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| News...March 2005...News...March 2005...News...March 2005...News This Page was last updated Sunday 27 March 2005 |
| 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: Croydon Tramlink 2551 in new quarter all over advert for Energy Efficiency. (added 20 March 2005) Blackpool Rebuilt Balloon 718 towing Centenary 644 (added 27 March 2005) |
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News In Brief Blackpool: Blackpool Council have asked developers to come up with ideas for the tram station at Bispham. Much of the station building has fallen into disuse in recent years with the toilets and other areas now boarded up with just two areas at the front in use by tramway staff. Suggestions for the redevelopment include a café, gift shop and a cycle hire outlet. (27/3/05 - Trams Magazine) Croydon: A reporter from the Croydon Advertiser wrote travelled on the trams for a day this week. The report was very positive about Tramlink and ended the article with the following quote: “Trams are my new favourite form of transport and I have to agree, to my untrained eye, there seemed to be little to complain about.” The full article can be seen on the icSouthLondon website. (27/3/05 - icSouthLondon) Manchester: GMPTE have applied for planning permission for a Metrolink stop at Mosley Road. This is in the Trafford Park industrial area and is one of the stops on a future Trafford Centre line. This route was originally to be funded by the owners of the Trafford Centre but nothing has been heard recently about the plans. (27/3/05 - Gordon Ferguson) Manchester: A small parking area has been created at Besses O’Th’ Barn with 6 disabled spaces, although this has not yet been opened. In addition there is some serious civil engineering work in progress on the northbound side of Crumpsall station. The structure is in reinforced concrete with brick facing and appears to be a ramp for disabled access from the road, which is at a higher level than the station. Last year a galvanised steel pedestrian ramp was built on the southbound side of the station along with a new footbridge. (27/3/05 - Gordon Ferguson) Manchester: Engineering work on Sunday 10 April will see no services between Piccadilly Station and Victoria Station. Normal services will remain between Bury and Victoria, Eccles & Piccadilly and Altrincham & Piccadilly. There will be a replacement bus service running between Victoria and Piccadilly although this will not serve Shudehill, Market Street or Piccadilly Gardens. (27/3/05 - Manchester Metrolink) Nottingham: Fares rise from 4 April. City centre singles go down by 20p to 80p whilst other singles rise by 10p to £1.20. In addition the all day ticket rises to £2.20 from £2. Full details of all fare rises can be found on the link below. (27/3/05 - NETnews) Nottingham: On Saturday (19 March) there were delays to services between Basford and David Lane because of people on the track. They were soon moved and delays were minimal. (27/3/05 - NETnews) Nottingham: A large scale ticket inspection took place at High School on 18 March involving NET staff, Community Support Officers and the Police. At peak times there were 3 conductors on board trams in the city to ensure everyone has the chance to buy a ticket. 2 of these conductors alighted at The Forest to board a tram returning to the city. (27/3/05 - NETnews) Nottingham: A tram lost its skirt (the panel which covers the couplers) on 18 March near to Bulwell. At Bulwell the tram was turned by driving onto the single line section then the driver changing ends and returning to depot. (27/3/05 - NETnews) ------------------------------------------------- Blackpool: : 707 has been released from the Paint Shop in All Over Black as the base for an all over advert, possibly for Coral Island. Its place in Paint was taken by sister 709 which is likely to receive an all over advert for the SeaLife Centre. This will bring the total to 4 of trams which have had a start to made on new all over adverts during this winter with 715 and 721 previously being released in All Over White, as yet none have received the actual adverts and the chances of them being ready for the early Easter look remote.(20/3/05 - Paul Turner from Yahoo! Group UK Trams) Croydon: The recent survey carried out by the Croydon Guardian has shown that more than 80% of people are in favour of extending Tramlink. The poll listed the Purley-Streatham via Croydon, Thornton Heath and Norbury line as the most popular with respondents. (20/3/05 - Croydon Guardian) Croydon: Services were brought to a standstill last Wednesday (9 March) after a fire in a flat above a bed shop in Church Street. Services were disrupted from 10.35pm until 12.25am. (20/3/05 – icSouthLondon) DLR: Further engineering works were affecting services this weekend between Stratford and Bow Church. As usual a replacement bus service was in operation running every 10 minutes. All other services were running as per normal. (20/3/05 - DLR) General: Last week the government revealed the StreetCar – a cross between a tram and a bus! In effect it is a bus designed to look like a tram and its purpose is to try and encourage people to leave their cars at home. It is to be tested in cities across the UK including Manchester, York, Leeds, Sheffield, Swansea and Bath likely to be amongst the first