Author Topic: Public Transport  (Read 33239 times)

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Offline SteveH

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Re: Public Transport
« Reply #60 on: March 27, 2016, 12:54:34 pm »
North Wales trains so old it's 'amazing they still work', says transport expert

Trains carrying passengers through North Wales are so old it’s “amazing they still work”, a leading transport expert has said.
Professor Stuart Cole said Arriva Trains Wales engineers “must be amazing” to keep the carriages running regularly on the line between Holyhead and Crewe.
Fears have already been raised that a bid to secure investment for electrifying the North Wales Main Line could fail, unless passenger numbers are significantly improved.

Network Rail said the investment of almost £800m needed to improve the line in 2024 would represent “poor value” for money in their vision for future works.
Professor Cole, of the Wales Transport Research Centre, said the route needed significant improvement.
The average age of the Arriva fleet is 25 years old, and services are only able to reach top speeds of 100mph, making them incompatible with high speed lines and electrification.
Prof Cole said that, despite passenger numbers more than doubling in the last 10 years, passengers remain on the “very old trains” due to a no growth deal in the current franchise.

“We have got problems on the A55. It measured up to what was required of it when it was built and it still does most of the time, but there are problems at the Chester end because of the commute in the morning.
“If we could just get 10% of people to transfer to the train, the problems would be eliminated in most situations.
“It doesn’t take a lot of people to make a difference.

MORE   http://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/north-wales-trains-old-its-11099713

Offline SteveH

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Re: Public Transport
« Reply #61 on: April 04, 2016, 07:19:42 pm »
Network Rail opposes Arriva plan to increase trains to Manchester Airport

Plans for a massive increase in Arriva trains running to Manchester Airport have been opposed by Network Rail.
Before Christmas, Arriva Trains Wales (ATW) announced plans to increase the number of direct trains from North Wales to the airport from 17 to 57 weekly.
But Network Rail have said the increase would bring “unmanageable pressure” on train performance and impacts on other rail operators.

The application by ATW is currently being considered by Office of Rail and Road, the independent rail regulator.
A Network Rail spokesperson said: “Network Rail and others were asked for views (by the Office of Rail and Road).
“We provided a response in February and, along with others, raised concerns that the increased number of trains could negatively affect the reliability of the railway for passengers.
“We await the outcome of the regulator’s independent review and will act in accordance with their decision.”

Clwyd West AM Darren Millar said: “I have been advocating improved rail links to Manchester Airport for a number of years and was delighted before Christmas when ATW announced that it wants to increase the number of direct trains.
“I am extremely disappointed by the position of Network Rail on this issue which is frustrating progress.
“Having spoken to rail user groups and others in the transport industry I am confident that these additional services could easily be accommodated.
I have written to Network Rail again demanding a full explanation as to why such a decision has been made.”

Business surveys have revealed significantly more Welsh residents fly from Manchester than any other airport – including Heathrow.
The latest officially available statistics from 2007 record that North Wales generated 816,000 passenger journeys through Manchester airport.

A spokesman for ATW said the application was still with the Office of Rail and Road and they awaited the decision.
If approved the direct trains could be running from May.
http://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/network-rail-opposes-arriva-plan-11136578


Offline SteveH

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Re: Public Transport
« Reply #62 on: May 10, 2016, 12:44:21 pm »
Fears of overcrowding and delays on Arriva Trains Wales as corrosion repairs continue
Rail passengers in North Wales face overcrowding and possible delays this summer after corrosion was found on a fleet of diesel trains.

All Class 175 Coradia units operated by Arriva Trains Wales need urgent repairs, and four are already out of service at the company’s Chester depot.

The 175s, which form two- and three-carriage trains, are ATW’s most modern rolling stock and entered service in 2000. They can reach speeds of 100mph and are used on most Holyhead-Cardiff and Llandudno-Manchester services.
more... http://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/fears-overcrowding-delays-arriva-trains-11309877

Offline SteveH

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Re: Public Transport
« Reply #63 on: July 12, 2016, 05:19:25 pm »
A CAMPAIGN has been launched to secure £1bn of rail improvements which would transform the North Wales and Cheshire regional economy and deliver 70,000 jobs over 20 years.

The campaign – called Growth track 360 – is being led by a cross-border alliance of business, political and public sector leaders.

If successful, it would lead to a massive boost to the North Wales, Cheshire and Wirral economies, linking them with the planned HS2 line between London and the North of England.

The campaign is calling for the electrification of the line from Crewe to North Wales so the region can be linked to HS2 and fast London trains can continue to Bangor and Holyhead,  the doubling of trains between the North Wales Coast Line and Wrexham to Manchester through Chester, between Wrexham and Liverpool via Deeside and Bidston, investment in new rolling stock, new services between Liverpool and Liverpool Airport to North Wales and Wrexham via Chester.

