TransportXtra https://www.transportxtra.com/ TransportXtra is the fastest route to transport intelligence with the news and archives of leading transport publications including Local Transport Today, New Transit and Parking Review magazine. en-gb TransportXtra https://www.transportxtra.com/images/TransportXtra-Logo.png https://www.transportxtra.com/ Better pricing policies can help build a stable funding formula https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/34588/better-pricing-policies-can-help-build-a-stable-funding-formula

From popular media and political comment, it sometimes seems that fare levels are a really critical issue for public transport, but in fact the role of detailed pricing policies and the wider funding equation are arguably far more important in delivering what users want and growing the market. Analysis of demand elasticity for metro networks worldwide (Anderson, 2011) actually shows that demand is more sensitive to change in level of service than to change in price. It shows, in particular, th

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Feature Thu, 16 May 2013 12:29:00 GMT 34588
New ways of financing new urban rail https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/34560/new-ways-of-financing-new-urban-rail

Delivering major city rail schemes is so expensive, complicated and integral to city economies that it is hard to believe that a purely private sector approach to finance could ever deliver them, even in an era of shrinking public sector activity. But it will be a new generation of public sector development bodies, with new powers and financial models that will generally drive them forward. Some examples of the new approaches are beginning to emerge. The massive Grand Paris Express project 

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Feature Wed, 15 May 2013 16:59:00 GMT 34560
London re-shapes around new rail schemes https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/34559/london-re-shapes-around-new-rail-schemes

D espite having historically one of the most comprehensive of the world’s urban and commuter rail systems, London has been playing catch up to Paris, and indeed other cities with S-Bahn-type railways, on its rail network development. While Paris has a mature cross city rail network in the form of its five RER lines, and is now moving on to developing its Grand Paris Express network of orbital super metro lines, London is trying to do both at once, and coming from a long way behind. Thames

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Feature Wed, 15 May 2013 16:44:00 GMT 34559
Rail Re-invented PARIS Grand Paris big thinking for the French capital https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/34558/rail-re-invented-paris-grand-paris-big-thinking-for-the-french-capital

Biting the bullet on expensive, transformational, railway schemes is something that mainland European governments have been good at, as exemplified by the development of national high speed rail networks in various countries. But in France attention has turned to capital city Paris, and bullets haven’t come much bigger and faster than that of Grand Paris Express, a plan to revolutionise urban railways there, with a price tag to match. Spiralling costs and delays in estimated completion dat

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Feature Wed, 15 May 2013 16:28:00 GMT 34558
Joined up global thinking A growing international club of city rail revolutionaries https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/34557/joined-up-global-thinking-a-growing-international-club-of-city-rail-revolutionaries

Though Paris and London have attracted attention by developing their regional heavy rail networks to supplement existing tube/metro lines through new cross-city tunnels, they are not the only cities who have taken their city railways beyond the traditional model of large stations at surface level. Elsewhere in Europe Vienna is replacing its South terminal station with a new central Hauptbahnhof station which will link together the routes which converge on Vienna, including international servic

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Feature Wed, 15 May 2013 15:59:00 GMT 34557
Chinese scrap ministry of railways to ways to tackle big debt legacy https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/34542/chinese-scrap-ministry-of-railways-to-ways-to-tackle-big-debt-legacy A new model for rail service provision in China is being put in place to address a financial overhang at the now-defunct Railways Ministry. A newely separated China Railway Corporation will now have to take high costs and its mountainous debt into consideration when setting new ticket prices and deciding upon investment. The decision was announced at this year’s session of the National People’s Congress. During the session, the Ministry of Railways, which was established in 1949, w

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Rail News Wed, 15 May 2013 14:21:00 GMT 34542
First leaves London bus market to foreigners with 80m disposal https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/34538/first-leaves-london-bus-market-to-foreigners-with-80m-disposal

IIn quitting London bus operations, UK-based transport group First has made good on its promise to raise £100m through disposal of non-core operations, with the surprise sale of practically all its London bus operations to two foreign groups for £80m. But it raises some interesting questions about the difference in approach to tendered markets between UK groups and those from the rest of the world. First is to sell eight of its London bus garages – five with 494 vehicles in We

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Bus News Wed, 15 May 2013 14:08:00 GMT 34538
50 years on from Buchanan on traffic and Beeching on trains are the issues different now? https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/34532/50-years-on-from-buchanan-on-traffic-and-beeching-on-trains-are-the-issues-different-now-

It’s 50 years since the publication in 1963 of two pivotal reports on British transport: The Reshaping of British Railways by Dr Richard Beeching, and Traffic in Towns by Colin (later Sir Colin) Buchanan. Both represented sea changes in the accepted transport wisdom of the time. What do they tell us today? Beeching’s report said that the then railway network was a financial basket case, with too many little used and loss-making secondary routes. It called for a focus on core routes

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Rail News Wed, 15 May 2013 12:25:00 GMT 34532
THE TOP 30 who set the framework https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/34005/the-top-30-who-set-the-framework

UK transport is heavily influenced, as elsewhere, by political leaders. Transport problems and challenges exist at both a national and local level and it is Boris Johnson Mayor of London who New Transit believes has continued to be most significant in his interventions in transport over the past year and hence included in our top dozen power people. He faced an election last year against his old adversary Ken Livingstone, which he narrowly won, and then gained the reflected glory of both the Oly

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Feature Mon, 18 Mar 2013 16:13:00 GMT 34005
Overground steams ahead https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/33978/overground-steams-ahead Transport for London is to spend £320m buying new carriages and extending depots to lengthen all London Overground trains by one carriage to five-car length. The move comes with patronage at 400% of that on the network when operations were taken over from the national rail system in 2007. The newest section of the orbital rail network (from Surrey Quays in East London to Clapham Junction in the southwest) opened in early December, and within a month had carried one million passengers. Th

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Light Rail News Mon, 18 Mar 2013 13:31:00 GMT 33978
150th anniversary prompts London Underground investment calls https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/33977/150th-anniversary-prompts-london-underground-investment-calls London Underground marked its 150th birthday in January by operating steam trains along the original Metropolitan Line on selected days, but also by firing off another warning over a looming funding and investment gap. The steam train operation was a delightful publicity opportunity for the world’s first such system, using a loco dating from 1898, hauling a recently restored wooden carriage found on a farm. LU managing director Mike Brown took the opportunity to call for £12bn of f

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Light Rail News Lead Story Mon, 18 Mar 2013 13:28:00 GMT 33977
Tallinn makes case for free fares for its citizens to support civic role of public transport https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/33971/tallinn-makes-case-for-free-fares-for-its-citizens-to-support-civic-role-of-public-transport

It’s a public transport practitioner’s dream experiment: what would happen if a city made its public transport completely free, permanently? The Estonian capital Tallinn is finding out, because as of New Year’s Day, that is exactly what it has done. The city’s local authority says the move will “safeguard social cohesion of local communities by granting equal mobility opportunities to all social strata.” It is hoped that car drivers will find it an incentive

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Bus News Mon, 18 Mar 2013 13:19:00 GMT 33971
TIDE project bids to speed up European urban transport innovation https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/33274/tide-project-bids-to-speed-up-european-urban-transport-innovation A new EU-funded Transport Innovation Deployment in Europe (TIDE) project, aims to speed up the take-up and transfer of innovative urban transport and mobility initiatives throughout Europe. It hopes to involve 50 cities, including 15 that will have active support with 10 sharing E200,000 of funding to plan for innovation. It is focussing on five thematic clusters: 01, financing models and pricing measures; 02, non-motorised transport; 03, network and traffic management to support traveller info

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Technology News Thu, 3 Jan 2013 14:07:00 GMT 33274
New funding for fuel cell research https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/33262/new-funding-for-fuel-cell-research

The UK Technology Strategy Board is launching a funding programme for business-led innovation to stimulate the development of fuel cell and hydrogen technologies, with two new competitions: ‘Building Fuel Cell Manufacturing and the Supply Chain’ (up to £5 million) and ‘Supporting European Collaboration in Fuel Cells and Hydrogen’ (up to £1 million). The second project has the aim of encouraging collaboration with potential European partners to enable the deve

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Bus News Lead Story Thu, 3 Jan 2013 13:51:00 GMT 33262
First Group fails to find direction as profits slump rail franchises on hold and bus disposals in trouble https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/33229/first-group-fails-to-find-direction-as-profits-slump-rail-franchises-on-hold-and-bus-disposals-in-trouble

First Group has sought to position itself in recent years as the UK’s largest transport group, and a major player on the world stage. When new chief executive Tim O’Toole took the helm two years ago there were acknowledged problems of both profitability and strategy. Things have arguably now got worse. The rail division is in turmoil after a new UK West Coast intercity franchise was snatched from its grasp and other franchise competitions put on hold (see below), and the bus division

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Feature Thu, 3 Jan 2013 11:48:00 GMT 33229
Social impact of bus cuts analysed https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/32482/social-impact-of-bus-cuts-analysed The social effects of bus service cuts are “subtle and diffuse” but generally deliver a lowering in the quality of life, a study has concluded. UK body Passenger Focus commissioned market research agency SPA Future Thinking to study the impact of changes such as reduced service frequencies, evening cancellations and weekend service withdrawals. In all, about 350 people were interviewed in four areas: West Sussex, Suffolk, Derbyshire and Somerset. Some respondents reported makin

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Bus News Fri, 12 Oct 2012 14:49:00 GMT 32482
MPs want more European-style transport integration in UK cities https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/32449/mps-want-more-european-style-transport-integration-in-uk-cities Major urban areas in Britain could see transport networks more like those common in mainland Europe if UK MPs get their way. The UK Parliament’s Transport Select Committee has just published a report calling for local authorities to be given the freedom to develop area-based franchises for public transport operations if they believe this is the best way to develop bus services in their areas.   The Select Committee noted that local bus franchises, known as Quality Contracts in Britai

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Politics Fri, 12 Oct 2012 11:55:00 GMT 32449
Tracking and priority in 18m Nottingham bus route upgrade to tram standards https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/31988/tracking-and-priority-in-18m-nottingham-bus-route-upgrade-to-tram-standards Ten Nottingham city-centre bus routes are being upgraded in an £18 million investment to bring them close to the standards of the cities tramway. Improvements include tracking devices on all buses to give late-running services priority at traffic signals; extended use of smartcard payment to speed up boarding and better disabled access on buses and at bus stops. The aim is to bring the services up to the same performance standards as the Nottingham tram for journey times, reliability, acc

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Bus News Thu, 6 Sep 2012 16:54:00 GMT 31988
Siemens system to help Tyne and Wear buses https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/31987/siemens-system-to-help-tyne-and-wear-buses A major project by Siemens to upgrade over 160 traffic signal controllers in Newcastle and across the Tyne and Wear region is to go ahead following an award of Better Bus Area (BBA) funding from the Department for Transport to the Tyne and Wear Integrated Transport Authority (ITA). The project aims to improve the reliability of journey times along 19 key bus corridors and relieve congestion at nine identified traffic hotspots where buses are currently being delayed on a regular basis. It will i

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Products & Services Thu, 6 Sep 2012 16:52:00 GMT 31987
Politics and transport -you just cant keep them apart https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/31968/politics-and-transport-you-just-can-t-keep-them-apart This month my column will be a little reflective. And quite political. But you’ll be used to that. Sadly it is my last ‘regular’ piece for New Transit, though I’m not going far, and some readers will hopefully still be following my musings. From next month I’ll be doing a column for NT stable-mate Local Transport Today. It will be a discursive and perhaps quirky look at local transport in Britain from the perspective of a (newly-elected) local councillor. The last

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Viewpoint Thu, 6 Sep 2012 15:52:00 GMT 31968
First beats rivals to West Coast franchise but forecasts questioned as Virgin refuses to go quietly https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/31950/first-beats-rivals-to-west-coast-franchise-but-forecasts-questioned-as-virgin-refuses-to-go-quietly

Legal action, petitions, pleas to the UK Parliament, and plans for competing flights by dissapointed rival Virgin have followed the naming of First as the new operator for the West Coast train operating franchise between London, Birmingham, Manchester and Scotland. The franchise is the first of a significant batch to be re-let, embodying new government thinking on the running and development of the UK rail system. But it has raised questions of forecasting demand and how to ensure that an over

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Business Lead Story Thu, 6 Sep 2012 14:21:00 GMT 31950
New operator/Network Rail relationships save money and improve performance https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/31942/new-operator-network-rail-relationships-save-money-and-improve-performance Closer working between British train operators and infrastructure provider Network Rail is delivering new projects that benefit train operations and infrastructure management, as well as reducing scheme delivery costs. Proposals for closer working between train operating franchise holders and Network Rail were set out in the McNulty review into costs of the rail industry in Britain last year and are now beginning to make a noticeable impact. Scotrail has become the latest train operator to ent

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Rail News Thu, 6 Sep 2012 13:30:00 GMT 31942
New trolley buses for Leeds https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/31941/new-trolley-buses-for-leeds As well as the Northern Hub scheme, there was other good news for electric public transport in the north of England with the Leeds New Generation Transport trolleybus scheme being approved for funding by the DfT, providing that scheme promoters Metro (the West Yorkshire Integrated Transport Authority) and Leeds City Council can obtain statutory consents. The 8.7 mile route linking two park and ride sites to Leeds city centre, via substantial dedicated roadspace, will be Britain’s first mod

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Light Rail News Thu, 6 Sep 2012 13:26:00 GMT 31941
Faster more-reliable transport as Britain electrifies railways https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/31940/faster-more-reliable-transport-as-britain-electrifies-railways

The future of public transport in Britain will be more electric, the UK government has decided, as it begins the process of catching up with mainland European thinking on public transport power supply. It has given the go ahead to substantial electrification works on the country’s rail network, and a commitment to fund plans to reintroduce the first electric trolleybuses in the country, since the last one was withdrawn from Bradford in 1972. While European mainland railways are electrifi

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Environment Lead Story Thu, 6 Sep 2012 13:21:00 GMT 31940
Arriva efficiency programme to deliver win-win cost savings and environmental benefits https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/31352/arriva-efficiency-programme-to-deliver--win-win-cost-savings-and-environmental-benefits

At Arriva’s UK bus division, a £1.5m programme is being initiated to reduce use of energy and utility resources. The programme has been driven primarily by the need to look across the business to minimise costs in response to challenging trading conditions. However, the new focus is also designed to deliver significant environmental benefits. Financial payback on the programme is expected within two years, demonstrating the value that targeted investments in environmental sustainabil

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Environment Lead Story Fri, 13 Jul 2012 13:51:00 GMT 31352
Energy efficiency is key to cutting carbon and controlling costs https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/31348/energy-efficiency-is-key-to-cutting-carbon-and-controlling-costs

It is a win-win situation when the engineering, commercial and marketing departments of passenger transport organisations can find common cause in their business objectives, and a shared message to present to the public and political decision-makers. But the idea of ‘going green’ is increasingly providing just that opportunity - with improved economic and environmental credentials going hand-in-hand. Applying smarter thinking about how bus and rail systems are designed, equipped and

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Cover Story Fri, 13 Jul 2012 13:16:00 GMT 31348
US backs fuel cell buses with $13m on research and demonstration projects https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/31053/us-backs-fuel-cell-buses-with-13m-on-research-and-demonstration-projects US transportation secretary Ray LaHood has announced $13.1m in federal funding for 11 innovative research and demonstration projects under the Federal Transit Administration’s National Fuel Cell Bus programme. The programme advances hydrogen fuel cell power for transit buses, and reflects the Obama Administration’s commitment to address energy challenges, reduce dependence on foreign oil, and promote cleaner air. The funds are shared by Calstart in Pasadena, Calif; the Center for Tr

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Environment Mon, 11 Jun 2012 18:25:00 GMT 31053
Consortia win 10m rail RD funding https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/31049/consortia-win-10m-rail-r-d-funding Nineteen projects have been given funding under the UK Technology Strategy Board’s  Accelerating Innovation in Rail collaborative R&D competition. Because of the number of high quality applications, additional funding has been made available, with both RSSB and BIS providing contributions to increase the total amount from £4 million to £5 million. Including contributions from the companies involved, the total value of the R&D projects is put at more t

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Rail News Mon, 11 Jun 2012 18:23:00 GMT 31049
Civitas plans consultants search directory https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/31047/civitas-plans-consultants-search-directory A directory of consultants specialising in urban mobility is planned for the next phase of the recently launched CIVITAS MIMOSA search engine. Developed within the EU-supported Making Innovations in MObility and Sustainable Actions (MIMOSA) initiative, it can currently access databases of policy documents, research material and related products in the areas of car-independent lifestyles, clean fuels and vehicles, collective passenger transport, demand management strategies, mobility management,

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Technology News Mon, 11 Jun 2012 18:21:00 GMT 31047
Contactless smartcards in Glasgow Clockwork Orange system upgrade https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/31040/contactless-smartcards-in-glasgow-clockwork-orange-system-upgrade

Glasgow commuters will offered contactless smartcard payment on the city’s single-line circular Subway from 2013 as part of the system’s £288m upgrade. The Scottish Government is contributing funding for the system, developed by Ecebs and the Strathclyde Partnership for Transport (SPT). It is due to be in place in time for the 2014 Commonwealth Games. At present there is a flat fare, and a new system will introduce lower rates for short journeys. To avoid people being caught

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Light Rail News Mon, 11 Jun 2012 18:17:00 GMT 31040
Revised UK bus policy framework leaves little room for franchises https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/31030/revised-uk-bus-policy-framework-leaves-little-room-for-franchises

With the Competition Commission’s review of Britain’s bus market now complete, the Government has launched its formal new bus policy statement. As expected there are no radical changes to the deregulated framework that has now been in place for some 25 years, or moves to bring franchising into play outside London, though Local Transport Minister Norman Baker kept the door open for English local authorities to pursue bus Quality Contracts with a measure of formal control, whilst usin

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Bus News Lead Story Mon, 11 Jun 2012 18:11:00 GMT 31030
First pins faith in local focus or disposals in quest for recovery in UK?bus operations https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/31027/first-pins-faith-in-local-focus-or-disposals-in-quest-for-recovery-in-uk-bus-operations The full impact of the legacy of FirstGroup’s historic approach to managing its UK bus division continues to unfold.  The response to the economic downturn means mileage is 13% lower than three years ago, with fare rises that have delivered little yield but  contributed to ongoing falls in patronage. Latest forecasts make for the most depressing reading yet in the continuing decline. The company’s new chief executive Tim O’Toole and his UK bus managing director Giles

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Bus News Mon, 11 Jun 2012 18:10:00 GMT 31027
National Express highlights challenge of 15m lost concessionary coach revenue https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/31025/national-express-highlights-challenge-of-15m-lost-concessionary-coach-revenue

National Express Group has highlighted that the UK government’s decision to scrap concessionary travel programmes for coach passengers last November will cost its coach division £15m of lost revenue this year. In its first quarter trading statement, the group said that “mitigating the lower profit” that the reduced revenue would cause would be the coach division’s major challenge in 2012. Initial progress following the launch of National Express’s own conces

