The report stated: “The council must invest to minimise disruption during construction. The frequency and routing of buses must be adapted to integrate with the tramline; they must be 'veins' that both feed and distribute from the 'arteries' represented by the tramline. The public discussion of longer-term options will also need to be anticipated, properly planned and well managed in the context of the disruption that will accompany implementation of the first phase of the tram project. Public dialogue and engagement must be carefully thought through. Occasional glossy brochures are no panacea."

* The Chairman of the Edinburgh branch of the Federation of Small Businesses, Graham Russell, has claimed that his organisation, and him personally, are completely in the dark about compensation payments for disruption caused by tram construction. He said: “I personally do not know what is going on and would like to know more."
Source: The Scotsman

EDINBURGH COUNCILLORS GIVEN RESOUNDING YES TO TRAM!
Sunday 24 December 2006
Edinburgh City Council have given an almost unanimous thumbs up to the plan to bring trams back to the streets of the Scottish capital with 56 out of 57 councillors who turned up to the vote backing the Draft Business Plan on Thursday 21 December.

Willie Gallagher, the Chairman of tie, commented: ““Edinburgh’s councillors are to be congratulated having made the right decision for our city. Today’s vote was not merely a vote for a tram scheme, it was a decision to support Edinburgh to grow and develop in the future. A modern public transport system is a catalyst for investment, jobs, regeneration and cleaner air. I am delighted that this is a vision that the councillors share. Looking at experience elsewhere I have no doubt that we’ll be back in years to come agreeing business cases for extensions to Edinburgh’s successful tram network.

“Funding, including contingency is secure for Phase 1a. We have commitments from the City of Edinburgh Council and Transport Scotland to consider further funding, should it be required, to deliver Phase 1b” he added.

The next step in the scheme is to go to the Scottish Executive for final approval in February 2007. If, as appears likely, this is given construction work would commence in April with utility pipes and cables being redirected under the path to be taken by trams. Opening of the first section of the system should be December 2010.

Council leader Cllr Ewan Aitken said: “This really is the start of an exciting transport revolution in the city. The fact that so many councillors voted in favour of trams shows just how much of a necessity and asset they will be."

These comments were echoed by Executive member for transport, Cllr Ricky Henderson: “This is a momentous day for Edinburgh. Edinburgh is on the brink of major investment in its infrastructure, the scale of which has not been seen since the days of Queen Victoria."

Neil Renilson, Chief Executive of TEL – the company that will run Edinburgh’s integrated transport system said: “The business case clearly demonstrated the impressive benefits and future revenues trams are expected to deliver to Edinburgh. The analysis of patronage, costs and revenue, which have been benchmarked against existing schemes in Dublin and Nottingham shows that this is a no brainer for the city, it makes sense. The business case clearly shows that trams, working with buses, through timetabling, common ticketing and interchange points support TEL as a profitable business in the future. Now that we have Council approval we can now look to build and run the system, with trams running in Edinburgh for Christmas 2010.”

Needless to say not everyone was happy with the decision with the Scottish National Party and a leading Conservative Councillor both showing their displeasure. Fergus Ewing MSP, SNP transport spokesman said: “The draft may have been passed, but there is a massive £300 million funding black hole to be paid by Edinburgh council taxpayers. The money would be far better spent on improving the city's bus and train services."

Meanwhile, Cllr Kate McKenzie from the Conservatives resigned her whip in protest at the decision to back the business plan. She told the local Edinburgh paper, The Scotsman: “I am worried about the financial situation. We have people from the council and from TIE talking to us, but I'm concerned that they're concealing information and not giving us the true story. I don't have a lot of confidence in what they're saying. I'm sure costs are going to rise, and the projected passenger numbers don't seem right. Such a limited part of Edinburgh is going to gain from trams, but I think some people have been caught up in the glamour of the idea. I've had these concerns from the beginning and I can't go against my principles anymore."
Source: The Scotsman, tie & BBC News Online

TRAMS COLLIDE IN BIRMINGHAM
Sunday 24 December 2006
A major collision took place on the Midland Metro system on Tuesday (19 December) when one tram hit the rear of another near to the Soho Benson Street station just before midday. It is reported that one tram was stationary at the time of the incident because of a failure and the second tram failed to stop before striking the rear. At least 13 people were injured in the clash.

A Midland Metro spokesman said: “I can confirm at 11.50am we received reports of a collision between two of our trams travelling on the same track towards Birmingham. The collision led to police, ambulance and fire services being called. Approximately 40 passengers have been walked from the trams to the nearby stop. A number of them have minor injuries in line with the kind of injuries you would expect to see from such a collision. British Transport Police are leading an investigation."

Quite what caused the collision is unknown but it is believed that 09 was stationary at the time because of a failure and 10 came along behind and was unable to stop before impact. 10 was travelling at approximately 24 km/h when the clash took place. The bumper of 09 was mangled and the back window was also smashed whilst 10’s bumper was twisted and the front of the carriage mangled and windows cracked.

Four investigations have now been launched into what caused the incident. The traditional Rail Accident Investigation Branch investigation was launched immediately into the causes whilst the Office of Rail Regulation and British Transport Police have also launched inquires – and these last two could lead to prosecutions. Midland Metro are also launching their own investigation to discover what happened.