Linked to the proposals would be signalling and line speed improvements, upgrades to station facilities and the creation of a smart ticketing system.

Follow and like the North Wales Pioneer Facebook page by clicking here
The campaign is being driven by the North Wales and Mersey Dee Rail Task Force (NW&MD) and has the backing of the region’s eight local authorities, the Cheshire and Warrington Local Enterprise Partnership, the Mersey Dee Alliance, the North Wales Economic Ambition Board, the North Wales Business Council and the West Cheshire & North Wales Chamber of Commerce.

Initial research suggests delivery of the improvements would lead to an estimated 70,000 new jobs across the North Wales and Mersey Dee region and the fast-tracking of economic growth.

Cllr Dilwyn Roberts, Conwy County Borough Council Leader, said: “Our vision is for a smart, modern and integrated public transport system which can help us unlock the region’s full economic potential, ensuring we can fulfil our status as an integral part of the Northern Powerhouse and help to address the imbalance in the UK economy.”

Colin Brew, CEO of West Cheshire and North Wales Chamber of Commerce, said: “Additional capacity and faster journey times on our rail network will reduce road congestion and massively improve commuter, tourist and freight movements across the region.”

The Welsh Government’s Economy and Infrastructure Secretary, Ken Skates, said: “Connecting people to jobs and businesses to growth opportunities is a must if the economy of North Wales is to continue to grow and reach its undoubted potential.   ref Pioneer

Offline Bosun

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Re: Public Transport
« Reply #64 on: July 12, 2016, 11:00:48 pm »
I may be slightly cynical, but I would like to see some evidence of the -  "Initial research suggests delivery of the improvements would lead to an estimated 70,000 new jobs across the North Wales and Mersey Dee region and the fast-tracking of economic growth."

I have seen upgraded lines come into operation before, and all it meant was that people from London and the home counties could get there and back quicker for meetings without having to spend much time, especially, they would not have to overnight in the area before returning south. Or people transiting through, to catch ferries or journey onwards would have a quicker journey. There was no advantage to the communities' of the area and the 'promised jobs' was a mere fantasy to justify the massive expenditure.

Being negative only makes a difficult journey more difficult. You may have been given a cactus, but you don't have to sit on it.

Offline Ian

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Re: Public Transport
« Reply #65 on: July 13, 2016, 07:04:13 am »
That has tended to be the trend. Sometimes we seem to be living in Game of Thrones, such is the divide between the North and South of the UK.
Nothing is so firmly believed as that which we least know.  ― Michel de Montaigne

Si hoc legere scis, nimis eruditionis habes.

Offline SteveH

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Re: Public Transport
« Reply #66 on: July 25, 2016, 10:50:25 am »
A £1 billion rail vision for North Wales and Cheshire has been backed by senior figures from the cities of Manchester and Liverpool.

Manchester City Council leader Sir Richard Leese and Liverpool Mayor Joe Anderson are among a range of senior figures to call for the Government to back the Growth Track 360 campaign.

Chris Oglesby, chairman of Manchester Science Partnerships and the chair of Merseytravel Cllr Liam Robinson have also thrown their weight behind the campaign.

The Growth Track 360 campaign is being led by a cross-border alliance of business, political and public sector leaders.
More  http://www.dailypost.co.uk/business/business-news/north-wales-1bn-rail-vision-11658745


Offline SDQ

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Re: Public Transport
« Reply #67 on: July 25, 2016, 10:59:51 am »
A £1 billion rail vision for North Wales and Cheshire has been backed by senior figures from the cities of Manchester and Liverpool.

Manchester City Council leader Sir Richard Leese and Liverpool Mayor Joe Anderson are among a range of senior figures to call for the Government to back the Growth Track 360 campaign.

Chris Oglesby, chairman of Manchester Science Partnerships and the chair of Merseytravel Cllr Liam Robinson have also thrown their weight behind the campaign.

The Growth Track 360 campaign is being led by a cross-border alliance of business, political and public sector leaders.
More  http://www.dailypost.co.uk/business/business-news/north-wales-1bn-rail-vision-11658745




Pipe dream.
Who's going to fund it, Europe?
Oh no, wait....
Valar Morghulis

Offline DaveR

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Re: Public Transport
« Reply #68 on: January 06, 2017, 09:17:16 am »
Not North Wales related, I know, but we visited London over the Christmas period and one of the things I really like about it is the fantastic public transport system. The Oyster card makes travel so easy and daily caps on the amount you can spend mean its very affordable, far cheaper than travelling on bus/trains locally (all bus fares are £1.50, for example). You can also use your contactless card or iphone to pay for travel. I used the Google Maps app on the iphone to work out routes and it was an absolute doddle - the app tells you which bus stop/tube station to walk to, number/time of next bus, time of arrival at your destination etc. Fantastic.