to use it. (20/3/05 - Manchester Online) Liverpool: Original tram lines have been revealed on Renshaw Street and Berry Street in the city centre during roadworks. The track was buried under a foot of concrete which had been piled on it in the near 50 years since trams were abandoned in the city. (20/3/05 - icLiverpool) Nottingham: NET and Nottinghamshire Police are looking at ways of improving security at the Phoenix Park park-and-ride site which has seen an increase in thefts from cars. Ideas include a barrier into the site and “fishbowl” cameras. A recent report did state that crime along the tram route remains low. In addition dozens of police were due to take the city’s trams and buses on Friday to catch fare dodgers and troublemakers. (20/3/05 - BBC News Online) Nottingham: NET have revealed their timetable plans for the Easter period. A Saturday service will operate on Good Friday (25 March) and Easter Saturday (26 March) with a Sunday service operating on Easter Sunday (27 March) and Easter Monday (28 March). (20/3/05 - NET) ------------------------------------------------- Birkenhead: The Roadliner (611 when in Blackpool) has been testing on the Birkenhead Heritage Tramway since the end of January – before a return to Blackpool can be contemplated. The tram had been at Carnforth undergoing initial testing but encountered problems due to the railway style track and paintwork. If tests at Birkenhead are successful Roadliner should return to Blackpool after Easter. (13/3/05 - Fylde Tramway News) London Transport Museum: The LT Museum is to close this year for another refit and when it reopens two trams will have been moved to the store at Acton. The trams affected will be West Ham 102 and MET Feltham 355. When they do move they will still be available for viewing by the public as the Acton store opens on several occasions during the year.(13/3/05 - Fylde Tramway News) Nottingham: 201 and 213 lost their original Powergen all over adverts last week following a year in service. However, this was just a temporary move as both trams are to receive a revised all over ad for the same company. 201 has already received this with 213 expected to follow. 201 spent a day in standard NET livery between adverts. A photo of the new ad can be seen here. (13/3/05 – NETnews) Nottingham: To mark the 1st Birthday of NET there have been a couple of articles appearing on the This is Nottingham website here. Included in these articles was the fact that Pat Armstrong, NET project manager, was heading to London to speak to the Parliamentary Inquiry. In addition to this the Nottingham Evening Post produced a supplement during the week. (13/3/05 - This is Nottingham) ------------------------------------------------- Blackpool: The life of OMO 10 is coming to an end at the Conference Centre near to Reading. The site is currently being prepared for refurbishment and 10 does not feature in the new plans – it was of course previously in use as a Café. The hopper windows are destined for the LTT to be used on sister 8 but all other parts are destined for scrap. The complete tram will not be removed from the site in one piece as the building was constructed around it, however if anyone wants bits of the tram feel free to contact BRITISH TRAMS ONLINE and we can give you the contact details of the company who are looking to dispose of the tram (6/3/05) Blackpool: Photos of last Sunday’s By Tram to Foxhall charity tram ride event can be found here (6/3/05 - Alan Robson) DLR: 27, 38, 73 and 79 are the latest units to be completed in the new “river” livery. (6/3/05 – Chris Cooper) Liverpool: To complement last weeks story over the shortlist for companies interested in building all or part of Merseytram the full list can now be revealed, as follows: AMEC, Balfour Beatty, Bombardier / Grant Rail, Jacobs Babtie, Laing O`Rourke, Pipeline Consultant Limited, Mowlem, Siemens, Thales. (27/2/05 - Merseytravel) Nottingham: Full details of the NET Customer Satisfaction Report, as reported on BRITISH TRAMS ONLINE last week have now been published here. (6/3/05 - NET) Nottingham: The extra PIDs previously reported as arriving soon from Bombardier have been delayed and may not now arrive for a matter of months. (6/3/05 - NETnews) ------------------------------------------------- |
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Blackpool Centenary 644 broke down whilst in service on Sunday 20 March 2005. The tram was captured being towed back to depot by Rebuilt Balloon 718 at North Pier. Photo: Martin Shaw |
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SOURCE OF NEW CROYDON TRAM REVEALED Sunday 27 March 2005 During the ongoing Commons Select Committee on the future of Light Rail Neil Scales, Director General of Merseytravel, has seemingly revealed that Merseytram are to add an extra tram onto their initial order for the use of Croydon Tramlink. In response to a question asked Mr Scales said: “…when I order my 21 trams for Line 1 I will make 22 and we will do one for Croydon as well!” As previously reported on BRITISH TRAMS ONLINE, Merseytram are to receive trams from Bombardier – the company who of course supplied Tramlink’s original batch of trams. The engineering work on the New Addington branch commenced last weekend and significant progress had already been made by Sunday (20 March). All track on both lines was removed