The passengers injuries were described as minor but the Birmingham Post reports that eyewitnesses said many looked shocked and scared. One witness was Adam Wilson, a 35 year old window fitter, who was working locally: “The passengers were left in the tram for at least half an hour until quite a few paramedics turned up with police officers. When they were taken off the tram and brought up the track they looked shocked and scared."

Services were suspended between Wednesbury Parkway and Birmingham Snow Hill for approximately seven hours with a shuttle service being provided to Wolverhampton St Georges from Wednesbury.

Tram availability will now be an issue for Midland Metro with these two likely to be out of service for the foreseeable future and 07 already unavailable due to its use as a “Christmas Tree”.

* A video report of the incident from BBC Midlands is available on the web. Click here for viewing.
Source: icBirmingham, BBC News Online & RAIB

MORE SUPPORT COMES FOR TRAMS FOR EDINBURGH
Sunday 24 December 2006
Business leaders, education bosses and retailers threw their support behind the Edinburgh tram scheme in the lead up to the vote of the Draft Business Plan (see other news story) by sending a letter to each of the members of the Council urging them to vote yes.

One of the signatories of the letter was Ron Hewitt, Chief Executive of the Chamber of Commerce: “Trams are very useful. They carry eight times the volume of people that normally use buses. Edinburgh is already facing problems of congestion. We're behind other cities which have had efficient tram systems for many years. This gives us an opportunity to catch up and we need to take that opportunity now."

As well as Mr Hewitt 16 other major players in Edinburgh signed the letter including the Managing Director of Edinburgh Airport, the General Manager of Marks & Spencer, Edinburgh, the principal and acting principal of the city’s two University’s and bosses at Standard Life and Scottish Widows.

The letter was co-ordinated by Ray Perman, who sits on the board of Scottish Enterprise. He said: “Edinburgh is increasingly having to compete with European cities which already have fast, energy-efficient tram systems. Now is the moment for the council to seize the opportunity that the Scottish Parliament has given them to help our city catch up."
Source: The Scotsman

SECURITY TEAMS FOR METROLINK
Sunday 24 December 2006
The GMPTA have hired a new security team to patrol the network throughout the day until the last service at night. They will work in partnership with the Greater Manchester Police and ticket inspectors to improve safety and security for passengers.

There will be four teams of Public Safety Officers patrolling the network every day. They come from Carlisle Security and will be managed by the tram operator (currently Serco but will change in 2007). Each team will be formed of up to two officers and will patrol trams, stops and car parks on all three Metrolink lines

Cllr Roger Jones, Chair of the GMPTA, said: “We want to persuade many more people to use public transport. I hope the new security team will help to reassure them that they'll be safe. We've hired Public Safety Officers on the Metrolink network in the past. However, this is the first time we've hired a team to patrol the system at all times of the day, seven days a week. I'm sure their presence will increase passengers' confidence in Metrolink as well as helping to prevent incidents of crime, anti-social behaviour and vandalism."

Metrolink spokesman Mike Mabey added: “The fact that the same company is being used on buses and trains as well gives us a good chain of intelligence because the kind of people who cause problems can be involved on all types of public transport."
Source: GMPTE, Bury Times, Manchester Evening News & BBC News Online

80% CUT IN BUSINESS RATES FOR SHOPS IN EDINBURGH
Sunday 24 December 2006
Agreement has been reached on the final section of the Business Support Package between tie and the Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce with the Small Business Additional Support Scheme. This scheme is designed to assist those businesses who are most vulnerable during the construction of the tramway. It is in addition to the Business Rates Reduction Scheme and the Edinburgh’s Open for Business Marketing Strategy already revealed.

Willie Gallagher, Chairman of tie, commented: “In our work with the business community they told us that there will be times when small businesses will need a helping hand. This scheme is designed to do just that. I’m pleased to announce that this package has been developed in a spirit of cooperation. When the support package is taken as a whole all businesses affected by tram construction will receive some form of support.”

Rates could be cut by up to 80% with shops and firms which see takings fall also being offered payments of thousands of pounds on top of the business rates cut. Businesses who claim the higher level (20% will be the norm for businesses in the areas affected) will have their claims judged on evidence of how much their takings have fallen.

Rob Hewitt, Chief Executive of the Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce, said: “The negotiations on a fair deal on behalf of those SMEs affected by the installation of this 2 vital transport link took some time to complete but the end result is a business support scheme that recognises some of the pain before we all enjoy the enormous benefits of the tram. tie is to be applauded for its realism and commitment to ensuring business continuity.”

Mr Gallagher concluded: “This groundbreaking package does exactly that delivering the right amount of help to the right places at the right time. tie’s partnership with Ron Hewitt and his team at the Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce is bearing fruit and proves the value of positive and proactive communication.”
Source: The Scotsman & tie

CRICH TRAMWAY VILLAGE NEWS UPDATE
Sunday 24 December 2006

Cardiff 131 is to be restored to mark the 50th Anniversary of the establishment of what we now know as the National Tramway Museum at Crich. This was, of course, the first tramcar to arrive at Crich back in May 1959. It is a Water Car which was purpose built by Brush in 1905 with a Brill 21E truck and two GEC 200K motors of 30hp. It left Crich for the Clay Cross store way back on 13 May 1971 but it will now return to the Museum and hopefully return to use by 2009.

