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| News...December 2005...News...December 2005...News...December 2005...News This Page was last updated Sunday 1 January 2006 |
| All the news carried on these pages is done so in good faith and the source is always quoted, normally with hyperlinks. If you have a correction to give us on a news story or have any additional news that can be added do not hestiate to email us . We are grateful for those people who have given us permission to use their images and news on this page. |
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For all previous news pages click here to go to the new News Index page which provides links to news dating back to September 2002. Photos on this page: 3 images of the new London City Airport extension of the Docklands Light Railway, including a PID at West Silvertown, a train in London City Airport station and a train approaching Pontoon Dock (added 4 December 2005) The Trampower tram at the Birkenhead Heritage Tramway during a period of passenger testing (added 4 December 2005) |
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News In Brief Birkenhead: Lisbon 730 has made another test run as far as Woodside Ferry in the last week. This was part of a 6 tram cavalcade on Friday (30 December) which also included the two Hong Kong Cars and Birkenhead 20 amongst the other serviceable cars. Photos of the cavalcade can be seen here and photos of Lisbon 730 here. (1/1/06 - MTPS) Crich: Progress on the restoration of LUT 159 continues with work now progressing on the lifeguard metal work and sanding gear. The workshop is soon to receive a short blasting cabinet to help with restoration projects at the Museum. This will enable time to saved as components will not have to be collected and taken away for the blasting to take place – it should now take hours and not weeks to complete certain tasks. Other news sees an extra sandbox being restored for the historic diesel locomotive GMJ. (1/6/06 - Andy Bailey) Manchester: 1009 has re-entered service in the revised livery, carrying the small fleet numbers on the front and rear dash panels. It does not have a name. (1/1/06 - Gordon Ferguson) ------------------------------------------------- Birkenhead: Hong Kong 69 has been turned round at Birkenhead to so that it can be used more regularly. Both 69 and its sister 70 only have one main staircase at the end of the car, and this has to face the Woodside Ferry terminus for correct use. When both trams were delivered from Blackpool it was decided to have them facing opposite ways, but this meant that 69 has seen very little use. A crane was used last week to turn the tram round and now it should see extra use in 2006. Photos of the move can be found at the link to the right. (23/12/05 - MTPS) Blackpool: OMO 8 has now left the Rigby Road depot of Blackpool Transport to go to its new home at the LTT depot. It left on Sunday 18 December. The tram is situated on a specially constructed piece of track at Mereside next to Standard 143. 8 has recently been painted into the Plum and Custard livery and has had new saloon windows fitted whilst remaining at Rigby Road. Click here for your starting point of photos of the tram being moved to the LTT depot. (23/12/05 - Paul Turner from ">Yahoo! Groups Blackpool_Transport) Croydon: As part of the ongoing Tramlink safety campaign they are asking people to be careful when travelling this Christmas. They are attempting to raise public awareness of the dangers of being distracted when on or about the tramway. They are urging the public to always look both ways when crossing tram tracks and also remind passengers that they prefer them on the trams, not under them. (23/12/05 - Wimbledon Guardian) ------------------------------------------------- Birkenhead: The restoration of Lisbon 730 is now nearing completion and the tram has now made its first test run to Woodside Ferry in the last week. A picture of the tram at Woodside can be found at the link to the right. (18/12/05 - MTPS) Blackpool: The revarnish and touch up of Blackpool & Fleetwood Box 40 has now been completed and includes the Blackpool & Fleetwood lettering on both ends of the tram. Its place in Paint has now been taken by Standard 147 which is to receive its first full repaint since its major restoration.(18/12/05 - Paul Turner from ">Yahoo! Groups Blackpool_Transport) General: BBC News Online have published an article entitled Are Trams at the End of the Road?. The article discusses where trams in the UK are going in the wake of the recent rejections of Leeds, South Hampshire and Merseyside. The article can be found here and there is also an accompanying picture feature here. (18/12/05) Manchester: In addition to the two shortlists reported about last week for the upgrade of the Metrolink system a further two shortlists have been revealed, one to operate and maintain the trams and the other to maintain the track an carry out improvement works at the stops. Current incumbent Serco are on both lists, they are joined by First Manchester, Keolis, Stagecoach and Transdev on the operate