT OVER TICKET ROW
Croydon Tramlink – Sunday 13th April 2008
A 22 year old man – Eric Mah – is to appear at Croydon Magistrates Court accused of threatening ticket inspectors and throwing ballast around. He was caught without a ticket at Ampere Way on 17th December 2007 and was ordered to leave the tram.
Source: This is Croydon Today

BAD WEEK FOR MIDLAND METRO
Midland Metro – Sunday 6th April 2008
It has been a bad week for Midland Metro with a tram getting caught up in the overhead on Tuesday 1st April between Winson Green and Soho Benson Road causing chaos and a lorry getting stuck under a bridge at Tipton on 2nd April.
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DERAILED TRAIN CAUSES DLR DISRUPTION
Docklands Light Railway – Sunday 6th April 2008
Services on the Docklands Light Railway have been suspended between Greenwich and Lewisham because of a derailed train at Deptford Bridge station. The incident occurred at around 0615 on Friday 4th April when the train hit an object on the line. All passengers were detrained safely by staff and Transport for London are investigating the incident – it is not believed they are treating it as suspicious. It is not known when services will resume on this stretch of line.
Source: This is Local London & Transport for London

713 BACK IN SERVICE IN NEW LIVERY AS MORE TO FOLLOW
Blackpool & Fleetwood Tramway – Sunday 6th April 2008
Blackpool Balloon 713 returned to service on Friday 4th April in its new livery which is the Line 7 Purple and Yellow Metro Coastlines style. Following on from 711 this is the slightly revised style.
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123 BECOMES THE LATEST SUPERTRAM TO BE REFRESHED
South Yorkshire Supertram – Sunday 6th April 2008
123 has become the eighteenth of the South Yorkshire Supertram fleet to undergo its mid-life refresh and has now returned to service in the Stagecoach swooshy livery. The next tram to be dealt with will be 113 which has already been withdrawn for attention.
Source: Stagecoach Supertram

MANCHESTER 765-BLACKPOOL REPLICA VANGUARD 619 EXCHANGE
Blackpool & Fleetwood Tramway – Sunday 6th April 2008
Even though the 125th Anniversary of the Blackpool & Fleetwood Tramway is still over two years away plans are already well underway for making the year unforgettable. As revealed in Trams Magazine - and never reported here previously – one of the trams wanted by Blackpool is Manchester 765 currently living at the Heaton Park Tramway.
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LATEST TRAM WORK UNDERWAY IN EDINBURGH
Trams for Edinburgh – Sunday 6th April 2008
The latest stage of the utility diversion work being undertaken for the Trams for Edinburgh project got underway on Monday 31st March. This work has seen Constitution Street (a main thoroughfare) closed to all traffic – with the local media predicting major chaos for all travellers. A leaflet has been produced by tie to help people see what is happening – this is available here.
Source: The Scotsman

TRACKWORK CONTINUES IN BLACKPOOL
Blackpool & Fleetwood Tramway – Sunday 6th April 2008
With the Easter period now out of the way – although many schools in the UK will now take their spring holidays because of the very early Easter in 2008 – more work is being undertaken on the track.
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BRADFORD 40 UNDERGOING ATTENTION
Bradford Industrial Museum – Sunday 6th April 2008
Bradford Industrial Museum’s horse tramcar - Bradford 40 has been undergoing some overhaul work recently. It is now hoped that the tram can undergo a repaint – but this is dependent on Council funding. 40 is a replica tramcar which was built in 1992 and is used on a short demonstration line at the Museum. It is regularly hauled by a horse named Murdoch – who was in charge of Manchester L53 at Heaton Park during its launch.
Source: Andrew Waddington

DLR ENHANCE SERVICES FOR LONDON MARATHON
Docklands Light Railway – Sunday 6th April 2008
On Sunday 13th April the DLR will run an enhanced service on the busiest routes for the London Marathon. On some of the routes services will run every 2.5 minutes with some even commencing as early as 0530. All runners and officials will get free travel on the day from early morning until 1700.
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TRAMS FOR WORCESTER?
General – Sunday 6th April 2008
Worcestershire County Council are looking at the possibility of introducing trams using existing rail lines in Worcester. David Balm, Rail Planning Officer at the Council, said: “We're looking at trams because of the railways that we've got here in Worcester. We think that there's an opportunity there to use the local rail network more for local people to provide a service for Worcester. At the moment it's mostly long distance services that use the railway up to Birmingham or to London." If the plans were given the go-ahead – and it’s a big if at the moment – trams could be running by 2015.
Source: BBC News Online