from Lloyd Park Car Park crossing to the southern limit of Lloyd Park. Specialist Swedish machinery and workforce was used to move 50-70 metre sections of track including sleepers from the trackbed to the side. Following completion of the work in the Lloyd Park area the machines moved to Gravel Hill for a start to be made there on the same sort of action. Overhead wires remain in place at all locations except for the area near to Heatfield LC, where they have been moved to the side. It is believed that the track between Elmers End and Woodside may need rail grinding as vibrations are now noticeable on most trams (particularly 2546 and 2547) when running at 70kmph. For more on these stories and more news from Croydon visit the Unofficial Croydon Tramlink website. Source: Unofficial Croydon Tramlink METROLINK PLANS AT HEART OF MANCHESTER TRANSPORT STRATEGY Sunday 27 March 2005 The Greater Manchester Integrated Transport Strategy was this week revealed by the GMPTA and the Association of Greater Manchester Authorities (AGMA), and the cornerstone of it is the Metrolink extensions. The strategy was announced in wake of the government’s reinstatement of the £520 million transport funding package. Roger Jones, Chairman of the GMPTA said: “Government asked us to come up with a bold and innovative integrated transport plan for Greater Manchester, and that is what we will submit to them at the end of the month. We have had an Integrated Transport Strategy in place for some years and have taken this opportunity to comprehensively review it. Our strategy will demonstrate why Metrolink is the best transport solution for the three proposed corridors, whilst placing our expansion plans in the context of a coherent transport strategy for the whole conurbation. Our immediate focus is on improving the existing Metrolink network and getting our expansion plans underway. Working with the government, we hope to establish a realistic timetable for delivering Metrolink that we can announce as soon as possible." This Integrated Transport Strategy is to form the framework for the areas second Local Transport Plan, through which government funding for transport schemes is decided. In addition it will also form the basis of a bid for additional funding through the Transport Initiatives Fund (TIF) – this is available from 2008 and is for schemes which demonstrated a bold and innovative approach to tacking congestion and encouraging modal shift. The strategy now has to be submitted by the end of the month and then, following discussions with government, bids are put in July with the Local Transport Plan and TIF. The Chairman of the AGMA Lord Smith of Leigh, added: "A robust and attractive public transport network is essential for the economic and social well-being of any area. Our Integrated Transport Strategy serves the entire conurbation and also allows people to be connected to the job opportunities which are available in our dynamic communities." Source: GMPTE MERRY HILL SHOPPING CENTRE TO HELP FUND METRO EXTENSION Sunday 27 March 2005 The new owners of the Merry Hill Shopping Centre have confirmed that is their intention to make a major financial contribution to the Wednesbury to Brierley Hill Midland Metro extension. Peter Miller, Westfield development director said: “We are very supportive and we really want to make this happen." Westfield completed the purchase of Merry Hill earlier this year and have said they are fully behind Chelsfield’s (the previous owner) pledge to give £35 million towards the construction of the route. This is good news for Centro, who were unable to sort out a deal with Chelsfield as the go-ahead was not given by government until the end of last year. However, a deal has yet to be signed with Westfield. The total cost of the line will be £139 million with the remaining funding coming from the Council and the Government. Source: icBirmingham NEW METROLINK STOP IN THE OFFING? Sunday 27 March 2005 GMPTE have revealed their initial plans for a new Metrolink stop at Abraham Moss in Crumpsall. Michael Renshaw, the Project Director for GMPT said: “It has been our intention to place a stop here for a number of years, in order to improve access to the amenities at Abraham Moss, such as the library, college, theatre and leisure facilities. It must be stressed that, whilst there are no immediate plans to build the stop, we still need to look at the long-term future for improving the network. By starting this process now, we can ensure that when the finances are available to construct the new stop, people have had the opportunity to express their views, the necessary powers are in place and there is minimum delay in implementing the improvements.” The plans were revealed at Crumpsall Library where they were displayed from 14-18 March so local people could study them and have their own views. If the stop does get built it would be situated opposite Abraham Moss Centre and the Crumpsall Library. In addition to the exhibition at the library 1,500 letters were sent out to local residents informing them of the proposal. An Outline Planning Application has been submitted to Manchester City Council but before final decisions are made on it the GMPTE want as much feedback from the public as possible. Source: GMPTE VINTAGE TRAMS FOR FLEETWOOD SERVICE? Sunday 27 March 2005 Trams Magazine report that Blackpool