The Great Western and Thameslink, Southern and Great Northern franchises could be split under new government plans.
Rail minister Paul Maynard said the scheme would “ensure every line, station and passenger remains central to the train operator’s strategy.”
If the plans go ahead, a new West of England rail franchise would be created from the Great West franchise, providing long-distance services between London, Wiltshire, Somerset, Devon and Cornwall together with local and regional services across the south-west.
Operator Great Western Railway – which is owned by FirstGroup – has had its current franchise extended to March 2020 – and the DfT is looking to extend this further to 2022 – while plans are finalised.
The Great Western franchise used to be three separate franchises: Great Western Trains, Wessex Trains and Thames Trains, before they were combined in 2006.
Following the completion of the Thameslink programme, the government also intends to split the Thameslink, Southern and Great Northern franchise into two or more separate franchises. Plans could see some services given to Transport for London, including the West London line.
This franchise used to be two separate franchises until they were combined in support of the delivery of the Thameslink programme in 2014.
The Department for Transport (DfT) has announced that the Train Driver Academy is set to launch in April, 2018.
The academy will pool together existing industry training resources and promote best practice and innovation in training techniques, according to the DfT, to improve training and recruitment.
Media reports circulated in September that Britain’s first college for train drivers was set to be launched at the Conservative Party conference. Nevertheless no major announcement has followed, until now.
As part of its “Connecting people: a strategic vision for rail” publication, DfT said: “We want to see modern training techniques much more widely available – enabling experienced train drivers to gain broader route knowledge through state of the art simulators, for example.
“Drivers represent one of the key resources for rail, and the industry, through the [Rail Delivery Group], is supporting their training through the establishment of the National Train Driver Academy.”
The Train Driver Academy will also be developing new apprenticeship standards for the train driver profession and working to increase the supply and diversity of qualified entrants to the workforce.
The competition to find the next train operating company (TOC) to run the South Eastern franchise has been launched by the Department for Transport (DfT).
The headline announcement is the appointment of a single director who will be responsible for a joint TOC and Network Rail team, which will be responsible for track and train and accountable for the network’s performance.
This will be the first case in the country where sole responsibility for running day to day train and track operations falls to a joint team.
DfT said that the next operator must also provide longer trains and upgrade or replace older trains, creating space for at least an extra 40,000 passengers.
Improved compensation schemes, smart ticketing systems and faster wi-fi connections are also specified in the tender, as is the removal of first-class accommodation within 18 months of the new franchise.
In June, the DfT announced that four bidders were shortlisted for the South Eastern franchise. They are:
South Eastern, a joint venture between Abellio, East Japan Railway Company and Mitsui;
London and South East Passenger Rail, a wholly owned subsidiary of Govia;
Stagecoach South Eastern Trains, a wholly owned subsidiary of Stagecoach Group;
Trenitalia UK, wholly owned by Trenitalia.
Rail minister Paul Maynard said: “Today marks a major step forward in giving passengers better journeys across the south-east and beyond.
“We’ve listened carefully to passengers and have introduced innovative new plans that see smoother, more comfortable journeys for passengers, with new, longer trains and more space.
“South Eastern will be also – for the first time – be run by a joint team from the operator and Network Rail under a single director – responsible for day-to day performance and accountable to passengers.”
The new franchise is expected to begin in December 2018.
Keltbray Aspire has opened a new 20,000 sq ft facility in Rugby, Warwickshire.
The site is a major upgrade from the company’s previous facility, which was also in Rugby. It includes office space for 20 people, storage and a state of the art plant maintenance workshop for Keltbray’s fleet of more than 40 overhead line electrification road rail vehicles, which is looked after by 12 plant fitters.
Importantly, it is also has high enough ceilings and the expansive footprint to accommodate multiple vehicles at any one time, including a 32-tonne, 12-metre long Zeck Wiring Unit. It also allows for under-wheel chassis work, which was just not possible at the old depot.
Keltbray Group CEO Brendan Kerr said: “The new Dunchurch facility is strategically placed with regards to our work on all of the UK’s major rail infrastructure projects; be it in the north, south, east or west. It also meets all of our other requirements, and I am delighted to see how the organisation and utilisation of the site has come together and been so smoothly commissioned.
“I am delighted for the 22-strong team based on site, and grateful to them for their hard work and dedication. This facility is a great improvement and positions us well for continued growth in the rail electrification arena. It will make a great difference to the wellbeing of the team and boost our maintenance efficiency.”
Keltbray Aspire is part of Keltbray Group and provides overhead line electrification services on the UK’s rail infrastructure.
Freight company Colas Rail has extended its depot in Rugby to accommodate a new rail grinder.
The machine has been made by track machinery manufacturer LORAM and will be owned by Network Rail. It is expected to operate in the UK for the next 25-30 years.
Stacie Mastrodomenico is Colas Rail’s head of business optimisation and innovation for urban services.