Meanwhile, the work on London United Tramways 159 continues with the body progressing very slowly. Some bodyside trim and mouldings have been made and fitted and the Milnes step plates have received attention to the worn sliding door guides. The centre platform bearers at the north end have been removed and now await the necessary work required to modify them to enable them to refitted in their correct position.

Liverpool 869 is currently lifted for inspection and repairs after damage sustained in a recent derailment.

Finally, Leeds 180 and Sheffield Works 330 need to be assessed following a collision to see the extent of damage and what repairs will be required.

* Why not become a member of the Tramway Museum Society, and help to ensure tram preservation continues at the UK’s leading tram museum? For more details see here or here.
Source: Contact from the Tramway Museum Society

DfT LAUNCH DRAFT GUIDANCE FOR LIGHT RAIL SYSTEMS
Sunday 17 December 2006
This week the Department for Transport have launched their Draft Guidance for Local Authority Promoters Considering a Light Rail Scheme. It is “intended to provide practical help to local authority promoters” and “highlights strategic and detailed issues a promoter will need to consider, and sets out the Government’s policy on light rail schemes.”

Although the Draft Guidance includes no new proposals it is intended to have a document which pulls together guidance that will help promoters wishing to develop light rail schemes in one place. It is also planned that it will be regularly updated to take into account the outputs of work from UKTram, and because of this it will only be published on the web initially.

The guidance is mainly for light rail (also including tramways) but the document does state that it also applicable to other forms of “rapid transit modes” (including the dreaded Bus Rapid Transit). The guidance is the same whether it is a completely new system, an extension to an existing system or enhancements or upgrade to an existing system.

The document runs to a full 49 pages (the link to it can be found at the foot of this article) and so there is not the space to cover everything mentioned. There are eight chapters to it (including the introduction):

* Chapter 2: Strategic Case
* Chapter 3: Optimising a light rail scheme
* Chapter 4: Option appraisal and value for money
* Chapter 5: Commercial
* Chapter 6: Financial
* Chapter 7: Delivery
* Chapter 8: Approval Process

In Chapter 2 the report gives guidance as to what the DfT are looking for in the initial Strategic Case. This includes dealing with other mass rapid transit options, and why the promoters feel they are not suitable for the case in question. A key sentence in the report shows what the government are all about I feel: “The Government is unlikely to approve funding for a light rail scheme if it considers that an alternative transport mode would provide a better solution.” The reports does go quite deeply into how buses must be looked at in depth before light rail is even considered, it even mentions four different types of bus promoters should look at.

Chapter 3 is all about “optimising a light rail scheme” and suggests that “once promoters have decided that a light rail scheme is the most appropriate mode, they will need to consider how to optimise the light rail system they intend to develop. Promoters should talk to those who have already developed and delivered light rail systems.” The report suggests that they are more likely to approve a scheme if it is fully integrated with Park and Ride, interchange at stations, integration between bus and light rail, through ticketing and priority over road vehicles as well as looking at “car restraint measures” (i.e. congestion charging). This section also says “promoters should consider at an early planning stage the scope for track sharing with heavy rail, as currently exists on the Tyne and Wear Metro, and, where possible, conversion of existing heavy rail lines to light rail.”

Option Appraisal and value for money is the topic for the next section and this “offers guidance to Local Authorities who are considering how to appraise light rail and other mass rapid transit alternatives.” This urges promoters “to discuss appraisal issues with the Department as early as possible.” It also states that “building a robust assessment of the benefits of light rail and MRT schemes hinges largely on three factors:
* robust and realistic patronage forecasts;
* good estimates of the modal shift from car and the resulting benefits of reduced road congestion; and
* robust and realistic estimates of the scheme costs.

The remainder of Chapter 4 goes into details about the different stages of “assessing new light rail schemes against alternatives” which I shall not go into here because it does seem to get very complicated!

Chapter 5 comes next and this one is concerned with the commercial aspects of the scheme. This is said to be “a fundamental part of the planning of the scheme and all scheme promoters must give early and robust consideration to how any proposed scheme will be implemented.” The core of the commercial strategy is the proposed procurement strategy and for light rail schemes this has to cover both the construction and operational phases of the system. The guidance goes on: “It is expected that, for all light rail scheme proposals, because of their size, promoters will need to consider whether a PFI procurement strategy is likely to offer best value for money.”

Chapter 6 is one of the most key sections as this is all to do with the finance of the scheme. This chapter basically gives details of the different types of funding that promoters can look for in developing the system:
* Government Funding (Regional Funding Allocation, PFI funding or funding from the TIF)
* Prudential Borrowing
* Local Contribution (at least 25% of costs should be covered locally)

This section continues with the type of costs the promoters should be looking at including the preparatory costs, additional risk layer, ensuring the cost estimates are as good as possible (to avoid large increases in future).

The Project Management section says: “The Government will need to be satisfied that promoters have appropriate project management arrangements in place to deliver a light rail scheme. This is particularly important if a scheme comprises a number of separate contracts, e.g. for: design and build; provision of light rail vehicles; operations; and maintenance. Promoters will need to set out their formal project management methodology before programme entry is granted.” This chapter also goes into physical accessibility, safety regulation, passenger and safety security and system security.

The final chapter is the Approval Processes which starts off by listing the approval stages:
* Programme Entry
* Conditional Approval
* Full approval

This is followed by a section on how DfT will work with the promoters, how to apply for powers under the Transport and Works Act and a list of standard conditions the government will attach to approval letters.