PUBLIC URGED TO USE DOUGLAS HORSE TRAMWAY
Douglas Horse Tramway – Sunday 6th April 2008
Local residents and tourists are both being urged to take a ride on the Douglas Horse Tramway this summer to help ensure the line remains open for future years. The comments were made by Cllr Raina Chatel, chairman of Douglas Borough Council’s leisure service committee, after discussion was held on the island about the restoration of the Manchester Horse Tram.
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COMPLAINTS RESURFACE OVER NOISY HYSON GREEN TRAM LINES
Nottingham Express Transit – Sunday 6th April 2008
With the revelation that work is to be undertaken near to the Royal Concert Hall in Nottingham city centre to try and solve the problem of noise caused by trams, residents in Hyson Green – who have previously complained – are up in arms that nothing is being done to sort their noise issues out.
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RETURN VISITORS TO CRICH CAN GET IN FOR FREE!
Crich Tramway Village – Sunday 6th April 2008
Any visitors to the Crich Tramway Village – home of the National Tramway Museum – can now return to visit as many times as they like in 12 months for absolutely nothing! This is providing they have said yes to Gift Aid on entrance and is part of the new Gift Aid scheme being run at the Museum.
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TIE WANT BIGGER RATE CUTS FOR TRADERS
Trams for Edinburgh – Sunday 6th April 2008
tie have written to the assessor in charge of organising business rates cuts for traders affected by the ongoing tram work saying that higher cuts are required. They say that 80% reductions should be offered to businesses on Shandwick Place where currently the Lothian Valuation Joint Board (the assessor) is offering only 20%.
Source: The Scotsman

NEW METROLINK ROUTES TO GET ENVIRONMENTAL INSPECTION
Manchester Metrolink – Sunday 6th April 2008
Environmental experts are to start inspecting the new Manchester Metrolink routes next week to check for protected species and to record which trees and shrubs will need to be replaced.
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FORTHCOMING ENGINEERING WORKS ON THE DLR
Docklands Light Railway – Sunday 6th April 2008
As it is the first update of the month we have our regular look at the forthcoming engineering works on the Docklands Light Railway, in connection with the infrastructure upgrade for three car trains. Read on for more details and also for some photos of progress at King George V for the Woolwich extension.
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NEW SECTION LAUNCHED ON BBC NEWS WEBSITE
Trams for Edinburgh – Sunday 6th April 2008
The BBC News Website have launched a new section on the Trams for Edinburgh project. Included in the section is the latest news on the project, the tram route, a view from affected businesses, green issues and a brief section on other UK tram systems. There are also links to other articles on the project including further business and council viewpoints. The section can be accessed by following the link below.
Source: BBC News Online

NEW TICKETS AVAILABLE FOR SUPERTRAM
South Yorkshire Supertram – Sunday 6th April 2008
A new ticket has been introduced valid for travel on South Yorkshire Supertram – the Sheffield Megarider Plus. This ticket gives unlimited travel for a week on board any Stagecoach bus or tram in Sheffield and Chesterfield, for the cost of just £13. In addition the South and West Yorkshire Goldrider and its day equivalent have been revised to offer better value transport opportunities. The weekly ticket is now known as the Megarider Gold, costs £17 and gives unlimited travel in Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire, South Yorkshire, West Yorkshire and Gainsborough (limitations apply please check before travelling). The day version now costs £5 and is called the Explorer.
Source: Stagecoach Supertram

SWORDFISH SPOTTED ON BOARD TRAM
Manchester Metrolink – Sunday 6th April 2008
No, you did read that headline right a swordfish was spotted on board a Metrolink tram this week along with several swimmers including five-time world swimming champion James Hickman. They were on board Metrolink to encourage people attending the FINA World Swimming Championships at the MEN Arena next week to go by tram.
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WOMAN TOO SCARED TO TRAVEL BY TRAM
Nottingham Express Transit – Sunday 6th April 2008
A 25 year old woman from Nottingham has said that she is too scared to travel on the trams anymore after she was verbally abused and threatened on board one. Three men are believed to be involved after she asked them to move as they kept falling onto her young child’s pushchair. NET are investigating the incident with a spokesman saying: “Staff are trained to avoid and report abusive passengers and not to intervene between passengers. Action is always swiftly taken and any threatening behaviour on board our trams is totally unacceptable."
Source: This is Nottingham