Transport are to use vintage trams on the timetabled Fleetwood service in the early summer period. Managing Director of BTSL, Steve Burd, has told the magazine: “I want Vintage trams like 660, 40, 147 and the Illuminated trams to be used on Fleetwood service in the month of May as much as possible.” The period in question would be Monday 2-Sunday 27 May when there will be a 20 minute Starr Gate to Fleetwood service utilising double deckers at weekend and probably Tuesdays and single deckers (including vintage trams) the rest of the week. In addition this period will see a 20 minute Pleasure Beach to Cleveleys service using one person operated trams. The main summer service will then operate from Monday 28 May until Sunday 30 October, which is likely to see an all day 20 minute service from Starr Gate to Fleetwood using double deckers (or Twin Cars) and a 20 minute Starr Gate to Fleetwood service running from 8am until midnight, also using double deckers. The same article also mentions that an attempt will be made to run the weekend Vintage Tram service from May throughout the summer. This will be a 15 minute service between Pleasure Beach and North Pier using 3 trams. This news has been taken from Trams Magazine, with permission. Trams Magazine is released four times a year (March, June, September and December) and is an Independent Magazine/Fanzine, published by Train Crazy Publishing. For further details on how you can get your hands on the magazine click here. Source: Trams Magazine GROWING FRUSTRATION OVER METRO STONE THROWING INCIDENTS Sunday 27 March 2005 Travel Midland Metro are starting to feel more and more frustrated over the continual stone throwing incidents which are putting both passengers and staff at risk near Bradley Lane, Bilston. Phil Bateman, the Corporate Affairs Director of TMM said: “Since the middle of February we have had eight incidents taking place in or around the Bradley Lane area of the City of Wolverhampton, and this is far too many criminal actions for this locality, for either the company or the community to be happy with. These attacks which have all taken place in a four week period really have to be stopped. The safety issue is of real importance, and we will be asking both West Midlands Police and British Transport Police to do all they can together, to tackle this crime problem that we have.” He appealed to the community to name and shame those people doing the throwing and added: “If you do not feel comfortable informing the Police ring crimestoppers on 0800555111 and leave your information with them.” Amongst recent incidents a brick was thrown at a window by youths whilst a saloon window was smashed with stones causing injuries to a female passenger. There have also been other injuries including a young girl at the start of March. Source: Midland Metro BLIND MAN THROWN OFF METROLINK FOR NOT HAVING TICKET Sunday 27 March 2005 A blind man was thrown off a tram for not having a ticket, despite the fact that he can not use the ticket machines. Garry Murphy even has a letter from Metrolink bosses saying that he is allowed to travel free of charge as long as he is carrying his pass which states he is registered blind. But an Inspector claimed there were new rules which meant the letter was out of date and that he had to buy a ticket before boarding the tram. He was told to alight at Victoria instead of his stop at Shudehill. Mr Murphy said: “I was told that if I was a resident of Greater Manchester there wouldn't be a problem but that since I lived in Lancashire, I would have to pay. I asked how I was supposed to pay when I can't use the ticket machine and I was told to buy a ticket from the Travel Shop but as I explained, most of the stations are unmanned.” A spokesman for Serco Metrolink said: “We are aware of the misunderstanding that a member of our staff had with regard to Mr Murphy. The procedures for allowing Mr Murphy to travel on the Metrolink system are clear but unfortunately failed on this occasion. We would like to apologise to Mr Murphy for any distress that this failure has caused. We have taken immediate steps to ensure that this does not happen again and an urgent review of our procedures are under way. We sincerely hope that Mr Murphy will continue to travel on the Metrolink system as a valued customer.” Source: Manchester Online |
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Croydon Tramlink 2551 now has a quarter all over advert for Energy Efficiency. In this view we see the back of the tram with a close up of the advert at East Croydon on 16 March 2005. Photo: Gareth Prior |
