The future of 245 has been under debate for several years as to where it would be kept. The tram is owned by Liverpool Museum’s and back at the start of 2004 it appeared that it would remain stored out of public view at the Juniper Street store because of contractual difficulties. These problems were seemingly sorted out last year and it was revealed that the tram was due to move onto MTPS metals on the Wirral by spring of this year.

245 was loaded onto a Heanor Haulage trailer at Juniper Street on Monday 15 May for transportation to the Taylor Street terminus of the Wirral Tramway over the next three days. On Tuesday (16 May) it was moved to Chester Zoo via the Runcorn-Widnes bridge and then on the Wednesday (17 May) the journey was completed to the Taylor Street terminus.

On arrival at Taylor Street the tram was unloaded and then Hong Kong 69 performed shunting duties to get 245 into place in the depot.

* Photos of the movement of 245 and of the tram in place in the depot can be found here.
Source: MTPS

WEST LONDON TRAM HAS NO COUNCIL SUPPORT
Sunday 21 May 2006
As expected the new Conservative council in Ealing has withdrawn their support for the proposed West London Tram. This leaves the whole project with no local Council support and seemingly Transport for London and Ken Livingstone, Mayor of London, are now out on their own in backing the project.

Ealing Council leader Jason Stacey said: “The tram is hugely unpopular with residents, despite what any TfL poll might say. We are changing the council's policy to reflect what we believe are the true views of Ealing residents, and for the good of the whole borough. We will stand shoulder to shoulder with our neighbouring boroughs and do whatever it takes to see off this ill-thought out scheme."

At a special Council meeting last week it was also decided to disband the team of consultants which was working with TfL on the plan. It also requested fellow councils in Hillingdon and Hammersmith & Fulham in the fight against the tram.

However, Ken Livingstone does not seem to be getting the idea. He said: “The population in west London is growing rapidly. Improving public transport is key to ensuring local people can get to jobs and services swiftly and easily."

TfL is currently reviewing traffic management issues brought up in the public consultation. The board will decide this summer whether to apply for powers to build the tram.
Source: This is Local London & BBC News Online

STANDARD 143’S RESTORATION CONTINUES
Sunday 21 May 2006
The restoration of Blackpool Standard 143 is continuing at the Lancastrian Transport Trust’s depot in the town with the tram currently being split into two with the top deck away at a Kirkham joinery firm.

The lower deck is being sorted by John Yule (an ex Blackpool Transport employee) who is working for the LTT two days a week. It is almost stripped down to its main frame, although the cab ends are being left in place for the time being to give strength to upper deck structure until work on the platforms is ready to commence.

The current phase is working towards lifting the body off the underframe. Some surface corrosion around the radius plates has been discovered and this has lifted the body slightly and makes it look like the body droops towards the car ends. Once the corrosion is sorted, the body should be straight again and when refitted the job of rebuilding the lower deck will commence. This is likely to start with the lower deck ceiling/upper deck floor so that this is ready for when the rebuilt open balcony top cover returns later this year.
Source: Philip Higgs from the LTT

PIPES TO BE LEFT UNDER TRAM TRACK IN EDINBURGH
Sunday 21 May 2006
Fears that massive disruption could be caused to tram services in Edinburgh have surfaced after it was revealed that a number of pipes will not be diverted from the route, this is a strategy known as “high risk”.

The decision has been taken by tie, despite the fact that they have been warned that it could lead to a major disruption in service. The plan was originally drawn up when the tram were going to run in a loop around the city centre. That meant trams could continue serving all stations in the event of a blockage on the line. But tie have decided to continue with this plan despite the abandonment of the loop line.

Officials are using a newly developed technique for laying the tracks which would allow workmen access for emergency repairs without stopping trams running. But an industry insider has said that it would be impossible for trams to continue running trams over the pipes in the event of a major gas or water leak.

The source said: “TIE adopted a high-risk strategy, that would leave as many utility works in situ as possible. With a loop, and two tracks in each direction, the network could deal with any problems. But the decision to have just one line from Leith to the airport will store up problems. If there's a burst pipe in Constitution Street, where there are a lot of gas mains, trams would be trapped between there and Ocean Terminal."

A spokeswoman from tie said: “The tram project is a complex scheme, and yes, issues have arisen in developing the project. Every large project has to overcome problems, be they technical, financial or administrative. We work with a large team of consultants, who assist TIE in dealing with issues, and many problems have already been resolved. It is better to address problems now, rather than years down the line."
Source: The Scotsman

LOTHIAN BUSES CHIEF BACKS EDINBURGH TRAM PLAN
Sunday 21 May 2006
Chief Executive of Lothian Buses, Neil Renilson, has insisted that the tram plan will benefit the Scottish capital and says public transport will be improved when they are up and running. He made these statements at a public meeting, the annual general meeting of the Edinburgh Traffic Forum.