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Bus News Mon, 11 Jun 2012 18:08:00 GMT 31025
UK Rail regulators competitive framework for Network Rail sets new model for open market https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/31020/uk-rail-regulator-s-competitive-framework-for-network-rail-sets-new-model-for-open-market Movement towards a new competitive model for European railways continues to proceed at a sedate pace, but inexorably steps are being made. In some countries, local court rulings have started to back up the EC’s position that an international open market now supposedly in place should be being followed domestically, as in Germany where there have been signs of increased market opening following a judgement that prevented the direct award of tenders to Deutsche Bahn. It’s not the same

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Reflections Mon, 11 Jun 2012 18:05:00 GMT 31020
New questions emerging on passenger cost sensitivity https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/31018/new-questions-emerging-on-passenger-cost-sensitivity

The UK Department for Transport has published a new rail demand forecasting framework developed by consultants Oxera and Arup that suggests current industry expectations of passenger responses to price and journey time changes may be wrong. It adds to an emerging understanding that the old principles and practices of revenue management are increasingly out of date. Commissioned by the DfT, Transport Scotland and the Passenger Demand Forecasting Council, the ‘Revisiting the elasticity-base

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Reflections Mon, 11 Jun 2012 18:03:00 GMT 31018
French industry achieves single multi-modal focus to promote sector https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/31016/french-industry-achieves-single-multi-modal-focus-to-promote-sector

The French passenger transport sector has achieved a strong and focused representative framework that brings the operating industry across all the modes together in a single body, which itself works closely with the parallel organisation for local transport authorities and their political leadership. The Union des Transports Publics et Ferroviaires now includes both urban bus and tram systems, and since 2006 the rail sector too, with ten rail undertakings including SNCF and Eurostar. A determi

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The Product Mon, 11 Jun 2012 17:56:00 GMT 31016
SNCF Group revenue totalled 326 billion in 2011 https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/31014/sncf-group-revenue-totalled-32-6-billion-in-2011 SNCF’s group activity continued to grow last year, rising  7.2% in turnover from 2010, to €32.6b -  a 5.8% rise at constant exchange rates. EBITDA stood at 9.3%, a significant rise from 7.1% in 2010, but still too low to cover essential investments in service quality and development. Net profit totalled €125m, reflecting the strong negative impact of €840m in asset write-downs, including €700m in TGV trains. Driven by a sharp rise in self-financing activity

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Market Mon, 11 Jun 2012 17:55:00 GMT 31014
New French President has 10 point agenda for transport https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/31010/new-french-president-has-10-point-agenda-for-transport

Three months before the victory of François Hollande as France’s new socialist President, his transport adviser during the campaign, Roland Ries, Mayor of Strasbourg and Senate member, presented the would-be president’s ten point transport plan.  The clearest statement to date of how President Hollande will approach this policy area, it reflects his wider campaign pledges to drive forward economic growth and public investment, address environmental issues and put equity

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Politics Lead Story Mon, 11 Jun 2012 17:47:00 GMT 31010
Trams - now a key feature of many French towns https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/31004/trams--now-a-key-feature-of-many-french-towns

A feature of France’s public transport system is that tram lines are much more common than in countries of a similar size and urban structure like Britain. France has 22 tram networks comprising a total of 41 lines. In the past twelve months new lines have been opened in Dijon, Le Havre and Montpellier. Britain has just five, including  the only long standing traditional network in Blackpool. French trams can be found operating in what would be regarded in Britain as quite small town

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Cover Story Detail Mon, 11 Jun 2012 17:33:00 GMT 31004
Its all happening in France https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/31002/it-s-all-happening-in-france

Some features of the French public transport system are internationally known – and admired. But the policy, organisational and funding framework behind them is not so well understood, and even the performance of the system in terms of patronage levels, modal split, commercial results and passenger and political ratings is sometimes hard for outsiders to discover. Amongst the most widely recognised elements are the impresive high speed rail network, the advanced development of urban rail

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Cover Story Mon, 11 Jun 2012 17:28:00 GMT 31002
Cross channel connection can teach French lessons https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/31001/cross-channel-connection-can-teach-french-lessons

We’ve thrown the spotlight on France for this issue. There is a great deal happening in the French passenger transport scene which is innovative and positive and well worth the attention of professionals from other countries. As New Transit was going to press, François Hollande was elected President, on a slate of increased public spending to achieve growth, and a concern for greater equity. Both these objectives could impact upon transport, as could a highly sceptical view on the

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Editorial Comment Mon, 11 Jun 2012 17:24:00 GMT 31001
French mayors nail their colours to transport projects https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/30999/french-mayors-nail-their-colours-to-transport-projects

­It is a truth more or less universally acknowledged, that a French city mayor seeking re-election must be in want of a tram. In France the tram represents more than just an urban-friendly, bang on trend mode of transport. Much more is riding on it. In a word: votes. The thinking here is along the lines of ‘give the people a tram and they’ll vote for me.’ Brand new tramways, or line extensions, or the introduction of new trams, are typically inaugurated prior to city elec

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Viewpoint Mon, 11 Jun 2012 17:03:00 GMT 30999
Dowd hits back against claims questioning financial process at Merseytravel https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/30842/dowd-hits-back-against-claims-questioning-financial-process-at-merseytravel Merseytravel chairman Mark Dowd has issued a statement denouncing local newspaper reports claiming that the district auditor had questioned Merseytravel’s process for allocating funding for some projects. It was reported that the auditor had raised concerns about the renting of the new £2.8m-a-year HQ at Mann Island, and also questioned a retainer of £10,000/month paid to a public affairs company, and whether the award of certain contracts had followed correct process. Dowd

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People Lead Story Thu, 31 May 2012 11:26:00 GMT 30842
Investors question future of FirstGroups chairman https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/30808/investors-question-future-of-firstgroup-s-chairman FirstGroup is facing pressure from investors to consider removing its chairman, Martin Gilbert. Several major shareholders have voiced concern that he is unable to give sufficient attention to the job in addition to commitments as chief executive of Aberdeen Asset Management. Some shareholders also believe there is a need to refresh the Board, given that Gilbert has been in place since 1995. Analysts have also raised concerns about his position given recent profit warnings relating to the per

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People Wed, 30 May 2012 08:58:00 GMT 30808
Network Rail launches new infrastructure business in preparation for competition https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/30461/network-rail-launches-new-infrastructure-business-in-preparation-for-competition Changes to the way Network Rail delivers infrastructure projects worth £2bn a year have come into force as part of the company’s reform programme to encourage competition, drive down costs and deliver better value for money. A new, commercially focussed, regionally based projects delivery business – Network Rail Infrastructure Projects – has been created, with four regional directors and three programme directors responsible for delivery of major renewal and enhancement i

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Rail News Wed, 18 Apr 2012 09:46:00 GMT 30461
Workable UK framework elusive for rail devolution https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/30284/workable-uk-framework-elusive-for-rail-devolution

Momentum has appeared to be building inexorably in the UK towards following the European example of devolving much greater responsibility for local rail services to local or regional government. In setting out the practical implications, the Department for Transport’s much delayed Command Paper responding to the original McNulty review recommendations from last May has acted as something of a reality check. The benefits devolution could bring in terms of making informed decisions, local

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Business Tue, 10 Apr 2012 09:48:00 GMT 30284
Creative thinking needed in moves to rail localism https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/30259/creative-thinking-needed-in-moves-to-rail-localism

­T­­he UK Government has issued its consultation paper on options for decentralising local and regional rail services within England. It’s a hot topic and the suggested options include some potentially radical stuff, but my suspicion is that we face a fairly tortuous journey to any new responsibility framework, with an uneven response, reflecting the lack of effective regional or sub-regional government in Britain. The UK does not have a clear federal structure like the USA

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Viewpoint Tue, 10 Apr 2012 09:35:00 GMT 30259
Command Paper sets out plans for up to 35bn annual savings https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/30286/command-paper-sets-out-plans-for-up-to-3-5bn-annual-savings The Department for Transport’s  Command Paper aims to take forward proposals set out by last year’s McNulty review of the rail industry. It outlines plans for the industry to work collaboratively to deliver £2.5-3.5bn of annual savings by 2019. Savings would be used to end the current policy of above inflation fare rises, invest in rolling stock and infrastructure, and reduce the industry’s reliance on public subsidy. Alongside the Command Paper, the DfT has publishe

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Business Thu, 5 Apr 2012 13:52:00 GMT 30286
Hydrogen bus fleet set for Aberdeen https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/30254/hydrogen-bus-fleet-set-for-aberdeen Aberdeen is set to become home to one of the largest hydrogen bus fleets in Europe. The city council has agreed to support a European Union project, which will involve up to 12 buses being used on routes into central Aberdeen. The buses will be refuelled at Scotland’s first large hydrogen refuelling station, which will supply locally generated gas. EU funding of £9.2m has been secured by the council, which has pledged to contribute £2m over four years and to secure a further

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Bus News Thu, 5 Apr 2012 11:26:00 GMT 30254
HS2 announces winners of EIA contracts https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/30138/hs2-announces-winners-of-eia-contracts HS2 Ltd has awarded the remaining four contracts under Lot 3 Environmental Services of HS2 Ltd’s Professional Services Framework. The work covers Environmental Impact Assessments. ERM Temple Group Mott MacDonald Consortium has been awarded two of the four contracts.  They will carry out the Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs) for the London metropolitan area and Rural South section of the route covering: Buckinghamshire, Hertfordshire, Oxfordshire and Northamptonshire.  Wor

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Rail News Wed, 28 Mar 2012 11:20:00 GMT 30138
What can Europe learn from date with McNulty? https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/29724/what-can-europe-learn-from-date-with-mcnulty- At the beginning of February, Sir Roy McNulty was giving  a presentation at the European Community headquarters as part of a seminar to examine the relevance of his report on UK rail reform to the structural changes that wider European rail liberalisation will entail. There are clearly lessons to be learned from his work about both cost effective structures and specific approaches to rail project and system management. In the upheaval of opening markets to more competition there is a benef

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Reflections Tue, 7 Feb 2012 14:00:00 GMT 29724
Extension of Green Bus Fund boosts UK market https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/29722/extension-of-green-bus-fund-boosts-uk-market

Continuing economic uncertainty and spending restraints have depressed the UK bus vehicle market, but the industry has had one bright spot from the £25 million on offer under the Government’s Green Bus Fund III initiative. “I’m happy not to be gloomy about 2012”, Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders’ Bus and Coach Section Chair Adrian Wickens says. The Volvo Bus Product Planning Manager expects to see full take-up of the third-round extension of the fu

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Environment Lead Story Tue, 7 Feb 2012 13:59:00 GMT 29722
DfT 15m funding boost for Sustrans and cycle/rail integration https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/29683/dft-15m-funding-boost-for-sustrans-and-cycle-rail-integration Transport Minister Norman Baker has announced £15m of new funding for sustainable travel projects designed to promote economic growth and cut carbon. Transport charity Sustrans will receive £8m for projects to enhance cycle routes across England. The remaining £7m will be allocated through the Cycle Rail Working Group – the body which brings together representatives of the rail industry and the cycling sector – to improve integration between cycle and rail at stati

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In brief Tue, 7 Feb 2012 11:13:00 GMT 29683
Shanghais transit explosion shows true will to deliver https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/29680/shanghai-s-transit-explosion-shows-true-will-to-deliver

Which world city has today’s largest metro? It’s a question that is defined by the word ‘today’. If I’d asked you ten, or even five years ago, the answer would have been very different! But since 2010 the record holder has been the Chinese metropolis of Shanghai. With 420 kilometers (261 miles) Shanghai has surpassed London and New York to grab the title of the world’s largest metro as measured by route kilometers (or miles). With multiple sections of triple

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Profile Tue, 7 Feb 2012 10:02:00 GMT 29680
Making stations special - big and small https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/29677/making-stations-special--big-and-small

­T­­he ‘rail product’ is only as strong as its weakest link, and that link is often the station. So it’s good to see some real positives emerging on the station front. Both big and small. I had a heart-warming start to 2012 when I travelled on a local train, in the ‘investment-starved’ North of England, and stopped at a brand new and impressive station. It’s called ‘Buckshaw Parkway’, located between Leyland and Chorley in Lancashire,

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Viewpoint Tue, 7 Feb 2012 09:26:00 GMT 29677
Call for new stations in 1bn Edinburgh-Glasgow rail plan https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/29674/call-for-new-stations-in-1bn-edinburgh-glasgow-rail-plan Campaign groups, MSPs and councillors are calling for up to 12 new rail stations to be added to Transport Scotland’s proposals for the £1bn Edinburgh-Glasgow Improvement Programme (EGIP). Only one new station (to connect rail services to the Edinburgh tram system) has so far been incorporated in the plan. EGIP is primarily designed to increase the number of trains between Scotland’s two largest cities from 10-13/hour and cut journey times 25% to 37 minutes. However, campaign

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Rail News Mon, 6 Feb 2012 13:56:00 GMT 29674
Short notice for severe Welsh BSOG cut https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/29524/short-notice-for-severe-welsh-bsog-cut The Welsh government has announced cuts to the Bus Service Operators Grant which will be more severe than those in England. In April, BSOG will be cut by 25% compared to 20% in England. The Welsh Local Government Association (WLGA) criticised not only the scale of the cut but the minimal time that the industry and local authorities have been given to prepare for it.  “Whilst cuts were expected, the severity of the cuts was unforeseen and local authorities are now warning that the

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Bus News Thu, 26 Jan 2012 10:09:00 GMT 29524
FirstGroup bus business disposals programme hits problems https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/29393/firstgroup-bus-business-disposals-programme-hits-problems FirstGroup’s attempts to raise cash from selling bus operations are being hindered by the economic climate and uncertainty created by the Competition Commission’s investigation into the bus industry. In its latest trading update, FirstGroup highlighted that cash generated for debt repayment in 2011/12 would be £35-50m lower than anticipated as a result of its failure to sell assets which it considers non-core, underperforming or outside its strategy to grow business. Finance

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Bus News Fri, 13 Jan 2012 08:46:00 GMT 29393
Greening changes HS2 route to minimise impact on householders and the environment https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/29386/greening-changes-hs2-route-to-minimise-impact-on-householders-and-the-environment Transport Secretary Justine Greening has announced changes to the phase 1 London-Birmingham HS2 route proposed during consultation in order to address concerns expressed and minimise HS2’s impact on communities and the environment. The DfT estimates that the revised route will halve the number of dwellings at risk of land take and reduce the number experiencing increased noise levels by a third. The remaining homeowners who will  suffer adverse impact  will receive a package of

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Rail News Tue, 10 Jan 2012 12:31:00 GMT 29386
Summary of DfT case for HS2 https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/29385/summary-of-dft-case-for-hs2 The Department for Transport has set out detailed benefits which will be provided by HS2 including capacity increases, journey time savings, modal shift economic benefits and measures to protect the environment. They are summarised below. HS2 will increase dramatically passenger capacity along the key transport corridors of Britain with up to 26,000 extra passenger seats each hour that will relieve congestion on existing intercity routes as well as roads and air routes.

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Rail News Tue, 10 Jan 2012 12:18:00 GMT 29385
Rolling stock deal gives SWT 8000 extra morning peak seats https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/29284/rolling-stock-deal-gives-swt-8-000-extra-morning-peak-seats The Department for Transport is providing funding for an additional 60 carriages for Stagecoach’s South West Trains franchise. The deal will see eight-car trains on the Windsor lines lengthened to 10 carriages, providing an extra 8,000 morning peak seats into London Waterloo. Services from Windsor, Weybridge (via Staines) and Hounslow (via both Richmond and Brentford) will be lengthened. Two additional Reading-Waterloo trains will run each way, together with an additional morning peak Houn

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Rail News Tue, 3 Jan 2012 11:26:00 GMT 29284
NEG tipped to partner RENFE in bids for UK franchises https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/29225/neg-tipped-to-partner-renfe-in-bids-for-uk-franchises Reports in the Spanish press have tipped National Express Group and Spanish national train operator Renfe to form an alliance to bid for UK rail franchises. An alliance would enhance the credibility of National Express’s position as a bidder after being stripped of its East Coast franchise in 2009 and failing to make the shortlist to bid for its Greater Anglia franchise, which will be taken over by Abellio in February. For Renfe, the partnership would provide valuable strategic knowledge o

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Rail News Tue, 20 Dec 2011 12:32:00 GMT 29225
DfT creates 50m partnership fund to grow patronage https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/29022/dft-creates-50m-partnership-fund-to-grow-patronage The Department for Transport has announced a new £50m Better Bus Areas fund to enable operators and local authorities to form effective partnerships to grow patronage. Bids could include measures to reduce congestion, provide better information to passengers, make improvements to bus stations or encourage people to switch to buses from the car in densely populated urban areas. Winning funding is dependent on backing for the proposals from at least one operator. A further £10m has be

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Bus News Lead Story Thu, 8 Dec 2011 11:57:00 GMT 29022
DfT provides 29m for extra Great Western capacity https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/28837/dft-provides-29m-for-extra-great-western-capacity The Department for Transport has provided £29m of funding for First Great Western to operate an additional 48 carriages until the end of its franchise in 2013 so that existing services can be lengthened. Passengers in the Thames Valley will benefit from 2,266 extra seats in the morning three hour peak and 2,233 seats in the evening three hour peak into and out of London Paddington. The majority of these services will also provide additional capacity into Reading. The extra carriages, whic

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Rail News Tue, 22 Nov 2011 13:18:00 GMT 28837
Greening delays publication of rail reform plan https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/28743/greening-delays-publication-of-rail-reform-plan

The Department for Transport’s Command Paper on reducing costs and reforming the structure of the rail industry has been delayed by new Transport Minister Justine Greening. The Paper, which had been scheduled for publication this month to take forward some of the recommendations in the McNulty review,  will now be published until early 2012. Greening said the delay would “allow time for greater consideration of issues central to the question of rail reform” and enable the

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Rail News Lead Story Wed, 16 Nov 2011 11:11:00 GMT 28743
Network Rail completes devolution of power to strategic routes https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/28740/network-rail-completes-devolution-of-power-to-strategic-routes Network Rail has completed the devolution of responsibility for the day-to-day running of Britain’s railway infrastructure to ten strategic routes. The programme is part of Network Rail’s plans to cut the cost of running Britain’s railway and work more effectively with passenger and freight operators. Each route managing director is now fully accountable for the route businesses under their control as part of a new network operations function, which includes all maintenance,

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Rail News Mon, 14 Nov 2011 16:01:00 GMT 28740
PTEG analysis shows London transport spend is three times greater than in other cities https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/28735/pteg-analysis-shows-london-transport-spend-is-three-times-greater-than-in-other-cities The Passenger Transport Group’s analysis of the Treasury’s latest public spending figures has shown that transport spend in London is now nearly triple the spend in the North of England and West Midlands. The figures (Public Expenditure Statistical Analyses figures for 2010/11) show that spending on transport in London stands at £774 per head compared with an average £285 per head for the West Midlands and the North of England. The figures per region are: £255 per

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In brief Mon, 7 Nov 2011 10:36:00 GMT 28735
EUs core network plan could help get rail projects going https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/28603/eu-s-core-network-plan-could-help-get-rail-projects-going The European Commission adopted, on October 19th, an ambitious proposal to transform the existing patchwork of major European roads, railways, airports and canals into a unified transport network (TEN-T). The core network will connect 83 main European ports with rail and road links, 37 key airports with rail connections into major cities, 15,000 km of railway line upgraded to high speed and 35 cross border projects to reduce bottlenecks. The plan is designed to, upgrade infrastructure and stre

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Projects Thu, 27 Oct 2011 11:47:00 GMT 28603
Strategic or local? Hub plans pose a question for rails role https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/28584/strategic-or-local-hub-plans-pose-a-question-for-rail-s-role

­I­­t seems slightly self-indulgent to use this ‘opinion’ column to go into the ins and outs of my local train service in the South Pennines, but hey – it is my opinion, and current plans perfectly highlight some of the dillemas surrounding the age-old question of what railways are for. I live in the large Yorkshire textile village of Slaithwaite, about four miles west of Huddersfield in the Colne Valley, on the busy Huddersfield to Manchester Trans-Pennine route.