I hope that this brief look at the Guidance makes some sense to you (I’ve got very confused trying to write it so it may well not!). The full report can be found here.
Source: Department for Transport

BACK EDINBURGH TRAM SCHEME SAYS REPORT
Sunday 17 December 2006
A report released last week is urging Councillors to back the scheme to bring trams back to the Scottish capital by approving the Draft Business Plan (as revealed last week). Councillors are due to debate the plan before Christmas and they are also likely to be asking Transport Scotland (the Scottish Executive’s national transport agency) for extra funding to ensure the tram gets to Granton.

Transport bosses believe that there will be enough money left on the table to provide trams from Leith to the airport by 2010 and then a Haymarket to Granton spur 12 months later, but if the £545 million given does run out then more cash will be needed. They have asked Transport Scotland for an extra £40 million, and would also add another £10 million from themselves (probably from the sale of council owned land and buildings).

This new report says that 5000 extra public transport passengers will travel southbound on Leith Walk between 2011 and 2031 during the morning peak, meaning severe congestion will be on Edinburgh’s buses unless the trams are introduced. It also reveals that the Granton branch would not bring any more revenue that that of the current bus route but it can easily be justified by its other benefits – including the encouragement of major development in north Edinburgh.

Donald McGougan, finance director at the Council, said about the Granton spur: “The Roseburn to Granton section brings a clear social cost benefit, but a potential deterioration in the projected finances of Transport Edinburgh Limited."

Transport leader, Cllr Ricky Henderson, commented: “"This report spells out just how much an expanding and prosperous Edinburgh needs the tram. Our local buses are excellent, but trams give us the means to cope with increasing travel demands. Trams are also important for symbolic reasons. They are a tangible and powerful symbol of a modern, dynamic economy that will help to reinforce the city's international image as a business location."

It is expected that Councillors will approve the plan (although The Scotsman reports that some councillors do have doubts on the tram) and then funds will be released by the Executive in the spring with work commencing on moving utility pipes in April 2007.]

Council leader, Cllr Ewan Aitken, said: “This really is the start of an exciting transport revolution and, in the future, I can envisage a more extensive tram network within the city and beyond. Phase two is closing the loop at the Waterfront and phase three is a link to Newbridge. Future ambitions include lines to the Edinburgh Royal Infirmary, Newcraighall, Livingston, Dalkeith, Musselburgh and Queensferry."
Source: The Scotsman

CHARITIES UNITE TO SUPPORT TRAMS FOR EDINBURGH
Sunday 17 December 2006
A new campaign has been launched by eleven leading charities and campaign groups to support the proposed Edinburgh tram system. The campaign is led by the RSPB and National Trust for Scotland and they have individually written to all 58 city councillors urging them to back the business plan next week.

The letter sent to the Councillors states: “At the end of this year, Edinburgh faces a crucial decision on the future of transport provision in the city. This decision will send important signals about how Edinburgh and Scotland are planning for its long-term future development. The unique character and setting of the city have made it a World Heritage Site. Trams will help to reduce the overall level of traffic in the city and are already a common sight in historic cities around Europe. It is imperative that Edinburgh takes steps to ensure that it too can pride itself with one of the best public transport systems in Europe."

Also involved in this campaign are Capability Scotland, The Cockburn Association, Friends of the Earth Scotland, Scottish Association for Public Transport, Scottish Environment LINK, Stop Climate Chaos Scotland, TRANSform Scotland, Voluntary Health Scotland and WWF Scotland.

John Mayhew, head of policy and planning at the National Trust for Scotland, commented: “We support the introduction of a tram network for Edinburgh, as part of improving public transport in the capital city, in order to reduce traffic congestion and pollution. As owners of historic properties in both the Old Town and New Town, the Trust has a keen interest in future plans for the World Heritage Site and in protecting its architecture and townscape, and feels that trams can contribute to this by helping to reduce the overall level of traffic in the city centre."
Source: The Scotsman

MILESTONE IN DLR STRATFORD INTERNATIONAL EXTENSION
Sunday 17 December 2006
The project to extend the DLR to Stratford International has reached a major milestone with the closure of the national rail North London Line between North Woolwich and Stratford, and the ownership of the line transferring to the DLR. In addition the £211 million cost of the conversion and extension was approved by the TfL board on Thursday 7 December.

Jonathan Fox, Director of the DLR, said: “'It's an exciting time for DLR and we are delighted to reach this milestone. A huge amount of work now needs to take place on the line between Stratford and North Woolwich so that passengers can benefit from this vital extension by 2010. Construction work will start as soon as January 2007.”

The line will now be converted to be used by the DLR and in addition a new rail link will be built between Stratford and Stratford International, allowing passengers to transfer to and from Eurostar services.

Peter Hendy, TfL Transport Commissioner, said: “'Transport for London is investing £211 million to extend the DLR to Stratford International, in recognition of the enormous benefits it will bring to Londoners and the vital role it will play in the transport plan for the 2012 Games. When complete in 2010, the DLR extension will provide a much more frequent and reliable train service for passengers, as well as clean and fully accessible stations where you can use your Oyster card. We're also building four new DLR stations in Newham, opening up new links for the local community.'
Source: Docklands Light Railway

LIBERAL DEMOCRATS BACK EDINBURGH BUSINESS CASE
Sunday 17 December 2006
Edinburgh’s Liberal Democrats have welcomed the Business Case for Trams for Edinburgh, claiming it will deliver hundreds of millions of pounds in benefits.