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TRAMLINK NEW ADDINGTON LINE CLOSURE CONFIRMED Sunday 20 March 2005 It has been confirmed that the Croydon Tramlink, Line 3 to New Addington will be closed from yesterday (19 March) until Sunday 10 April for engineering works. With the line closed a replacement bus service will be in operation from Croydon to New Addington with increased tram frequencies on the other two routes. Line 1, Wimbledon-Elmers End, will have an 8 minute service whilst Line 2 (Beckenham Junction-Croydon) will also work on the same frequency. It is expected that 18-19 trams will be required for this revised service. In the evenings there will be an improved 20 minute service from Beckenham Junction-Elmers End – this is reported to be an experiment for the post-Centrale timetable. It is hoped that services may resume as far as Lloyd Park from 4 April, with a shuttle service operating from Croydon to here from this date. The engineering work in question is a continuation of the drainage and formation rectification which was started last year through the Country Park. A further line closure is likely in August to complete the work. Other Engineering Work is also to take place on the track on the curve between Station Road and Wellesley Road in Croydon over the Spring Bank Holiday in May. On the tram front, 2551 has had a part all over advert fitted. One quarter of the tram has been completed covered in an advert for Energy Efficiency in a dark blue design (photo can be seen elsewhere on this page). The Passenger Counting fitment was completed during the past month with the remaining trams (2543 and 2549-2553) now being so fitted. As is usual there have also been a few collisions between road vehicles and trams recently. On Sunday 6 March 2538 struck the rear of a BMW at Reeves Corner at approximately 1530 which caused the car to lose control and strike an OHL mast. 2538 suffered minor damage and was able to return to depot under its own power. This was preceded on Wednesday 23 February by 2530 hitting a cyclist at Arena. It would appear the cyclist rode out across the tracks without looking but fortunately the tram was already braking to stop at Arena. The cyclist suffered minor injuries and 2530 went to Elmers End for damage inspection, where it was discovered that it was not damaged. During its period at Elmers End other trams were allowed to use the remainder of the platform. For more on these stories and more news from Croydon visit the Unofficial Croydon Tramlink website. Source: Unofficial Croydon Tramlink METROLINK AT THE TRANSPORT SELECT COMMITTEE Sunday 20 March 2005 Tony McNulty, Transport Minister, was up in front of House of Commons Select Committee on Light Rail last week answering questions. Mr McNulty was challenged by Manchester MP Graham Stringer as to when the government would make an announcement over the recent £100 million refurbishment plan. He replied: “I'll make every endeavour to have that decision with Manchester at the earliest opportunity. I am cracking the whip on that one to try to get a decision determined sooner rather than later. I say to the authorities, watch this space." He was also asked about what the future held for the full “Big Bang” proposals: “It would not be appropriate at this stage, when we're trying to resolve those issues, to go right back to the beginning. The real question is, was there really any substantial chance of Manchester delivering three extensions to Metrolink for £280 million, which was the original sum approved. I don't know the answer and I'm not knocking those who made that decision, but it's a question worth looking at." Then during the past week transport bosses from Manchester went to London to give their evidence to the Select Committee (Croydon were also called this week). They complained during their evidence about the delays in agreeing to fund improvements to the network. Amongst the group who were called to Westminster were Sir Howard Bernstein (Chief Executive of the City Council), Richard Leese (council leader), Councillor Roger Jones (Chairman of the GMPTE) and Chris Mulligan (GMPTE Chief Executive). They were questioned about the cost of the proposed extensions (the answer was £900 million). Graham Stringer, MP for Blackley, also asked whether the government themselves had delayed the whole process of approving the “big bang” extensions and it was also mentioned that the delays could have been due to government spending cuts. Source: Manchester Online TfL WARN TRAMTRACK CROYDON OVER TRAMLINK CONTRACT Sunday 20 March 2005 Peter Hendy, TfLs Managing Director for Surface Transport, has warned Tramtrack Croydon (operators of Tramlink) that they could lose their contract if the network is not brought up to scratch. Mr Hendy told the Croydon Advertiser: “We think the physical condition of the system is in decline. Our concern is for the passengers, whereas theirs seems to be for their profitability." He stressed that TfL looks upon Tramlink as a major success but he is worried that the tired state of trams both in and out may start to put passengers off. Mr Hendy added that TfL would be looking closely at how the 99 year concession was working and would not hesitate to default the company if they were seriously unhappy with the set-up. These complaints from TfL have come at a time when Tramtrack bosses appeared before the Commons Transport Select Committee complaining about the fare structure. Roger Harding, General Manager for Tramtrack, replied to these complaints: “Mr Hendy and his colleagues have not expressed any major issues of performance to us." However, he did admit that there were problems but said the company were confident that would be dealt with. Source: icSouthLondon CORONATION STREET TRAM CRASH PLAN SCRAPPED Sunday 20 March 2005 The plan to have a Metrolink tram crash into the Rovers Return in the ITV Soap Opera Coronation Street has been scrapped after Metrolink bosses refused to cooperate. Chris Mulligan, the Director General of the GMPTE, said: “Following an approach from Granada Television, we made it clear that we would find any