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Viewpoint Thu, 27 Oct 2011 11:06:00 GMT 28584
20% of supported bus services cut - with more to come https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/28571/20-of-supported-bus-services-cut--with-more-to-come Figures obtained by Campaign for Better Transport (CBT) show council spending cuts have led to one in five supported bus services being cut. The figures, which were collected through freedom of information requests, reveal that council cuts to bus budgets totalling £36m have resulted in more than 1000 service cuts. CBT is warning that many more bus services are likely to be lost as 77% of local transport authorities in England are either planning to, or could not rule out, further cuts in

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Bus News Thu, 27 Oct 2011 10:10:00 GMT 28571
36m sponsorship deal for London cable car scheme https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/28570/-36m-sponsorship-deal-for-london-cable-car-scheme

Global airline Emirates and Transport for London have agreed a sponsorship deal for London’s cable car Thames river crossing which is scheduled for completion next summer. The link, which will provide a direct connection between the Greenwich Peninsula and Royal Victoria Docks, will be known as the Emirates Air Line in a 10-year deal worth £36m. It will connect two of London’s biggest venues, the O2 entertainment centre and Excel exhibition site. The two new stations are set to

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Business Thu, 27 Oct 2011 10:07:00 GMT 28570
DfT set to withhold part of LSTF award https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/28568/dft-set-to-withhold-part-of-lstf-award The Department for Transport (DfT) may not award the full £560m earmarked for the Local Sustainable Transport Fund, councils preparing major project bids (£5m-£50m) have been told. “The DfT state that ministers may not commit all of the fund if suitable and robust business cases are not forthcoming,” said Centro’s strategy and commissioning director Tom Magrath.. The fund aims to promote packages with the twin objectives of boosting the economy and cutting c

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Business Thu, 27 Oct 2011 10:03:00 GMT 28568
Northern Hub and electrification become rail industry top priorities https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/28565/northern-hub-and-electrification-become-rail-industry-top-priorities

The rail industry has put delivering a major capacity enhancement scheme in Manchester and further electrification projects at the top of investment priorities for the next five-year spending plan. Delivering the full £500m Northern Hub project in Manchester, and electrifying the trans-Pennine route and Cardiff Valley line commuter network, are among investments proposed in the rail industry’s Initial Industry Plan for Network Rail’s next five-year control period (CP5), coveri

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Rail News Thu, 27 Oct 2011 09:57:00 GMT 28565
No room for East-West Rail in industry plan https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/28564/no-room-for-east-west-rail-in-industry-plan The local authority-led campaign to build the East West Rail project — a railway from Reading/Oxford to Milton Keynes and Bedford — has been dealt a blow by the omission of the project from the rail industry’s Initial Industry Plan. The plan sets out the investments that Network Rail and train operators want to see delivered in the next five-year regulatory Control Period (CP5), 2014/15-2018/19. The East West Rail Consortium, led by Buckinghamshire County Council, is lobbying

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Rail News Thu, 27 Oct 2011 09:56:00 GMT 28564
New fund aims to boost rail innovation https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/28269/new-fund-aims-to-boost-rail-innovation The Rail Safety and Standards Board and the Technology Strategy Board are to invest up to £4m in a new fund to accelerate business innovation in the UK’s rail industry. The aim of the Accelerating Innovation in Rail funding competition is to support the development of technologies that address the challenges facing the rail industry, as well as meeting customer requirements in both UK and international rail markets. Bids should be proposals for business-led collaborative research

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Rail News Wed, 5 Oct 2011 13:27:00 GMT 28269
Ministers force Edinburgh council to reinstate city centre tram terminus https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/28266/ministers-force-edinburgh-council-to-reinstate-city-centre-tram-terminus Edinburgh’s first tram route will serve the city centre after pressure from the Scottish Government prompted councillors into an abrupt U-turn on plans to terminate the line outside the central area. Councillors last week voted to build the line from the airport all the way to St Andrew Square in the city’s east end, reversing last month’s decision to terminate the route at Haymarket on the western edge of the city centre. The decision leaves the council with a £231m fun

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Light Rail News Wed, 5 Oct 2011 13:23:00 GMT 28266
First makes 27m investment in EMV ticketing revolution https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/28263/first-makes-27m-investment-in-emv-ticketing-revolution FirstGroup has announced that it will invest £27m in new dual smartcard/EMV ticketing technology for its 5,000 strong bus fleet in England, outside London. The new ticket machines are expected to make the company the first bus operator in the UK to offer Europay, MasterCard and VISA payment across its fleet. Transport for London is currently working on plans to install the technology on its entire network next year. The new ticket machines, designed to read contactless debit or credit car

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Bus News Wed, 5 Oct 2011 13:19:00 GMT 28263
Chiltern line upgrades win faster journeys https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/28256/chiltern-line-upgrades-win-faster-journeys

Chiltern railway’s upgraded mainline service has begun operation, cutting up to 30 minutes from journey times between London Marylebone to Birmingham, as the result of a comprehensive programme of improvements involving a number of specialist partners working on line speed enhancements. The £125m project, known as Evergreen 3, is divided into two phases. The first involves Mainline work while the second will include the reconstruction of stations at Bicester Town and Islip, new platforms

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Rail News Wed, 5 Oct 2011 12:52:00 GMT 28256
Leeder buys FirstGroup German bus business https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/28212/leeder-buys-firstgroup-german-bus-business FirstGroup has agreed to sell its 130-vehicle German bus operation to venture capitalist Marwyn European Transport (MET) for €5.5m. The deal has seen David Leeder, who was First’s international development director when it acquired the German bus business the business in 2007, buy the company for a second time. Leeder, who helped launch MET as a subsidiary of London-based investment house Marwyn Management Partners in January, has now agreed two deals for German bus businesses following t

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Bus News Tue, 4 Oct 2011 11:34:00 GMT 28212
Rail industry sets out agenda for new wave of investment https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/28183/rail-industry-sets-out-agenda-for-new-wave-of-investment

The rail industry has taken the first steps in its bid to persuade the government to fund new infrastructure projects by setting out an agenda to cut costs and cater effectively for growing demand. The Initial Industry Plan (IIP) for 2014-2019 has been drawn up by all sectors of the industry from suppliers to operators and Network Rail. It details how efficiencies would be made in response to the McNulty Rail Value for Money Review and suggests that the cost of running the railway could be re

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Rail News Thu, 29 Sep 2011 15:55:00 GMT 28183
SPT submits business case for Glasgow rapid transit system https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/28009/spt-submits-business-case-for-glasgow-rapid-transit-system Strathclyde Partnership for Transport has submitted the final business case for its core Fastlink bus rapid transit scheme to the Scottish Government. It believes that work could begin by the end of September on the system which would link the  city centre with the Commonwealth Games area at the Scottish Exhibition and Conference Centre (SECC) and the new Southern General Hospital. SPT estimates that the Fastlink network will improve bus journey times by up to 20%, so increasing the numb

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Bus News Tue, 20 Sep 2011 15:57:00 GMT 28009
New fund to promote rail industry innovation https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/28007/new-fund-to-promote-rail-industry-innovation The Rail Safety and Standards Board and the Technology Strategy Board (a business-led body sponsored by the Department for Business Innovation and Skills) are to invest up to £4m in a new fund to accelerate business innovation in the UK’s rail industry. The aim of the new Accelerating Innovation in Rail funding competition is to support the development of technologies that are able to address the challenges facing the rail industry, as well as meeting customer requirements in both

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Rail News Fri, 16 Sep 2011 09:54:00 GMT 28007
RATP continues international expansion despite domestic challenges https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/27918/ratp-continues-international-expansion-despite-domestic-challenges Paris-based transport group RATP increased turnover by 10% in the first half of 2011 to 2.58bn Euros, as it continued its international growth. This year, RATP has expanded in the UK through the acquisition of the Manchester Metrolink, plus new business in Italy and Switzerland, and South Africa. In addition, RATP’s Systra consultancy has become a global brand for transportation engineering, through acquiring assets from Xelis and Inexia, the engineering subsidiaries of RATP and SNCF respe

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Light Rail News Mon, 5 Sep 2011 15:49:00 GMT 27918
First makes 27m investment in EMV ticketing revolution https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/27917/first-makes-27m-investment-in-emv-ticketing-revolution FirstGroup has announced that it will invest £27m in new dual smartcard/EMV ticketing technology for its 5,000 strong bus fleet in England, outside London. The new ticket machines are expected to make the company the first bus operator in the UK to offer Europay, MasterCard and VISA payment across its fleet. Transport for London is currently working on plans to install the technology on its entire network next year. The new ticket machines, designed to read contactless debit or credit car

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Technology News Mon, 5 Sep 2011 09:18:00 GMT 27917
PTEG claims one in five bus services will be cut https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/27713/pteg-claims-one-in-five-bus-services-will-be-cut The Passenger Transport Executive Group has claimed that Britain’s six largest urban areas outside London will lose one in five of their bus services by 2014 as a result of government funding cuts. A new report for PTEG by consultancy MVA shows that the impact of reductions to funding for local government and wider support for buses would have severe impacts on service provision compared to 2009 levels. Its forecasts include: Patronage will decline by 20% Fares will incre

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Bus News Mon, 22 Aug 2011 16:33:00 GMT 27713
150th station gets NSIP benefits https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/27682/150th-station-gets-nsip-benefits

Warrington Central is the 150th UK station to benefit from the National Stations Improvement Programme. Delivered by First TransPennine Express, which manages the station, the improvements at Warrington mean passengers now enjoy a new station entrance and refurbished station interior, including DDA-compliant windows. As well as NSIP funding of more than £400,000, Warrington Borough Council provided £300,000 funding to deliver the improvements.

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Rail News Mon, 22 Aug 2011 13:16:00 GMT 27682
Fare increases to cut Cheshire bus subsidy https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/27662/fare-increases-to-cut-cheshire-bus-subsidy August 12 Cheshire East Council plans to increase fares on some subsidised bus services in an effort to cut subsidy. “It is proposed that any service that requires less than 75p per journey subsidy becomes subject to negotiation with commercial operators to identify options for reducing taxpayer support,” Chris Williams, the council’s transport manager, told members. “For some services, a moderate increase in the fare charged would entirely eliminate the taxpayer subs

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Bus News Mon, 22 Aug 2011 10:13:00 GMT 27662
Johnson estimates cost of high-speed rail links https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/27661/johnson-estimates-cost-of-high-speed-rail-links Billions of pounds of investment in London’s transport system will be necessary to accommodate high-speed rail passengers, London mayor Boris Johnson has told ministers. Johnson also calls for additional expensive environmental mitigation work on the proposed HS2 route through West London, but suggests the Government could save billions of pounds by scrapping the proposed high-speed line spur to Heathrow Airport. Transport for London has made its own predictions for passengers travelling

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Rail News Mon, 22 Aug 2011 10:12:00 GMT 27661
Northants redraws bus network https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/27660/northants-redraws-bus-network Northamptonshire County Council has unveiled the structure of council-supported public transport services. Tendered services, community transport and demand responsive transport will all play a part as Northamptonshire cuts its support from £3.1m to £1m. The council has now worked with bus companies to make some marginally subsidised services fully commercial. It will continue to pay for some fixed routes that require a small subsidy. Community transport operators will provide some

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Bus News Mon, 22 Aug 2011 10:11:00 GMT 27660
National Express profits up 26% https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/27658/national-express-profits-up-26-

National Express has reported a 26% rise in its first-half year profits. The British transport group, which operates coach, bus and rail services, said that underlying profit for the six months to the end of June rose to £95.5m, which is at the top end of the profits forecasts. National Express’s chief executive Dean Finch said: “There is more to come in terms of margin growth, we should see the margins continue to grow in the second half. The summer is important to us, but it

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Bus News Lead Story Mon, 22 Aug 2011 10:08:00 GMT 27658
Birmingham bus network to get 25m green fleet https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/27655/birmingham-bus-network-to-get-25m-green-fleet A £25m investment over the next two years will see Birmingham’s bus network get greener vehicles, real-time information at bus stops and a new cashless swipe-card system. Bus operator National Express and West Midlands (NXWM) and passenger body Centro will invest the cash into more than 300 new low carbon buses supplied by both Alexander-Dennis and Volvo Bus. Infrastructure improvements will include enhanced bus shelters featuring arrival time screens. The funding will also be used

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Bus News Mon, 22 Aug 2011 10:02:00 GMT 27655
DfT must face up to implications of bus service cuts says select committee https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/27652/dft-must-face-up-to-implications-of-bus-service-cuts-says--committee The government has been accused of failing to monitor or understand the impact of last year’s comprehensive spending review on bus services by a cross-party of group of MPs. In its report on bus services after the spending review, the Commons Transport Committee concluded that the industry faces its “greatest financial challenge for a generation” as a result of current cuts to local authority grants, concessionary fare reimbursement, and planned cuts to Bus Service Operators&r

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Bus News Mon, 22 Aug 2011 09:55:00 GMT 27652
Evidence and local support can help protect scheme funding https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/27649/evidence-and-local-support-can-help-protect-scheme-funding Cutbacks in British government expenditure have hit transport just as hard as other public services. One of the major areas where transport funding has been reduced is the halving of the Integrated Transport Block grant for English local authorities from £600m to £300m. This grant applies to schemes of below £5m such as bus priority, public transport information and security initiatives. Though not always evaluated in detail, because ot there modist level, the received wisdom

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Business Mon, 22 Aug 2011 09:47:00 GMT 27649
National Express profit surges on first-half results https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/27471/national-express-profit-surges-on-first-half-results

National Express has reported a 26% rise in its first-half year profits. The British transport group, which operates coach, bus and rail services, said that underlying profit for the six months to the end of June rose to £95.5m, which is at the top end of the profits forecasts. National Express’s chief executive Dean Finch said: “There is more to come in terms of margin growth, we should see the margins continue to grow in the second half. The summer is important to us, but it

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In brief Mon, 1 Aug 2011 12:26:00 GMT 27471
Welsh government awards 6m for sustainable transport policies https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/27379/welsh-government-awards-6m-for-sustainable-transport-policies The Welsh Assembly Government will allocate an additional £6m to develop sustainable transport policies across the principality over the next year. The funding will go towards creating “sustainable travel centres” in Mon-a-Menai, Aberystwyth, Haverfordwest and Carmarthen, as well as further investment in a Cardiff pilot scheme. The sustainable travel centres aim to encourage alternatives to the car through investment in infrastructure initiatives. The Cardiff scheme, for examp

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In brief Mon, 18 Jul 2011 16:25:00 GMT 27379
Warwickshire working on funding package for Stratford-upon-Avon PR https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/27377/warwickshire-working-on-funding-package-for-stratford-upon-avon-p-r Warwickshire County Council is seeking £4m of additional funding after being awarded a £5m government grant towards the building of a station at Bishopton, a short distance from the present Stratford-upon-Avon town station. The £5m has been made available via the government’s Local Sustainable Transport Fund. Local transport authority, Centro, has agreed to fund extra services along the line. The proposal would see the new Stratford Parkway station built next to the tow

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Rail News Fri, 15 Jul 2011 12:16:00 GMT 27377
Tyne Wears Metro operator falls short on 'passenger environment' https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/27299/tyne--wear-s-metro-operator-falls-short-on-passenger-environment- Tyne & Wear Metro owner Nexus has held back more than half-a-million pounds from its Metro operator DB Regio Tyne and Wear (DBTW) because of missed performance targets. Although the operator scores well in customer satisfaction surveys it failed to meet all the targets. This has resulted in Nexus withholding more than £670,000 of the payment due to be handed over this year, in total £37.8m was paid out to DBTW. A large majority of the failings relate to the state of the &ldquo

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Light Rail News Mon, 11 Jul 2011 10:31:00 GMT 27299
More than a million drivers give up on car use https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/27298/more-than-a-million-drivers-give-up-on-car-use Up to 1.3m people have stopped driving because of fuel costs over the last 12 months, according to research by Sainsbury’s Insurance. The average car owner is now spending up to £1,720 per year extra to fill their vehicle’s tank this is almost a third more on the year before. According to the Automobile Association (AA), which is monitoring fuel prices, the average cost of petrol is 136p a litre. This price is actually down 0.86p on the mid-May average, but higher than the 1

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In brief Mon, 11 Jul 2011 10:29:00 GMT 27298
Big gap between transport spending in London and rest of England https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/27297/big-gap-between-transport-spending-in-london-and-rest-of-england Central government funding for transport in London is now triple the amount being spent in the West Midlands, says the region’s transport authority. Centro claims that an analysis of per capita spending figures from HM Treasury shows that spending in the capital has risen to £802 per head of population, compared with to £262 per head in the West Midlands. Centro claims that other regions throughout England are also lagging behind London, with the North West getting £333

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News Lead Story Mon, 11 Jul 2011 10:27:00 GMT 27297
Edinburgh set to continue with truncated tram plan https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/27296/edinburgh-set-to-continue-with-truncated-tram-plan

Edinburgh City Council seems set to continue with the city’s troubled tram project and reject a call for a referendum on the project’s future. The council’s decision to build the line only as far as St Andrew’s Square in the city centre, rather than to Newhaven on the Firth of Forth as originally envisaged, is to be confirmed at the next meeting of council on 25 August. Confirmation of this depends on further information regarding costs, timescales and associated risk

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Light Rail News Mon, 11 Jul 2011 10:24:00 GMT 27296
Major upgrade for Birminghams bus network https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/27295/major-upgrade-for-birmingham-s-bus-network A £25m investment over the next two years will see Birmingham’s bus network get greener vehicles, real-time information at bus stops and a new cashless swipe-card system. Bus operator National Express and West Midlands (NXWM) and passenger body Centro will invest the cash into more than 300 new low carbon buses supplied by both Alexander-Dennis and Volvo Bus. Infrastructure improvements will include enhanced bus shelters featuring arrival time screens. The funding will also be used

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Bus News Mon, 11 Jul 2011 10:22:00 GMT 27295
Major funding for green transport on both sides of the Pennines https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/27293/major-funding-for-green-transport-on-both-sides-of-the-pennines Tyneside and Cumbria have been awarded a total of £9m through the government’s Local Sustainable Transport Fund to encourage environmentally friendly transport initiatives. Tyne & Wear’s integrated transport authority (TWITA) was awarded £4.9m through to fund ways of encouraging parents to find active and low carbon ways to get to and from school, include trials of ‘walking bus’ and ‘bicycle together’ projects. School traffic has a significant

