| News Archive 4 This Page was last updated Sunday 30 November 2003 |
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For news January-April 2003 Please Click Here For news May-July 2003 Please Click Here On the evening of Thursay 20 November a passenger was slashed across the face by a man on a tram between Birmingham and West Bromwich. The incident happened at around 11.40pm after the 49 year old man had intervened in a dispute between a conductor and a fellow passengers who was trying to con his way into paying the fare. The British Transport Police believe the knife to have been a craft knife and the two assailants left the tram at Kenrick Park having inflicted a inch long cut on the victim across his top lip, where he may now need plastic surgery. BTP are now seeking any witnesses to the incident who can help with their enquiries into waht has been described as a "vicious attack". The Public Inquiry into the proposed Midland Metro extension between Snow Hill and Five Ways will start next week, where the 138 objections received will be heard and discussed. The inquiry will be chaired by former SAS General Tony Jeapes and is at the Hippodrome Theatre's Conference facilities. Finally it has been announced that Midland Metro fares will rise from 4 January 2004 in order to coincide with the National Rail, Centro and Travel West Midlands fare rises. Full details on the rises can be found on the official Midland Metro website (see link below) but there are minimal rises on some return and single fares although the lower two fares do remain the same as does the Day Metro ticket. Source: icBirmingham Midland Metro 30 November 2003: Frozen Wires cause Metrolink chaos Monday morning (24 November) say chaos on the Manchester Metrolink system when frozen wires meant that the trams could not operate. Overnight temperatures dropped to -4C cuasing ice to form on the wires which in turn caused the electricty supply to be stopped. Metrolink bosses has a weather warning the previous night and attempted to send a tram out before service began at 6am to clear the wires, however they just iced over again as soon as the tram had passed. It was the first time that the system has had to cope with this problem since it opened in 1992 and it naturally caused upset on the crowded cold platforms whilst passengers waited for services to arrive, as reported in the Manchester Evening News. A spokesman for Metrolink was quoted as saying "There will be no problems in this evening's rush hour but, if the freeze goes on, we will have to run an empty tram throughout the night to prevent the same thing happening." A thorough review of procedures in future similar occurrances is now taking place. It looks like there could be possible strikes on Metrolink in the run up to Christmas or just after over a union row. Metrolink currently have a single-union agreement with the Transport and General Workers Union but around 80 of the 150 drivers on the system have now signed up to the train drivers' union Aslef, and they want to negotiate pay and conditions or they will strike. However Metrolink say they are going to stick to the single-union agreement they have and have called upon the TUC to sort the mess out. Serco Metrolink managing director Phil Smith has said that they are confused over what Aslef are playing at. If there was to be a strike it would have to be in at least 14 days time as by law a ballot has to have this length of notice. Source: Manchester Online Manchester Metrolink 30 November 2003: New Partner in South Hants LRT scheme This week it has been revealed that the SMART consortium in the South Hampshire Light Rapid Transit scheme has a new partner to join it. The MTR Corporation has joined the existing members of the SMART consortium to bid for operation of the multi million pound contract to design, build, operate and maintain the system. The Leader of Portsmouth City Council Philip Shaddock said "This is an encouraging development for the procurement competition. The MTR Corporation is a world leader in delivering and operating mass transit railway systems. Their participation in the SHRT1 competition underlines the market interest in this commericially attractive proposal." This view was also echoed by the leader of Hampshire County Council, the joint promoters of the project along with the City Council. They still await confirmation from the Department for Transport as to whether the project still has the go-ahead. Source: South Hampshire LRT 23 November 2003: Steam Train legacy causes Metrolink disruption Services on the Bury line of Manchester Metrolink have been disrupted due to discarded ash from steam locomotives. Smoke was discovered rising from an area of disused platform at Prestwich which had to be dealt with by the Fire Brigade. It is believed that the steam ash was placed at certain parts of the railway as an in-fill or formation material and that under certain circumstances it is prone to igniting. As a result of the fire Metrolink bosses were advised to check other parts of the route by the Fire Brigade and special speed restrictions were placed whilst this took place. Source: Manchester Online 23 November 2003: MerseyTram to be one of safest in world MereseyTravel have pledged that the forthcoming MerseyTram system will be one of the safest in the world for passengers. Passenger security will be aided by the use of conductors and CCTV on the trams. MerseyTravel bosses have revealed that the consortiums bidding for the DBOM contract of MerseyTram have been told to include conductors in the plan as passengers feel safer at night using public transport if there are personnel from the company on there with them. It is believed that passenger numbers could rise by as much as 11% when conductors are used on the trams. Source: icLiverpool 22 November 2003: Lorry collides with tram in Nottingham On Monday morning (17 November) a lorry hit the side of a stationary tram in Nottingham in Radford Road. The tram had just left the depot in Wilkinson Street and had to stop as the lorry was blocking the way forward. The lorry driver was contacted and moved his vehicle as asked to do, however the lorry struck the left hand cab side of the tram causing slight damage. Nobody was injured in the incident and the tram involved was expected to be back in test use by the following day. Source: This is Nottingham & BBC News Online 14 November 2003: Steve Burd now says he has hopes for Tramway Upgrade Contrary to last weeks report that Steve Burd was fearful that the huge delay in the granting of funding from the government to upgrade the Blackpool Tramway the Blackpool Today website now reports him as saying he has 'high hopes'. He is quoted as saying 'Our case is a strong one. The delay is frustrating and we are unlikely to hear anything this year, but I hope we weill get a positive decision in the New Year." This is of course the complete opposite from what was being said this time last week at the Light Rail Conference in Blackpool. We will of course be keeping an eye on this news story. You will also remember last week we reported that a 93-year old lady had been struck by a tram at Cleveleys. On Tuesday she was still reported to be very poorly in hospital. Since the incident new safety procdedures have been introduced with a temporary stop sign placed for trams, at what is a near blind junction for the trams. It has also been reported that the tram involved was Centenary 643, which was also involved in a serious collision with a pedestrian 5 years ago. In the previous incident teenageer Tom Wilson was paralysed after being struck whilst walking down the middle of the tracks. He received compensation last year after it was revealed that the driver was wearing his wrong glasses and had a history of accidents. Now the father of the teenager has come in saying how shocked he is that the same tram has been involved again. He also seems to claim that Blackpool Transport have attempted to hide the tram by changing the bodywork and livery of the vehicle. Quite