The works to continue the utility movement were originally due to start immediately after the success of the first trial phase but this has now been delayed to at least July, whilst Edinburgh Council and tie work out just what the SNP are planning to do with the project – which they have been vocal against.

New Liberal Democrat Council leader, Cllr Jenny Dawe, said in The Scotsman: “I was not aware this delay was happening. I know there is some consternation within the council over what Alex Salmond [First Minister at the Scottish Executive] is going to do. There was a fear there would be an announcement about trams in his first speech - I was hugely relieved there was not. I thought the fact there had not been would mean they would consider more carefully the business case for trams, and take the time to weigh up the pros and cons. Any delay will inevitably mean costs go up because inflation rate in construction continues to be very high."

Alex Salmond commented: “One of the things we've been analysing and considering over these last few days is how so much money has been spent to so little effect already, before any road has been dug up, any brick has been laid or any part of any railway line has been completed. We have deep, deep misgivings and we will be bringing our concerns to the chamber to explain why we have these misgivings."

Those in charge of the project at tie claim that these delays had been worked into the original timetable. A spokesman said: “We've had an election built into the TIE programme. There was a float built in the programme which meant the work could start in either June or July, and this remains part of the plan."

Ron Hewitt, Chief Executive of the Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce, urged the politicians to get it sorted: “All of the global cities we are competing with, from Nice to Vancouver, are investing in projects like this which we cannot afford to miss out on. Some £100 million has been spent already and that kind of money cannot be wasted. Everyone knows there is going to be huge disruption, so let's get on with it."

It is still hoped that the tram may survive thanks to the lack of majority held by the SNP, meaning that they need support from other parties to keep control of the Executive – although no official party sources have confirmed this.
Source: The Scotsman

NET JOURNEYS HIT 10 MILLION
Nottingham Express Transit - Sunday 27th May 2007
It has been revealed that journeys on Nottingham Express Transit have reached 10 million for a year for the first time since the system opened in March 2004.

During 2006 10.1 million passenger journeys were recorded, which is an increase of 3% on the figures for 2005.

Colin Lea, spokesman from NET, said: “It's obviously less growth than in previous years but that's because we're getting close to capacity. In future we're going to have to manage capacity because we're full for most of the day."
Source: BBC News Online & This is Nottingham

MANCHESTER WILL GO FOR THE C-CHARGE
Manchester Metrolink - Sunday 27th May 2007
Despite all the bluster over the last few weeks it now looks likely that Greater Manchester is backing the idea of a Congestion Charge in order to apply for the major funding from the Transport Innovation Fund (TIF).

The Association of Greater Manchester Authorities (AGMA) met this week and unanimously agreed to the plans which will see rush-hour motorists only being charged with two “rings” – an outer ring at the M60 and an inner ring around the heart of the city. Charges will vary depending on which route the driver uses to get to the centre, although it is believed the maximum charge will be £5. An electronic tag will have to be fitted to cars (with a deposit payable) which will then be read by sensors with automatic number plate recognition cameras catching those attempting to dodge payment.

Six weeks of consultation will now be run with both the public and businesses before a formal application is made to the TIF for the £1 billion to improve transport in the region – including Metrolink.