She said: “We are proud to be investing in our people and the local area with our modern depot extension at Rugby. It’s been a great learning experience leading such a challenging project, built with so many logistical considerations.
“I’m very proud of the results, which couldn’t have been achieved without the great team I had working with me to deliver this project.”
The extension of the Rugby depot has seen it double in size.
ScotRail has banned the use of mosquito anti-loitering devices at stations after finding there was a lack of evidence to show their positive impact.
A small number of customers had also raised concerns about their use, which led ScotRail to conduct a full review.
The devices were installed at Hamilton Central, Helensburgh Central and Aberdeen stations as one of a number of measures to combat anti-social behaviour.
Other action to tackle anti-social behaviour included security guards at stations, an increased BTP presence and more Police Scotland patrols in the area.
ScotRail Alliance director David Lister said: “The safety and security of our staff and customers remains our priority, and we continue to work with all agencies – including the British Transport Police, Police Scotland, trade unions, and local authorities – to tackle any anti-social behaviour at our stations.
“These devices were always only a small part of a much wider effort to tackle anti-social behaviour wherever it occurred.
“We always listen very carefully to customer feedback. Following a thorough review of the use of mosquito anti-loitering devices, we have taken the decision to ban them from the three stations at which they are currently installed.”
Following calls for its closure, Transport Scotland has announced that Breich railway station’s future has been secured.
A consultation was launched to decide the fate of the station, in West Lothian, which is used by 2.6 users on average each week.
Given its low patronage, a review was launched as part of the Scottish Government’s investment into the Shotts Electrification project to consider its long term viability.
But now, rather than have all services to the station cut, it could benefit from an enhanced timetable.
Transport minister Humza Yousaf said: “The overwhelming response to the consultation was in favour of keeping Breich station open. Not only that, many respondents wished to see more services calling at Breich station to increase patronage.
“Having taken on board the strong support for Breich station, I have made the decision it should remain open. My officials are working with the ScotRail Alliance to see how we can increase calls at Breich to make it a more viable station which encourages greater use of rail.”
Any additional calls at Breich will be included in the May 2019 timetable change following completion of the Shotts electrification project which is expected to reach completion early 2019.
Nexus managing director Tobyn Hughes said it made a strong case for funding and will immediately begin the search for a train-builder to manufacture the 84 trains.
In January, 2018, Nexus will issues a formal invite for companies to tender for the contract to supply a new fleet.
Between July, 2019, and the following September, tenders will arrive and be considered and in February, 2020, the rolling stock contract will be awarded.
In total it will take up to three years for the new fleet to be delivered from the contract award date with trains being put into service as they arrive. The first one is expected to arrive in late 2021 and as each new train is delivered, old carriages will be phased out.
Emergency services have conducted an exercise on the London Underground to prepare for a potential major incident.
Personnel from the local fire brigade, ambulance service, police services and Transport for London were joined by more than 100 volunteers for the scenario, which was held at the disused Jubilee line platforms at Charing Cross station.
The exercise was based on a Tube carriage derailing and striking the tunnel walls as it departed the station. This resulted in passengers being trapped in the tunnel as well as mass passenger casualties.
As part of the exercise, crews had to evacuate injured passengers from the train down the adjacent tunnel. Effort was made to ensure the safety of all passengers, but to also ensure those injured received prompt treatment.
BTP inspector Stuart Downs said that it was an “immersive” exercise, putting staff in a complex and challenging environment.
He added: “This partnership sees a bespoke team of officers trained with advanced medic capabilities, working along London Underground’s operational managers. Every day they’re responding to incidents on the network and this exercise is a great way to prepare them for any potentially major incident.
“Fortunately, incidents such as this are extremely rare. However, by testing our capabilities it ensures that we are prepared for every eventuality. I would like to thank Transport for London for allowing us to use their station and train for this exercise. Hopefully everyone who took part learned some new skills and benefited taking part in the day.”
Siemens has appointed a new managing director to oversee its rail automation business.
Operations director Rob Morris, who joined the company in January 2015, will begin his new role on December 1.
In his current role, Rob oversees the execution of all the company’s rail signalling, digital rail and automation projects across the UK, working closely with Network Rail, London Underground and Crossrail.
Siemens Mobility’s UK managing director Gordon Wakeford said: “Given his many years’ industry experience, I know he will hit the ground running and that under his leadership, our business will continue to go from strength to strength.
New Siemens Rail Automation managing director Rob Morris. Photo: Siemens.
“With his delivery, strategic, relationship management and collaborative working experience, together with his unwavering commitment to safety, he has the perfect range of skills for this role.
“I would also like to take this opportunity to thank Paul Copeland who has successfully led the company for the last four years and to wish him well in his retirement.”
Rob Morris will start his new role on December 1, 2017.
Chancellor of the exchequer Philip Hammond has presented the Autumn Budget 2017, setting out his strategy for the UK’s future economy.
Infrastructure – and railways – feature prominently in the chancellor’s plans as the UK seeks to boost productivity and build a prosperous economy ready for Brexit.