Mr Renilson said: “The objective is to improve the public transport offering in Edinburgh in total. 'Tram plus bus' offers more than just 'bus' by itself."

Some in the city fear that there will be mass cuts in Lothian bus services which currently operate over the proposed tram route. Opponents to the scheme, including the SNP, fear that the bus company could be run down by the introduction of trams.

Up to two thirds of bus services will be axed from routes through the city with at least 31 buses taken off the roads every hour.
Source: The Scotsman

FIRST ASBO GIVEN ON TRAMLINK
Sunday 21 May 2006
The first ASBO on Croydon’s Tramlink system has been handed out to a man who racially abused staff on the network. Yannis John Kleovoulo received the order at Croydon Magistrates Court last week, which prevents him from travelling on any Croydon tram for three years. He was also jailed for 16 months for common assault, racially aggravated threatening behaviour and two counts of racially aggravated assault.

Mr Kleovoulo reacted aggressively when a member of tram security staff asked him to put his cigarette out. He head butted the man and when security guards attempted to restrain him he head butted him again. A member of the public attempted to intervene at which time Mr Kleovoulo unleashed a torrent of racial abuse. He also threatened to kill a female police officer.

Inspector Jack Ioannou of Croydon British Transport Police said: “This is the first time a passenger has been handed an Asbo on the Tramlink and serves as a warning that this type of racially abusive behaviour against staff, or in fact against any other member of the public, will not be tolerated. It's really pleasing that the courts have decided to impose not only a custodial sentence, but to also carry through with an Asbo. The seriousness of the sentence is reflective of how seriously we take this sort of crime and should send a strong message to passengers that we will not accept abusive behaviour on the Tramlink service."

General Manager from Tramtrack Croydon commented: “I certainly endorse the comments made by the British Transport Police. It is the first time that a passenger has been given an Asbo on Tramlink and it's indicative of the fact that we will not tolerate any form of abusive behaviour. We do our upmost to keep our trams far from any kind of intimidating behaviour and if it does happen we will follow it up in the strongest possible of terms."
Source: Croydon Guardian & icCroydon

INDUSTRY INSIDERS SAY METRO CITY CENTRE EXTENSION WILL GET GO-AHEAD
Sunday 21 May 2006
The leading public transport consultancy TAS have predicted that the Midland Metro extension through Birmingham City Centre to Five Ways via New Street station will get the go-ahead from the government.

In their influential Rapid Transit Monitor report they say that the project will get the green light from the government along with several projects in the South East and London integral to the 2012 Olympics.

Director of TAS and the author of the report, Chris Cheek said: “We predict that the expansion of the Midland Metro has a good chance. I think the fact that the Government accepted the funding case originally and it has granted them powers to build it under the Transport Work Act Orders means it has an excellent chance of succeeding. Also there is the fact that Centro is confident that this will rescue something that is otherwise pretty much a disaster."

He said that the only thing that could stand in the way of approval was if building costs came in way over those currently estimated: “Basically it is down to whether the capital costs estimates have been accurately calculated, if the builders come in and want more than what Centro has allowed. hat has been a problem point for projects in Leeds, Manchester and South Hampshire."
Source: icBirmingham

EDINBURGH TRAM BOSS LEAVES ROLE
Sunday 14 May 2006
In a surprise move Ian Kendall, Tram project director at tie, has left his post with immediate effect causing further controversy in the whole plan to return trams to the streets of the Scottish capital. It is believed Mr Kendall has his contract terminated after being blamed for a series of missed deadlines and problems with the technical design of the new trams network.

Mr Kendall was bought into the role three years ago and, at the time, it was considered a coup in being able to get him to Scotland as he had previously been involved in tram projects nationwide including Croydon and Manchester. He was initially installed as procurement manager before taking the specially created role of Trams Project Director last August, a role which carried with it a salary of £250,000 a year.

There are now concerns that tie will be unable to meet an autumn deadline for the presentation of a business plan to ministers. If this happened the funding from the Scottish Executive would be delayed and in turn the construction timetable would also be put back (currently planned to commence in January 2007). It is also reported on The Scotsman website that some elements of the project are in need of redrawing including technical details on how the tram system would operate.

Michael Howell, Chief Executive of tie, has now taken control of the project although a replacement project director is expected to appointed in the coming weeks. Mr Howell denied the allegations that Mr Kendall has been sacked saying it was down to “mutual consent” and he also said that despite the fact the scheme had fallen slightly behind schedule there was slack built into the programme and this should be sufficient.

Mr Howell said: “Ian Kendall has never been an employee of TIE. He had a contract with us in the name of his own management company, which he continues to develop. We found this inconsistent with his role here and after a conversation his contract was terminated by mutual agreement. We will be seeking to replace him and there are a lot of good people out there. We anticipate finding a replacement within ten days to two weeks. Ian's departure is a short-term issue. Nothing has changed and we are ready to go. We anticipate presenting a business case by the end of the year and beginning work early in the new year.”