contracts whilst on the infrastructure contract Carillion, Edmund Nuttall, First and Mowlem are competing. (18/12/05 - Manchester Online) Trampower: As reported last week the tram has now arrived in Blackpool for further testing, expected to commence in the new year. Photos of the tram be readied for departure from Birkenhead can be found here. (18/12/05) ------------------------------------------------- Blackpool: The Trampower tram has now arrived in Blackpool awaiting further tests. Further on this story can be found at BlackpoolTrams.info. (11/12/05) DLR: Christmas Service frequencies have been revealed, and are as follows: Christmas Eve (revised Saturday service ending at 2330), Christmas Day (No Service). Boxing Day (Special 10 minute service from 0830 to 2330), Tuesday 27 December (normal Saturday service), 28-30 December (normal weekday service), New Years Eve (normal Saturday service with limited overnight service into New Years Day), New Years Day (revised Sunday service from 0130 to 2330 – every 15 minutes until 1230 and every 10 minutes thereafter) and Monday 2 January (Saturday service). (11/12/05 - DLR) General: During the same week as the DfT declined the money for Merseytram and the South Hampshire LRT a debate was held in Parliament, called by Lib Dem MP for Rochdale Paul Rowen, on the future of light rail in England. The debate went on for a while but time ran out before Parliament called time at 1030. The transcript of the debate can be found here. (11/12/05 - UK Parliament) ------------------------------------------------- Birkenhead: Warrington 2’s restoration continues on Merseyside with recent concentration on the lower saloon with the mouldings currently seeing attention. In addition the top deck seats are being de-rusted, primed and undercoated in preparation for their painting into Maroon. Many of the interior fittings have had old coats of paint removed and now await finishing. Pictures of the trams restoration can be found at the link to the right. (4/12/05 - MTPS) Birmingham: Wolverhampton bound services were terminated at Priestfield on Monday (28 November) evening due to huge traffic jams causing the roads to be impassable. (4/12/05 - icBirmingham) Birmingham: Christmas services have now been revealed for Midland Metro. Normal services will be run on Christmas Eve (24 December) and from 28-31 December with a 10 minute Bank Holiday service in operation on 27 December, New Years Day and 2 January. On Boxing Day a special 20 minute service will in operation between 10am and 6pm. Full details of the Christmas period on Midland Metro can be found at the link to the right. (4/12/05 - Midland Metro) Birmingham: Another tram has recently been named Sir Frank Whittle, the inventor of the jet engine who was born in Coventry. Unfortunately which tram is unknown! – it could be 01, 02 or 12. (4/12/05 - Peter Courtenay) DLR: The London City Airport extension opened (ahead of schedule) on Friday (2 December). Trains are now running from Canning Town (on the Beckton branch) to King George V with stops at West Silvertown, Pontoon Dock and London City Airport. (4/12/05 - Peter Courtenay) DLR: The latest units to receive the new fleet livery are 32, 53, 55, 59, 61 & 64. The Back the Bid liveried units have lost their vinyls but remain in the base colours, this includes 06, 08 and 13. (4/12/05 - Peter Courtenay) General: Rochdale MP, Paul Rowen, set out a five point plan in the House of Commons this week to breathe life back into light rail systems. He suggested the DfT should speed up approval for light rail, the cost of public works should be reduced and companies should be allowed to purchase and lease rolling stock, spreading the cost over the life of the tram. Mr Rowen said: “Everyone wants to see the rise in road traffic halted. Light rail is popular with the public and can deliver if the government has the will to support it." (4/12/05 - Manchester Online) Manchester: 1017 is the latest tram to be released back in service following its mid life overhaul. It retains its Bury Hospice names and carries the numbers of the front dash panels. On trams in general the number of windows adverts has greatly reduced – only 4 or 5 are currently carrying adverts a new residential development. The service is also still suffering from a lack of trams with many gaps in the service. (4/12/05 - Peter Courtenay & Gordon Ferguson) Sheffield: Further trams have now been fitted with electronic destination indicators: 105, 109, 112, 115, 121, 122 and 123, in addition 102 and 104are reported as having side indicators only. (4/12/05 - Peter Courtenay) ------------------------------------------------- |