But while the government looks to upgraded railways as part of the solution, the current spending in rail has caused the Treasury a slight headache. Network Rail overspent by £0.7 billion, compared to what had been forecast in the Spring Budget 2017, which has contributed to the government borrowing an extra £12.2 billion by 2021.
Some of the biggest new and not-so-new Budget announcements that will impact the rail industry are covered below.
An artist’s impression of the metro extension through Dudley. Photo: West Midlands Combined Authority.
Transforming Cities Fund
This £1.7 billion fund aims to boost productivity and create higher-paying jobs by improving connectivity and supporting employment across England’s great city regions. Half of this money will be allocated via competition for city transport projects and the other half on a per-capita basis to the six combined authorities with elected metro mayors. This results in:
The money for this scheme, which was first launched by Theresa May in Birmingham on November 20, comes from the National Productivity Investment Fund (NPIF).
Network Rail’s Old Union Yard Arches. Photo: Network Rail.
Network Rail will sell its commercial property business by autumn 2018
Philip Hammond said that the government will look at selling corporate and financial assets when value for money can be secured for taxpayers and where there is no longer a policy reason to retain them. It was previously announced that Network Rail will sell its commercial property business in England and Wales but no estimated sale date was given, until now.
Photo: Tyne and Wear Metro.
Tyne and Wear Metro’s ageing fleet is to be replaced
Campaigners pleaded with the government to invest in new rolling stock for the metro system earlier this year and their calls did not fall on deaf ears. The light rail system runs the same trains as it did when it was launched in the 1980s. In total, £337 million from NPIF will be invested in new energy-efficient vehicles that will help cut running costs and boost reliability for the metro’s 38 million annual passengers. Nexus has said that these trains will enter passenger service from 2021.
The construction of Crossrail. Photo: Crossrail.
Crossrail 2 update
The government will continue to work with Transport for London to develop fair and affordable plans for Crossrail 2. Part of this will be achieved through an independent review of funding and financing.
Photo: Wellphoto / Shutterstock.com.
Digital upgrades
Three digital upgrade schemes were mentioned by the chancellor: £84 million to fit state-of-the-art in-cab signalling across a range of trains; £5 million from NPIF for digital railway upgrades on the South East and East London lines; and a fund for digital signalling scheme at Moorgate, which will enable more frequent and reliable services.
Photo: HM Treasury.
A new 26-30 railcard
Another of the not-so-new announcements that were mentioned in the Budget. The government will work with the rail industry to extend the benefits of discounted rail travel to those aged 26-30. Plans will be implemented from spring 2018.
Photo: Dubova / Shutterstock.com.
Better mobile connectivity
Up to £35 million will be pumped into trials to improve mobile phone communications for rail passengers. Directly, this will go towards: upgrading Network Rail’s Melton Mowbray test track; installing trackside infrastructure along the Trans-Pennine route between Manchester, Leeds and York; and supporting the rollout of full-fibre and 5G networks.
Photo: Markus Mainka / Shutterstock.
Money for Northern Powerhouse Rail
Initially announced in October, the Budget reaffirms the £300 million funding to ensure HS2 infrastructure can accommodate future Northern Powerhouse and Midlands rail services.
Photo: Sovastock / Shutterstock.com.
A North of Tyne devolution deal
Following the likes of the West Midlands and Greater Manchester, a devolution deal has been agreed with the North of Tyne authorities, which could give the region greater powers and responsibilities when it comes to transport. This deal is subject to the consent of local partners, however.
Photo: EQRoy / Shutterstock.com.
Developing the Coventry-Leamington rail corridor
The transport arm of the Midlands Engine, Midlands Connect, will be allocated a £2 million pot of money to assess the best options for overcoming the capacity constraint from Coventry to Leamington. This will improve connectivity between the Thames Valley area and the East Midlands and is one of the key elements to the transport body’s wider strategy. Midlands Connect said that it will now advance proposals to reinstate and add new infrastructure that would enable an additional Cross Country service through Birmingham International station.
Photo: EQRoy / Shutterstock.com.
Helping the Cambridge – Milton Keynes – Oxford corridor reach its potential
Philip Hammond said that the western section of East West Rail will be complete by 2024, allowing services between Oxford and Bedford, and Aylesbury and Milton Keynes. He added that a new East West Rail Company is being established to accelerate delivery of the central section between Bedford and Cambridge. Leveraging private sector investment it is aimed for completion by the mid-2020s. Working in partnership with local stakeholders, the government is committing £5 million to develop proposals for Cambridge South station, and is starting a study on the enhancements needed to accommodate future rail growth across Cambridgeshire. As a first step towards opening a station at Cowley, the government will also make available £300,000 to co-fund a study for new stations, services and routes across the Oxfordshire rail corridor.
Photo: Ceri Breeze / Shutterstock.com.