Despite these claims a source close to the scheme said: “They [TIE] are in crisis. A number of things came to light last Monday, and Ian was told to immediately clear his desk and was escorted out of the building. There were a number of missed deadlines, delays in handing out contracts, and flaws in the technical designs of the network."
Source: The Scotsman

LABOUR IN EALING ADMIT TRAM CAUSED ELECTION DEFEAT
Sunday 14 May 2006
The outgoing Labour administration in Ealing have admitted that their support for the controversial West London Tram scheme caused them to lose control of the council. Martin Beecroft, the former cabinet member for finance – who lost his seat, said: “A lot of people voted against us because of the tram, and that damaged us."

The Labour MP for Ealing North, Steve Pound added: “This is a real kick in the backside but the people have spoken. You simply cannot deny the significance of the tram on voters."

The outgoing council leader, Leo Thompson said: “There were issues and the tram which is not in the control of this council and has been made a big issue by the opposition was certainly one of them."

As BRITISH TRAMS ONLINE reported last week the new leader of the council, Cllr Jason Stacey has said they will become active opposers of the scheme.

Will French, chairman of anti-tram group Save Ealing’s Streets commented: “Many London boroughs saw a swing of votes away from Labour but none experienced the landslide results that happened in Ealing. It was the outgoing council's obstinate support for such an unpopular scheme that was the main cause of their humiliating defeat. With all three of the affected boroughs opposing the scheme it is now time for Transport for London (TfL) to accept what Save Ealing's Streets has been telling them for the past four years this scheme is not the way to solve West London's transport problems."

TfL declined to give a comment to the This is Local London website.
Source: This is Local London

DOES THE NEW MAN AT DfT EVEN KNOW WHAT LIGHT RAIL IS?
Sunday 14 May 2006
The new Secretary of State for Transport (and lets not forget the much more important role of Secretary of State for Scotland), Douglas Alexander, has given his first speech in the role during a visit to York. In it he outlined the policies of the DfT and did not mention light rail once – despite there being 58 different points in his speech.

He started the speech by praising bus services in York saying how marvellous they were as they were the first “Futurebus” service in the UK. He said: “In other words - it completely challenges the usual perception of what to expect when you take a bus. It is no accident that almost 50% more passengers use the bus in York than they did five years ago. It is happening here in York - it needs to happen right across the country.”

He goes on: “In the long term, we want more people to choose public transport - but they will only do so if public transport offers them the kind of service that fits with their busy lives: readily accessible information about services, real time travel information, convenient ticketing and booking systems.”

Also in the speech he was proud of the fact that since 2001 the Department had completed 35 major road schemes in the UK “adding much needed capacity on some of our busiest roads.” Not mentioning that many of these schemes have overrun in funding and are probably getting congested themselves as you can not build your way out of over congestion. He even admits this fact: “Simply building more and more roads is not the answer. We need only to look at other countries which have built more and bigger roads in the past, only to see them fill up again to know that this is not a sustainable approach. And it is unacceptable in environmental terms. But doing nothing is not an option. We need to take action now, and for the longer term.

He also mentions the prospect of road pricing to help congestion (a large part of his speech is taken up with these controversial plans) and gives brief mentions to travel by air and on the national rail network.

The anti-tram and light rail stance of this government is also reflected in the letter Prime Minister Tony Blair sent to Mr Alexander after his acceptance of the role. In it he does not mention light rail at all yet the 35 new road schemes, national rail and buses all get mentions as to the challenges facing him in the years to come. A copy of this letter can be found here.

* Another challenge facing transport in the government can be seen on Mr Alexander’s own website where he states that he is Secretary of State for Scotland before he mentions the fact he also has the DfT under his control.
Source: DfT

BUREAUCRACY HAS COST EDINBURGH TRAM £35 MILLION
Sunday 14 May 2006
Cllr Donald Anderson, leader of Edinburgh City Council, has hit out at the bureaucracy associated with getting the tram project through the Scottish Parliament after it was revealed it has cost £35 million over two years – causing delays to the project.

Cllr Anderson said: “The bureaucracy is horrendous and we need to find a balance between people having their say, it going through the parliamentary channels and the cost of doing that. If you look at Transport Initiatives Edinburgh, which was set up to manage these sorts of projects, we have more people than we need to working on the trams project simply because of the amount of bureaucracy we face. Projects such as Edinburgh's tram scheme are difficult enough to manage without extra hurdles such as the ones we faced during this private Bill. Improvements have been made but I think we need to look wider than just infrastructure.”

His comments come after the council unveiled its response to new legislation designed to simplify the way major transport projects in Scotland are approved. At the moment it is viewed as expensive and overburden some.

For example the Edinburgh tram scheme started in January 2004 and the final go-ahead once and for all is not expected until the end of this month – thats almost 2 and a half years. Because of the length of time it has take to get through the Executive the target of trams running has slipped from 2009 to 2010.
Source: The Scotsman