METROLINK 1007 NAMED EAST LANCASHIRE RAILWAY
Manchester Metrolink – Sunday 31st May 2009
Manchester Metrolink 1007 was named East Lancashire Railway at a ceremony today (Sunday 31st May) at Bury Interchange Metrolink station by Peter Waterman, East Lancashire Railway’s President and a well-known railway enthusiast and record producer.
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EDINBURGH TRAM PROJECT IS BEHIND SCHEDULE & NOT ON BUDGET
Edinburgh Tram Project – Sunday 31st May 2009
Richard Jeffrey, the recently appointed Chief Executive of tie, has admitted for the first time the project to return trams to the streets of Edinburgh is not running to schedule and that it is unlikely to be finished in the budgeted cost. Mr Jeffrey was talking to the Edinburgh Evening News and stressed that the current situation is entirely reversible and is not “as bad as it’s made out to be”.
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BLACKPOOL TRAMWAY EARLY SUMMER TIMETABLE STARTS
Blackpool & Fleetwood Tramway – Sunday 31st May 2009
The early summer timetable commenced operation on the Blackpool & Fleetwood Tramway on Monday 25th May and will run through until Sunday 19th July 2009. Trams on the Cleveleys service will now run through to Starr Gate (increasing the number of trams required to 12) but they will still stop operation during the evening. The other major change is that double deck trams are now in regular use on the Fleetwood service. A copy of the timetable can be downloaded from the Blackpool Transport website here. (PDF document).
Source: Blackpool Trams.info & Blackpool Transport
SUPERTRAM BANK HOLIDAY ENGINEERING WORK
South Yorkshire Supertram – Sunday 31st May 2009
On Sunday 24th and Monday 25th May trackwork was undertaken on the South Yorkshire Supertram system. Work was concentrated at University with attention in the following photos on the inner curve at this location. Photos follow.
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MIDLAND METRO MARKS 10TH ANNIVERSARY
Midland Metro – Sunday 31st May 2009
The Midland Metro system celebrated its 10th anniversary today (Sunday 31st May) by uniting the Mayors of Birmingham, Sandwell, Dudley, Wolverhampton and Walsall for a special mayoral tram ride. Tram 10 was due to be used for the special journey which was collecting the Mayors from tram stops throughout the region. It was due to be driven by one of the longest serving tram drivers in original purple and grey uniform.
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BLACKPOOL BOAT 606 UP FOR AUCTION?
Lake Shore Electric Railway – Sunday 31st May 2009
It looks like Blackpool Boat 606 may be available for auction in July after the economic crisis currently engulfing the world hit a proposed museum in Cleveland in the United States. 606, of course, went over to the United States back in 2000 as a swap for Blackpool Standard 147 which has since been restored to operational condition back at its home system.
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EDINBURGH TRAM MOCK-UP ON THE MOVE AGAIN
Edinburgh Tram Project – Sunday 31st May 2009
The mock-up of one of Edinburgh’s new trams is on the move again and will next be seen at Ocean Terminal. The mock-up, which was last seen at Constitution Street, Leith (where it closed on 23rd May), will re-open to the public at Ocean Terminal on 5th June 2009.
Source: Edinburgh Tram Project
ECCLES SERVICES DISRUPTED BY COLLISION
Manchester Metrolink – Sunday 31st May 2009
Services on the Eccles branch of the Manchester Metrolink system were disrupted after a collision between a van and a tram at Exchange Quay. The incident happened at around 1455 on Thursday 21st May, and trams returned to normal from around 1630.
Source: Manchester Evening News
CORNBROOK POINTS FAILURE DELAYS METROLINK
Manchester Metrolink – Sunday 31st May 2009
A points failure near to Cornbrook caused delays of 40 minutes on Manchester Metrolink services during the morning rush hour of Wednesday 20th May. One tram was stuck between Trafford Bar and Cornbrook for the duration of the delay which caused anger amongst passengers, as they were not informed of what was going on. Two passengers fainted on board the tram because of the heat. Engineers were called in to fix the points problem.
Source: Manchester Evening News
“EXTEND TRAMLINK AS IT IS LONDON’S GREENEST FORM OF TRANSPORT”
London Tramlink – Sunday 31st May 2009
Boris Johnson, Mayor of London, has been urged to reinstate the Crystal Palace extension of the Tramlink network as it is the “greenest form of transport in the capital”. The plea was made at Mayor’s Question Time by London Assembly Member (Labour), Valerie Shawcross.
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IS THERE STILL HOPE FOR THE CROSS RIVER TRAM?
Cross River Tram – Sunday 31st May 2009
The Cross River Tram project which seemed to be dead in the water after Boris Johnson, Mayor of London, couldn’t find the funding for it late last year, may have a future last year. However, mystery surrounds a comment by a key transport advisor to Boris’ administration as the support for the scheme seems to have come out of the blue.