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DUDLEY MIDLAND METRO EXTENSION PROGRESSES Friday 23 December 2005 A crucial agreement to extend Midland Metro through Dudley Town Centre was due to be finalised this week. Dudley Borough Council has completed an agreement with Centro so both parties know their respective roles in funding, construction, operation and maintenance of the Wednesbury extension which will go through Dudley town centre. Councillor Roger Horton, lead member for the Metro on the West Midlands PTA, commented: “Signing this major agreement with Dudley cements the determination of both parties to deliver this important transport and regeneration project scheme to people in the Black Country as soon as possible.” This extension will run from Line One of the Metro at Wednesbury and will go to Brierley Hill via both Merry Hill and Dudley town centre. There are planned to be 13 stops including four park and ride sites. It is scheduled for opening in 2011 with the journey being completed in 23 minutes. The Leader of Dudley Council, Councillor David Caunt, added: “This Metro extension running up through Castle Hill, Dudley and Brierley Hill is a very exciting prospect for local people. The extended line will not only make travelling around the area much easier and more convenient for everyone, providing an attractive alternative to the car, but it will also bring regeneration, jobs and other socio-economic benefits to this part of the Black Country. I am extremely pleased to be signing this agreement with Centro, which brings such an important project even closer to reality.” The agreement between the two parties includes a design guide to smooth the way for detailed aspects of the tram stops to receive planning permission amongst other design aspects of the scheme. Before the scheme progresses any further Centro are working with Birmingham City Council on a similar agreement for the separate Five Ways extension thorough the city centre. Once this agreement is reached Centro will be in a position to go back to the DfT with a final business case to get final approval – the major obstacle now in the way of the scheme.
Mr Justice Silber said: “It seems an important case which clearly passes the threshold for permission to be granted.” It has been decided that the important date for the hearing will be in the week commencing 30 January 2006. At this hearing solicitors acting for the DfT will also be able to say why the decision was taken.
Commenting on the High Court decision, Councillor Mark Dowd, Chair of Merseytravel said: “This is a major step forward in our fight to release the £170 million for this vital regeneration scheme. I am delighted we have now got a real opportunity to present our case in a courtroom”
If the decision is upheld in the next hearing, Merseytravel are seeking to recoup some of the money already spent on Merseytram, by asking for compensation.
Meanwhile, LUT 159 has had its underframe completed and has received most of the timber bodywork. Concentration has recently been on fitting the saloon flooring. Away from the tram body the first of the B18 controllers intended for 159 are nearing completion of their overhaul.
Other work in the workshops has seen the truck of Chesterfield 7 stripped for overhaul with its wheelsets and motors being despatched to a sub contractor for attention. The wheelsets of Johannesburg 60 have also been sent away to a sub contractor for the production of new wheel centres.
Work is practically completed on Leeds 345 and it just awaits further testing before a launch into service next year. It has been moved to the Exhibition Hall for winter storage. Glasgow 1297 still requires some attention to its roof and cove panels before it can be commissioned for service.
Finally, Leeds 180 has returned to service as part of the winter fleet following attention to a main pendulum leaf spring.
Why not become a member of the Tramway Museum Society for 2006? It is a perfect way to help ensure the survival of tramcars of yesteryear from the British Isles and beyond. As a member you get a quarterly magazine, a monthly newsletter and free entry to the Crich Tramway Village and selected other locations worldwide. For further details on how to become a member check out here.
A spokesman from Travel Midland Metro said: “The main purpose of the internal cameras is to provide a deterrent to would-be troublemakers and provide the facility to record incidents. Any CCTV evidence produced will be used against those who cause crime or anti-social behaviour on the system. The internal cameras which cover the doors will be relayed to a split screen monitor in each driving cab to give drivers a good view of passenger activity in and around the door areas. The view is currently restricted, particularly when the trams are crowded at peak times."
The plan is to start installing the cameras early next year with the whole fleet of 15/16 trams completed by the end of 2006.
The spokesman added: “The internal cameras will assist greatly in verifying insurance claims against the Metro and defending fraudulent claims of people saying 'I fell down the steps', 'we got trapped in the doors', or 'I was thrown about and got injured when the tram braked'. There will also be forward facing cameras looking out of the windscreen at each end of the tram to pick up potential road traffic accidents, pedestrian activity and near misses. The provision of these cameras in particular will assist with the investigation of accidents or the progression of insurance claims."