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Bus News Mon, 11 Jul 2011 10:06:00 GMT 27293
Service quality and price are all up in the air https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/27257/service-quality-and-price-are-all-up-in-the-air

In my last piece, I mused on the way in which governmental approaches to regulation of passenger transport can have some unintended consequences; specifically, the difficulty in providing incentives for transport operators to innovate and even – in the name of competition management –how ‘steering’ an open market hobbles their ability to drive efficiency. It was rather apposite that since I wrote about that subject, the UK Competition Commission Report on the UK bus marke

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Viewpoint Thu, 7 Jul 2011 08:49:00 GMT 27257
Tendered bus service partnership project is model for council role as powerful client https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/27254/tendered-bus-service-partnership-project-is-model-for-council-role-as-powerful-client

Throughout rural areas of the UK, many local councils have been responding to budget cuts by announcing their intention to drastically reduce tendered bus networks. However, in Dorset a different mood is prevailing, based on a pioneering approach to contracting, the significance of which could spread beyond this country. As in other rural UK counties, contracted transport services in Dorset make up the majority of the network and account for spending worth many millions of pounds/a year. It mea

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Business Lead Story Thu, 7 Jul 2011 08:30:00 GMT 27254
Critical times for rail as Celtic Tiger era hits the buffers https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/27248/critical-times-for-rail-as-celtic-tiger-era-hits-the-buffers

For a network with very few gradients, Ireland’s railways have been on a switchback these last few years, going from famine to feast and back again. For many years railways both north and south of the country were starved of investment. Then things took off in the last ten years. Northern Ireland got new trains and line upgrades, in part through the ‘peace dividend’. In the Republic, the renaissance was led by a highly respected English railwayman, Dick Fearn. Iarnrod Eireann (

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Viewpoint Wed, 6 Jul 2011 16:14:00 GMT 27248
Plans outlined for Scots rail upgrade https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/27159/plans-outlined-for-scots-rail-upgrade Network Rail and Transport Scotland have launched a consultation on a £1bn programme of electrification and other improvement works in central Scotland. The proposed Edinburgh Glasgow Improvement Programme (EGIP) includes the electrification of 350km of rail track in the central belt, including the Edinburgh-Glasgow Queen Street route via Falkirk and as far north as Alloa and Dunblane. The programme will also facilitate enhanced service frequencies. EGIP will be implemented over seven

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Rail News Thu, 30 Jun 2011 16:57:00 GMT 27159
Alexander Dennis profits up despite ailing bus market https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/27156/alexander-dennis-profits-up-despite-ailing-bus-market Falkirk-based bus builder Alexander Dennis has posted a 29% increase in profits for 2010 despite the depressed state of the UK bus market during the year. Turnover fell from £290m to £283m but pre-tax profit rose from £3.2m to £4.5m. The results were achieved in the face of a UK bus market, which declined over 30%, and aided by a 20% increase in export orders. Orders from Stagecoach, whose chief executive Brian Souter was part of a consortium that rescued the company f

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Bus News Thu, 30 Jun 2011 16:55:00 GMT 27156
Souter Investments to run Polish coach service https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/27155/souter-investments-to-run-polish-coach-service

Stagecoach chief executive Brian Souter has launched a new intercity express coach business in Poland, through his privately-owned Souter Investments vehicle. PolskiBus.com operates eight express routes, which started on June 18, serving Poland’s biggest cities as well as Berlin, Bratislava, Prague and Vienna from a hub in Warsaw. The air-conditioned coaches feature free Wi-Fi access, charging points for laptops and mobile phones, and leather seats. In a strategy reminiscent of Stagecoac

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Bus News Thu, 30 Jun 2011 16:54:00 GMT 27155
Go-Ahead beats profit expectations https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/27152/go-ahead-beats-profit-expectations Go-Ahead Group has announced that profits for the year to July will be ahead of its expectations due to patronage gains from commercial initiatives and modal shift from car travel. “Since the depth of the recession in 2008, Go-Ahead has seen solid growth,” said chief executive Keith Ludeman. “Three things are driving growth – improving levels of quality, better marketing of our services, and the higher costs of motoring resulting in the public choosing the better value o

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Bus News Thu, 30 Jun 2011 16:51:00 GMT 27152
Rolling stock costs can be cut by millions says Network Rail https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/27151/rolling-stock-costs-can-be-cut-by-millions-says-network-rail Network Rail has forecast that the costs of providing the next two generations of new trains could be reduced by hundreds of millions of pounds through efficiencies identified in its Passenger Rolling Stock Route Utilisation Strategy. The report draws on months of work assisted by key players in the rail industry, including train operators, government, manufacturers, rolling stock leasing companies, passenger representatives and passenger transport executives. It identifies changes that could m

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Rail News Thu, 30 Jun 2011 16:47:00 GMT 27151
West of England rapid transit project seeks DfT funding https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/27147/west-of-england-rapid-transit-project-seeks-dft-funding

Transport consultant Steer Davies Gleave is working with the West of England Partnership office — comprising Bath & North East Somerset, Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire Councils — to seek funding from the Department of Transport for rapid transit routes. Funding is available for major transport schemes across the country. The new routes would provide services that link residential areas, shopping, work, leisure and district centres, as well as helping to t

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Products & Services Thu, 30 Jun 2011 16:43:00 GMT 27147
Cambridgeshire to pool all transport resources and review bus service cuts https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/27059/cambridgeshire-to-pool-all-transport-resources-and-review-bus-service-cuts

Cambridgeshire County Council is to review controversial plans to phase out its £2.7m annual support for all tendered bus services by 2014/15 as part of its developing vision for the Cambridgeshire Future Transport initiative. The initiative would involve combining the £34m currently spent by public services on transport into a package for new community and business based schemes. If given the go-ahead by the council’s cabinet, no further bus subsidy reductions will be made u

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Bus News Tue, 28 Jun 2011 08:16:00 GMT 27059
Go Ahead beats profit expectations https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/27057/go-ahead-beats-profit-expectations Go-Ahead Group has announced that profits for the year to July will be ahead of its expectations due to patronage gains from commercial initiatives and modal shift from car travel. “Since the depth of the recession in 2008, Go-Ahead has seen solid growth,” chief executive Keith Ludeman said. “Three things are driving growth – improving levels of quality, better marketing of our services, and the higher costs of motoring resulting in the public choosing the better value o

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Bus News Thu, 23 Jun 2011 15:38:00 GMT 27057
Alexander Dennis raises profits despite depressed UK bus market https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/27054/alexander-dennis-raises-profits-despite-depressed-uk-bus-market Falkirk-based bus builder Alexander Dennis has posted a 29% increase in profits for 2010 despite the depressed state of the UK bus market during the year. Turnover fell from £290m to £283m but pre-tax profit rose from £3.2m to £4.5m. The results were achieved in the face of a UK bus market which declined over 30%, and aided by a 20% increase in export orders. Orders from Stagecoach, whose chief executive Brian Souter was part of a consortium that rescued the company from

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Bus News Tue, 21 Jun 2011 10:20:00 GMT 27054
Souter Investments boards Turkish ferry business https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/27052/souter-investments-boards-turkish-ferry-business Stagecoach boss Brian Souter has used his own investment company to lead a £528m ($861m) buy-out of Istanbul's main ferry operator. Souter Investments has a 30% stake in Istanbul Deniz Otonuslen (IDO) ferries. Souter Investments fought off competition for IDO from international ferry operator Stena and Turkish conglomerate Koc Holding. Brian Souter is partnered in this the investment company by his sister and Stagecoach co-founder, Ann Gloag, Edinburgh financier Sir Angus Grossart and th

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Business Fri, 17 Jun 2011 12:50:00 GMT 27052
Partnerships and best practice are key to better stations https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/26824/partnerships-and-best-practice-are-key-to-better-stations

Stations are as much a part of our nation’s history as they are the shop windows of the railway. They feature in films and in novels and are often focal points within our towns and cities. As these towns and cities grow and change, so must their stations. But the changes needed to cope with the growing popularity of the railway are rarely the same. Britain relies on rail, and the railway is nearly full. Major programmes like Crossrail and Thameslink are increasing capacity in London an

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Viewpoint Thu, 2 Jun 2011 15:13:00 GMT 26824
How costs compare - UK and European Railways https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/26820/how-costs-compare--uk-and-european-railways

A benchmarking study carried out for the McNulty review by German consultancy Civity demonstrated the scale of the efficiency gap between the UK rail industry and railways in four European countries – France, the Netherlands, Sweden and Switzerland. The headline results showed that overall costs per passenger kilometre in the UK are 40% greater than in Europe, with infrastructure costs up to four times higher, depending on the level and efficiency of activity. Train operating costs per pa

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Business Thu, 2 Jun 2011 14:58:00 GMT 26820
McNulty template draws on international cross-industry best practice to save 1bn https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/26819/mcnulty-template-draws-on-international-cross-industry-best-practice-to-save-1bn

The Department for Transport’s review into reducing the costs of the UK railways led by Sir Roy McNulty (pictured)  has involved a research programme that moved far beyond the often insular perspective of the UK rail industry. It took in comparisons with similar systems in France, the Netherlands, Germany, Sweden, Switzerland Denmark, the USA, Hong Kong and Australia. It also examined lessons that could be learned from other sectors including energy, air, water, automotive and defence

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Business Lead Story Thu, 2 Jun 2011 14:53:00 GMT 26819
OToole chairs new high profile rail delivery group following McNulty https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/26871/o-toole-chairs-new-high-profile-rail-delivery-group-following-mcnulty UK Rail industry leaders have set up the Rail Delivery Group (RDG) to address challenges laid out in the McNulty report on railway costs and efficiency. The new group will be made up of senior figures in the rail industry, chief executives of the passenger and freight train operating owning groups and Network Rail. Sir Roy McNulty highlighted the need for such a group in his final report. The RDG is set to meet bi-monthly, but for the rest of the year it will meet monthly and be joined by McNul

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People Thu, 2 Jun 2011 09:23:00 GMT 26871
New roof represents a brighter future for Manchester Victoria https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/26838/new-roof-represents-a-brighter-future-for-manchester-victoria

Network Rail has revealed how Manchester Victoria station could look in less than five years time. A brand new, state of the art roof will flood the station with natural light and encapsulate the historic building. It is likely to be made of ETFE – the material used at Piccadilly station and the Eden Project. The £20m cost is to be split between Network Rail (£16m) and Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) (£4m). The improvements will also future-proof the station, a

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Projects Wed, 1 Jun 2011 16:18:00 GMT 26838
Designs unveiled for London Bridge https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/26836/designs-unveiled-for-london-bridge

Plans to transform London Bridge into a bigger and better station have been published by Network Rail. The station’s concourse, which will be bigger than the pitch at Wembley Stadium, will sit underneath the tracks. Two new entrances will be constructed on Tooley Street and St Thomas Street, which will improve links between the areas around the station. Coupled with changes and improvements to the rail infrastructure around the station, the investment in the area will mark the final phas

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Projects Wed, 1 Jun 2011 16:13:00 GMT 26836
Overseas railways show way to lower cost rural lines https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/26823/overseas-railways-show-way-to-lower-cost-rural-lines A new model for rural rail lines is proposed in the McNulty report which draws heavily on experience from passenger railways in Europe and freight railways in North America. It involves piloting an approach which views rural lines as essentially separate to services on the main network, while providing connections to them. Less intensive maintenance and technical standards appropriate to low traffic levels would be applied and rolling stock adapted to reduce trains’ weight and minimise mai

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Business Wed, 1 Jun 2011 15:12:00 GMT 26823
Review calls for break-up of Network Rail https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/26821/review-calls-for-break-up-of-network-rail A radical new template for restructuring Network Rail and its relationship with train operators is set out in the McNulty report. It extends significantly beyond the measures currently envisaged in Network Rail’s transformation programme. Ultimately, the changes proposed would lead to the partial break-up of Network Rail starting in 2014. In the report, McNulty highlights Network Rail’s longstanding command and control culture and its often adversarial dealings with train operators

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Business Wed, 1 Jun 2011 15:01:00 GMT 26821
Cost driven re-think to force new wave of change in UK rail ownership and structure https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/26817/cost-driven-re-think-to-force-new-wave-of-change-in-uk-rail-ownership-and-structure

The UK railway revolution begun by the privatisation legislation in 1993 has been an almost permanent one. The pioneering approach, now increasingly being applied elsewhere, has not been the smoothest journey. Over the past year, the government has been keen to promote the McNulty review of costs and efficiencies as an exercise in evolution not revolution. It has not quite turned out that way. Its conclusions are radical and far reaching and likely to lead to a further major change in industry s

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Reflections Wed, 1 Jun 2011 14:49:00 GMT 26817
Hammond warns rail industry to drop excessive wage demands and improve productivity https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/26663/hammond-warns-rail-industry-to--excessive-wage-demands-and-improve-productivity

Transport Secretary Philip Hammond has warned the rail unions that they must make a commitment to significant improvements in productivity if the rail industry is to have a secure future. Speaking at a conference ahead of the publication of Sir Roy McNulty’s value for money report on the rail industry, Hammond said that one of the most striking aspects of the work was its analysis showing that rail industry earnings had significantly outstripped those in other sectors. He considered that

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Rail News Fri, 13 May 2011 12:29:00 GMT 26663
Consultation on privately funded Tube extension https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/26655/consultation-on-privately-funded-tube-extension

Transport for London and developer Treasury Holdings are starting a public consultation on the proposed 3km extension of the Northern line from Kennington to Battersea Power Station, to be funded by developer contributions. In the first stage of the public consultation process in 2010, local residents were asked by Treasury Holdings to comment on four possible route options, all of which ran from Kennington to Battersea Power Station. The preferred option was the route via south Nine Elms. If t

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Light Rail News Lead Story Wed, 11 May 2011 11:39:00 GMT 26655
National Express Group wins power struggle with agitating hedge fund https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/26654/national-express-group-wins-power-struggle-with-agitating-hedge-fund National Express Group has won its battle with its largest shareholder, activist hedge fund Elliot Advisors which has an 18% shareholding in NEG, over the future direction of the company. At today’s National Express AGM, the NEG board announced that Elliott had agreed “not to agitate against the company, its board or management publicly until after the company's 2012 AGM at the earliest”, and had also withdrawn resolutions calling for three new non-executive directors to be app

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Business Tue, 10 May 2011 14:37:00 GMT 26654
Costs of ScotRail train leasing doubles https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/26567/costs-of-scotrail-train-leasing-doubles The cost of leasing 38 new ScotRail trains to equip the West of Scotland line has more than doubled after officials revealed that their original figures were £230m short of the true price. Transport Scotland (TS) confirmed it would be paying £430m to lease the fleet of Class 380 electric trains for use on routes connecting Glasgow to Ayrshire, Inverclyde and Renfrewshie over the next16 years, despite repeated public statements that TS was investing less than half that amount. Trans

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Rail News Thu, 5 May 2011 14:05:00 GMT 26567
Campaign for Better Transport warns on Decision Making Review https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/26566/campaign-for-better-transport-warns-on-decision-making-review

The transport charity Campaign for Better Transport has welcomed the Department for Transport’s new Decision Making Review. But it warns that the real test will be how it is applied and highlights the need for a proper transport strategy to support the review. The campaign’s chief executive, Steven Joseph, said: “The review and associated changes to transport appraisal include many changes we’ve been arguing for, including looking at a wider range of options, testing pro

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In brief Thu, 5 May 2011 14:02:00 GMT 26566
Extra 26bn of efficiency savings sought by TfL https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/26450/extra-2-6bn-of-efficiency-savings-sought-by-tfl Transport for London is seeking an extra £2.6bn of efficiency savings before 2018 in order to protect investment in frontline services. Total efficiencies are now expected to deliver savings of £7.6bn during the period. Major cost reductions highlighted by TfL in its new business plan include: £400m from ticket office changes driven by a reduction in 800 management and operations role £375m from efficiencies in IT system £460m in bus sub

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Bus News Thu, 28 Apr 2011 12:01:00 GMT 26450
First to spend 160m on new buses over two years https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/26443/first-to-spend-160m-on-new-buses-over-two-years FirstGroup has announced that it will order £160m of new buses over the next two years. The order for 955 vehicles is one of the largest the British bus industry has ever seen. It includes 200 vehicles for First’s 2012 Olympic Games services and 40 hybrid buses, part funded by the Government’s ‘Green Bus Fund’, for Leeds, Manchester and Glasgow. As a result of the order, First will invest a further  £4m over two years to refurbish and ‘cascade&rsqu

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Bus News Thu, 28 Apr 2011 11:50:00 GMT 26443
DfTs 46m Green Bus Fund will result in more than 540 hybrid and electric buses https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/26440/dft-s-46m-green-bus-fund-will-result-in-more-than-540-hybrid-and-electric-buses

The Department for Transport has announced how its £46m Green Bus Fund has been distributed. The fund will result in 542 new hybrid and electric low carbon buses being introduced in England by March 2012. With the money paid to 20 operators and six local authorities as part payment for the vehicles. “Low carbon buses emit around 30 per cent fewer greenhouse gas emissions than standard diesel buses and use around a third less fuel – that is why it was so important to kick-start

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Bus News Thu, 28 Apr 2011 11:43:00 GMT 26440
UK Chancellor pledges an extra 200m investment for new rail schemes https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/26437/uk-chancellor-pledges-an-extra-200m-investment-for-new-rail-schemes

The UK government has made £200m of additional investment available for rail schemes, chancellor George Osborne announced in the Budget. The projects that have been given the go-ahead are the £85m Ordsall Chord scheme, linking Manchester’s Victoria and Piccadilly stations, which will significantly reduce journey times between Liverpool and Leeds. The other large new project to be funded is the Swindon to Kemble redoubling scheme, which will alleviate a notorious bottleneck on t

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Rail News Thu, 28 Apr 2011 11:30:00 GMT 26437
What are transport operators for? And what should they do? https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/26429/what-are-transport-operators-for--and-what-should-they-do-

No, the title question is not a joke. I’ve not come on board the New Transit contributing team to take a few cheap pops at those working at the sharp end of public transport and their sense of purpose. It’s a serious question, with important ramifications, and (I think) not asked often enough. My perspective is that of a non-operator; specifically, a mathematician turned engineer. I’m interested in systems – how, why or if they work, and how well. I willingly nod my du

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Viewpoint Thu, 28 Apr 2011 10:32:00 GMT 26429
Councils and operators encouraged to bid for new stations funding https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/26362/councils-and-operators-encouraged-to-bid-for-new-stations-funding A new £100m station improvement fund has been launched by Network Rail and the Association of Train Operating Companies. Bids can be made by train operators, Network Rail and third party organisations. To be eligible for funding, proposals must reduce the overall public subsidy for rail by generating a financial return as well as making make improvements to the station environment. There is no cap on the maximum value of the proposals. Mike Goggin, director of stations and customer serv