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PRISON SENTENCE FOR NET ASSAULT
Nottingham Express Transit – Sunday 31st May 2009
A man who spat a member of NET tram crew had been sentenced to 42 days in prison for his offence. 47 year old James Cartledge boarded a tram at The Forest heavily intoxicated and was asked to leave the tram by tram crew member Kevin Mason. Mr Cartledge’s response to spit on the crew member.
Source: Nottingham Express Transit
WESTERN TRAIN RELAUNCHED
Blackpool & Fleetwood Tramway – Sunday 17th May 2009
The illuminated Western Train 733+734 was relaunched at a private ceremony on Thursday 14th May at Harrowside on South Promenade. The ceremony was attended by actor Stephen Tomkinson along with officials from Blackpool Transport. It is now planned that the trams will be used in an educational programme for five local schools.
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CARDIFF 21 ARRIVES AT CRICH
Crich Tramway Village – Sunday 17th May 2009
Cardiff 21 - the double deck horse tram – arrived at the Crich Tramway Village on Wednesday 13th May. The tram is due to play a part in the 50th anniversary celebrations at the Museum and will stay in Derbyshire for most of the 2009 season. A photo of 21 at Crich is available on the homepage of the Crich Tramway Village (link below).
Source: Crich Tramway Village
BOOST FOR FUTURE TRANSPORT SCHEMES IN GREATER MANCHESTER
Manchester Metrolink – Sunday 17th May 2009
Transport leaders in Greater Manchester are celebrating news of a quarter of a billion pound boost for Metrolink, bus and park and ride schemes. At a meeting with Geoff Hoon, Secretary of State for Transport, it was confirmed that two new Metrolink extensions to Ashton in Tameside and East Didsbury in South Manchester will be fast tracked along with cross city bus improvements and new park and ride spaces.
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SUPERTRAM UNDERFLOOR REFRESH COMMENCES
South Yorkshire Supertram – Sunday 17th May 2009
The second phase of the mid-life refresh of the South Yorkshire Supertram tram fleet has commenced with attention now turning to the running gear.
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METROLINK CITY CENTRE TRACKWORK UPDATE
Manchester Metrolink – Sunday 17th May 2009
Work is continuing across Manchester City Centre on the trackwork which is currently seeing no Metrolink services between St Peters Square and Victoria including the spur to Piccadilly.
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BALLOON 724 TO RECEIVE NEW ALL OVER ADVERT
Blackpool & Fleetwood Tramway – Sunday 17th May 2009
Rebuilt Balloon car 724 has lost its Metro Coastlines red & yellow livery which it carried since its return to service in 2004. The car has been repainted blue as the basis of a new all-over advertising livery, but the sponsor is as yet unknown. 724 has already passed through the Paint Shop and is currently stored at the back of the tram depot awaiting application of its advert vinyls. This seems a slightly odd move considering that Balloon cars 701 and 719 are both currently in plain base liveries following removal of their previous advertising liveries.
Source: Andrew Waddington
AUGUST CLOSURE FOR SOUTH MANCHESTER METROLINK LINES
Manchester Metrolink – Sunday 17th May 2009
The Manchester Metrolink system will see trams only running between Victoria and Bury during August after the announcement that the lines to Altrincham and Eccles will be shut for overhead line upgrade work.
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£31 MILLION ALREADY SPENT ON NET PHASE TWO
Nottingham Express Transit – Sunday 17th May 2009
£31 million has been spent so far on the plans for phase two of Nottingham Express Transit. The money has covered the design work, public inquiries, land purchases and appraisal work – all of which was needed before the government would give conditional approval.
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METROLINK TRAM FREQUENCIES CHANGED & REPLACEMENT BUSES IMPROVED
Manchester Metrolink – Sunday 17th May 2009
The frequencies of trams on the Bury line of Metrolink were changed on Tuesday (12th May) and are now running to an eight minute frequency using single trams because of power supply problems. Meanwhile, after feedback from passengers the replacement bus services being used during the city centre trackwork on are to be improved from tomorrow (Monday 18th May). A simplified more direct bus link will be introduced enabling passengers to get to Victoria, Piccadilly Gardens, Piccadilly Station and St Peters Square using one bus.
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PARRY PEOPLE MOVER’S ON STOURBRIDGE LINE
Stourbridge Line – Sunday 17th May 2009
139 002 - the first of the Parry People Mover’s to operate on the UK national rail network between Stourbridge Junction and Stourbridge Town – is now operating weekday off-peak services (1000-1500). Fellow vehicle 139 001 arrived at the site today (Sunday 17th May) and the PPM50 999 900 has now gone back to Cradley Works where it is likely to go to the USA. It is expected that a full service using Parry People Mover’s should start after next weekend.
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NEW BUILDER WANTED FOR PARTS OF EDINBURGH UTILITY DIVERSION
Edinburgh Tram Project – Sunday 17th May 2009
The Edinburgh Tram Project have advertised for a new builder to undertake utility diversion for the tramway allow Carillion to concentrate on other sections. Tie are looking for contractors to divert and install utilities at Edinburgh Airport and construct a 400 metre stretch of road.