The plans would see major expansion of Metrolink with several schemes currently being planned on top of those already coming as part of the “Big Bang”:
* Phase 3b: Chorlton-Airport
14.5 km of new double track linking the terminus of the Phase 3a branch at St. Werburgh’s Road with residential areas of South Manchester both to the north and south of the Mersey Valley, Wythenshawe and Manchester Airport.
* Phase 3b: Chorlton-East Didsbury
4.5 km of new double track linking the Regional Centre with areas of Withington and Didsbury. The alignment commences at the terminus of the Phase 3a branch at St Werburgh’s continuing along the former railway formation to East Didsbury.
* Phase 3b: Droylsden-Ashton
3.85 km of new double track LRT alignment between the terminus of Metrolink Phase 3a at Droylsden and Ashton-under-Lyne Town Centre.
* Phase 3b: Oldham Town Centre
2.4 km of new double track LRT alignment penetrating the commercial and educational heart of Oldham by means of a loop off the existing railway route.
* Phase 3b: Rochdale Town Centre
1.1 km of new double track LRT alignment that penetrates the retail heart of Rochdale by means of an on-street spur off the existing railway route.
* Extra Trams/ Infrastructure – Enhancements for Phase 1/2/3
As additional demand is created on the existing and future routes as a result of the TIF scheme work, it is recognised that additional vehicle capacity will be required to support increased frequencies or more double unit working, which in turn will require additional turnbacks and power supply upgrades.
* Second City Crossing
New Metrolink developments on the south and west side of Manchester will severely affect capacity in the city centre leading to potential congestion delays. Further development of Phase 3b such as the lines to Didsbury, the Airport and Trafford Park will create even more capacity problems. Therefore, the objective of this scheme is to provide an additional new Metrolink route into Manchester from the south-west taking cross-city trams from GMex to Victoria bypassing St Peters’ Square and Piccadilly Gardens. This route will also provide further Metrolink penetration of the city centre.
* Stockport
The objective of this scheme is to provide a public transport link with LRT capacity linking the regional centre with Stockport Town Centre. The scheme comprises 3.8 km of new double track LRT alignment via East Didsbury, across the M60 motorway and the River Mersey, and subsequently joining Chestergate as it makes its way to the terminus point adjacent to Stockport bus station. Feasibility work is also being carried out into the potential conversion of the Manchester to Marple rail line to Metrolink style operation.
* Trafford
6.3 km of new double track between the Trafford Centre, Trafford Park, Manchester United Football Ground and the Regional Centre through to all the areas of GM served by Metrolink.
Source: Manchester Evening News & Greater Manchester TIF Plans

WORK TO COMMENCE ON METROLINK
Manchester Metrolink - Sunday 27th May 2007
The long summer of trackwork on Manchester Metrolink will get underway on Tuesday 29 May – although in effect it has already commenced with services suspended yesterday from Bury to Whitefield and today and tomorrow on the whole Bury line – with the Bury and Radcliffe stops on the network being shut for the work to commence.

The first phase of the work will see buses replace trams from Whitefield to Radcliffe and Bury with directions at both stations being installed to direct passengers to the temporary bus stands. Extra staff will also be on duty at these stations to help passengers. All trams will be running from the northbound platform at Whitefield during this period of work.

Cllr Roger Jones, Chairman of the GMPTA, said: “This work will result in a major improvement for Metrolink and I hope passengers will be prepared to put up with a few months of disruption while it takes place. Anyone who's travelled on the Bury or Altrincham Metrolink lines will know that the track needs replacing. It's now more than 50 years old in some places as the lines were used by trains before Metrolink took over the route in 1992. Tram rides will be much smoother, quieter and more reliable when the works finished and I'm sure both passengers and people living alongside the track will appreciate the difference."

This period of work will continue until 20 June and then from the following day the disruption is extended as far as Crumpsall. Recent work has been undertaken at Crumpsall at the northern end of the platforms, it appears this is to allow isolation of the overhead during this phase of work.

60,000 tonnes of ballast, 40,000 tonnes of sleepers and nearly 40 miles of rail are currently being stored at the East Lancashire Railway in Bury. Up to five extra freight trains are currently running daily (except Sundays) on the line between Heywood and Bury – removing 4,000 lorry journeys off the local roads.

* For full details of the work being undertaken on Metrolink and replacement bus timetables click here.
Source: Gordon Ferguson, GMPTE & Manchester Metrolink

AXING TRAMS WILL COST £35 MILLION – TIE
Trams for Edinburgh - Sunday 27th May 2007
Tie – the company behind the tram project for Edinburgh – have warned the Scottish National Party that if they axe the scheme at this stage it is likely to cost another £27-£35 million with compensation payments for staff and the breaking of contracts already signed.