The current Mayor of Sheffield, Councillor Alison Brelsford said: “Every time a Supertram approaches traffic lights they automatically turn to red to stop other traffic and then tram goes through."
Her views were echoed by Councillor Matt Davies: “Whatever the city council may say there is no doubt that Supertram is responsible for massive hold ups for other traffic because of the traffic light priority system for Supertram."
A spokeswoman for Sheffield City Council agreed that this was the case: “The trams do have priority at Hillsborough and at all signal controlled junctions in Sheffield on the tram route. This allows trams to negotiate junctions in a safe and efficient manner and to minimise the overall disruption to other road users."
Normal services will resume from 3 January. For full details of Christmas services on all UK systems click here for a special feature on the subject.
She said: “A tram link to Streatham would massively improve the local economy, by making it easier for local people from, for example the Norbury area to come to Streatham to shop. Many local residents travel to work in Croydon and a tram would make commuting easier, as well as opening up access to the large shopping centres in Croydon. This would be a win-win situation for both areas."
Transport for London are currently awaiting the outcome of the Government’s spending review for 2007 to see whether future extensions of Tramlink are viable.
The Streatham South Councillor, Mark Bennett, added: “I'm a frequent traveller on the tram, and I can see how much an extension would revolutionise work, shopping and leisure for Streatham residents. Of course, the tram would also bring more shoppers into Streatham, and with the longest shopping street in Europe that can only be an incentive to boost the local economy."
The Community leader Tina Woolnough said: “We strongly believe that only by serving the front entrance of the Western General Hospital can Tram Line One be said to be in the public interest and socially-inclusive. The lack of proven public benefit is crucial to perceptions about the line."
tie have promised to introduce a bus link between the Hospital and tram stops but this has still appeased the campaigners who also believe the tram should not use the Roseburn Urban Wildlife Corridor.
If the route was changed to include the Hospital in the route for Line One around £29 million would have to be added to the estimated cost of £634 million. The plans for Line One are now in the final stage of the parliamentary process.
The main changes see 10p rises in most adult fares and 5p rises for child fares, however the top fares are frozen for 2006. Full details of the new Metro only fares for single and return journeys are given below: Adult single fares are currently 60p to £2.20 with child singles being 30p to £1.10. Full details of all fares for travel on the Midland Metro visit the link below.
The Lancastrian Transport Trust are close to concluding a deal with Blackpool Borough Council over the transferring of Brush Works Car 259’s ownership. This tram still retains many of its original features and will eventually be restored back to original condition as 287 but will be painted in the green wartime livery. This will be a while away as the LTT are currently concentrating on the restoration of Standard 143.
* Don’t forget the only way to receive FULL monthly news on the Blackpool Tramway is by becoming a member of the Fylde Tramway Society? The Fylde Tramway News has just been redesigned with a much more modern look and is just one of the many benefits of being a member. For further details see here and here.
Full details of services over the festive period in Blackpool are as follows: Full details of the service can be found at the link below.
Councillor Mark Dowd, Chairman of Merseytravel, said: “We have a strong case and I am hopeful the scheme will go ahead. We have acted honourably and been honest with the Government all the way through . The Government has embarked on a trail that was dishonest and we will fight this matter through the courts.”
A notice of intent has been sent to Secretary of State for Transport Alistair Darling giving him 7 days to reply or change his mind on the decision. The Judicial Review will cost Merseytravel £300,000 and should be heard in court by the end of February. Then if everything goes the way Merseytravel want it to the scheme could be back on track on 31 March 2006.
The action is being taken as Merseytravel claim that the Government made unreasonable demands in asking Liverpool and Knowsley Councils to write blank cheques to cover any cost over runs on the scheme. Lawyers also say that expectations were raised too high in April this year when a down payment of £4.2 million was given – well above the expected £800,000.
Merseytravel Chief Executive Neil Scales, added: “Schemes in Leeds and south Hampshire have also been turned down. If we don't get this back on track, trams are dead in the UK. We started this project five-and-a-half years ago and we started from the bottom up, looking at transport across the county. We didn't just say it would be a good idea to have trams, we saw the people of Merseyside needed trams. We have to pursue this. It would cost the same amount of money to answer the question 'why did you spend all the money on the trams?'."