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METRO EXTENSION NAMED AS TRANSPORT PRIORITY FOR WEST MIDLANDS
Midland Metro – Sunday 17th May 2009
The extension of Midland Metro from Wednesbury to Brierley Hill has been named as part of the Black Country “Strategic Transport Spine” – one of the nine transport priorities for the reason as announced by Ian Austin, MP – the regional minister for the West Midlands. The extension would cover seven miles and cost £288 million – but so far only £36 million is available, from Westfield the owner of the Merry Hill Shopping Centre. Also included is the previously announced loop line round Wolverhampton city centre. The main transport priority for the reason is listed as being the redevelopment of Birmingham New Street station.
Source: Wolverhampton Express & Star
GOVERNMENT “TOTALLY COMMITTED” TO NET PHASE TWO
Nottingham Express Transit – Sunday 17th May 2009
Gordon Brown has claimed that the government are doing everything they can to ensure the extensions of Nottingham Express Transit – as he visited the region to launch Labour’s manifesto for June’s local and European elections. He made his comments just a week after the Conservatives trying to gain power on the County Council vowed to axe the plan if they won control. Mr Brown said: “I understand the Tories are saying if they win Notts County Council they will scrap the extension. We are totally committed to the extension – £31m has already been spent."
Source: This is Nottingham
INCREDIBLE FIGURES CLAIM EDINBURGH TRAMS AS BAD FOR ENVIRONMENT AS 8,000 FLIGHTS TO LONDON!
Edinburgh Tram Project – Sunday 17th May 2009
Figures released by the Scottish Government (who are, of course, quite anti the tram) claim that the forthcoming Edinburgh Tram Project will not be particularly helpful to the environment and in fact will give as many greenhouse gas emissions as 8,000 flights between the capitals of Scotland and England. It has been claimed that 88,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide will be created by the tram line in 2011 – but apparently the new Forth Road crossing will help to reduce the emissions!
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MAN HIT BY TRAM IN CROYDON TOWN CENTRE
London Tramlink – Sunday 17th May 2009
A man became trapped under a tram after being struck in Croydon town centre on Monday 11th May at approximately 1230. The incident happened in London Road near to West Croydon and it is believed the man’s injuries were not life threatening.
Source: Croydon Guardian
EDINBURGH LIB DEMS SHUFFLE THE PACK & APPOINT NEW TRANSPORT CONVENER
Edinburgh Tram Project – Sunday 17th May 2009
The Edinburgh Liberal Democrats have announced a reshuffle of their councillors on the City Council and with it a change at Transport Convener. Cllr Phil Wheeler who has been involved in the Tram Project for several years has moved to Finance whilst former Finance Convener Cllr Gordon Mackenzie takes over as city transport leader. Both will take up their new roles from 28th May.
Source: The Scotsman
DROP IN METROLINK SESSIONS TO BE HELD IN SOUTH CHADDERTON
Manchester Metrolink – Sunday 17th May 2009
Metrolink officials will be holding an information drop-in session and exhibition at Coalshaw Park Pavilion in South Chadderton on Wednesday 20th May between 1400 and 2000. The idea of this session is to allow people to find out more on the forthcoming Metrolink extension to Oldham and Rochdale – including the proposals for the South Chadderton stop.
Source: GMPTE
IT’S BOMBARDIER FOR BLACKPOOL
Blackpool & Fleetwood Tramway – Sunday 10th May 2009
Bombardier Transportation has been selected as the supplier of the fleet of 16 trams for the upgrade to the Blackpool and Fleetwood Tramway. The decision was raitified by Blackpool Council’s exeutive committee at the start of May and although the trams will not be needed until Easter 2012 it is hoped a prototype will be available earlier.
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PLANS PROGRESS FOR WOLVERHAMPTON CITY CENTRE METRO EXTENSION
Midland Metro – Sunday 10th May 2009
Public consultation has started on plans for a single-track loop around Wolverhampton before a Transport & Works Act application is made in the Autumn. The £30m project has been brought forward to fit in with the redevelopment of the area around the city’s bus and rail stations, known as Interchange.
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FIRST OFFICIAL SERVICE RUNS OF MANCHESTER HORSE TRAM L53 WITH TWO HORSES
Heaton Park Tramway – Sunday 10th May 2009
Following on from its succesful trial runs a week earlier, Sunday 3rd May saw Manchester Eades reversible horse tramcar L53 in service at Heaton Park, pulled by two horses. However, not everything went according to plan!
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FRIGATE 736 USED IN SERVICE!
Blackpool & Fleetwood Tramway – Sunday 10th May 2009
With a continuing shortage of single deck trams to operate the full service in Blackpool illuminated Frigate 736 was used on timetabled services for the first time in its life on Tuesday 5th May, operating on the Fleetwood-Starr Gate circuit. The tram has since seen further use on timetabled service. Click below for a photo of the tram in operation.
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MAJOR SERVICE CHANGES FOR DLR IN MAY
Docklands Light Railway – Sunday 10th May 2009