If these figures are correct it will bring the cost of the project after abandonment to £114 million (including the £79 million already spent). And if the roadworks currently suspended (see separate news story) do go-ahead it is expected the cost already spent on the tram will be £119 million by the time the final business case goes to the Executive in the autumn.

The tram project continues to be supported by businesses in the city. Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce, Graham Bell, commented: “It will make us the laughing stock of Europe if we don’t see this project through. There will be knock-on effects not just for businesses already in Edinburgh but also those looking to invest here. You need to remember that no matter what your view is on the trams, the business case stacks up and it will pay for itself.”
Source: The Scotsman

KENNETH CLARKE LAUNCHES PROTEST AGAINST EXTENSIONS
Nottingham Express Transit - Sunday 27th May 2007
Kenneth Clarke, MP for Rushcliffe, has launched an official objection at the plans to build extensions to Nottingham Express Transit – claiming they would divert cash from other public transport in the area.

In a letter to Douglas Alexander, Secretary of State for Transport, he says: “The first priority and the first call on resources for transport in the Greater Nottingham area should be for the improvement of public transport to serve the suburbs in my constituency and similar suburbs to the east and to the west of the city. The policy of putting such an enormous investment into routes to Clifton and Beeston conflicts with this.”

The objections Mr Clarke has to the extensions include the loss of old railway land used by walkers, noise and the closeness of the line to Wilwell Cutting Local Nature Reserve (which as well as being a Sight of Special Scientific Interest has a wealth of wild flowers).

Mr Clarke adds: “The policy is driven by enthusiasts who see prestige and glamour in modern continental tramways gliding through the city centre, but have not thought through the consequences for the transport services for everyone who does not live along the tram routes. Elsewhere, and in particular in my constituency, the public transport system is in comparative decline because of pressures on the county council's transport budget. is quite unjust and contrary to the Government's declared policy to encourage the use of public transport rather than the car, for the subsidy of public transport to be steadily concentrated for the benefit of those who live along routes which have always had the best public transport facilities."

The scheme to extend Phase One to Beeston, Chilwell and Clifton is currently in its six week consultation period following the application of a TWA order from government.
Source: This is Nottingham

COMPLAINTS ABOUT STATE OF PROMENADE SHELTERS
Blackpool Tramway - Sunday 27th May 2007
A resident in Blackpool has complained about the state of the tram shelters along Blackpool Promenade, saying they are an eyesore and bemoaning the lack of maintenance.

John Garnham, from Marton, said: “As a local resident and ratepayer I'm very angry at the atrocious sights on view near the Tower to the tourists and locals. These are not due to any recent damage or vandalism, but appalling lack of maintenance and neglect over very many months by the council. One really has to question if anyone from management ever gets from behind their desk and actually looks at what is on view. It will very soon be another Bank Holiday, but it's far more than a window wash that is required.”

Mr Garnham has even gone to the trouble of photographing the current state of many of the shelter, with peeling paint and rusty railings – and sending the evidence to Blackpool Council.

Cllr Peter Callow, the new leader of the Council, said: “"I will be speaking to our officers and to Blackpool Transport to see what can be done. We are committed to cleaning up the Promenade and making it more attractive."
Source: Blackpool Today

WEST MIDLANDS GOING COLD ON CONGESTION CHARGING?
Midland Metro - Sunday 27th May 2007
As Manchester announce their congestion charging plans are set to go ahead it appears that in the West Midlands the plans for charging are going cold with Council bosses favouring a levy on the time, length and destination of people’s journeys.

Indeed, those in the West Midlands are well behind on their plans, which are needed if the area is to be successful in getting the major funding from the Transport Innovation Fund (TIF) which is needed for major transport projects in the region including Midland Metro extensions.

It is believed the system favoured in the West Midlands would see a satellite tracking of vehicles and would avoid alienating certain areas of Birmingham and the surrounding area. Transport bosses and Council chiefs are well aware that congestion in the region is a serious problem and that economic revival and prosperity will be adversely affected if transport is not sorted.