Infrastructure upgrades in Wales
The government will also invest in infrastructure upgrades that will provide direct services from Pembroke Dock to London via Carmarthen on new Intercity Express trains. Additionally, the Department for Transport continues to develop proposals for a number of other schemes, including:
Station improvements at Cardiff Central station and Swansea;
Improving Cardiff to Severn Tunnel Junction relief lines;
Improving journey times between: Swansea and Cardiff; South Wales, Bristol and London; and on the North Wales main line;
Considering proposals to improve journey times on the Wrexham – Bidston line and provide necessary funding to develop the business case.
Photo: A G Baxter / Shutterstock.com.
Housing around transport hubs
Housing featured prominently in the Budget. One scheme Philip Hammond has put forward is to introduce minimum densities for housing development around transport hubs, to ensure scarce urban land is used as efficiently as possible. The government will now consult on introducing this measure.
Photo: Jason Batterham / Shutterstock.com.
Extra money for CP5
The Treasury has allowed Network Rail to allocate an additional £200 million on renewals for CP5. This money is in addition to the current funds and does not come from CP6. RIA chief executive Darren Caplan welcomed the decision and said he looked forward to working with government, Network Rail and other parties to improve funding mechanisms and avoid the “boom and bust” at the beginning and end of control periods.
History has been made in Waterloo after two women went into labour on the railway in the space of one month.
Baby Reign Brandao was an early arrival at Waterloo station on October 16 while newborn Sophia Mercurelli started her journey aboard a South Western Railway train on November 10.
“The raspberry leaf tea that I had must have really worked!” said Evelyn Brandao, who was travelling into London Waterloo from Woking when she told a train guard she was about to give birth.
Evelyn Brandao with baby Reign, partner Hervon Charles and Justyna Syla station shift manager. Photo: Network Rail.
Staff phoned for an ambulance and met Ms Brandao at Platform 13 but Reign could not wait. He was born in the first aid room weighing 6lbs and 8oz and was later taken to St Thomas’ Hospital. He is believed to be the first baby born at Waterloo station in its 170 year history.
Meanwhile South Western Railway has been celebrating its first ever ‘train baby’ after mother-to-be Noemi Mercurelli went into labour on a train service between Waterloo and Farnham stations.
Train guard Martin Miller with Noemi Mercurelli and baby Sophia. Photo: South Western Railway.
Thanks to the quick response of train guard Martin Miller, station staff and responders from St John’s Ambulance, Noemi was assisted off the train at Surbiton station and later gave birth to Sophia at the hospital.
Afterwards staff arranged to meet Noemi and Sophia to spoil them with some presents – including a baby-grow that reads: “My journey started on South Western Railway”.
Photo: South Western Railway.
Following news of the two babies’ arrivals in the Waterloo area, another couple had a special celebration of a different kind when they got engaged at – you guessed it – Waterloo station.
Marking 18 months since Lisle Hunte met his beloved Shalisha Cumberbatch at the station, he contacted station staff and arranged for a special message to be put on the big screen asking her to marry him. She said yes.
Network Rail station manager Jason Murphy said that it is not a request that they get often but they were delighted to help out.
Online train ticket retailer Trainline has launched a new mobile application that uses voice recognition technology.
Built using the Google Assistant platform, the app allows users to ‘Talk to Trainline’ and ask everyday travel questions with real-time updates.
Prompted by such requests as “I’d like to take a train from Manchester to London on 15th December at 9am”, the app can answer 12 layers of questions, according to Trainline, from weather reports at departure points, ticket prices and journey times.
The app will reveal more features over time as people spend more time using it.
Trainline product director Dave Slocombe said: “Trainline’s mission is to use technology to make travel as smart and simple as possible.
“Trainline’s voice app is the latest in a long line of innovations that make this possible.
“We’re proud to have worked with Google and its powerful new Assistant platform on the creation of voice capabilities that can deliver complex travel information in a quick, simple and personal way.”
The Trainline app for the Google Assistant is now available on eligible Android phones, on the Assistant app on iOS, and on Assistant-enabled devices such as Google Home.
A joint venture between SLC Rail and AECOM has been awarded a framework contract worth up to £30 million to provide rail advisory services to Coventry city council.
The agreement will support a longer-term strategy to improve transport in Coventry and the West Midlands to ensure the region is ready for HS2 in 2026.
The activities covered by the framework will be for grant-funded projects only, and will include developing business cases for rail projects, negotiating new funding models, project planning, project and programme management, timetable performance modelling and station operation planning.
The initial framework is being placed by Coventry city council, with access also available to West Midlands Combined Authority and Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council who will also be able to draw on the framework to help plan, fund and deliver rail projects, such as new and enhanced stations.
AECOM’s regional transport director Simon Middleton said: “The projects that will be developed under the framework will transform connectivity to and from Coventry and the Midlands, and steer investment across the region to support the creation of new jobs and homes.”
The general manager of training provider Scot-Train, Sandy Murray, says one of his company’s focuses is on flexible workforce development – finding where rail industry skills overlap with other industries and how skills from other sectors can find a home on the railway.