what Mr Wilson is trying toprove by mentioning that it was the same tram is unclear. Source: Blackpool Today 14 November 2003: Bristol appoint firm of consultants The on-going saga that is the South Gloucestershire tram scheme has taken another twist this week with the annoucement that South Gloucestershire Council have appointed a firm of planning consultants to review the case. This is likely to include looking at alternatives to the tram. It should be noted however that they are still keen to go-ahead with the existing plans for the Bristol tramway and that the consultants have been employed to look at the part of the original scheme that has since been axed. Source: BBC News Online 14 November 2003: More Noise Complaints on Nottingham Express Transit Residents close to the junction between Noel Street and Gregory Boulevard in Nottingham have complained that the noise from the tram on the junction is twice as noisy as the normal noise. The junction here splits into two as trams continue along Noel Street and also move to go along Terrace Street. Mike Casebourne of Arrow Light Rail has said that the junction is probably the worst part of the system. He claimed that the noise was starting to reduce as the rails were worn in and that further grinding would be considered if the noise continued above acceptable levels. There are to be noise and vibration tests in the nearby homes in the next few weeks to see just how bad the noise has got to the residents and if it was not acceptable changes will be considered to both the track and the houses. Source: This is Nottingham 9 November 2003: Blackpool Transport's fear over upgrade plans Steve Burd, Managing Director of Blackpool Transport Services Limited, has expressed his fears that the severe delay in the government's decision on funding for upgrading the tramway to ligh rail standards means that it will be rejected. Mr Burd was speaking at the annual Light Rail Conference, this year held at Blackpool's Imperial Hotel where he revealed that the companies turnover was up by around half a million this year. He has expressed his frustration over the delay, as the decision was originally expected a few months after he began his job in the resort and he seems to think that the decision will now not go in their favour. Council bosses however have said that they think the plans are still on track. A 93 year old woman from Cleveleys is in a critical condition in hospital after being struck by a single deck tram in the town on Thursday morning at 11.30am. It appears that she crossed the tramway near to one of the level crossings but that her view may have been obstructed by a high wall. Delays were caused for approximately an hour to the tram service whilst the emergency servcies were on the scene. Source: Blackpool Today 8 November 2003: Blackpool Tramway News Update A note about this news: All of our Blackpool news comes from the Fylde Tramway News and as such is not totally up-to-date due to printing deadlines. Normally, on this site, the most up-to-date Blackpool news can be found on the fleet list which is regularly updated. If you want the leatest Blackpool news join the Yahoo! Group Blackpool Transport (the link can be found on the links page). We are also looking for someone who would be willing to provide regular news updates on Blackpool's tramway so we can have more up-to-date new on this page and also so we no longer rely on another oublications work. If anyone can help on this email us on britishtramsonline@lycos.co.uk Balloon 700 has now had its repaint into the wartime livery complete and in addition has had windscreen hoods fitted as per 706 whilst sister 703 has also had its 1980s style completed, ready for service once more. Fellow Balloon 710 followed the trams into the paint shop and originally looked as if it would receive an all over yellow design, however since then its looks likely that it will be the first Balloon to receive a Metro Coastlines livery style. Also seeing attention in the paint shop is Brush 636 which has had some panelling attention including unfortunately the panelling over of the roof windows. Refurbished Centenary 647 is still in all over yellow livery (possibly awaiting an all over advert?) and started testing at the end of October. Balloon 724's rebuild continues with a start made on applying panels to the outside of the tram, a return is expected for this tram in time for the 2004 season. The rebuild of the Warship 736 continues with the underframe being repaired and extended for its new role and following this the underframe was united with the new framework for the tram in the body shop. Towards the end of October the brand new roof structure was put into place. It now seems likely that the trackwork north of Thornton Gate will commence in January, despite a new Metro guide produced by Blackpool Transport stating work would start in November. The new winter timetable started on 3 November and sees the running time from end to end reduced back to 66 minutes, from the 75 of the summer. Why not join the Fylde Tramway Society to receive news on the latest developments and the chance to attend meetings and special tram tours? For more information visit the societies website Source: Fylde Tramway News 8 November 2003: Crich Tramway Village News Update There are currently 3 major projects underway in the workshop at the National Tramway Museum with the main one being Leeds 345. 345's underframe and lower saloon frame have now been completed and preparation has commenced for the painting of the tram. The truck has been stripped with the wheelsets sent away to a contractor for the required attention. During the stripping of the trucks many components were found to be in a much worse condition than was expected. Work is also comtinuing on Sheffield 510 with the motors having recently been overhauled and the wheelsets have now been returned from the contractor following turning. The final vehicle receiving attention in the workshop is the diesel shunter G.M.J which has now now stripped down with repairs now taking place. Berlin 3006 has also seen more attention following the failure of the motor, although the tram was back into service within 24 hours of the failure. As a result of this the Tramway Museum Societies Board are looking into the possibility of purchasing a second 'access' tram, with cars from Marseilles and Budapest currently being investigated. Finally, as previously reported from our Blackpool news, Blackpool Standard 49 could be returning to the resort as part of a deal between the two parties. It is now also mentioned that a second tram could be involved in departing the museum and that Blackpool Coronation 304 could be spending a period of time at Crich (it would mean 304 coming full circle in its preservation life). However its should be noted that the deal would only be concluded if a suitable contract could be agreed between both parties, with negotiations continuing. Source: The Journal of the Tramway Museum Society 5 November 2003: Centro reveals Metro expansion plans A £875 million scheme to expand the current one line Midland Metro network has been revealed this week by the local PTE, Centro. More than 100,000 homes are to get leaflets delivered to their homes whilst there will 26 staffed exhibitions around the Centro area informing local people of what the plans are. Of most of the routes put forward at this stage there are up to 12 different alignments that they could travel down and public consultation looking at this is expected to commence as early as the end of this month. Among the places which could join the Midland Metro network are Walsall, Bartley Green, Birmingham International Airport, Digbeth, Great Barr and Edgbaston. Needless to say that the plans have not exactly been met with universal joy in the city, so step forward Conservative Councillor Deidre Alden from Edgbaston who thinks it is disgraceful that none of the exhibitions are to be held in her ward as some lines will cut straight through the area. Also