Geoff Inskip, Chief Executive of Centro-PTA, commented: “Our approach has been not to take decisions in isolation, but to take this work forward with the input of local people. We're in ongoing dialogue with local business representatives, environmental groups and some of the region's leading attractions about our plans for tackling congestion. There's widespread agreement that a fresh approach which addresses congestion and provides attractive, integrated alternatives to the car is urgently needed. What is clear from this dialogue is that a package of measures is required which has to include significant investment in our transport system, and particularly public transport. A significant shift from the car, to bus, tram or train will only be achieved if there are realistic alternatives."

A bid for money from the TIF has not yet been prepared in the West Midlands with Centro now still only consulting with local businesses over the subject of congestion charging. Formal public consultation will not take place until July at the earliest after which if the region decides to carry on, which is by no means certain, it is expected to put its bid in by the end of the year. Without this funding the future of many of the Midland Metro extensions will be in doubt.

Gwyneth Dunwoody, chair of the Transport Select Committee, has already warned the West Midlands that other areas are further advanced than they. She said: “You are going to have to move a bit. Other authorities are not going to wait around while you do your research."
Source: icBirmingham

PLANS UNVEILED FOR CHANGES TO STATION STREET ON NET
Nottingham Express Transit - Sunday 20th May 2007
As part of the plans to extend Nottingham Express Transit to Beeston, Chilwell and Clifton the current terminus at Station Street will have to be changed to enable trams to carry on through. The plans to do this have now been revealed and will see not only a new tram stop but also a bridge passing over Nottingham railway station.

The planned work would see alterations to the structure of the Grade Two listed station with buildings on Platforms One, Three and Five, the wall next to Station Street and the footbridge being the most affected. The tram stop would be above the train platforms with link for passengers to the main station concourse and nearby streets.

In the planning application Nottingham City Council and Nottinghamshire County Council say: “The design has been carefully undertaken to minimise the physical impact on the listed building. It takes into account the need to preserve or enhance those features of particular historic value."

The scheme would see the remaining piers of the old Great Central Railway viaduct used to minimise any negative impact although major alterations would be seen on Platform Five of the station for new supporting piers. Any disturbed brickwork will be rebuilt after construction is completed.

These plans for Nottingham Station have been submitted at the same time as plans have been shown for strengthening the Wilford Toll Bridge and to knock down buildings around the station.
Source: This is Nottingham

FIGHT STARTS TO SAVE EDINBURGH’S TRAMS
Trams for Edinburgh - Sunday 20th May 2007
The Liberal Democrats, Greens and Independent MSP Margo MacDonald have all this week separately vowed that they will fight any plans the new SNP Scottish Executive have to ditch the plan to return trams to the capitals streets.

The Greens have denied that by joining the SNP in a coalition they will fight any less for the tram scheme – which they, along with every other political party in the city, back. Robin Harper, MSP for Lothians, said: “If they try to block the trams we will go incandescent and do everything we can to stop that. So far as I can see, there is still a majority in favour of a tram system for Edinburgh."

Meanwhile, Margo MacDonald, Independent MSP for the Lothians, has tabled several motions in the Scottish Parliament ensuring that the tram scheme still goes ahead as well as plans for a rail link to the airport and that there is recognition of the city status of Edinburgh.

The motion on the trams says that she: “urges the Scottish Executive, together with the City of Edinburgh Council, to expedite the introduction of a trams system for Scotland's capital immediately on taking office".

Finally, the Liberal Democrats have also tabled a motion in the Scottish Parliament in an attempt to save the tram scheme. The leader of the Scottish Liberal Democrats, Nicol Stephen, has also named the tram plan as top of the list of issues that his party wishes to pursue in Parliament.
Source: The Scotsman

C-CHARGE THROWN INTO DOUBT AFTER ELECTIONS
Manchester Metrolink - Sunday 20th May 2007
Following the local elections at the start of the month the plans for Congestion Charging in Greater Manchester – and on top of that plans for Metrolink extensions – could be thrown into doubt if the political games currently being played come to fruition with the Liberal Democrats getting control of the Greater Manchester Passenger Transport Authority (GMPTA).