On the shortlist to provide new trams are: Meanwhile the infrastructure shortlist includes: GMPTE’s Deputy Director General, Geoff Inskip said: “The eight new trams and track replacement will massively improve Metrolink so that passengers are able to enjoy the benefits of a smoother, quieter and more reliable service. The bidding process to appoint contractors, following the government's decision in July to agree a £102 million package for Metrolink improvements, is well underway. I am pleased that we have now reached the stage where we are able to announce the companies which will be asked to submit formal bids to carry out the work and I look forward to being able to appoint the successful bidders in the near future."
The successful bidders are expected to be announced by Spring 2006 with the new trams in operation from Autumn 2008 and the new track should be in place by Autumn 2007.
In addition to these contracts nine companies have been selected to submit formal bids for two additional contracts to operate and maintain the Metrolink vehicles and to maintain the network and implement station and stop improvements.
Speaking about the report, Michael Howell, Chief Executive of tie limited said: “tie Limited is very pleased that the Committee recognises the benefits that trams will bring to the City of Edinburgh in the wider context, and notes the Committee’s
acknowledgement that every possible step has been taken to minimise the impact both on the community and on the environment. We would like to thank the Committee, and the objectors, for the time and work that has gone into a detailed and thorough examination of the Line Two proposals over the last two years. In particular, we would like to thank all those who have contributed to the process over recent months, enabling tie to refine its design in a number of important areas; for example at Baird Drive, Haymarket Yards and at the Gyle.”
The Leader of the City of Edinburgh Council, Councillor Donald Anderson added: “These are very positive comments from the Scottish Parliament and put Edinburgh one step closer to a world-class transport system. Tram Line Two links up the key wealth creating areas of Edinburgh and fast links between these areas will help boost jobs and investment.”
The 16 trams, of which only 15 are in serviceable condition with 07 being used as a “Christmas Tree”, are to be sold on the second hand market after numerous problems with them in the 6 years since the Birmingham to Wolverhampton line opened.
The decision to sell them and replace them with a new fleet of 40 vehicles (for the tow planned extensions) was taken last week at a meeting of the West Midland PTA following a recommendation from Centro (the West Midlands PTE). The meeting also saw the PTA confirm they would be going forward with the extensions through Birmingham City Centre to Five Ways and to Brierley Hill from Wednesbury – the next step is to submit a business case to the Department for Transport.
Speaking about the replacement of the tram fleet, a Centro spokesman said: “The initial cost of the Metro scheme was £45 million and the trams would have been included in that. The new fleet of 40 trams would cost £1.78 million each. There is a second hand market for trams and this has been factored into the figures."
The current trams were built by Ansaldo Transporti in Italy and have been dogged by problems since their introduction into service when the line opened in 1999. It was discovered by tram bosses that each of the 16 trams were built to a unique design and Midland Metro have publicly described them as being “rubbish” with wiring like “plates of spaghetti”.
Speaking at the opening ceremony Mr Livingstone said: “The Docklands Light Railway City Airport extension is a vital new transport link which has been delivered on time and on budget. We are now starting to see the benefits of Transport for London's £10bn 5-year Investment Programme. The Docklands Light Railway extension will open up access to jobs and housing in the local area".
His comments were added to by Director of DLRL, Jonathan Fox: “This extension is tremendously significant for the Southern Royal Docks area. It provides London City Airport with a dedicated rail link into the heart of the City, and will be instrumental in the ongoing regeneration of the local community and the preparations and support for the London 2012 Olympic Games".
Transport Minister Karen Buck commented: “"People who live and travel in London continue to benefit from the investments in its transport system. This is the fourth extension since the DLR opened, improving things still further. It will keep on growing - we are already looking forward to the extension to Woolwich.”