unhappy is the Liberal Democrat leader on the city council John Hemming who has concerns as the literature for the extensions shows trams on the Bus Mall, which has recently had to be shut due to severe congestion. Source: icBirmingham 5 November 2003: Councils urge Government to get a move on! Both Hampshire County Council and Portsmouth City Council have joined together as promoters of South Hampshire Light Rapid Transit to urge the government to make a final decision. It has now been over 3 months since a meeting was held with between the parties when it was put to the government that the projects benefits would outweigh the costs. The project was originally approved by the Department of Transport but after a number of factors pushed the cost up Alistair Darling, Secretary of State for Transport asked for a reappraisal of where costs could be saved. This was done by the joint promoters and this proposal remains with the ministers with the councils at a crossroads waiting to find out their fate. Source: South Hampshire Light Rapid Transit 5 November 2003: Edinburgh shorlist revealed Not previously reported on British Trams Online was the announcement in mid September by Transport Initiatives Edinburgh (TIE) of the shortlist of companies who have prequalified to be partners in the development of the proposed system in the Scottish capital. Four companies have been shortlisted, namely First Group plc; Keolis/Via GTI UK Ltd in association with Parsons Brinckerhoff Ltd; Serco Ltd; and Transdev plc. The next stage of the process will see these 4 companies demonstrating their capabilities to operate a high quality, frequent, reliable, clean and affordable tram system. In addition to this broad outline given to the involved companies TIE would also like the tram system to be fully intergrated with other transport forms in the city and also for it to be aesthetically pleasing to tie in with the heritage landscape. The winning tender is expected to be revealed early next year. The project has already gone through a public consultation and by the end of this year the scheme should be far enough advanced for the submisison of the legislation required from the Scottish Parliament. If everything goes according to plan 2006 should see the start of construction. Source: TIE: Tram Time 5 November 2003: 'Accidential Death' verdict on Tramlink case The jury at the inquest into the death of Frances Williams after being hit by a tram in Croydon has delivered the verdict of accidential death. The incident happened on 11 December last year close to Lloyd Park, on the New Addington branch of the system. It transpires that Mrs Williams had, close to the accident, been knocked over by a car and suffered brain damage which caused hallucinations and impulsive behaviour. The tram driver, Terrence Hulme, who himself passed away earlier this year, said in a statement that at first he did not think she posed a threat but when she didn't move from the tracks he applied the emergency breaks, 28 metres away. She died at the scene having suffred multiple injuries. Source: Croydon Guardian 2 November 2003: Further delay for Nottingham Express Transit It now looks likely that Nottingham Express Transit will not commence public services until March/April 2004. The system was originally scheduled to open sometime this month but problems caused in part by a derailment saw this delayed by a couple of months, but now further delays have seen the opening delayed by 6 months. These further delays have been put down to a lack of skilled tradesmen and the appropriate materials for the completion of the street sections and also to the need for the slight adjustment of track and some points in order to run trams at a higher speed. In addition the main power, signalling and information systems have been tested and adjusted as necessary to ensure smooth operation when the trams do start operation. The full timetable is expected to commence after Christmas on the full route so that NET can test the whole system, although passengers will of course not be carried at this time. This is expected to be the time when 'emergency' exercises will take place and is also a time for pedestrians and motorists to get used to the trams on the roads. The first 40 drivers are currently undergoing their training with the off-street training almost complete and the on-street part to start soon. All parties involved in the construction and operation of NET have made it clear that the delays are not catastrophic and will ensure that the operation of the system will be at an advantage for it. Source: Nottingham Express Transit, BBC News Online & This is Nottingham 2 November 2003: Manchester Metrolink Update 1022 has re-entered service in the revised livery following its mid-life overhaul and has lost its name stickers at the same time. Last Sunday (26 October) morning saw the closure of Metrolink between Whitefield and Victoria for the replacement of the bridge and the fitting of a ramp (on the Manchester bound platform)at Crumpsall station. Source: Gordon Ferguson 2 November 2003: Seaton breaks passenger records The Seaton Tramway has broken the 100,000 passenger mark for the first time ever this year. The landmark was reached on Monday 27 October when Mr and Mrs Veasey from Southampton travelled on the line and were presented with a bottle of champagne. The tramway expect to record several thousand more visitors before the end of the year with a successful half term week having just occurred. Elsewhere at Seaton the Chief Engineer, James Hammett has announced his resignation from the tramway. He was in the post since May 2003 following the retirement of Allan Gardner, who had stayed on as a Consultant Engineer. However Allan has now also decided to retire from this post and in addition his wife Sue will retire from her post as Commercial Director at the end of the year. Source: Seaton Tramway 26 October 2003: Metrolink breakdown causes delays Several passengers were stuck for over 30 minutes on Wednesday (22 October) when a tram broke down on its way from Altrincham to the city centre on Manchester Metrolink. The tram suffered a mechanical failure at Stretford which disrupted five trams trapped between here and Altrincham whilst outbound services were forced into terminating at Old Trafford. Passengers were forced to alight from their trams trapped in the blockage and the Manchester Evening News reported that many were irate at the lack of information they were given. The breakdown was put down to a air compression failure which hit the vehicle's braking and door systems, technicians were on the scene and took about 35 minutes to get the unit moving again. Services resumed later in the day after it was decided that a replacement bus service would take too long to implement. Source: Manchester Online 26 October 2003: DLR wins award The operators of the Docklands Light Railway, Serco Docklands have won an award for the fourth year in succession at the National Rail Awards 2003. They won the Best London Surburban Operator award for 2003 to go with the Best Operator Award (2001 & 2002) and the Best Light Rail/Metro Award in 2000. Neil McLean, Managing Director of Serco Docklands, was happy with the award and said "this is an excellent achievement and reflects the efforts and dedication of all of our team." The judges of the National Rail Awards commented that "rarely is a business seen to be so in tune with the community it serves - the clearest demonstration...is a set of performance figures that other operators can only dream of." Elsewhere this month the DLR have started a new Stay Safe scheme. There are few serious incidents on the DLR during a year but they are reminding passengers, particularly children, of how to behave safely. The original campaign will be targetted at children followed by adults and a poster campaign aimed at teenagers who enjoy 'surfing' on the backs of the vehicles. Source: Docklands Light Railway 19 October 2003: Accident in Sheffield causes disruption Thursday (16 October) saw