In a Manchester Evening News exclusive article it is claimed that in Bury a deal is close to being reached where the Conservatives (who have 23 seats) and Liberal Democrats (with 8 seats) will join in coalition against Labour (with 20 seats). If this deal goes ahead the two Bury representatives on the GMPTA will be Liberal Democrats. The Lib Dems have already said that they are against the plans as they feel they have not been given enough information on what is involved.

The Bury deal would see the make up of the GMPTA with 16 Labour councillors, 11 Liberal Democrats, five Conservatives and an Independent. It is believed that the Lib Dems and Conservatives would join together leading to the Independent holding the keys as to where the GMPTA would go with Congestion Charging.

The Independent Councillor – Peter Franzen – is reported to be known as anti Congestion Charging, and also seems to be a bit of dreamer with incredibly unrealistic ideas for transport: “I am opposed to congestion charging in any form. I believe in re-nationalising the railways, nationalising the buses, and giving free public transport to everyone."

If all this dealing goes ahead as the Manchester Evening News believe it is likely that Cllr Roger Jones will lose the Chairman’s job with Lib Dem Cllr Richard Knowles taking charge.
Source: Manchester Evening News

CCTV GOES DIGITAL ON MIDLAND METRO
Midland Metro - Sunday 20th May 2007
Centro-WMPTA have approved a package of improvements to the Midland Metro system which aim to make passengers feel safer than ever when travelling on the tram. These improvements include the move over to digital CCTV cameras – with a total cost of £290,000.

Cllr Roger Horton, Vice Chair of Centro-WMPTA and lead member of Metro, said: “This is very good news for Midland Metro and will work perfectly alongside the digital cameras already installed on the trams. Worries about security are often a barrier to people using public transport. This new system will mean that people can have even more assurance that their safety is a top priority when using the Metro.”

The 72 cameras are already in place along the route between Birmingham Snow Hill and Wolverhampton St Georges and will feed images to a new digital brain. This state of the art equipment will make it easier for staff to monitor pictures and to find recorded clips of any incidents that occur. It will also provide enhanced security cover for trackside equipment, electrical substations and platforms.

British Transport Police Chief Inspector Allan Gregory, Sector Commander for the West Midlands, commented: “The move from analogue to digital cameras along the Midland Metro Line is a significant step forward. Footage from existing cameras provided by Centro has already proved invaluable in bringing offenders of the railway system to justice and deterring crime. The new cameras will be even more beneficial in helping to identify suspects and bring them before the courts. British Transport police warmly welcome this continued investment.”

In the future Centro-WMPTA is planning to install a further 103 cameras along the line, build a new control room and look at extra security measures at each of the 23 stops along the current Metro system. The digital system also has the capacity to cover the planned expansion of the network.
Source: Centro

WHAT DOES THE FUTURE HOLD FOR TRAMS IN EDINBURGH?
Trams for Edinburgh - Sunday 13th May 2007
Despite the fact that initial preparatory works for the utility diversion have commenced in Edinburgh there are fresh doubts surfacing over whether the scheme will now be abandoned – all this after the Scottish National Party (SNP) became the largest party at Holyrood in last weeks elections. Part of the SNP’s manifesto was of course that they would scrap the plan for trams to return to the streets of the capital.

However, it won’t be as simple or straightforward as that with over £150 million already spent on the scheme and all the other political parties in Scotland backing the plans. Indeed in the past week the SNP seemed to have taken a step back from the idea of scrapping – instead they are said to be considering the scheme carefully. In order to rule the country they will have to enter into a coalition with one or more of the other parties (in fact they have already got the Greens on side) – and the tram issue may be a large factor in these parties agreeing.