Liberal Democrat transport spokesman, Cllr Phil Wheeler, said: “I remain convinced that the addition of a tram system to Edinburgh's transport options will, as in Dublin and other cities with modern trams, make a significant difference to the prosperity and appearance of our city. The fact that the trams will be integrated with the success story that is Lothian Buses gives them an added boost."

His comments were echoed by the Lib Dem leader, Cllr Jenny Dawe: “We have long pursued the case for Edinburgh to have better public transport, particularly trams. It is very exciting to learn that the draft business case looks healthy, and able to deliver an initial tramline within budget."
Source: The Scotsman

EDINBURGH DRAFT FINAL BUSINESS CASE REVEALED
Sunday 10 December 2006
The final business case for the Edinburgh tram project (Trams for Edinburgh as the official title is now) has been revealed by tie, and will be presented to Council members on 14 December, with consideration at a full Council meeting on 21 December.

The business case claims that the future growth, development potential and prosperity of the city is at risk if the capital fails to invest in the tram network. It also says that there is just no space left on the roads of Edinburgh to provide bus services which run both reliability and efficiently.

The key highlights of the Business Case are:

Capital Costs
Phases 1a (central spine connecting the airport to Leith via the city centre) and 1b (Granton to Haymarket) will come to a total cost of £592 million, with £500 million of this being commited to Phase 1a and the remainder of 1b. This figure includes risk and contigency and has been benchmarked against projects in Dublin, Nottingham and Liverpool.

Funding
Transport Scotland - £500 million
CEC - £45 million

Economic Appraisal
Every £1 spent on the trams provides £1.63 of benefits for the city:
* Tram supports reduction of congestion in major travel corridors (10% modal shift from car to tram on tram corridor)
* Tram acts as catalyst for regeneration of brownfield sites (including the provision of transport to the 30,000 new properties at the Waterfront)
* Tram brings forward investment (including an additional 30,000 sqm of development for employment will be created)
* Tram create jobs (930 permanent jobs and 1,000 construction jobs during the build period)
* Trams provide opportunity for increased social mobility (incluing 215,000 people having better access to Haymarket)
* Trams will be fully accessible for the elderly, infirm and parents with children.

Revenue
* Off tram ticketing machines at all stops
* Fares will be the same on bus and tram
* Ridacards and DayTickets will be valid on both bus and tram
* One Ticket and ‘PlusBus and tram’ for multi operator journeys
* Forecats show operating profit for TEL from year 2
* Resumption of divident payments to City of Edinburgh Council from Year 4

Patronage & Service
2011 – 6 trams an hour on each route with a combined frequency of a tram every every 5 minutes
2016 – 8 trams an hour with a combined frequency of a tram every 3.5 minutes

11m passenegrs in 2011 (13m for 1a and 1b)
16m tram passengers in 2012
23m tram passengers in 2016
26m tram passengers in 2021
32m tram passengers in 2031

Wille Gallagher, chairman of tie, commented: “It is important to remind ourselves of why we are developing trams in the first place. Edinburgh is growing, both in terms of its economy and its population. Those living and working in the city have to be able to move around quickly and efficiently. Edinburgh needs a modern transport system and the integrated network of trams and buses that we are proposing will keep Edinburgh moving into the future.

”Trams are the most efficient carriers of people on busy urban corridors in a city environment. Across Europe trams have rejuvenated city centres and business districts and have successfully moved people from their cars to public transport. Trams also reduce on street emissions.

“Edinburgh’s tram network will be one of the most advanced in the world. What we are doing now is putting in place the spine of the network. The Leith to Airport route will alleviate many of the congestion scenarios we face with our growing population. We fully expect Edinburgh to follow the path of other cities where the network grows in size. Phase 1b to Granton will support the brownfield developments at the Waterfront and also, in time, the extension to the New Royal Infirmary which has received a lot of support, could be built.”

Cllr Ricky Henderson, in charge of transport of the city council, welcomed the revealing of the business case: “This brings the reality of trams on Edinburgh’s streets one step closer. We remain committed to ensuring this happens and that as much of the network as is affordable is built as quickly as possible. As a prosperous city we’re acutely aware that we must manage growth so that Edinburgh does not grind to a halt. With a fast, efficient and environmentally sound record, trams are vital in ensuring this happens and will build on the already great public transport service in place across the city. Doing nothing is not an option; we have to think to the future – not the here and now. Edinburgh needs a modern transport system and the integrated system of trams and buses that we are proposing will keep Edinburgh moving well into the future.”

Meanwhile, Neil Renilson, Chief Executive of TEL, the company that will both trams and buses, added: “The business case clearly shows how the integration of tram with bus through timetabling, common ticketing and interchange points support TEL as a profitable business in the future. Funding, including contingency is secure for Phase 1a. We have commitments from City of Edinburgh Council and Transport Scotland to consider further funding, should it be required to deliver Phase 1b.”