storyline involving a tram accident questionable. Given Metrolink's excellent safety record, we felt that such a sensationalist storyline would be both misleading and detrimental to the image of the network." Cheryl Hubbard of Serco Metrolink said: “We were concerned because there were safety implications which they were planning to portray in a bad light. They contacted us and asked what it was like for our drivers during training, but because they were planning to then have her driving a tram off the viaduct we said if that's going to be the case we weren't happy with it at all. I think people in Manchester would also be unhappy about them portraying the specific Manchester tram system in this sort of light." Bosses at the soap denied that the reason behind their scrapping the proposed storyline was due to the refusal from Metrolink bosses but rather that they had already had two traumatic storylines in recent months. A spokeswoman for Coronation Street said: “It was one of the storylines being mooted for the year and it was decided not to pursue it. We felt we'd had quite a lot of high-octane drama in the planning block it would have fallen into. "It was simply a decision by the programme makers to have something more light-hearted instead.” However they have not ruled out returning to the storyline in the future saying “ it has just been put on ice for the time being." Source: Manchester Online LEEDS SUPERTRAM MEET WITH GOVERNMENT Sunday 13 March 2005 Last week, transport bosses in Leeds had another meeting with Transport Minister Tony McNulty. The delegation described the meeting as positive although Mr McNulty asked for further information to be provided. The Minister was complimentary about the range and scope of the work that had been carried out in Leeds and how seriously they had looked at alternatives to trams on some of the routes. During the meeting the transport bosses offered the DfT a way of keeping the scheme alive, without having to commit major Government funding until 2007. Metro Director General, Kieran Preston said before travelling to London: “As long as we get the go-ahead to purchase the land and progress to the final bid stage, we can delay the need for the main part of the scheme’s funding until 2007. And when you take into account the time it will take to assess the final bids, appoint the successful consortium and carry out the land purchase anyway, the start of work would only be delayed by something like six months. Leeds needs a fast efficient way of moving people around the city and has worked for more than 20 years to get a Supertram. Agreeing a six-month delay to keep the scheme alive is more than worth it.” The delegation also reminded Mr McNulty that the scheme meets all the targets set by the Government in terms of the benefits it provides. They also reiterated the fact that research shows Supertram would be several times as effective as buses along the routes it will serve and that Leeds is the largest city in Europe without a metro or tram system. A spokesman for the DfT said that the Minister understood the need for a decision and undertook to make one as soon as possible but cited the need for further clarification about the scheme before he felt in a position to do so. Leeds Supertram bosses started on this clarification on the train back from London and hope to provide the DfT with this information as soon as possible. Source: Leeds Supertram NET INCIDENT IN CITY CENTRE Sunday 13 March 2005 There was an incident yesterday (11 March) at Weekday Cross in Nottingham city centre causing disruption to NET services. 213 was the tram involved and both the Police and Paramedics were in attendance. The emergency service stopped across the junction with High Pavement. 201 was trapped behind the incident at the Lace Market stop. During the disruption services terminated at Old Market Square with 201 and 213 evacuated. The incident happened at around 1715 and services were starting to return to normal at 1800. It is not known what happened to cause the disruption. Source: NETnews BLACKPOOL TRAMWAY NEWS UPDATE Sunday 13 March 2005 Jubilee 762’s overhaul continues at pace and is now almost ready for repainting. The tram is to feature the “blade” style of lifeguard, slightly rounded corners and a fibreglass fairing beneath the fender – this to bring the tram in line with the demands of the HMRI. Balloon 713 should have entered the Body Shop by now for exterior planning having previously spent time in the Electrical Compound for installation of traction and auxiliary wiring looms. Meanwhile, no work has been undertaken on Centenary 645 – despite being withdrawn from service in September 2004 and stripped the following month. Coronation 660 has been in the Fitting Shop for work on its mini overhaul, which is coming to an end whilst Illuminated Frigate 736 has also seen attention to solve water ingress problems which were encountered during its first season in use. Brush 636 has operated its first test since undergoing work in the Fitting Shop. It is understood that the tram has had a new experimental motor fitted for evaluation. The trackwork currently being undertaken around Manchester Square is to be suspended for a fortnight around Easter so tram services can be unbroken during this period. Phase One of the work should be completed before Easter to allow normal tram