a three way collision in West Street, Sheffield involving a bus, tram and 3 cars. The incident occurred at a set of traffic lights when a car stopped suddenly and then two more cars, the bus and the tram all went into the back of each other. The tram suffered damage to its front and broke its windscreen whilst the driver of the bus and one of the car drivers suffered injuries which saw them taken to hospital, no passengers on the tram were all uninjured. Tram services were disrupted for a time whilst the emergency services cleared the vehicles. Source: Sheffield Today 19 October 2003: Metrolink is overcrowded say MPs An all-party Commons transport committee have said that the Manchester Metrolink suffers from severe overcrowding along with many commuter trains across the country. The committe chaired by Gwyneth Dunwoody, MP for Crewe, said that they were told Metrolink's overcrowding was due to the government's funding of light rail in the UK which has lead to a lack of capacity. The report also mentioned that the Blackpool tramway also suffers from overcrowding at times during the year. The report concluded that the government need to do something to help the overcrowding problem as people will not be willing to drop their cars in favour of severe overcrowding. Source: Manchester Online 19 October 2003: Plea to unite over Midland Metro plans Councillor Stewart Stacey from the Kings Norton ward in Birmingham has urged all sides in the Midland Metro 'above or below ground' debate to join together. He urged his fellow councillors to get together in order to present viable plans to the government, otherwise he fears the funding may go to other towns and cities across the country keen on tram systems. At the same council meeting David Pywell, strategic director of development, admitted that some lines in the city centre would have to go underground especially around the Bullring as they had spent so much time making the area pedestrian friendly they did not then want to fill it with trams. Meanwhile the management of Wolverhampton Business Airport are currently looking at expansion plans for their airfield which in turn will require improved public transport links. They envisage there being a tram link to Stourbridge and would be run in conjunction with Parry People Movers. The route would run mainly on a disused railway line from Stourbridge and then through the villages of Wall Heath, Swindon and Wombourne. Source: icBirmingham 12 October 2003: Blackpool and Fleetwood Tramway news update Centenary 647 is nearing completion on it mid-life overhaul and has been painted all over yellow although it remains on the accommodation trucks whilst it awaits its overhauled set to be swapped back. Brush Car 636, Balloon 700 and Balloon 703 are all either about to or are in the progress of having a repaint with the two Balloons receiving the same styles whilst it is not yet known what style 636 is to get. Twin Car set 673+683 have been completed in the Line 11 Turquoise and Yellow livery and returned to service at the start of October complete with saloon heaters. 31 August saw a collision between Trawler 633 and Twin car 682+672 at Burlington Road when the driver of 633 forgot the overhang and ran into the back of the trailer, 682 has since spent time out of service in the body shop undergoing repairs. Sister unit 675+685 has been taken out of service following a number of derailments by 675, which is to be retyred. If the work is completed before the end of the season the set will go back into service but otherwise the set is expected to receive its overhaul and repaint. Illuminated Warship 736 is now in the fitting shop where its underframe is under attention whilst Blackpool Transport have been in recent discussions with the Crich Tramway Village over the possibility of a further tram loanee visiting the resort, Blackpool Standard 49 appears to be favourite for this role. To get more detailed news and features on the Blackpool tramwy join the Fylde Tramway Society where you will receive the montly Fylde Tramway News. For more details click here Source: Fylde Tramway News 12 October 2003: North West hopes for government support for tram schemes This week has seen both the local news sites in Liverpool and Blackpool leading with stories on government funding for their respective tram systems. In Liverpool a warning has been given that if the MerseyTram project goes over budget the government would have to review the project. Meanwhile over in Blackpool MP's and councillors have said that they are confident that they will receive the funding they are after to upgrade the tramway to light rail standards. They claim there are several private transport operators interetsed in operating the system and that they are different as the basic infrastructure is already in place in the town. This has come at a time when the government are getting cold feet on putting money intoliggtr rail schemes following overspend on most projects and the calling back for re-review on the South Hampshire system. Source: icLiverpool and Blackpool Today 12 October 2003: Midland Metro to tunnel under Bullring? The recently remodelled and refurbushed Bullring area in Birmimgham city centre has been earmarked for the area where any extensions to Midland Metro could tunnel under. These plans have been unveiled in a report due to be discussed by the council next week looking at the possible 5 new Metro routes which could be up and running by 2012. The debate over whether tunnels for Metro extensions should be used in the city centre has been ongoing since the summer and at the moment it would appear that they are likely to be tunnels if more than one city centre extension is built. Source: icBirmingham 12 October 2003: Cable Cars for Sheffield? One of the more bizarre ideas coming out for new transport systems has just been revealed by a Councillor in Sheffield. Councillor Alf Meade has just produced a report which claims that cable cars would be an ideal solution for congestion in the city centre. He suggests several routes including cable cars to the railway station, Hallamshire Hospital, Sheffield University, Sheffield Airport and Meadowhall. The report will be presented to the council next week and he claims that they would cost far less than extending Supertram with the whole system costing the same price of one mile of tram line. Source: Sheffield Today 12 October 2003: Disabled to take trip to Sheffield from Nottingham A woman who has spent the past year convalescing after a serious illness is to organise a trip from Nottingham to Sheffield to show the disabled how their lives can be made easier with a tram network. Margaret Evans from Beeston has found severe trouble using buses and taxis since she found it increasingly difficult to walk and as a member of the Beeston and Chilwell Integrated Transport (BACIT) pro-tram group she has been horrified at the antis selfishness. The trip is to take place on 25 October and will involve elederly and disabled people from Beeston and Chilwell visiting the Yorkshire city and meeting up with tram passengers there so they can see how much easier it could make life for them. Source: This is Nottingham 5 October 2003: Midland Metro public consultation launched On Friday (3 October) a public consulation exercise was launched to solve the future of public transport in the West Midlands. A major factor to be taken into consideration during the consultaion will be whether to go over or underground through Birmingham city centre, a bone of contention in recent weeks. Both Birmingham city council and Centro are said to be going into the consultation with open minds over whether routes will be on top or below street level. There are five routes being looked into - 1. The Five Ws Route - Wolverhampton city centre loop via Wednesfield, Willenhall and Walsall connecting with Line One at Wednesbury 2. Birmingham East-West route - Hagley Road via the city centre the A45 corridor to Birmingham International Airport 3. Bartley Green spur - from