The term was adopted by the Scottish government for the launch of a new £10 million fund in September to promote the up-skilling and re-skilling of Scotland’s workforce to address emerging skills gaps.
New facility
Scot-Train is part of SWGR, a specialist services provider which was established in 1985, and began life as Scotweld Employment Services Limited. Based in Glasgow, the company has service centres around the UK.
Over the past 30 or so years, the company has added to its offering and now has various other divisions, including rail infrastructure contracting services, industrial supplies and labour supply.
SWGR’s core business has always been to supply and train rail professionals to deliver multi-disciplinary projects. The company proudly promotes its involvement in the Borders Railway project and the electrification of the Edinburgh-Glasgow main line.
In March, Scot-Train opened a new training facility in Petershill Road, Glasgow. The company is now keen to promote the opportunity the facility represents for the rail sector in Scotland.
The Petershill Road site, which is located close to Barnhill railway station, is Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) approved and licensed to deliver Network Rail training and assessment courses, including track induction, personal track safety and overhead line electrification. Facilities include three training rooms, a conference room, an IT suite, as well as a full-scale track and overhead line facility.
New avenues
‘We’re planning to diversify into other areas to increase our portfolio as well,’ said Sandy.
The opening of the new training centre effectively doubled Scot-Train’s training capacity, but Sandy is quick to highlight the company’s presence around the country. As well as the Glasgow site, Scot-Train has another NSAR-accredited facility in Rochester – this is on top of the training it provides for customers at their own premises.
Scot-Train currently has a team of five trainers and is looking to expand and explore new avenues. The company already offers occupational health services to rail clients from its medical centre in Glasgow, but Sandy says he sees an opening to pursue opportunities in the construction and engineering market at large.
‘We have the facilities available to offer a one-stop provision for rail, construction, welding, occupational health and many other training services, and can tailor courses to specifically meet clients’ requirements. We want to build on our existing reputation as a trusted provider of training services to expand our offering to other sectors, and I believe we are now in an excellent position to do so.’
The railways were considered a sunset industry by the late 20th century due to the rapid development of the automobile and airplane.
How things have changed: The great success of the Japanese Tokaido Shinkansen line, as well as the development of the French, Korean, Spanish and, more recently, Chinese high-speed railway networks changed history.
Populations continue to grow, rapid urbanisation around the world is leading to megalopolis and citizens demand better mobility. High-speed inter-city railways and new, efficient metro systems are becoming common place in advanced economies. Convenience, efficiency and speed are valued by customers and the railway industry is revolutionising local, national and international transportation.
The Birmingham Centre for Railway Research and Education (BCRRE) at the University of Birmingham is Europe’s largest university-based centre of its kind, with more than 140 academics, researchers and professional support staff and some 200 postgraduate taught and undergraduate students. BCRRE engages with industry and academia nationally and internationally and delivers world-class research outcomes and high-quality education programmes. The main research activities of BCRRE include railway operation and simulation, power and energy, traffic management and control, system condition monitoring, etc.
Centres of Excellence
Early in 2017, The University of Birmingham successfully bid for substantial funding from the Higher Education Funding Council of England (HEFCE) and now leads a £92 million network of industry and academic partners, comprising three major Centres of Excellence which involve eight UK universities and 20 industry partners over an eight-year funding window. The Centres of Excellence will be the first elements of the industry-led UK Rail Research and Innovation Network (UKRRIN), within which Birmingham will lead the Digital Systems Innovation Centre (DSIC).
The DSIC will build on the expertise of BCRRE and the UK’s industrial base to deliver a step-change in digital systems capability for the railways. It will provide a system-wide approach to transform the results of academic research, industrial development and innovation into tangible business benefits. Housing openly available facilities, key areas of technology will include railway control and operations simulation, condition monitoring and sensing, data integration and cyber security. DSIC will also offer technology incubation opportunities.
In the area of railway control and operations simulation, the DSIC team will develop macroscopic and microscopic railway simulators using data supplied by project partners. The simulation can then apply advanced algorithms, for example to modify rolling stock performance, operational rules, amend timetables, or implement smart driving strategies to improve network punctuality and energy consumption, without affecting an operational railway system. The DSIC will include a comprehensive simulation and testing lab for design validation and verification, and for hardware- and software-in-the-loop testing.
In condition monitoring and sensing, projects will include developing and configuring instrumentation and processing systems that can be used to measure, track and predict the health of various railway subsystems. Such systems can be used to improve operational reliability and support business cases for variations to existing maintenance procedures.
Emerging field
The growing data integration and cyber security area covers data modelling and architecture and the integration of operations and customer-facing systems. This exciting, emerging field delivers appropriate information and knowledge through efficient data processing and algorithms. The opportunities offered in this field cover almost every element of the railway system.