However, not everyone was impressed by the figures contained in the business case, with the Scottish National Party (who else?) being particularly vociferous in their doubts. Cllr Steve Cardownie, Edinburgh’s Deputy Lord Provost and the only SNP member at the City Chambers, said: “The SNP will be pouring over this in the coming weeks, because these kind of documents often speak down costs and speak up estimated patronage. The danger is that we could get sucked in to this, and it will be too late to do anything about it."
Source: tie, The Scotsman & BBC News Online

DLR WIN LEADING PLANNING AWARD
Sunday 10 December 2006
The Docklands Light Railway have picked up another award, this one at the London Planning Awards, for Best Public Sector Organisation. The DLR won the award in recognition of their record in successfully expanding the network. It was presented by Mayor Ken Livingstone at City Hall, and was accepted by the Planning, Marketing and Stakeholder team at the DLR.

Richard De Cani, Head of Development and Planning, said: “It is a pleasure to pick up this award, which is testament to the achievements of my team over the past few years. The Docklands Light Railway has proved a genuine transport success story and it is enormously rewarding to see this recognised. We are now looking to the future with the Docklands Light Railway Woolwich Arsenal and Stratford International extensions, and are confident of maintaining the unmatched levels of progress and delivery we have enjoyed previously."

The judges noted that DLR’s innovative approach to planning and development, including pioneering community liasion initiatives and proactive stakeholder engagement, had resulted in consent approval for a number of major extension projects.
Source: Docklands Light Railway

PLEA TO LOOK AGAIN AT CROSS RIVER TRANSIT DEPOT SITE
Sunday 10 December 2006
Campaigners in Peckham are urging Transport for London to look again at the site in the town for the proposed Cross River Tram depot, by carrying out a fairer search of several sites in the vicinity, rather than sticking to its current plan.

Although the majority of people in Peckham are supporting a link between Peckham and North London, they are also worried that having the depot in the town centre could adversely affect shops in the town, with many choosing to go elsewhere.

A planning committee has given local residents permission to address Southwark council’s executive asking TfL to look again at the location of the planned depot.

Eileen Conn, from Peckham Vision, a local pressure group, said: “We are delighted as this acknowledges the original assessment was not comprehensive and fair. Now we hope the executive will also agree to press TfL to do this comprehensive review, so the decisions about the right places to locate the tram depot can be taken on accurate information instead of the misinformation that the Peckham site was derelict."
Source: icSouthLondon

EAST ANGLIA TRANSPORT MUSEUM TRAM NEWS UPDATE
Sunday 10 December 2006
On Wednesday 6th September, the section of woodland tramway at Carlton Colville was finally re-opened to passenger services following a prolonged period of closure due to trackwork. Originally intended to take place over winter 2005/6, replacement of the life expired track took somewhat longer to complete than was hoped, and the result was that a slightly shorter tram journey was available to visitors for much of the 2006 season. As usual, double deck tramcars Blackpool 159 and London 1858 were the mainstay of the tram service this year, occasionally joined by Amsterdam 474 which is the only car in the fleet which is capable of carrying wheelchairs. Sadly, the newly restored Blackpool 'VAMBAC' car 11 was not able to run this summer - due to its complicated control equipment, it was not considered practical to run such a powerful vehicle on such a short length of track.  

In fact, trackwork is still not quite complete as the reversing stub at the very end of the line is to be re-aligned in the future, in order to get rid of a very tight curve which cannot be negotiated by Amsterdam 474.  

Now that winter is upon us once again, major work is to be lavished upon two of the museum's operational trams for the first time in many years. London 1858 is to receive mechanical attention as required, notably the fitting of replacement brake beams. Blackpool Standard 159 has already been lifted and mounted on a four-wheel accommodation truck kindly loaned to the museum by Crich Tramway Village, whilst the bogies have been sent to Derbyshire for overhaul. This car has received virtually no major renovation since being preserved, so understandably it has now reached the stage where this level of work is absolutely vital to ensure its continued operation. The cost of the work on 159 and 1858 is expected to be in the region of £17,100.  

The major long-term project at the museum is the restoration of Lowestoft open top tramcar 14, which is making good progress. The truck has been fully assembled complete with its overhauled motors, however, the tram itself resembles little more than a few bits of wood which have been either filed away on shelves or discarded, depending on their condition! Some good news is that construction of a brand new underframe has now begun following delivery of some important steel components on 19th October, and this work means that the main body timbers can be ordered soon. Despite being 102 years old, many of car 14's upper body timbers are still in very good condition and will be re-used, but understandably lower down the situation is less good. A local work centre for disabled people will be helping out with the timber components, and this help will prove invaluable to the project. Remarkably, when it came to re-producing the ornate transfers on the lower deck ceiling of 14, it was found that the original suppliers still had some of the original transfers tucked away in a drawer. These transfers were found to be in a good enough state to be used despite dating from 1913!  

With so many projects taking place at once, it is easy to forget that compared to other transport museums, Carlton Colville do not enjoy particularly large numbers of visitors, nor do they have outside bodies offering to fund entire restorations of vehicles for them. If you would like to help by making a donation towards any of the current projects, by becoming a member, or even just by visiting the museum next year, please visit the museum's web site: www.eatm.org.uk . All contributions are always welcomed with extreme gratitude, and a friendly welcome at the museum itself is always guaranteed!
Source: East Anglian Transport Museum Newsletter (adapted for BRITISH TRAMS ONLINE by Andrew Waddington)

TRAMS FOR EDINBURGH NEWS ROUND-UP
Sunday 10 December 2006
* Cllr Ewan Aitken, leader of Edinburgh City Council, has launched an attack on the SNP’s Kenny McAskill, and his continued opposition to the tram plans. Cllr Aitken said: “Kenny MacAskill is putting short-term political gain before the needs of this city. It is astonishingly parochial and lacks ambition. With trams and the Edinburgh Airport Rail Link, which the SNP is also opposed to, we have the opportunity to invest more than £1 billion in connecting the Capital to the rest of the nation. Kenny's answer is to spend £4m on a few more buses. So who has got ambition for Scotland and who hasn't?"