Offline Ian

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Re: Public Transport
« Reply #69 on: January 06, 2017, 09:56:27 am »
Yep: definitely recommend Oyster for anyone visiting London. Still have to put up with tubes, but so much faster and more efficient.
Nothing is so firmly believed as that which we least know.  ― Michel de Montaigne

Si hoc legere scis, nimis eruditionis habes.

Offline born2run

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Re: Public Transport
« Reply #70 on: January 06, 2017, 03:36:55 pm »
Contactless cards idea is brilliant works exactly the same as an Oyster so never charges you more than the minimum fair. It always makes me laugh when people are running and pushing down the stairs on the underground, if you miss your train there's normally another one 30 seconds later! Now in NW it's worth running for as if you miss your train/bus you'll likely have an hour to kill. That must be why the Killer (named after such) and the Neville are still in business  Z**

Offline Ian

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Re: Public Transport
« Reply #71 on: January 06, 2017, 04:28:52 pm »
I suspect the pushing and rushing hasn't a lot to do with the trains; more to do with the pace of life in London. We visited friends, recently (they have a nice house in Westminster) and we commented on the sense of urgency that seems to be everywhere in London. They contrasted it perfectly with driving. They said allow at least one hour to go anywhere at all in central London.
Nothing is so firmly believed as that which we least know.  ― Michel de Montaigne

Si hoc legere scis, nimis eruditionis habes.

Offline SteveH

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Re: Public Transport
« Reply #72 on: May 23, 2018, 11:19:43 am »
A contract to run rail services in Wales for the next 15 years has been awarded to a consortium of two European firms.

France's Keolis and Spanish-owned Amey's will takeover services from Arriva Trains in October after being chosen ahead of Hong Kong's MTR commuter railways.

KeolisAmey currently runs the Docklands Light Railway (DLR) in London and operate and maintain Greater Manchester’s Metrolink – the largest tram network in the UK
Upon successful completion of a 10-day standstill period, the contract will run from June 4, 2018, to October 14, 2033, with rail services transferring on October 14, 2018.

Alistair Gordon, Chief Executive of Keolis UK, said: "This will be a transformative new rail service for Wales and its borders which will see Keolis once more combine its worldwide expertise in passenger operations with Amey’s engineering excellence.

Andy Milner, Amey’s Chief Executive, said: "This is a great opportunity for us to use our joint capabilities to deliver a first-rate service for Wales.

"We will be focused on working with Transport for Wales to transform the existing infrastructure and introduce new trains to significantly improve the passenger experience, as well as creating hundreds of new jobs and apprenticeship opportunities."

Transport for Wales (TfW) - which is advising the Welsh Government on the contract - said the new franchise holder will be held to account on issues like punctuality, cleanliness and service quality - or they will not get paid.  ref DP

Also from the BBC....   http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-44221184

Offline Cambrian

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Re: Public Transport
« Reply #73 on: May 23, 2018, 07:23:06 pm »
Watched the bit of Wales Today about the rail franchise earlier.  As might be expected a good deal of chatter about the Valleys and the South Wales metro.  As a nod to us Gogs we had a couple of legal people who work in Wrexham interviewed. the main point of which was they would like to see disused stations reopen.  A fair point given the considerable number of housing developments over the past 40 or 50 years since closures. Then, for some unexplained reason Nick Servini popped up at Llandudno station but didn't really say much - not even about the closure of the booking hall due to a crack in the glass frontage.

One odd thing about the whole franchise issue is the chatterers' constant repetition of the mantra that the Welsh Government/Transport for Wales now run the "Welsh" railway. They seem to overlook the fact that other franchisees such as Virgin, GWR and Cross Country also operate services into and out of Wales.  The Wales & Borders franchise itself covers large swathes of the English border counties and fairly important places such as Shrewsbury, Hereford, and Chester are included together with the services on two routes into Manchester and the Chester-Crewe shuttle. Interesting times.

Offline SteveH

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Re: Public Transport
« Reply #74 on: June 08, 2018, 11:06:30 am »
Former London Underground trains are to run on North Wales branch lines.

New rail franchise holder KeolisAmey has ordered five Class 230 D-Trains from Vivarail.
The trains will be the first to come into service as part of the new franchise and will operate on the Conwy Valley line between Llandudno and Blaenau Ffestiniog.

“We are proud to announce that KeolisAmey and Vivarail will provide a step-change in passenger comfort and service quality on three North Wales routes by introducing these units, fitted with the latest passenger comfort appliances such as power supply at all seats, high-speed Wi-Fi, air-cooling, bike spaces, and a brand new seating layout reflecting the needs of the passengers on these routes.

https://www.dailypost.co.uk/business/business-news/old-london-underground-trains-run-14757640