the Hagley Road route (above), via the Queen Elizabeth Hospital and Birmingham University 4. Varsity North - Birmingham city centre to the University of Central England at Perry Barr via the A34 corridor and then to Scott Arms and the M6 5. Eastside spur - Birmingham city centre past Millennium Point and to the area around Duddeston rail station None of the above routes have been confirmed as yet and within each option there are several different alignment options. Source: icBirmingham 5 October 2003: Midland Metro collision inquest verdict The collison between a Midland Metro tram and a car at a crossing in Wolverhampton in February which resulted in the death of the car driver was the subject of an inquest this week (Thursday 2 October). The inquest heard how the level cossing at Priestfield station was open with no barriers and that the driver of the tram did everything he could to stop the tram using 3 emergency brakes and he also sounded his horn twice at the driver. None of the passengers on the tram were injured but the driver died of his serious injuries. It was later discovered that the car driver had traces of heroin or morphine in his blood but it was not known how long ago he had taken it. The coroner gave a veridct of accidential death and it has been revealed that Midland Metro are looking at altering the crossing. Source: icBirmingham and BBC News Online 28 September 2003: Midland Metro extensions thrown into confusion Sir Albert Bore, leader of Birmingham city council, has ruled out future tram extensions through the city centre. Although he backs the Five Ways extension via New Street he has said that he does not want to see the pedestrianised areas filled up with light rail lines. Instead he wants to see any future lines needing to across the city go underground, causing confusion between the affected parties. It is thought that these continuing disagreements between important parties could cause the Department for Transport not to award the relevant finding for Metro extensions. Centro would like to see at least one more street level line through the city centre before any discussion is held over going underground which is likely to cost a lot more money, at a time when the government seem to be going cold over awarding funding for light rail projects. It has now been decided that to try and find the way forward for Metro extensions a summit will be held between Centro and the City Council soon and after this hopefully both sides will be trying to fight for the same thing. Finally the long-awaited public inquiry into the Five Ways extension through the city centre will commence on 2 December and is to be chaired by former SAS General Tony Jeapes who was also in charge of a similar inquiry for the Docklands Light Railway. There have been 138 objections, mainly from land owners and Centro are hopeful most of these will have been dropped by the time of the inquiry as they are mostly technical. If the inquity is a success for Midland Metro the lines could be operational by 2008. Source: icBirmingham 28 September 2003: Nottingham Trams are too noisy It was promised that NET trams would be as quiet as a milk float but one family in Cinderhill are saying that the trams are disturbing their lives. The family in question claim that they have regularly been woken at 5am by passing trams and that at times there can be as many as 3 or 4 trams in 5 minutes. The family were so concerned by the noise that they got in an expert (Dr Coles former deputy director of the Institut of Hearing Research at the University of Nottingham) to see how noisy they were. In his findings he has found that the trams are twice as noisy as was claimed by NET bosses, with Dr Coles finding that the trams ranged from 75 to 90 decibels (slightly higher than Sheffield's trams). Now many other local residents have entered the debate and they are also saying that the trams seem to be noiser that they were led to believe and some even claim it is adversely affecting their house prices. NET bosses have lowered the track and have in addition put up close-boarded fences at properties who have agreed to it. Of course Dr Coles' findings have given ammunition to the anti Line 2 and 3 groups who want to see routes which do not go through tranquil residential areas. A NET spokesman has said that as yet they had not had chance to do full noise tests along the route but that they will speak to Dr Coles about his research and they emphasised that they have offered to reduce noise for the residents with fencing and the lowering of the track. Elsewhere in Nottingham the new tram byelaws have now been approved by Nottinghamshire County Council. These include no singing, busking, gambling or the selling of goods on any NET service, if anybody breaks any of the 30 byelaws the conductors have the power to remove the offending passengers. Source: This is Nottingham 28 September 2003: Good Manners campaign starts on Metrolink Passengers on the Manchester Metrolink system are to be rewarded by inspectors if they show good manners whilst using the system. A pair of tram tickets is the prize if passengers give up their seats, put rubbish in the bins or show people how to use the ticket machines before the campaign ends on 6 October. Source: Manchester Online 28 September 2003: London Student Travel discount extended to Tramlink Ken Livingstone, Mayor of London, has announced that as from 4 January 2004 the popular student travel discount scheme in the capital is to be extended. The student photocards are now to offer discounts on Croydon Tramlink and the Docklands Light Railway in addition to national rail trains in the London area, buses and the tube. Source: Croydon Guardian 27 September 2003: Police to get free Metrolink travel Greater Manchester Police are to get free travel on the Manchester Metrolink system to help with crime. Normal police officers, volunteer special constables and community support officers will all be covered by the deal between Serco and the Greater Manchester Police Force. It is hoped that having police officers on some of the trams will help the public to feel safer on the network at all times. Source: Manchester Online 27 September 2003: Midland Metro extension to cause building changes The proposed Midland Metro extension to Five Ways from Snow Hill via New Street will see a few changes to the buildings in Birmingham city centre. The major change will be at Waterstones bookshop where the front will have to be set back by a quarter of a metre. This will see some ornate columns removed and the front redesigned. An objection was put into planners by the bookshop but this was rejected as it was essential for the trams to squeeze by. In addition a statue will have to be moved in Victoria Square again so trams can make their way through the city centre. Source: icBirmingham 18 September 2003: NET is hit by second derailment It has been reported that Nottingham Express Transit has been struck by its second derailment during testing. On this occasion 206 derailed as it attempted to change tracks at Wilkinson Street at 3.40pm yesterday. It appears that the front wheels left the track as it attempted to use the crossover at this location and the two drivers on board managed to stop the tram immediately. The derailment was only minor and the tram is not expected to be out of use for long as only slight damage was suffered, last night the tram was being rerailed by a team of 8. Meanwhile Nottingham City Council has said that the majority of the overspend on the Lines 2 and 3 of NET will be met by the government. It appears that only £159,000 will need to be found by the council as the East Midlands Development Agency is supplying £400,000 and the rest should come from interest free borrowing approval from the government. Source: This is Nottingham 18 September 2003: Livingstone wants to see Tramlink to Brixton Ken Livingstone, Mayor for London, has pledged his support for a £300 million expansion of the Croydon Tramlink system and as well as the proposed