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Rail News Tue, 19 Apr 2011 12:18:00 GMT 26362
Souter wins Turkish ferry auction https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/26357/souter-wins-turkish-ferry-auction A consortium including Brian Souter’s personal investment vehicle, Souter Investments, has won an auction to buy Istanbul ferry company IDO, bidding $861m. The consortium in which Souter has a 30% stake also includes three Turkish partners. IDO  had sales of $231m last year, carrying 50 million passengers, and is understood to have been valued at 8.5 times its earnings. Souter Investments has a history of interest in ferry businesses. It runs Fullers Ferries in New Zealand and in Mar

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People Fri, 15 Apr 2011 14:20:00 GMT 26357
Plan for 200m Cardiff rail upgrade https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/26353/plan-for-200m-cardiff-rail-upgrade Network Rail has unveiled a £200m plan to boost the rail capacity of the Cardiff and Valley lines network by 2015. The scheme will remove capacity bottlenecks, allowing an extra four trains per hour to run through the Cardiff area. This will unlock the potential for more and longer trains to serve the Valley lines and to boost the railway’s capacity, bringing 600 more seats during rush hours. The existing track layout, built in the1930s, at Cardiff East Junction will be untangled

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Rail News Tue, 12 Apr 2011 09:56:00 GMT 26353
Orders for green buses revealed https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/26197/orders-for-green-buses-revealed The Department for Transport has announced how its £46m Green Bus Fund has been distributed. The fund will result in 542 new hybrid and electric low carbon buses being introduced in England by March 2012. With the money paid to 20 operators and six local authorities as part payment for the vehicles. “Low carbon buses emit around 30 per cent fewer greenhouse gas emissions than standard diesel buses and use around a third less fuel – that is why it was so important to kick-sta

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Bus News Wed, 6 Apr 2011 15:52:00 GMT 26197
Major shareholder demands new National Express strategy https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/26187/major-shareholder-demands-new-national-express-strategy American investment fund Elliott Associates has written to fellow shareholders in National Express Group suggesting that NEG should reassess its growth strategies and put forward three new candidates for non-executive directorships. The letter was sent as Elliott raised its shareholding in NEG from 16% to 17% and the government announced that National Express would lose its East Anglian rail franchise. The investment fund highlighted the “commendable job” of stabilising the company

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Bus News Wed, 30 Mar 2011 12:17:00 GMT 26187
First announces 160m bus order https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/26186/first-announces-160m-bus-order FirstGroup has announced that it will order £160m of new buses over the next two years. The order for 955 vehicles is one of the largest the British bus industry has ever seen. It includes 200 vehicles for First’s 2012 Olympic Games services and 40 hybrid  buses, part funded by the Government’s ‘Green Bus Fund’, for Leeds, Manchester and Glasgow. As  a result of the order, First will invest a  further  £4m  over  two  years

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Bus News Lead Story Wed, 30 Mar 2011 11:03:00 GMT 26186
TfL aims for an extra 26bn of efficiency savings https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/26184/tfl-aims-for-an-extra-2-6bn-of-efficiency-savings

Transport for London has set out plans to make an extra £2.6bn of efficiency savings before 2018 in order to protect investment in frontline services. Total efficiencies are now expected to deliver savings of £7.6bn during the period. Major cost reductions highlighted by TfL in its new business plan include: £400m from ticket office changes driven by a reduction in 800 management and operations roles £375m from efficiencies in IT systems £460m in bu

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Bus News Tue, 29 Mar 2011 12:07:00 GMT 26184
NAO exonerates DfT handling of East Coast franchise https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/26183/nao-exonerates-dft-handling-of-east-coast-franchise The National Audit Office has endorsed the Department for Transport’s decision to hold National Express Group to the terms of its East Coast rail contract – a course which led to NEG handing back the keys to the franchise in 2009 and the business being run by a state-owned company. In its report on the DfT’s approach, the NAO said that disruption to passenger services had been avoided, and that a good deal had been secured for the taxpayer. The NAO report concluded that renego

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Rail News Mon, 28 Mar 2011 11:20:00 GMT 26183
Budget fuel duty cut does little to lift pressure on buses https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/26089/budget-fuel-duty-cut-does-little-to-lift-pressure-on-buses

Transport operators will benefit from tax changes announced by Chancellor George Osborne in the budget. A 1p cut in fuel duty has been announced with immediate effect and the fuel duty escalator, which would have seen duty rise by inflation plus 1p/litre, will be abolished. However, Simon Posner, chief executive of the Confederation of Passenger Transport, said that the change would not have a significant impact on easing pressure on bus companies. “Despite this change, our bus services r

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Bus News Thu, 24 Mar 2011 07:45:00 GMT 26089
Osborne announces 200m for new rail schemes https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/26088/osborne-announces-200m-for-new-rail-schemes

The government has made £200m of additional investment available for rail schemes, chancellor George Osborne announced in the Budget. The projects that have been given the go-ahead are the £85m Ordsall Chord scheme, linking Manchester’s Victoria and Piccadilly stations, which will significantly reduce journey times between Liverpool and Leeds. The other large new project to be funded is the Swindon to Kemble redoubling scheme which will alleviate a notorious bottleneck on the G

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Rail News Thu, 24 Mar 2011 07:43:00 GMT 26088
Report records high level UK rail investment https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/26052/report-records-high-level-uk-rail-investment The key details of new policies, events and initiatives along with investment programmes that will shape the British rail industry in the years ahead are set out in detail in Brooks Market Intelligence’s UK Rail Market 2010 report. Despite the uncertainty that surrounded the industry, the really striking thing the report brings home is quite how much work was carried out to upgrade the various rail networks across the country in 2010 from progress on the major Thameslink and CrossRail pr

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World Tue, 15 Mar 2011 10:58:00 GMT 26052
Operators can help shape social change https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/26029/operators-can-help-shape-social-change In the current environment of UK public sector budget cuts, localism, and debates on new thinking in the delivery of public services, the transport industry has much to play for. It is too often more a responsive an a pro-active participant in shaping its own – and society’s destiny. One example given by Abellio chief executive Anton Valk in a recent speech was that the rail industry should play a leading role in promoting flexible working patterns which could enable better use to b

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Reflections Tue, 15 Mar 2011 10:14:00 GMT 26029
No bonuses for Network Rail board this year https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/25963/no-bonuses-for-network-rail-board-this-year Network Rail has announced that it will not be paying an annual bonus to its executive directors for the 2010-11 financial year. The decision made jointly by the directors and the remuneration committee came as the company was finalising a review of its bonus system. It follows criticism from Transport Secretary Philip Hammond over the level of the £2m bonuses awarded to Network Rail executives last year, and suggestions from senior staff at the Office of Rail Regulation that safety perfor

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Rail News Thu, 10 Mar 2011 10:06:00 GMT 25963
New community transport fund to help compensate for bus cuts https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/25962/new-community-transport-fund-to-help-compensate-for-bus-cuts Transport minister Norman Baker has announced a new £10m fund for to rural local authorities to kick-start the development of community transport services. The fund is partly to compensate for the withdrawal of tendered bus services caused by public funding cuts. “Where commercial bus services are not viable, Community Transport can play a valuable role in preventing isolation,” Baker said. “I therefore strongly encourage local authorities to work in partnership with o

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Bus News Thu, 10 Mar 2011 10:04:00 GMT 25962
Scottish government gives go ahead to 300m Glasgow underground upgrade https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/25961/scottish-government-gives-go-ahead-to-300m-glasgow-underground-upgrade A £300m modernisation of the Glasgow underground rail system is set to go ahead after the Scottish government told Strathclyde Passenger Transport that it would make “a substantial contribution” to the project. SPT’s plans include integrated smartcard ticketing, new trains, improved signalling and station upgrades. “Following careful consideration of Strathclyde Partnership for Transport’s outline business case for modernising the Subway, the Scottish gover

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Light Rail News Thu, 10 Mar 2011 10:00:00 GMT 25961
BAM Nutall docked 10m for late delivery of Cambridgeshire busway https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/25953/bam-nutall-docked-10m-for-late-delivery-of-cambridgeshire-busway

Cambridgeshire County Council has revealed that contractor BAM Nuttall has so far been docked £10m in fees as the firm is now two years late completing construction of the Cambridgeshire Guided Busway. The council has been deducting almost £14,000 a day in late delivery damages from BAM Nuttall since February 2009. Following a Cabinet meeting last week, senior councillors heaped more criticism on BAM Nuttall for  “unnecessary” further delays to the project. Althou

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Bus News Lead Story Mon, 7 Mar 2011 16:49:00 GMT 25953
Hammond approves 45bn Intercity Express Programme https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/25878/hammond-approves-4-5bn-intercity-express-programme

Transport Secretary Philip Hammond has given the go-ahead for a £4.5bn Intercity Express Programme (IEP) and £704m plans to electrify the Great Western Main Line (GWML) between Cardiff, Bristol and Didcot. The announcement means that the IEP procurement programme will now be resumed with  the Agility Trains (Hitachi and John Laing) consortium replacing 30-year old intercity high speed trains. Although the project has been sharply reduced from the original 1400-train, £7

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Rail News Wed, 2 Mar 2011 17:02:00 GMT 25878
Go Ahead warns that rail industry profit margins are inadequate https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/25779/go-ahead-warns-that-rail-industry-profit-margins-are-inadequate

Go Ahead Group has warned that the rail industry’s current profit margins do not provide a sustainable long term basis for operators to invest in services or continue to participate in the sector. Speaking at the announcement of the group’s interim results, chief executive Keith Ludeman said that the government needed to ensure the current review of franchising policy provided a more stable platform for the industry. Profit margins at Go Ahead’s Rail division for the six mon

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Rail News Lead Story Fri, 18 Feb 2011 09:47:00 GMT 25779
Optare raises 74m to fund expansion and pay off troubleshooting loan https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/25775/optare-raises-7-4m-to-fund-expansion-and-pay-off-troubleshooting-loan

Bus manufacturer Optare has raised £7.4m through the issue of new ordinary shares to fund a relocation from its current Leeds factory, provide working capital and reduce borrowings. Production is expected to transfer from the Leeds site to a new location in Sherburn, close to Optare’s existing plant, during the second half of 2011. The move to the new facility will represent the completion of Optare's site rationalisation programme, with three constrained production facilities being

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Bus News Wed, 16 Feb 2011 10:00:00 GMT 25775
Network Rail calls on suppliers to provide new proposals for a lower cost railway https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/25774/network-rail-calls-on-suppliers-to-provide-new-proposals-for-a-lower-cost-railway Network Rail has launched a ‘matchmaking website’ for suppliers to submit ideas which could contribute to a more efficient railway and higher quality customer service. The new website sets out a series of priorities and challenges for Network Rail to deliver better value for money and invites suppliers from the rail industry and beyond to suggest how they can help overcome them. Proposals must meet a strict set of requirements before they can be considered. They must be fundamentall

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Rail News Tue, 15 Feb 2011 16:57:00 GMT 25774
National Express denies merger pressure https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/25769/national-express-denies-merger-pressure National Express Group has denied reports that the company’s second biggest shareholder, Elliott Management, is putting pressure on the board to explore a merger with Stagecoach or SNCF. The US hedge fund bought into the company in 2009 at the time of the £360m rights issues, and has since increased its shareholding to 16% making three purchases this year. Analysts estimate that it bought its holding at an average of 140p/share compared to the current 250p price. Speculation in the

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Bus News Mon, 14 Feb 2011 10:58:00 GMT 25769
10 Lin Homer https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/25618/10-lin-homer

Why is she on the list? This month saw Lin Homer replace Robert Devereux as permanent secretary of the Department for Transport. What kind of year has she had? Homer spent the year as chief executive of the UK Border Agency, and she leaves at a time when the organisation is under fire. A critical report by the Commons home affairs select committee says that UKBA is still failing to meet expectations - 60,000 asylum seekers appear to have been lost without trace. The report also said the sa

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Articles Thu, 3 Feb 2011 16:37:00 GMT 25618
9 Sir Roy McNulty https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/25616/9-sir-roy-mcnulty Why is he on the list? The former chairman of the Civil Aviation Authority is conducting an independent review of the rail industry’s costs. This review is jointly sponsored by the Department for Transport and the Office of Rail Regulation. What kind of year has he had? Following his appointment by former transport secretary Lord Adonis, McNulty started work on his study of rail value for money in February 2010. His interim submission to transport secretary Philip Hammond, published la

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Articles Thu, 3 Feb 2011 16:36:00 GMT 25616
4 Boris Johnson https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/25611/4-boris-johnson

Why is he on the list? Johnson is mayor of London and chairman of Transport for London, the city’s transport co-ordinating body. What kind of year has he had? Transport is the area over which the mayor has real power and influence. Johnson has slashed budgets at TfL but has delivered on his promises to remove bendy buses, extend Oyster to rail services and scrap the Western extension of the congestion charging zone. Work has also been progressing on his ‘Son of Routemaster’

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Articles Thu, 3 Feb 2011 16:30:00 GMT 25611
3 Philip Hammond https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/25610/3-philip-hammond

Why is he on the list? Hammond is responsible for delivery of the coalition government’s transport commitments. What kind of year has he had? It was a surprise when the former shadow chief secretary to the Treasury was handed the transport brief by the new coalition government last year, and there were groans when he pledged to end the “war on the motorist”. However, Hammond was regarded as one of the ‘winners’ in last Autumn’s Comprehensive Spending Revie

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Articles Thu, 3 Feb 2011 16:29:00 GMT 25610
Remodelling management how the big five shaped up https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/25605/remodelling-management-how-the-big-five-shaped-up

Ten, even five years ago, pursuing a transport story was relatively straightforward for journalists. It was simply a matter of picking up the phone and grilling the big names. Even transport group main board directors could often be reached on a casual whim and generally relied upon to give a view across the business. Times have changed. Throughout the vast majority of the industry, there is now a process to be followed, with requests made through PR officers, and appointments scheduled. Acces

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Cover Story Thu, 3 Feb 2011 16:20:00 GMT 25605
Dear Cat Anonomous musings from within the DfT https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/25595/dear-cat-anonomous-musings-from-within-the-dft

So, my time at the Department for Transport has come to an end. Having joined as a director general in 2002 it was clearly time for me to move on - although whether moving back to Works and Pensions is really “moving on” is a moot point I guess! Still, I’ve had a pretty good time at transport even if my achievements may not be quite as dramatic as I might wish. After all, it takes so long to get things done, and because transport affects everybody’s daily lives and every

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Politics Thu, 3 Feb 2011 16:03:00 GMT 25595
Market leader BAE Systems is ready for the hybrid bus breakthrough https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/25576/market-leader-bae-systems-is-ready-for-the-hybrid-bus-breakthrough

In anticipation of growing demand for hybrid-powered buses in the UK and Europe, BAE Systems has invested around £7m in a state-of-the-art service facility for HybriDriveTM system, in Rochester, Kent. The facility has the space to accommodate a single deck bus, but this area is currently housing an armoured personnel carrier. Such is the nature of BAE Systems’ diverse £22bn business. The company is best known for its work in the defence, security and aerospace sectors, and

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Environment Lead Story Thu, 3 Feb 2011 15:31:00 GMT 25576
Franchising getting the principles right https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/25571/franchising-getting-the-principles-right According to a Department for Transport press release, the new government has made a “major shake-up to rail franchising policy”. Yet reading the accompanying document, it would appear that virtually nothing has actually been decided with two notable exceptions. The new administration is stuck with its manifesto commitment to franchises of 15-22 years. And operators will have greater flexibility to make service changes and design timetables during franchise bids. Other than that, ev

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Reflections Thu, 3 Feb 2011 15:25:00 GMT 25571
McNultys rail value review is now getting somewhere https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/25567/mcnulty-s-rail-value-review-is-now-getting-somewhere

Sir Roy McNulty, chairman of the Rail Value for Money Study, may be a class act, but like every other leader of a "what is wrong with the railway" review, he started off by complaining about leadership, complicated tickets, lack of innovation, misaligned incentives: all the usual guff. It is enough to make you a cynic, but after nine months work, the study is now getting somewhere. In September, ATOC set out some very sensible proposals in a document called ‘Better alignment of

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Viewpoint Thu, 3 Feb 2011 14:56:00 GMT 25567
Action Stations Mike Goggin Interview https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/25556/action-stations--mike-goggin-interview

For years, stations have had a reputation as the Cinderellas of the rail network, most recently because they have been perceived as having a low priority on Network Rail’s agenda. Train operators have complained that the company has been a poor landlord, distant and slow to respond to requests for improvements. However, last year Network Rail sent a powerful signal that a change of direction could be imminent with the creation of a new role - director of stations and customer service. Th

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Interview Thu, 3 Feb 2011 14:26:00 GMT 25556
Croydon and TfL set to fund additional Tramlink vehicles https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/25518/croydon-and-tfl-set-to-fund-additional-tramlink-vehicles

Transport for London (TfL) is planning to run more tram services by leasing up to ten additional trams for the London Tramlink network that covers Croydon and Wimbledon. The vehicles will be either new build or second hand that can be modified at reasonable cost. Companies have been invited to submit proposals to supply the new trams which, subject to funding being confirmed, would increase the frequency of services on the busiest route which runs between central Croydon and Elmers End. The

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Light Rail News Lead Story Thu, 3 Feb 2011 10:06:00 GMT 25518
Rail industry bounces back with 7% growth https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/25516/rail-industry-bounces-back-with-7-growth

New figures published by the Association of Train Operating Companies show that the rail industry has bounced back strongly from the recession. In 2010, passenger journeys rose 6.9% to 1.32bn. Growth was highest in the summer months, which saw a year on year rise of 8%. Year on year demand also grew strongly during the final quarter of the year despite two heavy bouts of snow in December that caused disruption across all forms of transport throughout the country. ATOC said that the growth was

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Rail News Thu, 3 Feb 2011 09:22:00 GMT 25516
Mounting losses force train operator Wrexham Shropshire to cease trading https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/25440/mounting-losses-force-train-operator-wrexham--shropshire-to-cease-trading Open access train operator Wrexham & Shropshire will cease trading on Friday, after mounting losses made it unviable to continue operating. The company, owned by Deutsche Bahn, John Laing Projects and Renaissance Trains lost £2.8m in 2010 despite a series of service cuts to its Wrexham, Shrewsbury London Marylebone service. “Regrettably, we have concluded that the potential for further changes to the company’s operations will not improve the financial position sufficientl

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Rail News Wed, 26 Jan 2011 13:20:00 GMT 25440
Government cuts will mean 8% fall in bus services https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/25410/government-cuts-will-mean-8-fall-in-bus-services

Consultancy TAS Partnership has quantified the impact of cuts in government spending on bus services outlined in the Comprehensive Spending Review. The analysis shows that bus service levels can be expected to fall by 8% across the country as a whole with rural and interurban services the worst affected. In addition TAS predicts that a 15% real terms increase in fares can be expected, although that would not compensate operators’ wholly for lost income. The calculations are contained in