Professor Clive Roberts, director of BCRRE, and Felix Schmid, director of education of BCRRE, look forward to the new railway revolution. ‘These are exciting times for railways. Society relies on railway systems more than ever; they have become integral to how people live and economies grow in the 21st century.
‘Our work in research and education is having an impact across the globe in realising the transformational benefits of railways.’
As a world-leading rail research centre, BCRRE is looking forward to working with research and industry partners across the world to deliver innovation that establishes the UK.
This article was written by Ning Zhao, Jenny Illingsworth and Felix Schmid.
It’s the small details that matter, says Amtrain’s Sheila McKenna. Having someone on the front desk to greet new learners may not seem so fundamental but it can make a big difference. This has been the training provider’s ethos since it first opened its doors 20 years ago.
Amtrain was established by husband and wife Andy and Sheila McKenna in 1997. Like so many small businesses, it initially operated out of the family home and provided training courses in portable buildings on the site now occupied by Network Rail’s training centre in Walsall.
In 2008, the company moved to new premises off the A38 in Fradley, where it is to this day. Earlier this year, Amtrain acquired a purpose-built training site formerly owned by Balfour Beatty at Hoo Junction in Kent as it looked to expand to meet the industry-wide demand for skills.
‘There’s a shortage of skills within the industry generally,’ said Andy. ‘The training sector has an ageing profile as well. As a company, we’ve done work to redress that, training two young people through apprentice programmes to become trainers and developing the existing staff with a wider range of skills and competencies.’
Double the size
Amtrain, which is a member of the Association of Railway Training Providers (ARTP), offers a diverse mix of training courses, including track inductions and PTS, COSS, lookout/site warden, crane controller, engineering supervisor, the list goes on. It is also one of the last companies to still offer steam crane training.
Amtrain has almost doubled in size from those early years. It now has a team of 12 trainers and has travelled around the world providing its railway training services.
Flexibility is key, says Andy. As well as delivering courses from its own premises – often at very short notice – Amtrain also works with customers to create and deliver training programmes that meet quite specific requirements. The company recently trained all of London Midland’s senior conductor staff to use a new onboard ticketing terminal.
The company tries to respond where it can to the changing demand for skills and ensure its trainers are equipped to deliver the training required.
‘We’re generating the skills that are required to satisfy the market,’ said Andy. ‘We’re finding there’s a big demand for piling courses and MEWP courses because rail electrification has created a demand for those skills.’
Around half of Amtrain’s trainers come from either a further or higher education teaching background. Both Andy and Sheila are from an education background, working at the same college in the West Midlands before setting up Amtrain. Andy, who has had a lifelong interest in railway preservation, said the service provided by Amtrain’s trainers was based on a deep understanding of how people learn.
‘It’s a good mix,’ said Andy. ‘The educational skills in some way are more important than the technical skills.’
Happy bunch
Sheila is one of Amtrain’s COSS trainers, but in her previous life she was a sign language interpreter for deaf people. ‘You can make people feel very good about themselves just with little things that you do,’ said Sheila, who described how Amtrain has worked hard over the years to create a comfortable environment for learners. One example is the additional work the team do with learners for whom English isn’t their first language.
Amtrain benefits from having retained a wealth of knowledge within its training team. ‘As a company, we’ve been pretty lucky because staff turnover is very low,’ said Andy. What’s the secret to the company’s high staff retention rates? ‘Because we’re a happy bunch.’
In fact, the business is looking to grow further and add to its training staff in the coming months; it’s a bigger challenge than it sounds because of the general lack of training staff – but not an impossible hurdle to overcome.
The company is also continuing to look at how it can add to its offering. For example, it also provides medicals and alcohol/drugs screening. Amtrain is now looking at how it can support the medical requirements of other industries.
Ten years on from their move to Fradley, Andy and Sheila remain enthusiastic supporters of the industry. For Andy, the job is a fantastic opportunity to explore parts of the network he has revered for years. ‘There’s some fabulous engineering works out there. We can get up close and touch them.’
For Sheila, the training is its own reward. ‘We’re enthusiastic. We love what we’re doing. We’re here for the customers.’
Ex-Tube Lines CEO and Transport for Greater Manchester’s current chief executive has been appointed as the new president of European Metropolitan Transport Authorities (EMTA).
Dr Jon Lamonte was appointed the new president at this year’s EMTA conference in Manchester, replacing the outgoing Wolfgang Schroll, who is CEO of Vienna-based transport authority Verkehrsverbund Ost-Region.
The non-profit association brings together 26 metropolitan transport authorities from across the continent to enable the exchange of best practice, information, research and experience among members.
Transport for Greater Manchester’s CEO Dr Jon Lamonte. Credit: TfGM.
EMTA’s general secretary Ruud Van der Ploeg was one of around 40 delegates who attended the conference. He said: “We are all faced with similar issues and it is extremely useful to visit different regions, experience different transport networks and learn from each other to support the betterment of public transport across the continent.
“It has been a great few days and I have been delighted to speak with fellow transport professionals and travel around Greater Manchester on what is a very impressive and integrated network.”