section from Purley to Streatham would like the line to go all the way through to Brixton. Livingstone has warned though that any extension would rely on government approval in order to fund 60% of the likely costs and also on the local authorities being able to implement the systems infrastructure as much of it would be on the areas roads, sharing with other traffic. Transport for London however said that at present they are not looking at extending the system to Brixton and that if they did the proper areas of consultation would have to be looked at. TfL are likely to hand in the Tramlink extension proposals to the government next yesr along with further Docklands Light Railway extensions. Source: Croydon Guardian 18 September 2003: Blackpool and Fleetwood Tramway Update Twin Set 673+683 were split at the start of August for a start to be made on a repaint for them into the Line 11 Turquoise and Yellow Metro Coastlines livery. In the preparation for the repaint there has been some repanelling including the paneling over of the destination areas at No. 2 ends for both halves. Saloon heaters are also to be fitted to the tram. Illuminated Warship 736 is currently being worked on as part of its major overhaul. The tram has been dismantled to a great extent with only the front bow and the body side frame currently the only items remaining in situ. It appears that the whole project is being financed by Blackpool Transport. Overhaul Centenary 647 has been moved to the Paint Shop for an initial undercoat before any livery is painted. Boat 605 is now officially out of service on unusuable trucks whilst its overhauled set are likely to be put under 600, 605 now stored at the rear of the depot. Work is also continuing on Rebuilt Balloon 724 which now has a set of overhauled trucks whilst 713 has had no work done on it and 710 has received limited attention and will not be the next overhaul victim. The above information is from the Fylde Tramway News, which is free to all members of the Fylde Tramway Society. To receive in depth news and features on tramways become a member of the FTS. For more details click here and follow the links. Source: Fylde Tramway News 17 September 2003: NET Phases 2 and 3 prices rocket It was revealed yesterday that the cost of preparing Nottingham for Lines 2 and 3 of NET has increased by £2.8 million, and the reason given is the vocal local opposition groups. Just 12 months ago the price of planning the lines to Clifton and Beeston and Chilwell was estimated at £5 million but it is now looking more likely to be £7.8 million. Both Nottingham City Council and Nottinghamshire County Council are now looking at the likelihood that between them they will have to cover part of this extra cost (rumoured to be approximately £1.5 million) from their own budgets. The cost has come from more detailed technical work having to be carried out in investigating the concerns of the opposition groups. Works are scheduled to commence in September 2005 with the opening of the 2 lines in 2008, if everything goes according to plan. Source: This is Nottingham 15 September 2003: First 'Official' NET Tram hits the city centre On Wednesday 10 September the first official NET tram was put through its paces in Nottingham city centre, just over 67 years since the last first generation tram was in service. The local press have made a big thing of this trip which commenced from the depot at 5am. However the tram was not the first one to traverse the city's streets as gauging trials previously took place on Sunday 31 August. The task now for NET is not only to train their drivers on the streets of the city but also to make sure that local motorists are aware what to do around the trams, particularly in respect to parking and loading. In order for the tram drivers to be able to tell what it will be like with passengers on sandbags are to be used to simulate this effect. The tram carried 20 engineers and officials to ensure that everything went smoothly for this milestone for the UK's latest tram system. There is still no confirmation of the exact date of the systems opening although it is likely to be in January 2004. Source: Nottingham Express Transit, This is Nottingham & BBC News Online 15 September 2003: Blackpool Coronation 304 to return to your screens! The next series of Channel 4's popular Salvage Squad program is to feature a mixture of brand new restoration projects and a look at previous items. 304 is considered to be one of the most popular projects the squad have undertaken in the past and so it will feature in the third series looking at what has happened since the Salvage Squad team left the resort. As such the film squad were back in Blackpool last week to undertaken some additional filming work. The tram undertook a private tour through the illuminations on Thursday night and the crew were seen on board the tram at Tower on Friday (12 September) conducting more interviews. Finally the film crew were back at the depot on the Friday afternoon presumably completing their work. Source: Lancastrian Transport Trust 15 September 2003: Bath Tram Proposals presented to council Business leaders in Bath have presented their plans for a new tram system in the city to the local council leaders. The system is part of a proposed package of transport improvements for the Somerset city which would cost £500 million if all parts were included (improved park and ride and fresh investment in roads are also part of the 20 year plan). The councillor responsible for transport on the council, Sir Elgar Jenkins, welcomed the contribution of local businesses towards the transport plan. It is unclear when Bath & North Somerset council will make any decision on the proposals. Source: BBC News Online 15 September 2003: Metrolink Trams suffer problems Last week on 10 September (the day I visited the city) routine checks being carried out at the Manchester Metrolink depot revealed that there was a potential for a defect on the first series trams was discovered. The problem was that water had got into a steel wiring pipe underneath the tram and it was feared this could lead to a short circuit. All of the 26 trams were checked and as a result 10 were identified as requiring some work to be carried out on them. During the night of 10/11 September 6 of the vehicles were worked on and completed but this left the service on Thursday morning slightly short and delays were likely to be experienced by Metrolink customers. Metrolink were at pains to point out that passengers were never at any risk as the worst which would have happened would have been the failure of the trams. Meanwhile Metrolink have revealed that 240 fare dodgers are being sent to the special court set up in Bury each week. The people who reach the court are people who not only don't purchase tickets from the machines before boarding the trams but also refuse to pay the £20 on the spot fine. Roaving inspectors are employed by the company to target stations where it is known there has been a significant amount of fare dodging as well as trageting random trams during the day. The success of these operations is believed to have been able to keep ticket prices down over recent years. Source: Manchester Metrolink & Manchester Online 15 September 2003: Carillion announce major fall in profits Carillion, the company behind the construction of the Nottingham Express Transit system, have announced that their half-time profits have dropped from £16.1 million to £7.7 million. The company have put this down to a £10 million overspend on NET which has been slightly offset by the good performance of the companies business service strand. Carillion have previously said that they will not undertake another light rail project in the UK as the costs are so high and putting some more bones on this Finance Director Chris Girling has said that the government needs to simplify the model for letting the contracts. This has meant that the projects are becoming too risky and as such Carillion have recently pulled out of the South Hampshire bidding process. Carillion's responibilities in Nottingham included the main infrastructure as well as ensuring the intergration of overhead lines, signalling and new tram designs. Source: icBirmingham 31 August 2003: UK Light Rail Passenger Numbers up 6.9% The latest set of figures released by the Department for Transport have shown that across the UK light rail patronage has increased by nearly 7%.