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Bus News Thu, 20 Jan 2011 15:44:00 GMT 25410
London Underground awards 200m track renewal contract https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/25175/london-underground-awards-200m-track-renewal-contract London Underground has awarded a £220m, five-year contract to carry out track renewal work to Balfour Beatty. The works will include the replacement of ballasted track, points and crossings including all ancillary signalling and drainage works on two thirds of the Tube network - the Bakerloo, Circle, Central, District, Hammersmith & City and Metropolitan lines. David Waboso, capital programme director, said: "It is vital that these works are carried out not only to maintain the

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Rail News Mon, 13 Dec 2010 11:02:00 GMT 25175
McNulty calls for substantial rail savings https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/25087/mcnulty-calls-for-substantial-rail-savings

Sir Roy McNulty's review of the rail industry has suggested that significant cost savings could be made around the network through more effective partnership working. The value for money review of the nation's railways has reached, what transport secretary Philip Hammond termed, "some important interim conclusions". McNulty's report has found: The railway is costing more than it used to and more than it ought to. Greater efficiency would realise savings of between £600m

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Rail News Lead Story Tue, 7 Dec 2010 14:00:00 GMT 25087
Alstom delivers first 11-car Pendolino train to UK https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/25084/alstom-delivers-first-11-car-pendolino-train-to-uk

The first of four new 11-car Pendolino trains to be delivered by Alstom arrived on Merseyside this week. The new unit was brought by rail from Italy to the Liverpool Traincare Centre at Edge Hill, one of five maintenance depots where Alstom maintains the current Pendolino fleet and where a six-month programme of testing and commissioning of the train will now begin. In line with the agreement signed between train lessor, Angel Trains, the Department for Transport and Alstom in 2008, the

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Rail News Tue, 7 Dec 2010 11:16:00 GMT 25084
Reading Transport launches hybrid bus fleet https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/25081/reading-transport-launches-hybrid-bus-fleet

Reading Transport this week launched its first Alexander Dennis Enviro 400H hybrid buses and revealed new branding for its Premier Route 26. “It is a revolutionary vehicle and we are excited that our first six will be in service on Monday December 13,” said James Freeman, chief executive officer of the council-owned bus operator. They are among an order for 20 to be purchased by Reading Transport with assistance from a grant awarded to the company as part of the first phase of the

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Bus News Tue, 7 Dec 2010 10:28:00 GMT 25081
Mouchel confirms takeover approaches https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/25080/mouchel-confirms-takeover-approaches Mouchel has confirmed that it has received takeover approaches that have led to a significant rise in its stock price. "The board does not believe that these preliminary approaches reflect the true value of the company," the group said. It follows a tough year for the the outsourcing specialist which recorded a pre-tax loss of £15m in the year to July 31. The firm blamed the collapse of its workload in the Middle East, cuts in public spending and a huge restructuring exercise f

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In brief Mon, 6 Dec 2010 11:31:00 GMT 25080
Welsh Assembley Government confirms new contract for air service https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/25079/welsh-assembley-government-confirms-new-contract-for-air-service

The Welsh Assembly Government has confirmed that it has signed a new four-year contract with Isle of Man-based Manx2 and partner carrier FLM Aviation to provide the north-south air service in Wales. The two firms currently provide the service between Cardiff and Anglesey on a temporary basis with two flights a day in each direction from Monday to Friday. Manx2 and FLM Aviation were appointed on an interim basis in May this year following the demise of the previous airline Highland Airways. An

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In brief Mon, 6 Dec 2010 10:59:00 GMT 25079
Third Thames Crossing part of Kent investment plans https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/25076/third-thames-crossing-part-of-kent-investment-plans

Kent’s big transport priorities and significant new funding opportunities to pay for them were revealed this week in Growth without Gridlock, KCC’s landmark transport delivery plan for the county. The plan calls for an additional Thames Crossing, road improvements and the development of a new Parkway railway station to support economic regeneration in Thanet. Speaking at the launch to transport partners from across Kent, KCC Leader Paul Carter stated: “Today we set out our pr

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In brief Thu, 2 Dec 2010 10:46:00 GMT 25076
Crossrail begins procurement of new train fleet https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/25075/crossrail-begins-procurement-of-new-train-fleet

The delivery of the Crossrail project has moved forward with the news that the procurement process to purchase new trains for the route has got under way. To deliver Crossrail services to the 37 stations along the route, around 60 new trains will be required, boosting London's rail capacity by 10%. Each train will be will be around 200 metres in length and able to carry up to 1,500 passengers. A notice has been published in the Official Journal of the European Union covering the combined procu

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Rail News Thu, 2 Dec 2010 10:28:00 GMT 25075
Scotland announces winners of Green Bus Fund intiative https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/25071/scotland-announces-winners-of-green-bus-fund-intiative

Fifty new low carbon vehicles will soon join Scotland's bus fleet thanks to £4.4m grant funding awarded this week to six bus operators across Scotland. Stagecoach Scotland West, Stagecoach Scotland East, Lothian Buses, MacEwens Coach Services, First Glasgow and COLCHRI will all benefit from the Scottish Green Bus Fund which provides help with the up front costs of buying new low carbon vehicles. This mix of both large and small bus operators will result in the new low carbon buses

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Bus News Wed, 1 Dec 2010 10:29:00 GMT 25071
Southampton University opens new transport interchange https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/24873/southampton-university-opens-new-transport-interchange

The redeveloped uni-link transport interchange at Southampton University’s Highfield campus has opened. As a major transport hub for the city, the £1.5 million project was jointly funded by the University, from its Student Centredness budget, in partnership with Southampton City Council and the Go Ahead Group. The new interchange has space for three buses, real-time information, a well-lit covered waiting area, a refreshment kiosk, and welfare facilities for the uni-link drivers. un

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Bus News Thu, 25 Nov 2010 12:01:00 GMT 24873
Network Rail results reveals significant savings https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/24872/network-rail-results-reveals-significant-savings Network Rail today announced its interim results for the six months to September 30. The company has reported better than planned progress across its business with big capacity enhancing schemes going well, train punctuality remaining at high levels and real cost reductions of almost £200m made in the period. These cost reductions will have grown to around £400m of savings by year end and the company acknowledges that there is still a long way to go to make the railway more affor

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Rail News Thu, 25 Nov 2010 11:32:00 GMT 24872
Hammond confirms substantial railway investment https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/24871/hammond-confirms-substantial-railway-investment

The secretary of state for transport has announced plans for a major investment in Britain's railways. Philip Hammond has confirmed the full completion of the Thameslink and Crossrail programmes and announced plans for the procurement of 2,000 new carriages for use across the network. However, Hammond revealed that the delivery of the Thameslink programme will be "re-profiled" to achieve completion in 2018. In a written statement issued this morning, he said that delivery of the or

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News Lead Story Thu, 25 Nov 2010 11:15:00 GMT 24871
Government set to approve new intercity train fleet https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/24863/government-set-to-approve-new-intercity-train-fleet

Transport minister Philip Hammond is this week expected to approve plans for the replacement of Britain's High Speed Train fleet. The move will see funding released to allow the continuation of the stalled Intercity Express project which was placed on ice earlier this year by then transport secretary Lord Adonis. Hammond is understood to be keen to approve plans for the project as part of wider moves to preserve vital infrastructure projects. A source close to the transport secretary said tha

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Rail News Tue, 23 Nov 2010 10:30:00 GMT 24863
Dear Cat https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/24841/dear-cat--

George Osborne came of age on October 20. Whatever one may think about the rights and wrongs of the spending review, I could not but help admire his performance in the Commons when he delivered his statement. In many respects it was nakedly political, with the objective seemingly to taunt and goad Labour rather than to rise above party politics for a spending review that is one of the most severe in living memory. George Osborne has shown his political street fighting abilities, in spades. Stil

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Viewpoint Mon, 15 Nov 2010 14:52:00 GMT 24841
Manchester revolution could turn around transport https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/24827/manchester-revolution-could-turn-around-transport

There is a revolution underway in Manchester which will affect how transport and most other things in that city are provided in future. Though there is a lull in activity now, things will heat up soon, and what is happening is very interesting. But first, a question: what sort of leadership do you want to see in a major city? On the one hand, I can offer you a handsome smoked glass door; on the other, a bicycling Boris. Not an easy choice. The latter we know well, and will see around for a whi

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Viewpoint Mon, 15 Nov 2010 14:04:00 GMT 24827
The Big Society? Transport should be a trailblazer https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/24825/the-big-society--transport-should-be-a-trailblazer

The Big Society has become one of the cornerstones of the coalition government’s policies. It was at the heart of the Conservative Party’s 2010 election campaign and has been endorsed by their Liberal Democrat partners. The Government has said that “we want to give citizens, communities and local government the power and information they need to come together, solve the problems they face and build the Britain they want” (‘Building the Big Society’, Cabinet Of

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Viewpoint Mon, 15 Nov 2010 13:58:00 GMT 24825
Is concessionary travel value for money? https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/24823/is-concessionary-travel-value-for-money-

The introduction of England’s free concessionary fares scheme has led to a significant increase in bus use. However, research undertaken by ITS Leeds shows that uptake of the free bus pass is inconsistent. In Lancashire 56% of eligible people don’t use it. Conversely 2.5% of passholders account for 25% of trips. During the conference, a debate was held to discuss whether the scheme is delivering its intended outcomes and providing value for money. Andrew Meaney, Head of Transport,

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Market Mon, 15 Nov 2010 13:21:00 GMT 24823
Bleak future predicted over concessionary fares https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/24822/bleak-future-predicted-over-concessionary-fares

Operators, consultants and local authorities have painted an apocalyptic vision of the impact on bus networks from forthcoming changes to the English concessionary fares regime. The new system, which will come into effect in April, has been billed by the Department for Transport as a means of simplifying negotiations between operators and local authorities over reimbursement rates. However, at a conference sponsored by New Transit in early November, the DfT was warned that its primary impact w

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Market Lead Story Mon, 15 Nov 2010 13:12:00 GMT 24822
Bus manufacturers push for greener technologies at Euro Bus Expo show https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/24821/bus-manufacturers-push-for-greener-technologies-at-euro-bus-expo-show

It was a smaller Euro Bus Expo held in early November at Birmingham’s NEC, but there were still plenty of developments announced by the major bus manufacturers. And once again it seemed that greener technologies dominated the stands. Perhaps buoyed by the recent round of Green Bus Fund announcements, it was clear to see that all of the big firms see this emerging market as the future of their industry. Alexander Dennis Kicking off proceedings with a press briefing before the opening of

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Business Lead Story Mon, 15 Nov 2010 12:58:00 GMT 24821
Souter reveals 41% rise in value of investments https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/24820/souter-reveals-41-rise-in-value-of-investments

Stagecoach founder and chief executive Brian Souter has lifted the lid on his business dealings outside the Perth-based group with the launch of a new public face for his Souter Investments business, along with the promise of an annual review. The entrepreneur has also revealed that the value of the Souter Investments portfolio has risen by 41% over the last three years, with investments in March this year totalling £400m. Explaining his reasoning for adopting a more public persona for

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People Lead Story Mon, 15 Nov 2010 12:40:00 GMT 24820
Green thinking Eight ways to save the planet and cut costs https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/24819/green-thinking-eight-ways-to-save-the-planet-and-cut-costs-- 1. Regenerative braking. It was a significant breakthrough in 2008 when, working closely with Network Rail and train builder Bombardier, Southern and Southeastern became the first rail operators to introduce regenerative braking on the third rail system. Regenerative braking saves energy by capturing electricity through braking and returning it to the rail network. For Southern, where around two thirds of the fleet is now fitted with regenerative braking, this reduced electricity traction c

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Cover Story Detail Mon, 15 Nov 2010 12:25:00 GMT 24819
TfL wins hydrogen funds https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/24814/tfl-wins-hydrogen-funds EU funding has enabled Transport for London to make provision for three more hydrogen buses that will enable an entire bus route in London to use this greener, cleaner technology, helping to improve air quality in the capital. TfL has secured €5.67m of funding as part of the EU's Cleaner Hydrogen in Cities project to expand its current hydrogen bus project. The funding allows for three additional zero-emission hydrogen hybrid fuel cell buses and the opportunity to extend the whole demonstr

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Bus News Mon, 15 Nov 2010 12:07:00 GMT 24814
East Coast makes profit https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/24800/east-coast-makes-profit Directly Operated Railways, the state-owned operator of the East Coast intercity rail franchise, has published its first Annual Report which reveals that the firm made a profit after tax of £1.2m between its incorporation in July 2009 and March 31 2010. The firm has also revealed passenger growth of 3% over the period. Turnover for the nine months to March 31 2010 amounted to £233.8m, mainly reflecting ticket revenue earned from passenger services at East Coast. Operating expenditur

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Rail News Mon, 15 Nov 2010 11:45:00 GMT 24800
Green bus fund winners announced by DfT https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/24798/green-bus-fund-winners-announced-by-dft The Department for Transport has announced the winners for the second round of the Green Bus Fund. The scheme aims to encourage and help bus operators and local authorities to buy new hybrid and electric buses, which attract a higher purchase price than conventional vehicles. The new round of funding will allow the purchase of around 170 vehicles which will enter service by March 2012. 54 additional low carbon buses enter service in London; meanwhile Stagecoach will add 47 vehicles to its bus f

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Bus News Mon, 15 Nov 2010 11:44:00 GMT 24798
Stagecoach launches Sheffield expansion https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/24797/stagecoach-launches-sheffield-expansion

The first phase of Stagecoach Yorkshire’s £10m investment in bus transport in Sheffield has been marked with the launch of fifteen new double deckers for the city. They were unveiled by group chief executive Brian Souter at a special event at the City Hall and will spearhead three new Stagecoach routes in Sheffield, which represent a 30% increase in the company’s city area operations The investment in new routes and vehicles has resulted in 80 new jobs and is in response to c

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Bus News Lead Story Mon, 15 Nov 2010 11:42:00 GMT 24797
Its not the CSR - its the concessions stupid https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/24794/it-s-not-the-csr--it-s-the-concessions-stupid It is hard to know what to make of the government’s forthcoming reforms to concessionary fares policy, except that they are unlikely to end well. And if the industry was fearful of the impact of the Comprehensive Spending Review on its finances, it was looking in the wrong place. The bare facts are that over a third of English bus passengers travel for free and that operators are meant to be reimbursed in a way that leaves them no better or worse off. However, from April 2011 payment to o

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Reflections Mon, 15 Nov 2010 11:37:00 GMT 24794
The climate is tough but the potential significant https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/24793/the-climate-is-tough-but-the-potential-significant Breath was being held in the passenger transport world - as in many others - on October 20 when chancellor George Osborne announced his Comprehensive Spending Review. In the event, the outcome for bus and rail was more hopeful than many had feared. But there is no doubt that we have entered a tough period for both the industry and the economy. The atmosphere was tangible when we collected the CSR documents from the Treasury. No official launch, no glossy publication. Instead it was a case of qu

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Editorial Comment Mon, 15 Nov 2010 11:36:00 GMT 24793
Government nets 2bn in sale of High Speed 1 to Canadian pension funds https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/24730/government-nets-2bn-in-sale-of-high-speed-1-to-canadian-pension-funds

Two Canadian pension funds have clinched a £2bn deal to acquire the High Speed 1 rail route. The government announced the sale of the line, which was completed in 2008, in June as part of efforts to reduce national debt. Transport secretary Philip Hammond this morning announced a consortium comprising Borealis Infrastructure and Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan will pay the government a total concession value of £2.1bn to operate the line for the next 30 years. The consortium

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Rail News Lead Story Fri, 5 Nov 2010 11:46:00 GMT 24730
Stagecoach launches first phase of bus expansion in Sheffield https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/24728/stagecoach-launches-first-phase-of-bus-expansion-in-sheffield

The first phase of Stagecoach Yorkshire’s £10m investment in bus transport in Sheffield has been marked with the launch of fifteen new double deckers for the city. They were unveiled by group chief executive Brian Souter at a special event at the City Hall and will spearhead three new Stagecoach routes in Sheffield, which represent a 30% increase in the company’s city area operations Costing £2.5m, the 80-seater Scania Enviro400s are the first double deckers Stagecoa

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Bus News Fri, 5 Nov 2010 10:47:00 GMT 24728
Holt reveals passenger growth and profit at East Coast https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/24718/holt-reveals-passenger-growth-and-profit-at-east-coast

Directly Operated Railways, the state-owned operator of the East Coast intercity rail franchise, today published its first Annual Report which reveals that the firm made a profit after tax of £1.2m between its incorporation in July 2009 and March 31 2010. The firm has also revealed passenger growth of 3% over the period. Turnover for the nine months to March 31 2010 amounted to £233.8m, mainly reflecting ticket revenue earned from passenger services at East Coast and associated inc

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Rail News Thu, 4 Nov 2010 10:54:00 GMT 24718
GMITA takes delivery of first Optare hybrids https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/24717/gmita-takes-delivery-of-first-optare-hybrids

Greater Manchester Integrated Transport Authority has taken delivery of the first of a fleet of up to 66 Optare hybrid buses. Jim Sumner, chief executive of Optare, handed over the first of the buses to Councillor David Sandiford, chair of the GMITA Bus Network and GMPTE Services Committee. Sumner said that he was very pleased to be handing over the buses in line with GMITA’s requirements. “This has been a major project for Optare and it emphasises our significant lead in the des

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Bus News Wed, 3 Nov 2010 11:16:00 GMT 24717
Lothian Buses places 60-vehicle new bus order at Euro Bus Expo show https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/24716/lothian-buses-places-60-vehicle-new-bus-order-at-euro-bus-expo-show

Edinburgh-based municipal bus operator Lothian Buses has announced a major 60 vehicle order for new buses from Wrightbus and Volvo. The deal is understood to be worth in the region of £12m. This latest and highly significant order for the Wrightbus Gemini 2 Double Deck based on the Volvo B9TL chassis, further adds to the 75 vehicles that have been most recently delivered to Lothian Buses by the Ballymena-based company over the last two years. When completed, no less than 435 new Wrig

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Bus News Wed, 3 Nov 2010 11:10:00 GMT 24716
Improved ticketing facilities for Underground open at Victoria Station https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/24715/improved-ticketing-facilities-for-underground-open-at-victoria-station Improved ticketing facilities opened at Victoria Underground station this week as part of the station's upgrade works. A completely refurbished ticket office providing five large ticket issuing windows re-opened in the Victoria line ticket hall. Next to the ticket office there will be five new ticket machines. They are in addition to three new machines recently installed between the staircases leading to the mainline station. Kulveer Ranger, the Mayor of London's transport advisor, said: &quo

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Rail News Wed, 3 Nov 2010 11:04:00 GMT 24715
Nexus announces framework contracts for Metro modernisation https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/24708/nexus-announces-framework-contracts-for-metro-modernisation

Nexus, the Tyne & Wear PTE, has awarded framework agreements with five major construction companies to deliver its £385m all change programme for the Tyne and Wear Metro light rail system. The light rail system, used by 41 million passengers a year, will be modernised over the next 11 years, with tracks, power lines, signalling, stations and trains renewed. The five companies awarded framework agreements to date are Balfour Beatty Rail Limited, BAM Nuttall, May Gurney, Serco and Morg

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Light Rail News Lead Story Mon, 1 Nov 2010 10:20:00 GMT 24708
Work continues on Scotland's Borders Railway project https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/24554/work-continues-on-scotland-s-borders-railway-project Another milestone in the advance work on Borders Railway will be completed this week with the demolition of the Cowbraehill bridge.  The bridge, which crosses the railway, has fallen into disrepair and a new permanent bridge will be constructed as part of the Borders rail project. The work is estimated to take a week to complete. Scottish Borders Council Contracts is undertaking the work on behalf of Transport Scotland and the materials will be reused and recycled on the project. F

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Rail News Thu, 28 Oct 2010 10:54:00 GMT 24554
DfT urges response to concessionary bus fares consultation https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/24552/dft-urges-response-to-concessionary-bus-fares-consultation

The Department for Transport this week reminded interested parties that its consultation into reimbursement arrangements for England's national concessionary bus travel scheme closes soon. It launched an eight-week consultation exercise in late September on changing reimbursement arrangements for concessionary travel. The Department's best estimate is that the changes will reduce the amount of reimbursement paid to operators by between £68m and £132m a year. About £1bn a yea

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Bus News Wed, 27 Oct 2010 14:13:00 GMT 24552
CILT welcomes Hammond's approval of bus and road schemes https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/24551/cilt-welcomes-hammond-s-approval-of-bus-and-road-schemes The Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport has welcomed yesterday’s statement by the Secretary of State for Transport Philip Hammond regarding the continued go-ahead for road and bus improvement schemes. CILT says that it is greatly encouraged by the government’s positive recognition of the links between transport investment and economic growth. CILT chief executive Steve Agg said: "Although we recognise that in these difficult times transport has to bid for governm

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In brief Wed, 27 Oct 2010 12:26:00 GMT 24551
Delays for Bus Rapid Transit and public transport schemes as DfT reacts to Spending Review https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/24550/delays-for-bus-rapid-transit-and-public-transport-schemes-as-dft-reacts-to-spending-review

Transport secretary Philip Hammond has announced funding for 16 transport schemes in the wake of last week's Spending Review. However, the DfT has warned that the level of funding required for schemes already under construction is such that it is unlikely that any new schemes in a new 'development group' will be able to begin construction before 2012/13. The move will impact a number of projects including Bus Rapid Transit schemes in Leeds, Bath, Bristol, South Essex and South Yorkshire.