A spokesman from the SNP is quoted in The Scotsman as saying: “We are opposed to the trams. We think there is a better alternative, which is improved buses in Edinburgh. Having said that, if we are in government, we will look at that position in the light of the money that has already been spent and the fact it is up to the council now."

Because the scheme has already gone through the Scottish Parliament the SNP led government (if that is what happens) would not have to get any permission to simply just cut the funds already put on the table. A senior party source is quoted The Scotsman: “Our view is as a government, if we decide not to fund it, that would be that. It's simply a matter of government deciding how to spend the money. It doesn't have to come back to parliament for approval. We are determined that trams go because, locally, they are not wanted and, nationally, we would rather the money is spent on other schemes.”

Senior civil servants have warned that council officials could start the construction with the money they have already been awarded and then come back to the government at a later date to get any monies needed to complete the tramway. This, needless to say, has been met by dismay and anger from within the Scottish National Party.

Sources at other parties and in the city are adamant the scheme will still be going ahead. A tie spokesman said: “Edinburgh is expanding and trams are needed to provide the quick and efficient means of transport for growing numbers of residents, visitors and commuters. This means that trams are vital to the future prosperity of everyone who lives and works in Edinburgh. That is why they have the full backing of business leaders in the city and beyond."

Ron Hewitt, Chief Executive of the Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce, added: “Such a step would be of grave concern to business in Edinburgh, in terms of the money which would be wasted and the damage to our reputation."

The Liberal Democrat transport spokesman for Edinburgh, Cllr Phil Wheeler, said: “I'm amazed the SNP are trying to carry through their threat to cancel the Edinburgh tram project. It is shocking that they want to revoke such a positive project which will help with Edinburgh's transport and environmental issues."

Just what the future now holds for the tram plan – and with the utility diversion work still continuing – remains to be seen. Especially as it is still not known who will be forming the government, with the SNP only holding a one majority they will either have to smooth talk other parties on top of the Greens (and as mentioned above the tram may be a huge issue in these negotiations) or go into Parliament with a weakened position in any contentious issues.
Source: The Scotsman

FARES TO CHANGE ON NET FROM 20 MAY
Nottingham Express Transit - Sunday 13th May 2007
It has been announced that fares on Nottingham Express Transit will be going up from Sunday 20 May, including the Day Tram ticket which sees its first rise for two years.

Full details of the fare changes are:
Off Peak Single: £1.40 (up from £1.20)
Day Tram: £2.40 (up from £2.20)
Peak Single: £2.30 (up from £2)
Adult Week: £11 (up from £10)

Tickets purchased from the PayPoint retailers remain the same as before.

Colin Lea, Commercial Manager, said: “We are happy to freeze tram fares bought through the PayPoint network, which are now even more attractive and hope that the considerable growth in this new form of ticketing will continue.”
Source: Nottingham Express Transit

1300 COMPULSORY NOTICES ISSUED OVER NET PHASE TWO
Nottingham Express Transit - Sunday 13th May 2007
Over 1300 advance warning notices of compulsory purchase orders have been sent out to homes and businesses along the proposed Phase Two of Nottingham Express Transit to Chilwell and Clifton – causing confusion and anger amongst some of those who have received them.

The letters have been sent to those whose properties either need to be demolished to make way for the tramway or those whose properties will have overhead equipment attached to them as well as any land that will need to be used temporarily during the construction period.

Pat Armstrong, the Project Manager for NET, said: “A newsletter has gone out to everyone along the tram route corridor. Ultimately there will be a public inquiry, probably in November or December. That is in the hands of the Department of Transport."

However, many businesses and local residents along the proposed route have criticised the uncertainty still remaining over when, or even if, there properties and land will be affected.

Andrew Crawford, Operations Director of The Pub People – leaseholders of the Hop Pole pub in Chilwell – received one of these letters and took it to mean that the pub, which has just undergone a £120,000 refit, would have to be demolished although NET have confirmed that it is only needed to fit overhead line cables to the pub and to provide and loading bay a the front.