Jon Lamonte, who joined TfGM in February 2013, added: “I am delighted to have been named as president of this prestigious organisation, which carries within it a phenomenal amount of expertise and experience in the transport sector.
“I am confident that, by leading this body of extensive knowledge, TfGM will continue to benefit in terms of solving future mobility challenges.”
Prior to joining TfGM, Jon worked as CEO of Tube Lines, a subsidiary company of Transport for London with responsibility for the safe and reliable operation of the Jubilee, Northern and Piccadilly lines, and also held senior roles in the RAF and Ministry of Defence.
Transport for London (TfL) has unveiled a new-look Bond Street Tube station following a £300 million upgrade.
Capacity and accessibility have both been improved at Bond Street, which is one of central London’s busiest stations with almost 40 million journeys made in 2016.
The creation of a new entrance and ticket hall on the north side of Oxford Street at Marylebone Lane has boosted the station’s capacity by 30 per cent, while the new entrance will make Bond Street the 72nd Tube station to become step-free.
Preparatory work to build a step-free interchange to the Elizabeth line has also been completed ahead of services calling at Bond Street station in December 2018, when it is expected that passenger numbers will increase to around 225,000 per day.
It also means that the London Underground is a step closer to achieving the mayor’s target for 40 per cent of the network to be step-free by 2022.
In addition, five new ticket gates, two new escalators and two new interchange tunnels have been added to the station.
Transport for All, which champions the rights of disabled and older people, said that the ongoing programme of improvements across the network is important because the Underground is the most efficient way to move around London but that much of it remains inaccessible to many disabled people.
The new entrance at Bond Street Station. Credit: TfL.
The new entrance at Bond Street Station. Credit: TfL.
Network Rail has launched the sale of its commercial property business as it seeks to focus on delivering mega projects such as Thameslink, Crossrail and Great North Rail.
Selling the “non-core property assets” will create a significant injection of cash for Network Rail’s core business. This will allow it to improve passenger experience, run a safe, reliable and growing railway and to help fund its upgrade plan, according to Network Rail.
In total 5,500 properties will be sold in England and Wales – but not in Scotland – on a leasehold basis, reflecting the need for access to these properties for the future operation of the railway.
According to Network Rail, its commercial property business is the largest provider of small and medium-sized business space in the UK, the majority of which is located in railway arches.
Network Rail is currently in discussions with existing tenants, staff and other stakeholders, who are being provided with information on the decision, impacts, and next steps. Current tenants will transfer to the new buyer with their existing leases and notice periods unchanged.
It is hoped the sale of the business will see a new owner invest more money into the commercial estate and result in more businesses, jobs, commerce and better social environments.
Network Rail chief executive Mark Carne said: “I hope to see areas around the railway positively transformed with new and refurbished shops, amenities, and extra facilities for local people and passengers.”
Tomorrow marks the 30th anniversary of the King’s Cross fire.
On the evening of November 18, 1987, 31 people lost their lives and around 100 were left injured when a devastating fire broke out on a wooden escalator at King’s Cross underground station.
Decades after the tragedy, and following close work with authorities and the London Fire Brigade, many lessons have been learnt and recommendations implemented from the Fennell report by the underground transport system.
London Underground’s managing director Mark Wild said: “It is important that we take the time to remember those who lost their lives in this terrible event and the impact it had on their families, loved ones and friends.”
He added: “When it comes to safety standards, the emphasis on training and prevention as well as liaison with the emergency services, London Underground is simply a different place in 2017 to what it was in 1987. Safety is our top priority and is embedded in the organisation from executive management to the driver’s cab.”
Since the fire, a number of changes have been made, including:
Smoking on Tube trains was banned before the fire but after the fire smoking anywhere on the London Underground network was also banned
The London Fire Brigade (LFB) is now called whenever a station fire alarm is triggered and the station closed. It can only be re-opened once LFB has investigated and given the all clear
Between 1989 and 1996, 108 Tube stations were improved and upgraded to ensure they met the recommendations made in the Fennell Report, including the removal of flammable material and the installation of fire detection systems
Embedding a safety first culture in London Underground management administration and operations
A much closer and continuous relationship between London Underground and Her Majesty’s Railway Inspectorate was established, resulting in an increased in the number of dedicated inspectors.
The effectiveness of control periods (CP) is to be assessed in a new inquiry by the transport select committee.
Chair Lilian Greenwood said the inquiry will address failures of the current CP, noting scrapped electrification plans, differences in regional funding, and uncompleted work tipping into the next CP as three of the biggest issues.
The committee said that around £3.4 billion of renewals are likely to be postponed from CP5 to CP6.
In addition, peaks and troughs in work can put additional pressures on rail supply chain companies, risking successful completion of projects on time and on budget, it added.
Against this background, the committee will look at whether the current system of planning and delivering investment in rail infrastructure is adequate.