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News Lead Story Wed, 27 Oct 2010 11:59:00 GMT 24550
Go Ahead reveals robust trading and growth for current year https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/24545/go-ahead-reveals-robust-trading-and-growth-for-current-year

As Go Ahead this morning revealed the retirement of chief executive Keith Ludeman and the appointment of TfL's David Brown as his successor, the group also announced its Interim Management Statement that describes current trading as "robust". In a statement to the City, Go Ahead added that the Comprehensive Spending Review should have no direct impact on the Group in the current financial year. "At this stage we believe that we can manage any impact on our results in following y

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News Lead Story Tue, 26 Oct 2010 11:09:00 GMT 24545
High speed rail and Crossrail backed in UK's first National Infrastructure Plan https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/24541/high-speed-rail-and-crossrail-backed-in-uk-s-first-national-infrastructure-plan

Prime minister David Cameron today announced the publication of the UK’s first ever infrastructure plan, identifying the scale of the infrastructure challenge and the major economic investment that is needed to underpin sustainable growth in the UK over the coming decades. For transport the plan backs rail projects such as high speed rail, the Midland Metro light rail system, the construction of Crossrail and upgrades to the East Coast Main Line. Speaking at a CBI conferen

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Rail News Mon, 25 Oct 2010 10:29:00 GMT 24541
Metro reacts to Spending Review and argues the case for Leeds trolleybus scheme https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/24532/metro-reacts-to-spending-review-and-argues-the-case-for-leeds-trolleybus-scheme

Although it was not mentioned in yesterday's Comprehensive Spending Review announcement, Metro, the West Yorkshire PTE, believes that its proposed NGT trolleybus scheme meets the government’s stated aims of supporting public transport and sustainable low carbon transport initiatives The PTEanticipates that Philip Hammond, the secretary of state for transport, will now make a positive announcement about the scheme next week. Metro chair Chris Greaves said: "We have already reduce

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Bus News Thu, 21 Oct 2010 12:11:00 GMT 24532
What the spending review means for BUSES https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/24529/what-the-spending-review-means-for-buses

Although the Department for Transport is expected to make a more detailed announcement next week, it has already provided a more detailed analysis of some if its spending priorities. Tees Valley Bus Network For buses the Department says that it will accelerate the agreed funding for the Tees Valley Bus Network so that the scheme can be delivered to a quicker timescale. Concessionary fares Meanwhile, it will seek make savings in the region of 28% from local transport funding. The England-wide

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Bus News Thu, 21 Oct 2010 10:42:00 GMT 24529
What the Spending Review means for RAIL https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/24528/what-the-spending-review-means-for-rail

Although the Department for Transport is expected to make a more detailed announcement next week, it has already provided a more detailed analysis of some if its spending priorities. Rail ticketing For rail the biggest announcement from the DfT is that the cap on regulated rail fares will increase from the current RPI+1% to an average annual increase of RPI+3% for three years from January 2012. In a statement it added that due to the impact of relatively high inflation at present the governm

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Rail News Thu, 21 Oct 2010 10:36:00 GMT 24528
Boris Johnson outlines TfL funding priorities following Spending Review https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/24527/boris-johnson-outlines-tfl-funding-priorities-following-spending-review

London mayor Boris Johnson has welcomed vital investment to improve London's transport network and safeguard the capital's future announced in the government's Comprehensive Spending Review. Speaking at a City Hall press conference yesterday afternoon, Johnson said Transport for London's funding settlement had secured the future of a number of transport projects in the capital. The projects that will now go forward are the continued upgrade of the London Underground network and Crossrail. Mean

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In brief Thu, 21 Oct 2010 09:54:00 GMT 24527
Rail industry reacts to Spending Review https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/24523/rail-industry-reacts-to-spending-review

The rail industry has reacted to news of the Comprehensive Spending Review by broadly welcoming plans for a number of rail schemes. "The Department for Transport seems to have come out with a smaller cut to its budget than many other departments, and train companies and passengers will welcome the Chancellor’s support for a number of rail schemes across the country, including Crossrail," said ATOC chief executive Michael Roberts. “However, we will need to see the full

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Rail News Wed, 20 Oct 2010 16:03:00 GMT 24523
'Government has listened to bus operators on BSOG subsidy' says CPT https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/24520/-government-has-listened-to-bus-operators-on-bsog-subsidy-says-cpt

The bus industry has broadly welcomed the results of the Comprehensive Spending Review. However, Simon Posner, chief executive of industry trade association the Confederation of Passenger Transport UK expressed disappointment at plans to cut the Bus Service Operators Grant. From 2012/13, the Department for Transport today announced plans to make a reduction in the subsidy paid to bus operators by reducing the rate at which subsidy is paid by 20% as part of the Spending Review. The incentiv

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Bus News Wed, 20 Oct 2010 15:26:00 GMT 24520
Criticism at government's rail fare rise plans https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/24518/criticism-at-government-s-rail-fare-rise-plans

There has already been criticism of plans to increase rail fares by RPI+3% for three years from January 2012, announced as part of the Comprehensive Spending Review. Stephen Joseph, the chief executive of the Campaign for Better Transport, said: "The chancellor’s statement focuses on large-scale transport projects but the reality is cuts in funding for everyday transport. These projects should not be used as a smokescreen to cover up service cuts and rocketing fares on our buses and

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Rail News Wed, 20 Oct 2010 14:51:00 GMT 24518
Spending review first glance at what it means for transport https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/24517/spending-review-first-glance-at-what-it-means-for-transport

Chancellor George Osborne has now delivered the coalition government's Comprehensive Spending Review and the impact for transport is starting to emerge. The Department for Transport will reduce overall spending by 15% in real terms, making savings of 21% from its resource budget and an 11% reduction in capital spending. However, a number of capital projects have gained approval. The CSR document reveals that the capital allocation for the Department has been relatively protected; in 2014-15

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In brief Wed, 20 Oct 2010 14:05:00 GMT 24517
London to escape Spending Review transport cuts? https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/24515/london-to-escape-spending-review-transport-cuts-

Reports this morning suggest that transport investment in London will escape major cuts in the government's Comprehensive Spending Review. BBC London has revealed that Transport for London has been told to reduce its budget by at least 6% every year for the next four years - reducing it by £2bn in total. However, funding for local transport schemes and road safety projects will face cuts, but bus and Tube services in the capital will largely be protected. The Crossrail and Thameslink

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In brief Wed, 20 Oct 2010 10:30:00 GMT 24515
What effect will the Comprehensive Spending Review cuts have on transport? https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/24512/what-effect-will-the-comprehensive-spending-review-cuts-have-on-transport-

After the long wait since the election of the coalition government in May, today will see chancellor George Osborne finally announce the results of the Comprehensive Spending Review. Some of the headline figures are already known - £83bn of public spending cuts overall up to 2015 and £29bn of tax rises over the same period. Meanwhile, Danny Alexander, the chief secretary to the Treasury was yesterday photographed in his official car reading a secret document that revealed 500,00

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In brief Wed, 20 Oct 2010 09:15:00 GMT 24512
Citizens Advice and CBT warn bus cuts could harm welfare reform proposals https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/24511/citizens-advice-and-cbt-warn-bus-cuts-could-harm-welfare-reform-proposals Cuts to local buses risk driving people out of work and locking others into welfare dependency, Citizens Advice and the Campaign for Better Transport warned today in a new report They say that the coalition government has made reforming the welfare system a core priority for its first term in office. But the two charities found that many people find poor transport links prevent them finding and holding on to work, and that most people on unemployment benefit rely on buses to get to work. Lat

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Bus News Tue, 19 Oct 2010 13:46:00 GMT 24511
Concessionary fares in spotlight at major conference on November 4 https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/24510/concessionary-fares-in-spotlight-at-major-conference-on-november-4

In the four years since the government introduced free bus passes nationally for senior citizens, local authorities and operators have been caught up in acrimonious debate about reimbursement. The principle that reimbursement rates should leave operators no better off and no worse off sounds eminently sensible. However, the need to speculate on what would have happened without the concession has been a cause of numerous rows, not helped by the lack of decent quality data to determine additional

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In brief Tue, 19 Oct 2010 12:09:00 GMT 24510
Second round of Green Bus Fund winners announced https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/24509/second-round-of-green-bus-fund-winners-announced

The Department for Transport has announced the winners for the second round of the Green Bus Fund. The scheme aims to encourage and help bus operators and local authorities to buy new hybrid and electric buses and the new round of funding will allow the purchase around 170 vehicles which will enter service by March 2012. The funding will help towards the additional up front cost of buying low carbon buses and provides the capital investment required to bring down costs for operators. Local

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Bus News Tue, 19 Oct 2010 11:45:00 GMT 24509
PTEG publishes the case for transport funding ahead of CSR https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/24420/pteg-publishes-the-case-for-transport-funding-ahead-of-csr

Ahead of next week's Comprehensive Spending Review announcement, The Passenger Transport Executive Group has today made public the case that it put to the Treasury as part of the spending review process. In the document PTEG called on the Treasury to ensure that the regional dimension is factored into the transport spending review - to ensure that the already lower levels of local transport spending outside London don’t take a disproportionate hit. The paper also calls for bus subsi

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Bus News Tue, 12 Oct 2010 10:34:00 GMT 24420
A fresh start for concessionary fares? https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/24354/a-fresh-start-for-concessionary-fares-

In the four years since the government introduced free bus passes nationally for senior citizens, local authorities and operators have been caught up in acrimonious debate about reimbursement. The principle that reimbursement rates should leave operators no better off and no worse off sounds eminently sensible. However, the need to speculate on what would have happened without the concession has been a cause of numerous rows, not helped by the lack of decent quality data to determine additional

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Reflections Mon, 11 Oct 2010 10:30:00 GMT 24354
The case for Northern Rail https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/24376/the-case-for-northern-rail

When the Northern Rail franchise was formed in December 2004 with the amalgamation of the First North Western and Arriva Trains Northern companies, it was against the backdrop of a review which was expected to lead to some significant service cuts, fare rises or both. In virtually the same breath as the contract was awarded to the Serco/Abellio joint venture, the Strategic Rail Authority initiated a study which was designed to find ways to reduce the £2.4bn subsidy Northern had been grante

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Interview Mon, 11 Oct 2010 09:52:00 GMT 24376
Train operators set out plan to take back control from Network Rail https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/24372/train-operators-set-out-plan-to-take-back-control-from-network-rail

The Association of Train Operating Companies has set out a route map for train operators to gain greater control over the day to day running of the railway. The plan envisages large sections of the network ultimately becoming vertically integrated franchises, and Network Rail being reorganised into regional businesses prior to the company being broken up and sold off. It reflects ATOC’s submissions to both Sir Roy McNulty’s cost cutting review of the rail industry and the government&

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Business Lead Story Mon, 11 Oct 2010 09:38:00 GMT 24372
Grim up North? https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/24366/grim-up-north-

The whole country is bracing itself for the impact of savage cuts in public spending, but there can be few more anxious than transport professionals in the North of England. The North is expected to suffer more than most regions of the UK, and transport is one of the sectors that is likely to face the most dramatic cuts. Once the implications of this month’s Comprehensive Spending Review become clear, transport providers, local authorities and PTEs in the North of England will have to ma

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Cover Story Mon, 11 Oct 2010 08:55:00 GMT 24366
DfT launches free bus travel consultation https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/24407/dft-launches-free-bus-travel-consultation The Department for Transport has admitted that changes to the reimbursement regime for England’s national concessionary travel scheme could lead to bus services being cut and fares rising. The admission came as the DfT launched a consultation exercise on changing reimbursement travel arrangements for the scheme. It’s best estimate is that the planned changes will reduce reimbursement paid to bus operators by between £68m and £132m a year. Around £1bn is spent on t

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Bus News Sat, 9 Oct 2010 11:48:00 GMT 24407
Free buses face cuts https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/24408/free-buses-face-cuts West Yorkshire’s free town centre bus services and flagship yellow school bus network are under threat from spending cuts. Kieran Preston, the director general of Metro, the West Yorkshire PTE, told councillors that £121m of the PTE’s £174m annual spend was on mandatory items and could not be cut. Therefore any cuts would have to focus on discretionary spending on items such as child concessionary fares, tendered services (such as free city centre services) and the MyBus

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Bus News Sat, 9 Oct 2010 11:48:00 GMT 24408
What is the future for cash on buses? https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/24394/what-is-the-future-for-cash-on-buses-

We have reached a point where most of us agree that cashless transactions are the way forward. There is still much debate about which new format will triumph but the direction of the trend is now clear. Whether through smartcards, mobile ticketing or contactless debit cards, cash transactions look set to fade away over the next few years and a golden cashless future beckons. Really? Does it? And if it does, have we actually thought through what this means? You see the trouble is that a lot of

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Letters Sat, 9 Oct 2010 11:16:00 GMT 24394
Dear Cat https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/24384/dear-cat- There are times when you just have to thank your lucky stars. The prime minister was good enough to give me a team of ministers who, relatively speaking, are pretty easy to manage. Norman Baker has a habit of saying what he thinks - never an endearing quality in a minister - but overall, I can’t complain. Unlike my opposite number in Communities and Local Government who really has got the short straw with Eric Pickles in charge, the Conservative Party’s answer to John Prescott, in mo

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Viewpoint Sat, 9 Oct 2010 10:49:00 GMT 24384
NGT can complete the Leeds transport jigsaw https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/24383/ngt-can-complete-the-leeds-transport-jigsaw

The decision by government in the spring of 2010 to confirm Programme Entry status to the first phase of the planned New Generation Transport (NGT) trolleybus network in Leeds was very reassuring to businesses in the city. It showed that there is support for developing the transport infrastructure in Leeds to support growth. The £235m allocated by HM Treasury for Phase 1 would fund a north-south link, giving local residents and Park & Ride users fast and reliable public transport links

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BRT Report Sat, 9 Oct 2010 10:40:00 GMT 24383
Joint strike action over spending cuts https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/24382/joint-strike-action-over-spending-cuts Delegates at last month’s TUC Congress in Manchester backed a motion tabled by the RMT union which set out a blueprint for a co-ordinated trade union and community fight back against the cuts programme and the “class warfare” of the coalition government. The RMT motion called on the trade union movement to: • call an immediate summit of affiliates to discuss the sole issue of “how we can best coordinate industrial action to defend jobs, pensions and conditions&rdqu

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Viewpoint Sat, 9 Oct 2010 10:34:00 GMT 24382
Return journey looking back at the last time the Northern franchise was reviewed https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/24378/return-journey-looking-back-at-the-last-time-the-northern-franchise-was-reviewed The Northern Rail Review commissioned by the Strategic Rail Authority in 2005 was designed to examine the potential for reducing the franchise’s subsidy through fare rises, service cuts and deferring infrastructure renewals. In the case of fares, minimal extra revenue would be raised by increasing ticket prices. The study conducted by Steer Davies Gleave found that the optimal fare level required to maximise revenue would be a 10% increase in season ticket and discounted ticket prices, an

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Interview Detail Sat, 9 Oct 2010 10:16:00 GMT 24378
No Growth Franchise has kept growing despite low expectations and the recession https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/24377/-no-growth-franchise-has-kept-growing-despite-low-expectations-and-the-recession Northern Rail was considered to be a ‘no growth’ franchise when it was let in December 2004 by the Strategic Rail Authority. However, booming economies in the north of England, coupled with new urban planning policies and improvements in punctuality, have led to patronage increasing by 35%, outstripping the industry average. In the first year alone, a 10% rise was recorded, and during the recession, when patronage was falling at the majority of operators, Northern also outperformed

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Interview Detail Sat, 9 Oct 2010 10:14:00 GMT 24377
Rail finances deteriorate by 11bn in three years says new report https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/24373/rail-finances-deteriorate-by-1-1bn-in-three-years-says-new-report A new report on the UK rail industry has highlighted the challenges which Network Rail’s new boss, Davd Higgins, and the coalition government faces in getting the industry’s finances under control. The report, Rail Industry Structure and Funding, published by public transport specialists TAS, highlights the impact that the recession and cost increases have had on the rail industry since 2007. In three years, the industry’s finances have deteriorated by over £1.1bn a year

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Business Sat, 9 Oct 2010 09:41:00 GMT 24373
Mind the gap https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/24368/mind-the-gap 1. Londoners get much more spent on their transport. The latest expenditure figures for 2008/09 show, spending per head on transport is considerably higher in London than in the North of England. A total of £641 is spent on transport for every Londoner, around two and a half times the spending per head on transport in the North. The North West gets £287 per head while the Yorkshire & Humber region gets £248 per head. The North East gets just £234 per head. 2. The f

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Cover Story Detail Sat, 9 Oct 2010 09:22:00 GMT 24368
An independent frame of mind https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/24364/an-independent-frame-of-mind

Few would consider a trip to a fancy dress shop before a major industry conference, but Hull-based EYMS Group chairman Peter Shipp did just that. As the boss and sole owner of one of the two former National Bus Company subsidiaries that remain in independent ownership, the other being TrentBarton, Shipp was the target of Brian Souter, Stagecoach’s expansion-minded chief executive back in 2006. The Scot expressed frustration - and perhaps a hint of admiration - at the stubborn refusal of s