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Unit 27 in London City Airport station on a Bank service. Photo: Peter Courtenay |
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THE MERSEYTRAM DREAM IS OVER Sunday 4 December 2005 The Government have put the final nail in the coffin of the Merseytram project this week by refusing to release funds to construct Line One. The decision has been met with major disappointment in the city with recriminations starting almost as soon the decision was made and threats of legal action against the government. Announcing the decision of the Dft, Derek Twigg MP, Transport Minister said: “We have had regular discussions to secure the necessary funding commitments from the Merseyside districts, over which Merseytravel has powers to levy funds, to give confidence that the scheme would be delivered without further requests for Government funding. Unfortunately the required assurances have not been forthcoming. I have therefore decided that this scheme cannot proceed.” He added: “Since June the Department's key concern has been to ensure that there would be no further requests for Government funding. To this end, the Department needed assurance that the districts, as the ultimate funders of any shortfalls, had properly considered the risks, and accepted the consequences of the Government's contribution being capped. This logically meant that there should be no cap on the contribution from local sources. We made clear in July 2005 that we would need written undertakings from the Merseyside districts to this effect. ” Our requirements have been clear since July. We have now had months of discussion with Merseyside. They have had plenty of time to undertake the necessary due diligence work. However, it is unfortunately clear that the districts are not prepared to give us the assurances we need; so we cannot be confident that there will be no further requests for funding. I have therefore decided that the scheme cannot proceed.” The day after the decision was made by government, transport bosses on Merseyside were said to be considering legal action to try and get a reversal in the decision. Merseytravel have been consulting lawyers to see what action they could take against the government. This might include asking for a judicial review, where a judge would be asked to rule whether the Government has reneged on its agreement to provide £170 million to the project. A spokesman from Merseytravel said: “Merseytravel is considering a number of options but can make no comment in advance of a special meeting of the Passenger Transport Authority on Monday." The decision was also met with dismay from Liverpool City Council, who Mr Twigg was very critical of in his statement, with acting leader Councillor Paul Clein saying: “We are genuinely outraged. We gave them all the assurances we could, but by asking for this blank cheque the Government has now moved the goalposts so far they are off the pitch. This is disgraceful treatment of Liverpool council by central government, which takes roughly £3bn in taxes from the local economy each year." These comments were added to by Councillor Peter Millea, Liberal Democrat representative on the Merseyside PTA: “It's been quite clear for a long time that the Government doesn't want to fund trams schemes, and that's evident in the way Liverpool has been treated. We think in Merseyside we did everything possible to make this happen. The strong advice we were given by a QC was that it would have been illegal to do what he (Derek Twigg) wanted us to do." By the end of the week the fight had moved from Merseyside to an extraordinary attack in the House of Commons by Labour MP for Knowsley North, George Howarth against Alistair Darling. Mr Howarth asked Prime Minister Tony Blair: “Will he have a sharp word with him about the extreme prejudice his department has shown towards Merseytravel, the promoters of the scheme?" However, Mr Blair backed his Secretary of State for Transport: “I entirely understand the desire for the Merseytram scheme. Indeed, in December 2002, we committed somewhere in the region of £170m to that scheme. The trouble is that the costs of it have risen considerably. We are perfectly happy and willing to make that contribution to travel on Merseyside, but it has to be done within an overall framework that is affordable." Meanwhile, business leaders in the area have urged for one last attempt to try and get Merseytram back on track. David Wade-Smith, chairman of the Liverpool Chamber of Commerce urged political and transport leaders to pull together and do what is necessary to persuade the government to release the promised £170 million. He said: “If what the government wants is a guarantee then let's ask them for more time, and carry out the due diligence review." It has also emerged that the £170 million earmarked for the scheme may be reallocated across the whole North West and not be limited to just other transport projects in Merseyside. Councillor Peter Millea said: “Their view is that it is a regional allocation for the north west, not just Merseyside. We have to confirm how much money will be spent regionally on transport by January. I cannot see how we can collectively make the minister keep his word about this £170m by then." * Due the large number of stories coming out about the axing of Merseytram this week it has not been able to cover every single angle of the story. If you want to know everything which has happened about the story this week follow the icLiverpool link below and type tram in the search box. Of particular interest is the statement announcing the decision from Derek Twigg which can be found here. The Leader of Hampshire County Council, Cllr Ken Thornber said: “I'm devastated to hear this news, and appalled that we have had to wait so long for this shortsighted decision and the long wait from Government to make up its mind. We are particularly disappointed for the people of South Hampshire, for whom we worked so hard to deliver this project.“
The decision by the DfT will leave Gosport as the largest town in the UK not to have any rail based transport and comes with the area being one of the most densely populated in Hampshire with a creaking road system not able to cope with the increases in traffic.