One line of inquiry will investigate the reasons for the apparent regional disparity in rail infrastructure funding and the possible implications of the government’s policy of increasing the share of private sector financing in rail infrastructure.
Lilian Greenwood said: “We will consider whether the mechanism of control periods is the best way to manage investment in rail infrastructure.
“At a time when UK passengers have seen ticket prices rising far faster than their wages, the committee will examine whether the current system of planning and delivering investment is giving us the infrastructure we need if we are to have a modern 21st century railway.”
The government funds Network Rail in five-year cycles, known as CPs, which are designed to enable it to provide direction in terms of what work is expected and how much money is available.
The process for deciding the funding and output of Network Rail for CP6 (CP6: April 2019 – March 2024) has begun and will be complete next year.
A special exhibition is to open in Hull showcasing the work of prolific railway painter Terence Cuneo.
Launched as part of Hull’s City of Culture status and curated by the Science Museum Group’s director Ian Blatchford and National Railway Museum head curator Andrew McLean, the showcase will take a fresh look at Cuneo through his unique portrayal of power.
The collection will draw on material from across the UK and include: drawings for the Ministry of Information during the Second World War; his well–loved railway paintings and posters; and depictions of industrial power and process.
‘Giants Refreshed: Pacifics in the Doncaster Locomotive Works’, a painting by Terence Cuneo.
Exhibition co-curator Ian Blatchford said: “This is one of the most important bodies of work of any 20th century British artist.
“The chance to celebrate Cuneo’s influential life and work as part of Hull UK City of Culture 2017, drawing on incredible and varied collections including the Science Museum Group’s own, is a real privilege.”
The exhibition will run at the University of Hull’s Brynmor Jones Library from 13 December.
Terence Cuneo, who died in 1996, created almost 6,000 paintings throughout his career.
Building on the success of last year’s launch, Rail Week 2017 showed a new class of prospective rail professionals the exciting possibilities presented by a career in rail.
Held during the second week of October, this year’s Rail Week was supported by 80 organisations and saw 50 visits and events organised around the country.
Young Rail Professionals (YRP) – the campaign lead – estimates that the Rail Week message has continued to grow – this year reaching more than 3,000 young people and their influencers, who can include teachers, parents and careers advisers.
Joint initiative
One of the events that signalled the start of this year’s Rail Week was the launch of a new joint initiative between train operator CrossCountry, the Tyne Valley Community Rail Partnership (TVCRP) and Newcastle College’s Rail Academy. At its heart, the partnership aims to augment the classroom studies of the academy’s students by giving them more hands-on experience and access to rail industry staff.
CrossCountry’s managing director, Andy Cooper, said, ‘This partnership is a great opportunity for us all to work together to help the Academy’s students gain some real-life railway experience, which will add true value to their knowledge of the rail sector. The North East was the birthplace of the passenger railway, so it is fitting that we help the region’s students as they pursue an exciting career in helping build the railway of the future.’
Head of the Newcastle Rail Academy, Scott Johnson, said, ‘Our partners will bring enormous benefits to the employability of our students. The rail industry is a complex sector. Working with external partners provides our students with ways to better understand and experience the world beyond the classroom.’
Tyne Valley Community Rail Partnership officer, Fiona Forsythe, added, ‘We are delighted to be a partner in this venture and already have many projects lined up for everyone to get involved in. Helping the students experience how a railway works beyond the classroom can only build their experience and chances of a career in the industry, and it is a joint relationship as they will have a chance to benefit the region and its rail users.’
Around the country
Three hundred miles south in Chippenham, Siemens Rail Automation hosted a visit at its site, offering tours and posing engineering challenges for its visitors to solve. The company also opened the doors of its Three Bridges depot in Crawley.
There were examples of these kind of initiatives all around the country. The Rail Delivery Group (RDG) ran daily events for undergraduate students in London, Network Rail visited John Ruskin College’s annual careers event in Croydon and key stage one and two pupils in Leeds visited a Northern Rail depot.
The opening of two new rail academies during the same week also helped raise the profile of the event. The National College for High Speed Rail (NCHSR) in Doncaster and Alstom’s new academy in Widnes both opened their doors in the same month.
May-Ann Lew, Rail Week project lead, Young Rail Professionals and consultant at SNC-Lavalin Rail & Transit, ‘Rail Week is our opportunity to showcase the range of different careers and skills in our sector and encourage people from all backgrounds to join rail.
‘There are so many exciting and innovative rail projects coming to fruition and it is essential we attract young people to ensure they are delivered. We have had loads of great events so far and the enthusiasm from teachers, students and the industry has been amazing.’
Rail Minister Paul Maynard said the railway had something to offer people from all different backgrounds. ‘I’m delighted to be supporting Rail Week, which highlights the huge range of careers, skills and opportunities open to people from every background. We want to inspire young people, to give them the chance to see that they can make a difference in the rail industry, and it is great that companies across our thriving sector are reaching out to schools, colleges and universities to attract the next generation of rail professionals.’