Mr Crawford said: “This document lands on your desk and there is no accompanying explanation or covering letter. If this happened to a small retailer whose livelihood depended on the business, they'd be scared to death. This is typical of councils and large companies. They could not give two hoots. Given the clear level of interest, NET and the councils could have handled this more sensitively."

The Beeston and Chilwell Business and Residents’ Association met last week to discuss their plan of action for the forthcoming Public Inquiry. Sam Blacklock, vice-chairman who runs a carpet shop on Chilwell Road, Beeston, is quoted in the Nottingham Evening Post as saying: “We are going to fight this at the public inquiry. We have told politicians not to underestimate the feeling of discontent within this community."

One of the businesses who received a letter was Cutting Edge – a barber shop in Chilwell Road. Its proprietor Matthew Brown said: “We're still in the dark and it would be nice to know what is happening so I can make future plans for the business. Customers keep asking and I can't tell them anything. It's a big worry."

The compulsory purchase orders are just the next step in NET Phase Two, although these are only advance warnings as the final orders can not be made until permission has been given by the government to construct the extension – this should come after the forthcoming Public Inquiry.
Source: This is Nottingham

BLACKPOOL & FLEETWOOD TRAMWAY NEWS ROUND-UP
Blackpool & Fleetwood Tramway - Sunday 13th May 2007
* Balloon 719 is to receive a new all over advert for 2007 for the new multi million pound ride at Blackpool Pleasure Beach - Infusion. The tram is to retain many of the mouldings fitted for the former Walls Ice Cream all over ad. It is now in the Paint Shop awaiting repaint into a new base colour before receiving vinyls.

* It has been confirmed that Hovertram 735 has been sold by Blackpool Transport to the Transport Preservation Trust, Beith in North Ayrshire. The tram is expected to move in the next couple of months and it is to be a display item at their new museum.

* Restoration work on Western Train 733+734 has now commenced with the locomotive - 733 - now being stripped in the Body Shop. It is joined in the Body Shop by major overhaul tram 717.

* Photos of the recent Fylde Tramway Society convention weekend (including behind the scenes views of the workshops and special tram tours) can be found on the internet from Alan Robson and Jason Cross.
Source: Paul Turner from Yahoo! Groups Blackpool_Transport

MIDLAND METRO NEWS ROUND-UP
Midland Metro - Sunday 13th May 2007
The latest issue of Tramlines has now been released on the Midland Metro website and now following is the news updates featured in it.

* As already reported on British Trams Online regularly in the last few weeks tram 09 is receiving a brand new livery. Contrary to earlier reports the main colour of the livery is silver with a pink band at the bottom of the tram and on the front at the top and it features blue doors.

Fred Roberts, General Manager of Travel Midland Metro, said: “When Tram 09 hits the track, customers will notice something a bit different! Basically, we have, in partnership with Centro, taken the opportunity to carry out a number of internal and external improvements to the tram itself. The most striking change that passengers will notice is the re-paint of Tram 09 in the new Network West Midlands livery, very different from the usual colours that have been associated with the Metro over the years. Inside the tram, we have continued the installation of CCTV and monitoring screens, as well as re-upholstery of the seating. Customers will welcome the new facilities and the new look.”

The tram – which of course who involved in the December collision – is now undergoing extensive testing and re-commissioning and should return to service sometime during this month.

* Midland Metro are currently recruiting for two part-time Customer Service Officers who will cover both morning and evening peaks as the company attempts to: “put customers at the centre of its operations”. David Cadman from Midland Metro has been doing a similar job in recent weeks in an acting capacity and has maintained a high profile across the system providing support passengers and staff and delivering first class customer service.

* Service reliability during March reached 99.4% which has been described as excellent by Midland Metro officials. However, it should be remembered that a temporary timetable is currently being employed across the system which requires less trams and less journeys.

* The latest issue of Tramlines also features a chance to win a month’s free travel on Midland Metro by answering a simple question. The details of the competition are on the second page at the bottom and can be found by following the link below.
Source: Midland Metro