Mr Twigg said: “I want to make one thing very clear: tram schemes do have a future in Britain - but not those that suffer from spiralling costs. The benefits of light rail are not in doubt. It can provide a fast, high-quality, reliable service that takes passengers directly into the heart of a city, avoiding traffic congestion, and greatly improving accessibility.”

He went on to add that before light rail schemes could even be considered several things should be looked at:
* fit in with park and ride schemes
* be supported by local parking controls
* link-up with buses, trains and cycle routes
* reflect local population densities, local employment trends, and local services

Mr Twigg also claimed that not only tram scheme were under the spotlight but all transport schemes “schemes that rocket in price, that don't offer value - especially when there are other ways of meeting transport needs” were not going to get approval.

He added that the government did need to play a stronger role in developing light rail as the recent Public Account Committee report said. Mr Twigg said that for example they would:
* have to play a more active role in scheme development
* have to act more quickly if costs show any signs of spiralling
* have to impose tougher testing on financial viability

To try and achieve this they are working with the PTEG (grouping of all PTEs in the UK) and the UKTram group in trying to make light rail approval easier and more straightforward.

Mr Twigg concluded by saying: “this Government supports light rail in the right place, at the right time, at the right price and as part of an integrated transport network. But trams will never be the answer to every city's transport problems. In many urban areas the streets are too narrow or the population too spread out. Some cities will have to accept that - and accept other forms of transport will do a better job for less money.”

The full copy of the speech is available here.
Source: Department for Transport

NEW HOPE FOR MERSEYTRAM?
Sunday 26 June 2005
Last week a summit meeting was held between leaders of Merseyside councils, Merseytravel representatives and some local MPs in Knowsley. After the meeting was over new hopes emerged that the funding gap may have been solved.

Speaking on behalf of the meeting, Councillor Mike Storey said: “All of the leaders, chief executives and MPs agreed that the tram is a major plank in the sub-region's regeneration plans. Not only will it deliver much needed social regeneration in some of Merseyside's most deprived communities but will equally support the further redevelopment of the city centre."

A so-called leading city source added: “We may have found a way of doing the leasing agreement which is acceptable to the DfT and that would save more than £30m. The gap then comes down to the difference between £170m and £204m which we think we can bridge. A lot will depend on whether the DfT hands over the money quickly enough. Is the goodwill there, does it really want the project to happen?"

In addition to this meeting, the Objective One development programme have said that they would consider upping their contribution of £25 million if they were asked. Director John Flamson said: “If a new funding proposal comes to us we will have to consider it. We will want to know how much they need and what we would get for our money. We will consider this swiftly at our strategy committee meeting on July 6."

However, the schedule is very tight with work needing to start in July if Line One is be ready for 2008 – when Liverpool is European Capital of Culture.
Source: icLiverpool

WYTHENSHAWE HOSPITAL METROLINK EXTENSION AXED
Sunday 26 June 2005
Promoters of Manchester Metrolink have decided to axe part of the South Manchester route to the Airport meaning Wythenshawe Hospital will not be getting the trams. The original plan would have seen a line from Roundthorn to the Airport with one line to the west serving the Hospital, Newall Green and Davenport Green. However, in order to save £39 million from the total cost of the extension this section has been axed. The line to the east serving Benchill, Wythenshawe Town Centre and Peel Hall will remain in the plans.

Roger Jones, chairman of the GMPTE said: “This will actually give the airport line one of the best cost-benefit ratios out of all three, due to the regeneration and economic benefits it would bring. We have a hospital within 400 yards of the airport and a travelator, much like the ones at airports, is an option. We are also looking at shuttle buses."

Councillor Jones added: “We are going to keep the delegated powers with a view to building that line if possible in the future.”

The decision has been met with dismay from supporters of the Hospital. Jeff Wilner, chairman of the South Manchester University Hospital Trusts board said: “I am bitterly disappointed. I think the idea of shuttle buses or a travelator is absurd. We are the second biggest employer in the area and I think our needs frankly should come before the airport, considering the hospital's role in relation to people's health. Geographically, we are out on a limb here and the largest amount of complaints I get are about parking. I certainly think we should have been told that this decision was taking place as it has such a huge impact on the hospital."
Source: Manchester Online & BBC News Online

EALING COUNCIL APPROVE WEST LONDON TRAM SCHEME
Sunday 26 June 2005
Ealing Council have approved the controversial West London Tram Scheme, despite the apparent opposition of local residents. At a Council meeting on Tuesday (21 June) the motion to approve it was passed by 43 votes.

Councillor Leo Thompson, council leader said: “There's an enormous way to go before any trams can run along the Uxbridge Road but by signing the agreement we will be representing the interests of our borough for the months and years to come. We simply cannot allow Ealing's traffic problems to grow."