services, although it is believed that trams will still use the Princess Street route to depot. After Easter, Phase Two will see work concentrated on track at the north end of Lytham Road. * 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 or here. Source: Fylde Tramway News HALLE 902 ARRIVES AT CRICH Sunday 6 March 2005 The past few weeks have seen some comings and goings at the Tramway Museum, with more likely to come. The major arrival has been Halle 902, which is to be the second Access tram to complement Berlin 3006. The tram arrived on Wednesday 23 February following an 800 mile trip via road and then sea. It went via Leipzig where a pair of overhauled, regauged and retyred trucks were fitted. Bob Pennyfather, head of access at the Museum said about the acquisition: “We needed to find a tram with a driving cab at both ends, one which will work on the UK’s standard gauge track, and could be easily converted without changing its original appearance. This is no easy task. Two of our volunteers, Christoph Heuer and Kerstin Wünsche live in Germany, and come to drive the trams at the Tramway Village during their holidays. They heard about the Halle tram and were instrumental in securing it for Crich. It is a ‘Tatra’ tram, one of tens of thousands built in Prague for use in towns and cities across the Communist block. Of these only two, used on a suburban branch line in Halle, have the drivers cab at both ends which we need.” An appeal has now been launched for funds to help convert 902 to the required standard. 902 was recently withdrawn from service along with sister 900 and replaced with more modern trams. Photos of the tram arriving at Crich can be found here. The first arrival of the month, however, had been the next major restoration project – London United Tramways 159. It moved from Clay Cross on 9 February and it has already had non-tramway protective cladding removed to reveal the real body of the tram. An exploration of the body will now be undertaken to enable a detailed programme of work to be formulated for the restoration of 159. It is expected that restoration will taken over 4 years. As a result of these arrivals, and with Blackpool Brush 298 likely to follow in March, it has been necessary to remove the Curry Rival horse car and the Eades Reversible truck have gone in the reverse direction to Clay Cross. However, the Eades truck is expected to return for display in the Exhibition Hall. It looks likely that at least two trams are going to have to be put into storage at Clay Cross in order to ensure there is enough space for all the new trams. Leeds 345’s restoration continues with work recently concentrating on the upper deck seat frames. Seat bases are being manufactured and the cushioning and moquette is expected to be delivered sometime this month. Attention has also been seen on the paintwork with the staircases among those areas still to be treated. The workshops have also treated Gateshead 5 (controllers), Blackpool Standard 40 (traction motor refitted), Southampton 45 (controllers and brakes), Sheffield 74 (leaf springs) and Berlin 3006 (brake drum). Source: Crich Tramway Village & Contact from the Tramway Museum Society CONFUSION REIGNS OVER WLT CONSULTATION Sunday 6 March 2005 The results of the major West London Tram consultation were revealed earlier this week, although confusion continues over whether people want or don’t want the scheme! There were two main parts of the consultation – market research interviews and the consultation questionnaire. The results of these two parts were completely different with the market research falling in favour of the scheme whilst the questionnaires saw the majority against the trams. Transport for London and the Mayor, Ken Livingstone, have only really mentioned the market research in a press release and “West London Tram Newsletter” released this week – this was the results they wanted to see. The market research shows that there is three to one support for the trams (54% to 18%) whilst the questionnaire shows completely different results with only 30% in favour with 59% against the proposal. Ken Livingstone said: “It is clear that this major transport investment has strong local support. The comprehensive and transparent nature of the public consultation ensured everyone with an interest in the proposed West London Tram had the opportunity to have their say. The process confirmed there is strong support for the project but there are also significant issues and we will be looking in more detail at all the concerns and issues raised to see what can be done to take account of these." Even the consultation showed more people in favour of the WLT than against it in all but there boroughs. The Mayor’s stance that the results were positive has not been greeted with enthusiasm from the anti tram group Save Ealing’s Streets (SES). Penny Wark from SES said: “It is misleading and insulting to give more credence to the views of a few hundred people, interviewed in their own homes without much information to guide them, than to more than 10,000 well-informed people who took the trouble to fill in the questionnaire and don't want the tram.” In response this TfL have said that research has shown that people who have grievances against a scheme are more likely to respond to a consultation than those in favour. Ms Wark added: “"It is