Mr Thornber added: “We're now trying to understand Government's figures, after the Secretary of State said the scheme was too expensive. We think Government is simply using inflation, much of which was caused by its delays, to justify dropping the project on the grounds of cost - but we need time to clarify this. This scheme had a significantly better cost-benefit ratio than any of the tram schemes under consideration nationally, and is better than most national transport schemes. The changes we made in response to Government's request to reduce the cost improved its value for money even further. To refuse funding for it now beggars belief.
"I have already sent a clear message to Government that any development in the South East must be accompanied by investment in infrastructure, and a report commissioned earlier this year by the South East County Leaders estimated that more than £45 billion of investment in new infrastructure is needed to support development in the South East Plan.
"A large part of those costs still need to be found because of a predicted funding gap between Government support and developer contributions towards new roads, schools, hospitals, and other vital facilities. Now Government tells us one of the key transport projects so badly needed is too expensive. What does this indicate for future investment in infrastructure in our region?
"The SHRT1 scheme is the missing link in our transport network, and I find it hard to understand why Government can't acknowledge that simple fact. Local transport infrastructure in south Hampshire is stretched to the limit, and we desperately need measures to tackle existing access and mobility problems - and we need those measures now."
His comments were echoed by Liberal Democrat MP for Fareham, Mark Hoban: “It just shows that the government talk a lot but when it comes to real investment in infrastructure, they have no intention of backing their statements on public transport.”
Head of Transportation and Planning at Gosport Borough Council, Peter Langdon added: “The case for light railway in South Hampshire was made and it was demonstrably the best solution to the traffic problems in South Hampshire."
A spokesman for Centro said: “We have not yet submitted a final business case to the Department for Transport, so it is not possible to make any such direct comparison (with Liverpool). However, all the indications are that the currently approved extensions to the Midland Metro will show an excellent business case with a return on investment well above Government criteria. We will also have the assurances in place regarding local contributions, with the lion's share coming from developer contributions."
The costs of the extensions have risen by 74% with the latest estimates being £369 million compared to the original £212 million in 2002. The two extensions being considered are the Five Ways via New Street and the Wednesbury-Brierley Hill lines.
Speaking about these price increase Rob Donald, Centro Director said: “There is no major construction scheme in the UK that does not increase in price year-on-year. The business case we submit early next year will clearly show how the benefits far outweigh the cost of construction and that we are confident this will satisfy Government criteria."
It is believed that the project will show a cost-benefit ratio of between 1.5 and 2, despite the increases, when a business case is submitted to the government early next year. The Government require a ratio of at least 1.5 before releasing their funding, which should make up 75% of the total cost.
The Chairman of the WMPTA, Councillor Gary Clarke, added: “The West Midlands would benefit by considerably more for every £1 invested. And what is particularly excellent news for us is that, when you add in developer and local contributions, the Government would be getting a minimum double return on its investment - £1.50 of benefit for every 75p it invests."
A report has been prepared to outline to members of the PTA the steps to be taken to minimise financial risk. In addition this report will recommend that the current fleet of trams should be replaced. Centro believes that it would save money replacing the trams now rather than wait for midlife refurbishment in 2010.
Meanwhile, MP Khalid Mahmood has called on the government to kill the extensions, saying: “They made the right decision for Liverpool and now I want them to make the same decision here. Alistair Darling should follow the example of the Merseytram, because that project was actually more costefficient than what we have in Birmingham. If he has cut that, he should certainly do the same here. The Midland scheme is not viable and never has been and it worries me that some of the costs may be met by cutting spending on essential services councils provide." Mr Mahmood has been campaigning against the extensions along the A34 in his constituency since the outset and was once parliamentary private secretary to former Transport Minister, Tony McNulty.