Needless to say this decision was not exactly met with joy from several quarters in the area. Councillor Will Brooks, Conservative cabinet member for transport and regeneration said: “It's a waste of tax payers' money. Trams cost too much to build and run half-empty. Every single tram system in this country is failing its predicted numbers how can the tram system in Ealing be justified?"

His comments were added to by Penny Wark, spokeswoman for Save Ealing’s Streets: “We're not anti-public transport we're in favour of it. We just want the right scheme for west London one that will solve more problems than it creates. Signing up to the tram with TfL is of no benefit to local people. It will actually weaken Ealing Council's negotiating powers on the details of the scheme. It's significant that other councils along the route have not signed up."

Hammersmith and Fulham Council have already voted no to the plans. There is due to be a Public Consultation on the scheme next year.
Source: Ealing Times

MIDLAND METRO CONFIDENT OF SECURING EXTENSION FUNDING
Sunday 26 June 2005
Centro have said that they remain confident that despite last weeks refusal by the government to give money to Merseytram, they will be successful in their own extension funding bid.

A spokesman from Centro said: “The Secretary of State's decision not to fully fund Merseytram underlines the importance of showing the Midland Metro expansion can deliver value for money and a positive return on the investment. Centro has been aware of the very strict criteria in drawing up plans and working very hard to keep costs under control. We are engaged in a range of measures to reduce the financial and development risks of the project and we have involved the Department for Transport in adopting this approach. When it gave planning approval for the two current Midland Metro extensions, the Government stated that funding approval would come through a separate process - and we are prepared for that."

Last week BRITISH TRAMS ONLINE reported that the government gave approval to the Birmingham City Centre extension via New Street and Five Ways and previously this had been granted with Black Country extensions leaving the existing line around Wednesbury.

Because Metro extensions plans have been continually delayed it is believed that there is more likelihood of approval from the DfT. Centro have been able to apply new Government thinking to its financial plans and thy do believe they can satisfy its funding plans.

The spokesman added: “At the time of the Government's provisional funding approval for Midland Metro expansion five years ago, it was evident that the prices quoted were before inflation and, unlike Merseyside, our approval was not capped. However, we would expect those cost limits to be applied when we submit the final business case for the phase one Metro extensions later this year. To progress the scheme it is very clear that we will need to convince the Secretary of State of our ability to keep the development costs under control and to show a positive benefit-cost-ratio that meets Government criteria."
Source: icBirmingham

CONTRACT SIGNED FOR DLR WOOLWICH ARSENAL EXTENSION
Sunday 26 June 2005
At the start of June, Docklands Light Railway Limited (DLRL) finalised a contract with Woolwich Arsenal Rail Enterprises (WARE) to construct the DLR extension to Woolwich Arsenal. WARE is a consortium formed of AMEC and the Royal Bank of Scotland. This extension adds to the soon to be opened London City Airport line from King George V station under the Thames and then to Woolwich Arsenal. It will cost £180 million to construct and includes two specially bored tunnels.

Jonathan Fox, Director of DLRL said: “This is great news for people living south of the Thames – another new DLR route to provide fast and frequent travel to Canary Wharf, the City, east London and London City Airport. We are pleased to have been working in partnership with Greenwich Council for some years, firstly on the route through Greenwich to Lewisham and now on this new extension. DLRL looks forward to playing a significant role in the regeneration of Woolwich town centre and continuing its excellent relationship with the Borough.”

If everything goes according to plan services should start in early 2009. WARE are responsible for designing, financing, constructing and maintaining the extension and in return DLR will make payments for every day the line is used.
Source: Docklands Light Railway

BOOST FOR MIDLAND METRO BRIERLEY HILL EXTENSION
Sunday 26 June 2005
Centro have signed an agreement with St Mowden, developer of the Castle Hill project to provide funding for a station in the area. There is no news on how much St Mowden’s contribution will be but it adds to the £35 million already confirmed to be contributed from the owners of the Merry Hill Shopping Centre.

Director of St Mowden, Derek West, said: “Centro and St Mowden have worked closely together to agree this mutually beneficial agreement. Castle Hill will have a top quality tram link to help people get easily to its new attractions, which is great news."

The Castle Hill project is concerned with revitalising Dudley Zoo and Castle with range of new attractions and “experiences”, including a dinosaur themed attraction, a themed rail link to the Dudley Canal Trust Heritage Centre and 65 new homes.

Councillor Peter Horton, PTA member added: “This agreement underlines the determination of everyone to work in partnership to quickly deliver first class public transport to the Black Country."