Mr McAskill hit back claiming: “Cllr Aitken is desperately trying to push something that nobody wants. This is the council that tried to foist congestion charging on us, and mishandled the city centre traffic management scheme, and now wants to spend billions on a tram line to nowhere."

* Students have launched a campaign to get trams into the south of Edinburgh, connecting the University’s campuses and Halls of Residences at Old College, the Dick Veterinary School, Pollock Halls and the Edinburgh Royal Infirmary. The campaign is being coordinated by the Edinburgh University Students’ Association (EUSA) with the support of university principal Professor Tim O’Shea and rector Mark Ballard MSP. The “Joined-Up Thinking” campaign will include sending hundreds of postcards to Tavish Scott, Transport Minister, urging him to back the now rejected Line 3.
Source: The Scotsman

SOUTH HAMPSHIRE TRAM SCHEME FORMALLY ABANDONED
Sunday 3 December 2006
The South Hampshire Light Rapid Transit scheme has finally been formally abandoned, reluctantly, by Hampshire County Council with the Council now deciding to look at other options for an affordable transport system for South East Hampshire. However, in order to safeguard possible plans the County Council are proposing to buy the section of former railway line between Fareham and Holbrook to protect it for future use as a public transport link.

Leader of the County Council, Cllr Ken Thornber, commented: “It saddens me that we must put the final nail in the coffin of the South Hampshire Rapid Transit scheme. It took years of planning to win approval from Government back in 2001, only for it to pull out two years later citing high costs. The scheme had the best value for money of all the tram schemes under consideration. The County Council and Portsmouth City Council worked very hard to reduce costs, as requested, to no avail. The planning and compulsory purchase powers have now expired, leaving us with no option but to draw a line under the current tram scheme after more than a decade.”

He continued: "The blame for the abandonment of the tram scheme, in my opinion, lays squarely with Government. We did all we could to meet its demands but it has not only let us down but also the 76,500 people who live in Gosport. While I'm very disappointed that it has come to this, the County Council hasn't abandoned the people of Gosport. We'll be looking now to implement some short term measures to help alleviate congestion on the A32 while we look at other options. Nothing has been ruled in or out at this stage."
Source: Hampshire County Council

PARRY PEOPLE MOVER TRIAL MAY BECOME SEVEN DAY SERVICE
Sunday 3 December 2006
Although the Sunday service using a Parry People Mover on the National Rail Stourbridge Junction to Stourbridge line finishes today (3 December), councillors are hopeful it may return to the line in the future for a seven day a week 10 minute service.

Cllr Keith Chambers, Centro-PTA lead member for rail, said: “The trial we have helped fund has shown how this new, locally-developed technology is able to provide a frequent, safe and reliable passenger service. When the new rail franchise takes over from Central Trains, we think there is real scope for the heavy-rail service on the Stourbridge branch to be replaced by a more frequent seven-day shuttle service using lightweight railcars.  We are urging the companies now bidding for the West Midlands franchise to make this a part of their plans.”

The lightweight railcars have provided 100% reliability on most days, with nearly 99% of services running on time throughout the year long trial. Companies who are bidding for the new West Midlands franchise are being asked to draw up plans giving the passengers of Stourbridge an improved service, with a 10 minute, seven day a week service being hoped for.
Source: Centro & icBirmingham

NET PRAISED BY MP
Sunday 3 December 2006
Tom Harris, MP and a Minister at the DfT with responsibility for both trams and the railway network, said that any cities looking to build a tram network should look at Nottingham as an example of how to go about it. He made these comments at an event held in the city and organised by NET to celebrate the award of funding for their extensions.

Mr Harris revealed that the DfT are currently preparing for launch a “How To” guide for towns and cities in the UK who are looking to build a tramway during his speech at the event. In the audience at the Albert Hall were councillors, business people, tram staff and interest groups.

In response to comments about the length of time it took the government to make the decision on funding for the extensions, Mr Harris said: “It's a lot of money. "I'd rather make the right decision in the long-term then the wrong decision in the short-term." But he did add that he shared the frustrations of people in the city.

John Taylor, Nottingham councillor and chairman of the NET development board, added: “hopefully, before we've started running lines two and three (in 2013), we'll have funding for lines four and five.”
Source: This is Nottingham

EDINBURGH TRAM PROJECT DIRECTOR TO LEAVE
Sunday 3 December 2006
The tram Project Director, Andie Harper is to leave his role and return to London, after his six month contract comes to an end. It is believed that officials at tie were keen to extend his contract but he is keen to spend more time with his partner, although he says he still has full support for the scheme.

Mr Harper, who lives in Warrington, said: “If Warrington was an hour closer to Edinburgh I would be more than happy to continue to work for TIE but it's simply not working out for us. I've thoroughly enjoyed my time and if there was any other way I would stay with TIE, if they were happy to keep me and I believe they would be."