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A train for King George V approaches Pontoon Dock with the Millenium Dome and Canary Wharf in the background on the new London City Airport extension of the DLR. West Silvertown station is just visible in the bottom right corner. Photo: Peter Courtenay |
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EDINBURGH TO AXE THIRD RAIL POWER ON CITY TRAMWAY Sunday 4 December 2005 It appears that the ambitious plans to use a third rail for power on Edinburgh’s trams in the World Heritage Site area of the city centre are to be axed due to cost and reliability problems. There were concerns that having overhead wires and all the connected infrastructure would spoil picture postcard views in the area so it was planned to use a third rail which would only become live once the tram approached. But this idea now appears to be dead in the water as it would have cost much more that overhead and where it has been used in Bordeaux, France has been prone to a number of faults. A report was due to be received by City Councillors from tie on Thursday (1 December) afternoon recommending abandoning the plans and if the Councillors do agree to the recommendation then it is likely to cause an outcry. A spokesman for Edinburgh World Heritage said: “We support initiatives to reduce traffic in the city centre and promote public transport, but we will need to be reassured about the visual impact on the World Heritage Site." An insider at the Council told the Edinburgh Evening News: “There are three main reasons why this isn't right for Edinburgh. Firstly, it isn't really acceptable on safety grounds to have a power supply at foot-level, especially when it gets damp and wet. Secondly, there is a major reliability issue and there have been significant problems with the technology in Bordeaux. And finally, this is unique technology which doesn't allow us to choose which company installs the system - they could therefore charge whatever they want."
The Mayor of Blackpool, Councillor Philip Dunne said: “Of course the tram bid is something the whole town is waiting for. Whether the Liverpool decision will have any affect in Blackpool's chances I wouldn't know. I'm just keeping my fingers crossed."
Philip Higgs, trustee of the Lancastrian Transport Trust is hopeful that the town’s tramway might see good news now the decision has been made on Merseytravel: “Blackpool has a very strong bid for its tram system because it already has the infrastructure in place. The reason Liverpool's funds have been withdrawn is because the building cost have nearly doubled since the Department of Transport agreed to give them the £170m and it no longer seems good value for money. Blackpool's bid is much smaller and already has a track in place so it represents much better value for money."
Councillor Eddie Collett, portfolio for Regeneration and Tourism added: “A bid is still being considered and the region is currently deciding upon its transport priorities. The Blackpool tram bid is part of that process."
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One of the Passenger Information Displays at the new West Silvertown Station on the new DLR London City Airport extension shows services going to King George V - the current terminus for services on this route one stop after London City Airport (a further extension under the Thames is already under way. Photo: Peter Courtenay |
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ANTIS CLAIM NET EXTENSIONS COSTS TO SOAR DUE TO OLYMPICS Sunday 4 December 2005 The Environment Not Trams (ENT) anti tram group, led by Gordon Wheeler, has claimed that because of the 2012 London Olympics, costs of the proposed extensions to NET could soar further. Mr Wheeler told the Nottingham Evening Post: “You could eventually be looking at a cost of £600m or £700m. The councils are asking us to pour good money after bad." He claims that skilled contractors will be difficult to find in the run up to the Olympics as big infrastructure projects will be going on in the capital. He added that any major cost increases would end up being paid for by the rate payer. A spokesman for NET said: “We are aware of the Olympics looming and that there will be an effect on the construction industry. It will be a big event in London but we don't expect it to distort all of the UK construction market." The current estimated cost of £300 million already factored in some expected future rises in materials and labour costs. Meanwhile, ENT are to have a meeting with Transport Minister Derek Twigg in December to express their opposition to the extensions. A meeting which was arranged by Rushcliffe MP, and anti trams, Ken Clarke.
Councillor Ray Wall, Ealing’s cabinet member for Transport and Planning Policy said: “The breakdown in communication about the way these sites have been chosen is simply unacceptable. It is of paramount importance that proper consideration is given to local residents in the discussions process so that any disruption can be kept to a minimum. Some of the proposed sights are totally inappropriate. I am calling on TfL to go back to the drawing board and come up with revised proposals that are more informed and acceptable to the people of Ealing."
The plans are for depots at Dickens Yard (a site the council has earmarked for development), a sports field belonging to Twyford High School in Acton, the corner of Argyle Road, West Ealing and Shepherd’s Bush Green.
A spokesman from TfL urged people to get involved in the Public Consultation which closes on 16 December and said: “We are working on revising the details of the proposals and we are very keen to hear local people's views."
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Last weekend (26/27 November) saw the first ever use of the Trampower tram in normal passenger service, on the heritage tramway in Birkenhead. The tram has been undergoing testing on the tramway and last weekend was a chance for people to try it out for the first time. It is due to move to Blackpool shortly (some time this week has been mentioned) for further tests. It will be the trams second visit to the town having previously been there for a couple of years in the late 1990s, when it was known as the Roadliner. Photo: Peter Courtenay |