This table shows the percentage change since last years figures were released and shows that light rail patronage has once again increased since with all light rail systems enjoying an increase. The biggest concern is with Midland Metro which has still reached its peak of 2000/1 at only 4.9 million journeys, the Stagecoach Supertram has also only seen a minimum increase with just less than 1% extra journeys made. The Tyne & Wear Metro system's major increase can be put down to the Sunderland extension which opened during 2002 whilst the major success stories continue to be around the capital with over 10% extra patronage on the DLR and nearly 3% on Croydon Tramlink. The Department for Transport's 10 Year Plan planned to double the use of light rail in the UK by 2010/11, a figure that is still a long way off, although major extensions to Manchester and the DLR in addition to new systems in Leeds and South Hampshire should see a major increase before that date. There are also proposals for extensions in Croydon, Sheffield and on the Midland Metro with the Blackpool Tramway also looking to upgrade to light rail, this system is not currently included on the list. Full details of the figures can be found on the Deartment for Transport website (see below for link). Source: Department for Transport 31 August 2003: Major Consultation Exercise to commence on Sheffield extensions It was announced this week that the South Yorkshire PTE is to start the second round of intesnive consultation with individuals and businesses along the proposed extensions. To start with there are to be a number of public exhibitions during autumn 2003 and newsletters are to be sent to homes with a questionnaire. The idea of this stage of the consulation is to find out the opinions of the locals who will be affected by the proposed extensions and the Transport Authority are at pains to point out that no final approval has been given by the councils in either Sheffield or Rotherham. Source: South Yorkshire Passenger Transport Executive 31 August 2003: Cyclists start complaints about NET In Nottingham the cyclists have started to complain about the tramway and in particular the tracks. Apparently since last October, 16 accidents have been reported when the bike wheels have become stuck in the track grooves and cycle experts say that there are many more which have not been reported. Several cyclists have contacted Nottingham Express Transit about compensation but NET have confirmed that there will be none available as leaflets had been distributed warning cyclists to be careful. Source: This is Nottingham 31 August 2003: Southport Pier to get new tramway The newly refurbished pier at Southport is to get a new tram to operate along the centre of the pier. The tram is expected to cost £324,000 and is an 100 seat all weather vehicle. Most of the funding is already in place with the Mersey Waterfront regional park board contributing almost £250,000 with additional funding from Sefton Council and the charitable Southport Pier Trust. Tracks have already been installed along the pier as part of a refurbishment finished last year and will replace a temporary road train which has run along the pier and is a longer term replacement for the original Victorian Silver Bell which closed in 1996. Source: icLiverpool 31 August 2003: Midland Metro suffers severe delays due to fire On Thursday (28 August) the Midland Metro system suffered severe delays due to a fire at 4.30am. The fire was caused as one tram was towing a broken down tram which caused a short circuit, in turn ruining the overhead wires. Tram services were badly affected by this fire with no through services possible between Wolverhampton and Birmingham Snow Hill. There was no service at all from Wolverhampton to Priestfield, with a special shuttle service between Priestfield and Wednesbury and then a normal service was running from this point to Snow Hill. The incident occurred at Priestfield when one tram was towing a broken down sister and a pantograph got caught up in the overhead wires. Midland Metro engineers were working at the scene and attempting to get everything sorted out by the evening. Source: icbirmingham 24 August 2003: Tramlink helps improve Croydon says report A new report by transport and planning consultants Colin Buchanan & Partners has praised the Croydon Tramlink system for helping to revitalise the town. The report says that since the opening of Tramlink businesses have had their profits raised, the accessibility of the tram system has seen firms attracted to the area with more punctual staff, unemployment has gone down in certain areas and house prices along the route of the network have risen at a faster rate than others in the area. It concludes by saying that probably the only downside of Tramlink was the loss of marginal businesses during the construction period. Source: icSouthLondon 24 August 2003: Call for Transport Minister to sort out MerseyTram chaos Following on from the news story earlier this week when it was revealed that the MerseyTram project was being put into jeopardy by the refusal of a Councillor to authorise the demolition of a flyover in the city centre there have been calls for the Transport Minister to intervene. Tony McNulty was due to visit Liverpool on Thursday (21 August) and Riverside Labour MP Louise Ellman wants him to intervene in order to get the project back on its feet. It is feared that this delay could put into jeopardy funding from Europe as well as that from private investors. Merseytravel are also keen for the matter to be resolved soon. Source: icLiverpool 23 August 2003: Daytime testing commences on Nottingham Express Transit 11 August saw the commencement of daytime testing on the NET line to Hyson Green with General Manager, Andy Wood, at the controls for the initial run. The run was delayed by a couple of hours whilst a thunderstorm passed with NET bosses not wishing to risk any interference with electrical equipment. Source: This is Nottingham 23 August 2003: Manchester Victoria requires new roof The troublesome roof at Manchester Victoria station, covering the Network Rail and Metrolink platforms, requires replacing completely. One of the Metrolink platforms is currently closed due to the leaky nature of the roof which has been deteroriating since panes of glass fell out of the roof in May leading to temporary suspension of Metrolink services. The new roof has had temporary repairs but it needs a new £16 million roof, the cost being so high due to the lack of decent access to the roof. Source: Manchester Online 19 August 2003: Doubt over MerseyTram? It has recently emerged that the MerseyTram project in Liverpool could be in doubt as a row has started over the future of a city centre flyover. The problem is the Churchill Way flyover which was due to be demolished but Councillor Peter Millea, executive member for regeneration, has opposed this demolition. This now means the future of the road has been deferred and if a new route for the tramway has to be found it could cost as much as £10,000 a week in consultancy fees. Source: icLiverpool 19 August 2003: Midland Metro debate continues Councillor Richard Worrall, chairman of the West Midlands PTA, has called for there to be a high level meeting which will help to clear up the confusion over transport in Birmingham. Following the news that Conservatives would like to see an underground railway system in the city Councillor Worrall feels that a meeting is vital so that people know what is happening especially as the government have already given outline backing for the extension to Line One