He is to leave the position on 22 December, and in a statement commented: “I leave this exciting project with regret however; Edinburgh's trams have progressed through concept and design phases and are now ready to be delivered. I look forward greatly to seeing trams in Edinburgh in the years to come."

A spokesman for tie said: “It is with much regret that we learned Andie Harper, interim tram project director, will leave us on December 22. Andie has been an outstanding project director. However, he has found the travelling and living away from home increasingly difficult. Although we are sad to lose Andie, we understand fully the reasons behind what has been a difficult decision. When announcing Andie's arrival in May, we said that his appointment was for three to six months. We are currently recruiting for this key role and hope to be able to announce a successor by Christmas."
Source: The Scotsman

LOCAL ELECTION SHOULD BE A REFERENDUM ON TRAMS
Sunday 3 December 2006
Cllr Ricky Henderson, transport leader on Edinburgh City Council, has called on voters to treat next year’s local election as a referendum on trams. He made these comments at the Edinburgh Traffic Forum held last week where the majority of the 100 who attended spoke out against trams.

The major concern of these people was the impact on the bus network, and they were left frustrated when tie were unable to confirm how many buses would be removed from Princes Street. There was also criticism of the chosen route and anger about the lack of precise details on traffic changes.

Cllr Henderson said: “We won't just press on regardless of public opinion, but there is a consensus within the council in favour of trams. No, there are no plans to go to a referendum. There would be little point in preparing for a referendum now. We have been through the Scottish Parliament procedures, and around £60 million has been spent. If you wish to regard next year's local government elections as a referendum, then please do. Our manifesto in 2003 had trams in it, and I fully expect it to be in the 2007 manifesto."
Source: The Scotsman

EDINBURGH TRADERS WANT BIGGER HANDOUTS FROM COUNCIL
Sunday 3 December 2006
The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) have criticised the compensation package revealed by Edinburgh City Council last month, saying it only amounts to £2.88 a day for even the largest shops.

The Chairman of the FSB Edinburgh branch, Graham Russell, said: “We've been to TIE with these concerns, and we've told them that businesses need money on day one of the construction. Rather than 20 per cent, maybe it needs to be as much as 300 per cent. The money needs to be targeted where it is most needed. We don't know how long the roadworks will last on Leith Walk, but it could be a year. Some of these businesses won't be there after a year of disruption. I was amazed at the strength of objection of three businesses I spoke to, who claimed there had been a total lack of consultation. Businesses will receive a discount of less than £2.88 day - that's only enough to buy you a prawn sandwich".

Council leader, Cllr Ewan Aitken, backed the compensation package: “"I am deeply disappointed that the Federation of Small Businesses have chosen to negotiate through the media instead of coming back round the table as they agreed. The council and TIE are working with the Chamber of Commerce to negotiate an appropriate deal for small businesses and I find their current tactics inappropriate, unprofessional and detrimental for the whole process."

Sid Harrison, who has been running a luxury furniture shop for more than 30 years said: “In general terms I would be in favour of trams, but the price we are paying for this scheme is much too great. If we lose just two or three big orders during construction, it could make the difference between a very good year and a very bad year. The 20 per cent reduction in rates is not a big deal given the sheer level of disruption we can expect. If we could see that trams are a good investment, we could perhaps live with the disruption and come out the other side. But 50 to 60 per cent of our customers drive and need to park here - without that facility, we'll be on the move to a peripheral site and will end up somewhere like Fort Kinnaird with no character."

The basic compensation package offered is a business rate discount for shops of 20%, although higher discounts may be considered where businesses are hit hardest.
Source: The Scotsman

CROYDON TRAMLINK NEWS UPDATE
Sunday 3 December 2006
* The tramstop Passenger Information Displays were updated with new software from the beginning of service on Thursday 23 November. The system can now display horizontal scrolling messages of up to 250 characters, instead of the old system which could only show parts of a message and flashed between those parts which fitted on the display. The next tram details are now shown in better “real time”, as it adjusts the timetable time after locating the tram on the system, with an allowance for turn-round times. Another added feature of the upgraded system is that displays should no longer have to display “See Tram Front”. This used to happen when trams were turned short of their proper destination and the drivers had to alter the VECOM, this can now be done by the controller.

* On the tram front there have been tram supply shortages in recent weeks because of faults in traction motors. 2538 was already out of service with the defect on one of its motor bogies but was unable to be repaired because the spares were at KVB in Cologne having their motors repaired. 2540 then had to be removed from service because of the same fault at one end, so two accommodation bogies had to borrowed from Nottingham Express Transit allowing the good motor from 2538 to be retrieved and used to replace the faulty one on 2540, and this allowing it to return to service. Other tram have also had their routine maintenance and one also needed a wheel change, leading to only 20 trams being available to cover 22 service turns. One of the service duties has been deleted from the timetable temporarily to cover for this with others being altered slightly to make the gaps less noticeable.

* Meanwhile, the continued changes to the ERIC system on board the trams to alter the destination blinds, on board information displays and on board announcements has reached the halfway stages. An interesting thing to notice in this respect is that Crystal Palace has been added as a destination.

* For more on these stories, and other breaking news from the Croydon Tramlink system visit the Unofficial Website.
Source: Unoffical Croydon Tramlink