strange that Mr Livingstone dismisses his own consultation as unscientific' when his officers spent several months last year assuring the public that it was entirely scientific. Now is the time for the Mayor to acknowledge that people see this scheme for what it is: an idea that will create problems instead of solving them. We urge him to drop it now." The main concerns about the WLT found during the consultation were: * More congestion at Southall and Shepherd's Bush * The tram would destroy Haven Green on Ealing Broadway * It would spoil the pedestrianised town centre in Uxbridge * Proposed traffic diversion at Acton would increase congestion * Side roads in West Ealing and at the Lido junction are too narrow to support extra traffic * At Iron Bridge, people favoured a tram tunnel under the railway line rather than under the road * At Hanwell Broadway, the right turn into Church Road should be kept * Hanwell Bridge could become a bottleneck Local councillors and politicians have also called on Mr Livingstone to cease the plans with London Assembly Transport Committee chair Lynn Featherstone calling the plan “unworkable, unwanted and unpopular.” The GLA Member for Ealing and Hillingdon, Richard Barnes added: “The Mayor is grasping at straws here. In his own consultation three out of five people say they do not want the scheme, so he was forced to commission additional market research to get the result he wants." Responses to the consultation will now be used in connection with making final plans for the West London Tram, Mr Livingstone said. Later this year, the TfL board will make a final decision whether to proceed or not with applying for the requisite powers to build the tram. If they decided to a public enquiry is likely in Autumn 2006. Source: Transport for London, Ealing Times & BBC News Online CONDUCTORS LEAVE MIDLAND METRO OVER PAY Sunday 6 March 2005 Conductors are reportedly leaving Midland Metro in large numbers because of the relative low pay in comparison with other conductor type jobs. Midland Metro pays just £12,311 to its conductors whilst local train operators, Central Trains pay a starting salary of £19,531. Virgin Trains pay even more with £20,858 on Crosscountry and £23,029 on the West Coast franchise. The situation has become so bad that all new drivers have to be driver/conductor to try and cover all duties. Phil Bateman from Travel Midland Metro said: “It is irksome that people get on their way after they've been trained, but what you have to do is make sure recruitment is going well." He added that for eight recent positions they had received over 200 applications. The West Midlands PTA member for Metro, Councillor Roger Horton said: “There are at least 8,000 reasons why people are leaving and going to Central Trains. Conductor coverage had fallen quite badly during December due to loss of staff to Central Trains and high sickness levels over Christmas.” Another PTA member, Councillor Judith Rowley claimed that Midland Metro should be doing more to aid staff retention. As well as the fact that a lack of conductors may mean tickets not being sold there is the added problem of passenger security. Source: icBirmingham TRAIN-TRAMS FOR MANCHESTER? Sunday 6 March 2005 The Mid-Cheshire Community Rail Partnership has suggested that tram-trains may be a good idea to get passengers from places such as Northwich to Manchester city centre. Community rail officer John Kitchen said: “The idea is quite well established in certain places on the Continent, but this has not been done here before. We think this is definitely possible, but we need more detail." The trains would carry commuters from Northwich to Altrincham, where they would join the Metrolink line through to the G-Mex. From here they may either terminate or possibly continue onto the streets of Manchester into Piccadilly station. It is hoped that the plan would cut 10 minutes off current journey times from Northwich, which currently run via Stockport. A spokesman for the GMPTE said: “The tram-train concept is just one of the options available to us and we are researching it. But it must be stressed that the tram-train concept should not be regarded as an alternative to Metrolink phase three." The idea is of course already used in Germany and Holland. Source: Manchester Online NOTTINGHAM TRANSPORT ONE OF BEST IN UK Sunday 6 March 2005 The Government have declared that public transport in Greater Nottingham is among the best in Britain. Nottingham Express Transit (which celebrates its first birthday this week) is one of a number of projects which have helped the city and county councils to gain the distinction. Other projects include new bus routes such as Skylink to Nottingham East Midlands Airport and the city parking attendants. Both the city and county councils have been made “centres of excellence” which as well as looking good means that they get £100,000 a year to share between them on transport projects. The authorities are also hoping that the label will mean more money when they submit their five year master plan for transport in July. This transport plan will last from 2006 to 2011 and a decision is likely from government in December but before then public consultation is to be undertaken to see what the people of Nottingham think should be the transport priorities in those five years. Source: This is Nottingham |