through the city centre. Meanwhile a survey in the Birmingham Post has revealed that 95% of passengers are satsified with the service the Metro provides, with a 98% reliability now been gained by the system. However the passengers feel that the restricted route make a full network of extensions vital to ensure its usefulness continues. Source: icBirmingham 8 August 2003: Whats the future for Midland Metro? The Birmingham Post has this week begun a campaign Get Moving looking at the future of transport in the city. From the weeks articles it has emerged that the Conservative council chiefs would like to see an underground railway system through the city centre as opposed to the currently proposed Metro extension. It appears that the choice is between the two with Labour preferring Midland Metro and the Conservatives the underground system, which would cost £3 billion (all from private companies). Meanwhile there have been 137 objections to the proposed Metro extension from various sources whilst only 10 letters have been received of support. The extension is planned to be 2 miles running to Five Ways via New Street station, Victoria Square, Symphony Hall/ICC and Broad Street. A lot of the objections stem from the construction period and the lack of access to properties and general dust and disruption. If it gets final approval the line would open in 2008. The debate will now continue on whether Birmingham wants this extension or whether it should dig deep down with an underground railway. For more details on this Birmingham Post campaign vist the icBirmingham website and follow the links through campaigns (see below for link). Source: icBirmingham 8 August 2003: Blackpool and Fleetwood Tramway Latest News Celebrity Open Top Balloon, 706 Princess Alice, returned to service on 21 July after its repaint into Original Green and Cream, for the first time since 1989. The tram service countinues with a major shortfall due to a driver shortage at Blackpool Transport with the Cleveleys Flyer service and the weekend vintage service particularly affected. Coronation 304 has now had its Vambac unit refitted and is now ready for testing on the prom whilst Sheffield 513 returned to service in mid July following work after its derailment in May. Mid-life Overhaul Centenary 647 is still being worked on whilst the Balloon Cars are reportedly seeing record low use due to the ban of their use north of Thornton Gate with four examples officially out of service, including overhaul examples 713 and 724. Finally it has been revealed that a fourth Twin Car set will undergo a repaint before the end of the season, with 673+683 recently being taken out of service for this purpose. Interested in the Blackpool Tramway? If so why not consider becoming a member of the Fylde Tramway Society. Monthly meetings and magazine, annual summer trip and regul;ar tram tours. For more details and how to join vist this site here. Source: Fylde Tramway News 8 August 2003: No Lives At Risk Over Metrolink Near Miss An inquiry into the Metrolink near miss of a couple of months ago has concluded that no livers were put at risk. The HSE report has said that even if the drivers had not have spotted each other emergency signals would have halted them before a collision had occurred. The problems of that day have been put down to a number of extraordinary events, firstly with a tram failure in the single line section at Timperley, a points failure at Cornbrook and then two further tram failures. It appears that those in the control room were under exteme pressure which led to the problems, three of the controllers on duty are still suspended before a decision is made on what action to take against them. An action plan has now been put into the mix following on from the reccommendations of the report. Source: Manchester Online 3 August 2003: British Trams Online smashes monthly record British Trams Online has enjoyed its best month by a mile during July with an incredible 1,064 unique visitors during the month (the previous record was 574). During this period there were 3,594 page views in total with the gallery index being the most popular page with 471 views.As expected most users come from the United Kingdom (80.07%) with the United States second on the list (6.21%). Users also come from various other places in the world including Canada, Germany, Australia, Ireland, Japan, New Zealand and Brazil. Tahnks to evryone who has made this possible. 3 August 2003: Project Orpheus outlined in Tyne and Wear Nexus, the operator of the Tyne and Wear Metro, are hoping to get government backing for their Project Orpheus proposals. The whole project is likely to cost £15 billion and includes a tram system on the streets of Newcastle, a cable car on Gateashead Quayside and special bus links. Nexus hope to present the economic and business case to the government by the end of this year for the project which will see trams sharing track with the current Metro network in addition to running on streets where Metro does not reach. Source: BBC News Online 3 August 2003: MerseyTram bidding shortlist revealed Last month the MerseyTram project announced the five shortlisted bidders to design, build and operate the 19km Line One. The shortlisted parties are Keolis (including Via GTI UK and Parsons Bronkerhoff), Transdev, Mitsubishi Corporation and MTR Corporation, Meanwhile MerseyTravel have recently asked for the government for £150 million towards the cost of Line 2 of the MerseyTram system. MereseyTravel are currently preparing their annual report and in it will detail why the government should support the proposals for additional lines on MeresyTram. If successful funding will be awarded in the annual December announcement. Source: icLiverpool 3 August 2003: People of Portsmouth told its the tram or swimming pools Liberal Democrat Deputy Leader of Porsmouth City Council, Gerald Vernon-Jackson, this week said that there was not enough money in the council fund for both the supertram system and proposed improvements to leisure facilities. The cost of the South Hampshire Light Rapid Transit scheme has recently risen by £8 million and Mr Vernon-Jackson wants people to express their views on what the money should go on by writing to the local newspaper. Source: Portsmouth Today 3 August 2003: Proposed NET Park and Ride site causes dispute The proposed site for a Park and Ride in Clifton on the NET extension has just been revealed but has already seen protests. There would be space for 1,000 cars along with a combined tram and bus stop. The major concerns people have over the site is that it is on green belt land and Environment Not Trams claim there are many reasons for opposing the plan, although the article on This is Nottingham does not list these many reasons. The council believe that it is the best site available and would cost £4-5 million less than other sites looked into. The public consulation (see last weeks news story) is due to begin soon and it is hoped that after all the inquiries and associated bureaucracy construction could begin in 2005 with Lines 2 and 3 opening in 2008. Source: This is Nottingham 3 August 2003: New Croydon Shopping Centre to miss out on trams The new Centrale shopping centre in Croydon looks likely to initially miss out on a tram stop. When planning permission was granted it was agreed that the developer would pay for a new tram stop in Tamworth Road at a cost of approximately £250,000 but the problem now lays with who will pay for the timetable changes required. 21 trams pass the site of Centrale each hour but if they all stopped at the shopping centre then havoc would ensue with the current schedules. General Manager of TCL, Roger Harding, has said that they want to stop there but that it could mean Tramlink requiring an additional tram, all in all it has been estimated that the changes could cost upwards of £6 million. The proposed tram stop is likely to begin life as a bus platform whilst Transport for London make a decision on what will happen. Source: icSouth London |