It is hoped that if government funding can be put in place the first passengers will be carried on this line by 2011.
Source: icBirmingham

TRAM IMPROVEMENTS ON SUPERTRAM
Sunday 26 June 2005
Stagecoach Supertram have announced that all of their trams have now been fitted with CCTV. Each tram has eight cameras which cover the interior and also offer good views from both front and rear of the trams. This gives the ability to obtain high quality digital images which has already been used for the prevention and detection of crime and also for the investigation of any incidents involving the trams.

In addition to the CCTV addition, 2005 has seen a number of major improvements on board the trams. All trams are fitted with automated PA systems, with a different voice for the three routes and 105 has been fitted with electronic destination blinds as a trial and also uses satellite navigation to operate the trams “Next Stop” announcements and displays. If the trial is a success they should be fitted to the remainder of the fleet. Supertram also say a number of other major improvements will also be made over the next few months.
Source: Stagecoach Supertram

METRO REVEALS GOOD PERFORMANCE FIGURES
Sunday 26 June 2005
It has been revealed that Midland Metro Line One (and currently only line) from Birmingham Snow Hill to Wolverhampton St Georges is enjoying excellent performance. Over the last two years Centro have reported that they are enjoying a 99.1% performance.

Corporate Affairs Director of Travel Midland Metro, Phil Bateman said: “We are very pleased with the continued high performance being highlighted by Centro. There is no doubt that passengers like the system as it is regular and it is fast. I am still surprised by how many people who tell me that they have yet to ride the system! My advice is always take a trip and see how fast and reliable the system is. Over 5 million passengers a year are using the tram now, and as more business and homes are constructed along the length of the line, there will be more riders into the future. I remain convinced that the Metro will prove to be a very successful people mover as the years progress."

It has also been revealed that over the Christmas 2004 period 430, 490 passengers were carried – 32, 363 more than the same period in 2003.
Source: Midland Metro

DLR SIGN UP NEW STRATFORD STATION CONSTRUCTOR
Sunday 26 June 2005
Hochtief (UK) Construction Limited have signed a £11.5 million contract with Docklands Light Railway Limited to construct the new Stratford Station. Work will commence in mid-July and the current DLR Stratford platform will close in December 2006 – when one platform of the new station will be available for use. The complete station will be available for use in March 2007. In addition to the contract to construct the new station, DLRL are responsible for £7 million worth of station and signalling works, which will be funded through the TfL £10 billion five-year Investment plan.

Drew Bradley, DLR Projects Manager said: “As ridership increased, our passengers endured a less than comfortable experience at the DLR Stratford station and we are pleased to announce that in 18 months there will be a two-platform station providing a faster and more frequent service.”
Source: Docklands Light Railway

SHEFFIELD “TRAM-GATE” PROBLEMS RESURFACE
Sunday 26 June 2005
The new MP for Hillsborough, Angela Smith, has said that something needs to be done to sort out the problem of motorists using the tram gates in her constituency as it is delaying public transport.

Ms Smith said: “There have been some problems. At the moment there are negotiations between the local authority and the police over enforcement to stop drivers using the tramgates. I would certainly like to look at some CCTV to monitor the gates, but also we have got to get the police to be willing to monitor the area as well and to be willing to take action to make sure people don't drive their cars there. Drivers look ahead and want to go beyond the gates, so some are just driving through."

John Bann, Head of Transport and Highways at Sheffield Council added: “We are aware that there is abuse of the bus and tramgate in Hillsborough by motorists and that abuse causes delays for trams and buses who should be able to use the gate free of any other vehicles. At the moment the council does not have the legal powers to enforce these restrictions, as that responsibility rests with the police. However, in the longer term the council is looking at introducing cameras here, similar to speed cameras, that can record motorists breaking the restrictions and be used to prosecute them. We're waiting for the Government to bring regulations into force that will allow us to introduce this new technology. We are also working with the police on introducing new electronic message signage to warn motorists of the restrictions as they approach the tram and bus gate."
Source: Sheffield Today

DECISION IMMINENT ON LEEDS SUPERTRAM?
Sunday 26 June 2005
The Yorkshire Post are hopeful that a decision may at last be imminent on the Leeds Supertram scheme.

Leeds MP Greg Mulholland has recently received a letter from Derek Twigg, Transport Minister in charge of Light Rail, saying “I understand the time constraints connected with this scheme and I hope to make a decision shortly." With Mr Mulholland saying that he expects a decision to be made within the next couple of weeks.

A spokesman for Metro, the West Yorkshire PTE said: “We have brought costs right down and there have been very positive responses. We see ourselves on our own merit, so we believe we should get the go-ahead”
Source: Yorkshire Today