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Profile Sat, 9 Oct 2010 08:41:00 GMT 24364
Surviving the recession? Bus operators say theyve done it https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/24358/surviving-the-recession-bus-operators-say-they-ve-done-it

Despite the doom and gloom surrounding the economy, the recent UK Bus Awards conference at Warwick University gave a chance for industry thinkers to recognise some of the achievements that have been made despite the recent recession. Leading the charge was Brighton & Hove managing director Roger French, who said: “We aren’t surviving the recession, we’ve survived the recession. Optimists amongst us would say, ‘Recession? What recession!’” French revealed

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Business Lead Story Sat, 9 Oct 2010 08:22:00 GMT 24358
A tall order for Tim OToole https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/24356/a-tall-order-for-tim-o-toole Some were beginning to wonder whether it would ever happen, but after 21 years at the helm of FirstGroup and its predecessor companies, Sir Moir Lockhead has announced that he will retire at the end of next month. He will be succeeded by former Tube boss Tim O'Toole, who joined the board of the Aberdeen-based group as a non executive director in May 2009, before becoming deputy chief executive in June 2010. It’s more than just the start of a new chapter for FirstGroup, it’s will mar

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Reflections Sat, 9 Oct 2010 08:05:00 GMT 24356
North of England must find its voice or it will miss out https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/24353/north-of-england-must-find-its-voice-or-it-will-miss-out Welcome to our ‘North of England’ special issue. This month we are paying particular attention to the public transport in this region of the UK. Our cover story is a stimulating round table discussion between three well known Northern transport professionals - Neil Scales (Merseytravel/PTEG), Peter Huntley (Go North East) and Dr Paul Salveson (Grand Central). And continuing the Northern theme, we have interviews with the management duo in charge at Northern Rail, Ian Bevan and Stev

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Editorial Comment Sat, 9 Oct 2010 07:52:00 GMT 24353
The cuts will hurt but technology could save the day https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/24108/the-cuts-will-hurt--but-technology-could-save-the-day Technology has the ability to inspire. If you ever watch television you will have seen Barclaycard’s ‘waterslide’ advertisement. A bespectacled office worker clocks out at work, strips down to his swimming trunks and hops on a water slide. He then glides through the city while conducting effortless financial transactions at a subway, library and supermarket before arriving at home. It’s a fun way of showing us how a contactless bank card can change our lives. Contactless

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Editorial Comment Fri, 3 Sep 2010 15:19:00 GMT 24108
High speed but in the slow lane https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/24105/high-speed-but-in-the-slow-lane One of the major reforms being considered in the Department for Transport’s current review of rail franchising is the way risk is shared between operators and government. Nothing illustrates the need for change more than the revelation that Southeastern has lost £17m in the first six months of operating domestic 140mph services on the Channel Tunnel Rail Link. This was a DfT-specified project and at least half the motivation was to get the government out of jail by increasing the u

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Reflections Fri, 3 Sep 2010 15:14:00 GMT 24105
How can we stay green when were in the red? https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/24103/how-can-we-stay-green-when-we-re-in-the-red-

This month will see the start of the party conference season and the case for supporting public transport will be put forward at fringe meetings in Liverpool, Manchester and Birmingham. The tone is different from previous years. Public transport faces huge spending cuts and its supporters are keen to remind those in power of the important job it plays, both as an employer and as a facilitator of economic growth. But they also wants to highlight the green credentials of bus and rail. As part of

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Politics Lead Story Fri, 3 Sep 2010 15:10:00 GMT 24103
Is East Coast Pendolino plan another Virgin snub? https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/24102/is-east-coast-pendolino-plan-another-virgin-snub-

Government-owned train operator East Coast is negotiating to take delivery of one of the new Pendolino trains being built to increase capacity on the West Coast Main Line. East Coast would run the train on London-Edinburgh services from next July for nine months. The set would then be returned to the West Coast for the start of the next franchise which is scheduled to begin in April 2012. The train is one of four new 11-car units which are due for delivery next year but will be held in storage

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Business Fri, 3 Sep 2010 15:07:00 GMT 24102
Transport professionals have their say on governments spending plans https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/24101/transport-professionals-have-their-say-on-government-s-spending-plans

On the subject the government’s transport spending plans, we’ve heard from politicians, industry leaders and users. But now we have an opportunity to hear what the men and women who made their careers in the transport sector have to say on the key priorities for the government’s forthcoming Comprehensive Spending Review. A total of 1,244 members of the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport participated in an online survey carried out between July 7 and 21, 2010. 

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Business Lead Story Fri, 3 Sep 2010 15:03:00 GMT 24101
Real time is a real boost for Edinburgh bus users https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/24100/real-time-is-a-real-boost-for-edinburgh-bus-users

My first encounter with real time passenger information (RTPI) was during family holidays spent in Europe. Most of the major cities I visited already had electronic signs at bus and tram stops which gave an indication of when the next service would arrive. When the opportunity to project manage procurement and delivery of a RTPI system for Edinburgh arose in 2001, I jumped at the chance. The project offered similar improvements to public transport, for bus passengers and operators, to those in E

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BRT Report Fri, 3 Sep 2010 14:59:00 GMT 24100
Dear Cat https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/24095/dear-cat--

So, the press is fixated at the moment of an analysis of the coalition’s first 100 days. Overall, you would have to say they have not done a bad job, although there has been the odd hiccup along the way. Here at transport I’m feeling rather pleased with myself and my team. We’ve managed to keep transport pretty much out of the headlines, although there has been the odd rumble on rail fares - isn’t there always - and high speed rail has raised its ugly head from time to ti

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Viewpoint Fri, 3 Sep 2010 14:40:00 GMT 24095
Whose job is it to look at net cost of running a railway? https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/24094/whose-job-is-it-to-look-at-net-cost-of-running-a-railway-

Even on holiday, someone would lean across the table, retsina in hand, wine dark sea behind, the perfume from hot thyme in the air and say, “the mistake you made was to separate running the trains from managing the network”. “No,” I would say, “you’ve got to break bulk somewhere and the train-track split is as good a place as any; besides, it’s European law. But look, look, over there, there’s a party going on, let’s go and join them.&rdquo

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Viewpoint Fri, 3 Sep 2010 14:35:00 GMT 24094
Its time to take a fresh look at micro-franchising https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/24093/it-s-time-to-take-a-fresh-look-at-micro-franchising

We are in a very different situation following the general election in May. The coalition government is organising a ‘bonfire of commitments’ from the previous government, and many rail schemes are likely to go up in smoke. The emphasis is on cost reduction above all else, though the government appears to be avoiding any softening-up for possible line or station closures. How the railways maintain the existing network with less financial support is going to be a key challenge, and

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Viewpoint Fri, 3 Sep 2010 14:29:00 GMT 24093
More than one way to skin a cat https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/24091/-more-than-one-way-to-skin-a-cat-

To achieve its budget the Department for Transport has two tools - cutting costs and increasing revenue. Almost all the attention so far has been on cuts, but there are many opportunities available to increase revenue. With automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) based enforcement the rate of road tax evasion amongst the 22 million motors on British roads has dropped from circa 7% to 2%. Centralised databases of motors with valid insurance and current MOTs already exist, so with the number of

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The Big Question Fri, 3 Sep 2010 14:23:00 GMT 24091
Bus service support will be reduced' https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/24090/-bus-service-support-will-be-reduced-

The Treasury’s May announcement of Department for Transport cuts of £683m gives some clues. Popular concessionary bus fares will stay but eligibility may be tightened and charges for card issue introduced. 61% of UK local bus service support goes to Transport for London who may raise fares rather than cut the network as bus use growth continues. Outside London, local authorities will cut bus service support, perhaps impacting rural services while some Park and Ride services could b

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The Big Question Fri, 3 Sep 2010 14:20:00 GMT 24090
Longer rail franchises and ATM https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/24088/-longer-rail-franchises-and-atm-

Longer rail franchises would save significant mounts of money, both for the Department for Transport and for train operating companies, simply by reducing the number of occasions when the re-letting process has to be gone through. Where we need new stretches of motorway, we should consider private financing and toll roads, and where we need to widen motorways we need to make much more extensive use of Active Traffic Management (ATM). This has already been proved to be a much cheaper solution th

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The Big Question Fri, 3 Sep 2010 14:16:00 GMT 24088
Investment in rail is vital for the economy https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/24087/-investment-in-rail-is-vital-for-the-economy-

Investment in Britain’s railway is vital to keep pace with demand which is expected to double in the coming decades. The investment programme that Network Rail is carrying out to 2014 is unprecedented in scale and is vital to increase rail’s contribution to the economy.  It is being supported by a significant commitment to new train orders, needed to allow operators to keep pace with demand which is already recovering. The challenge for the industry is to ensure this programme

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The Big Question Fri, 3 Sep 2010 14:12:00 GMT 24087
Where should cuts be made from the transport budget? https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/24086/where-should-cuts-be-made-from-the-transport-budget-

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The Big Question Title Fri, 3 Sep 2010 14:09:00 GMT 24086
London's cycle hire scheme hits 250000 journeys https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/23939/london-s-cycle-hire-scheme-hits-250-000-journeys

In little under a month since the scheme began, Transport for London has revealed that 60,000 have signed up to the capital's cycle hire scheme and more than 250,000 journeys have been made using Barclays Cycle Hire since its launch on July 30. On average scheme users are making around 15,000 journeys a day with August 19 the busiest day so far, with more than 16,700 journeys undertaken by the fleet of 5,000 cycle hire bikes. London mayor Boris Johnson welcomed the news. He said: "In the

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News Lead Story Wed, 25 Aug 2010 10:30:00 GMT 23939
Stagecoach announces 50m new bus orders for UK fleet https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/23850/stagecoach-announces-50m-new-bus-orders-for-uk-fleet Stagecoach has confirmed details of orders for around 340 buses and coaches worth nearly £50m. The latest orders by the Perth-based transport group take its total investment in new vehicles for the UK for the 2010-11 financial year to around £65m. It follows the launch by Stagecoach of Britain’s biggest single investment in green hybrid bus technology with 30% less carbon emissions than standard vehicles. The first of the £16m investment in 56 state-of-the-art electri

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Bus News Tue, 10 Aug 2010 10:47:00 GMT 23850
Translink inspects first new train bodyshell https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/23849/translink-inspects-first-new-train-bodyshell

Translink general manager – rail services, Mal McGreevy and new trains two programme manager James Erwin this week inspected the first completed train bodyshell in Translink’s £105m order for 20 ‘Class 4000’ trains currently being manufactured at CAF in Zaragoza, Spain. Funded by the Department for Regional Development, the finished bodyshells will move into the assembly line for interiors and equipment to be fitted followed by factory testing. The new trains ar

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Rail News Tue, 10 Aug 2010 10:40:00 GMT 23849
WAG and Arriva Trains Wales agree train refurbishment funding deal https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/23687/wag-and-arriva-trains-wales-agree-train-refurbishment-funding-deal

Trains used on Arriva Trains Wales mainline service are to be upgraded thanks to a funding deal reached by the Welsh Assembly Government and the train operator. Welsh ministers are providing £7.5m to the improvement programme which will take place over the next 18 months, with trains in ATW’s fleet undergoing a complete upgrade. This will include new seating, a state of the art Passenger Information System and improved luggage storage facilities, additional space for wheelchairs, as

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Rail News Wed, 4 Aug 2010 12:09:00 GMT 23687
Transport for London announces 300m Bond Street Tube redevelopment https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/23685/transport-for-london-announces-300m-bond-street-tube-redevelopment The redevelopment of Bond Street Tube station, a key element of the Tube upgrade, moved a step closer today as Transport for London announced that it intends to award the contract for the redevelopment of the station to Costain Laing O’Rourke JV. Main construction will get underway in 2011. When completed in 2017 the £300million redevelopment will transform the station delivering: A dramatic increase in station capacity ahead of the completion of Crossrail; A new entranc

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Rail News Wed, 4 Aug 2010 10:50:00 GMT 23685
Greater Manchester outlines public transport priorities https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/23684/greater-manchester-outlines-public-transport-priorities Transport leaders in Greater Manchester have set out their comprehensive priorities for the coming year. Greater Manchester Integrated Transport Authority has pledged, among other key aims, to continue to lobby for extra rail carriages, to seek improvements to the bus network, to maintain investment in major public transport schemes, including the expansion of Metrolink, and to ensure that public transport is safe for all. Members have also committed to ensuring that the next Local Transport P

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In brief Tue, 3 Aug 2010 16:39:00 GMT 23684
Boris launches London's first air conditioned Tube train https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/23679/boris-launches-london-s-first-air-conditioned-tube-train

Mayor of London Boris Johnson this week joined Tube passengers in welcoming the Tube’s first new air conditioned train. The train, which will start serving the Metropolitan line, is the first of a 191 fleet of brand new walk-through trains that will serve 40% of the Tube network. The introduction of the first air conditioned train on the Tube network, which is nearly a 150 years old, highlights why there needs to be continued investment in the Tube. The trains are part the upgrade of the

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Rail News Tue, 3 Aug 2010 14:59:00 GMT 23679
Optare hybrids win green bus fund approval https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/23678/optare-hybrids-win-green-bus-fund-approval

Optare has confirmed that diesel-electric hybrid versions of its Solo and Versa models have successfully completed certification trials to satisfy the Low Carbon Emission Bus requirements under the Green Bus Grant scheme. The certification, carried out independently by engineers at the Millbrook Proving Ground in Bedfordshire, now applies to all production Solo and Versa hybrids. It was based on Millbrook’s rigorous ‘MLTB’ test cycle, which replicates London’s route 159

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Bus News Tue, 3 Aug 2010 14:48:00 GMT 23678
Ten points we need to understand about buses https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/23655/ten-points-we-need-to-understand-about-buses

It’s always rather amusing to read an article which argues with a case you have made, only to find that the person is arguing with something he thinks you said rather than what you actually said. It’s also occasionally frustrating, because it becomes clear that the people doing the arguing have not understood the argument you were making. Such is the case with the last edition of New Transit, in which a Pedro Abrantes, an economist with PTEG, has taken issue with the evidence TAS su

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Letters Fri, 30 Jul 2010 12:18:00 GMT 23655
American cities are waking up to potential of BRT https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/23653/american-cities-are-waking-up-to-potential-of-brt

American public transport - transit, as it’s known - has been enjoying a renaissance. Congestion and fuel prices have boosted ridership in the last few years, but there is also a growing number of light rail, streetcar and BRT lines. 10 or even five years ago, BRT advocates would point to the classic Latin American systems - Bogota, Curitiba - as models. The few domestic examples - often using freeway high-occupancy-vehicle lanes, or busways in former railroad corridors - provided expres

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BRT Report Fri, 30 Jul 2010 11:55:00 GMT 23653
A united defence of BSOG https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/23649/a-united-defence-of-bsog Bus operators and PTEs have united in defence of the Bus Service Operators’ Grant (BSOG). In a joint statement issued on July 15, David Brown, PTEG’s lead director general on bus issues, and Simon Posner, chief executive of the Confederation of Passenger Transport, said: “BSOG is delivering against all of the key areas being highlighted by the Treasury as they challenge government departments to justify all items of their expenditure.”  Posner pointed to research un

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Bus News Fri, 30 Jul 2010 11:30:00 GMT 23649
Beware the Beeching threat to local bus networks https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/23648/beware-the-beeching-threat-to-local-bus-networks

We’ve all known for a long time that cuts to transport spending will come but the shape of those cuts is still not clear. What has become apparent more recently is that it will be revenue spending that will face the biggest immediate threat compared to capital projects. That means that support for bus and rail services will be most under pressure and both the rail and bus sectors need to justify the value of their services to the economy, society and the environment. Campaign for Better T

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Viewpoint Fri, 30 Jul 2010 11:26:00 GMT 23648
Green Bus Fund hybrids enter service in Oxford https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/23635/green-bus-fund-hybrids-enter-service-in-oxford

Stagecoach launched the first of 56 new hybrid vehicles at its Oxford bus operation last month as ministers in Westminster and Holyrood announced further funding to support the introduction of low carbon buses in England and Scotland. The Perth-based group is introducing 26 hybrid vehicles at its Oxford operation, with a further 30 buses expected to be introduced at Stagecoach Manchester in November. Stagecoach chief executive Brian Souter said that the introduction of the new vehicles represen

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Future Fri, 30 Jul 2010 10:04:00 GMT 23635
Can public transport win gold? https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/23632/can-public-transport-win-gold-

According to the Olympic Delivery Authority, the 2012 Games in London represent the biggest logistical challenge that the country has faced in peace time. The scale of the operation is vast. Throughout the 16 days of competition, the capital’s transport system will have to cater for an average of 500,000 spectators a day, plus 140,000 games workers and volunteers and 55,000 members of the Olympic family, including athletes, officials and media. The Olympic Park is the centre of the action

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Cover Story Fri, 30 Jul 2010 09:43:00 GMT 23632
Service quality and investment to be key in new rail franchise awards https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/23629/service-quality-and-investment-to-be-key-in-new-rail-franchise-awards

The new coalition government has claimed that rail franchises will no longer be awarded almost solely on the basis of price. Instead it intends to put greater emphasis on operators’ proposals to invest in the railway and improve service quality, and the benefits that will bring to passengers and the wider economy. The proposals set out by the Department for Transport would also see control over rail services pass substantially from civil servants to train operators, with contracts contai

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Business Lead Story Fri, 30 Jul 2010 09:34:00 GMT 23629
TfL highlights rail investment priorities https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/23620/tfl-highlights-rail-investment-priorities

Transport for London has published details of an £820m package of rail improvements for Network Rail’s next five-year spending period (2014-2019). The biggest part of the package is a £540m programme to increase capacity on West Anglia services. TfL says the project has a benefit/cost ratio of 2:1. A £170m proposal to improve London Overground services includes electrifying the Gospel Oak to Barking railway and has a benefit/cost ratio of 2.5:1. The other projects are: w

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Rail News Fri, 30 Jul 2010 09:23:00 GMT 23620
Firsts bus division slips https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/23618/first-s-bus-division-slips Performance at First’s UK bus division has deteriorated after the company reported signs of the market improving in the first three months of 2010. In a new trading update, the country’s biggest bus operator said that revenue growth had fallen back to its previous recession-hit low of 0.9% between April and June after rebounding to 2% between January and March. First’s major rivals Go Ahead and Stagecoach are achieving 3-4% revenue growth in their deregulated operations.

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Bus News Fri, 30 Jul 2010 09:22:00 GMT 23618
Baker plays down fear of cuts to BSOG https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/23617/baker-plays-down-fear-of-cuts-to-bsog Transport Minister Norman Baker has played down fears that Bus Service Operators Grant could be scrapped, saying the government recognised the importance of a funding stream to the industry. Baker sought to give the industry re-assurance after representatives from the bus industry, local government and green campaign groups launched a joint campaign to protect the grant, claiming that its abolition would result in ‘Beeching-style’ cuts to bus services. “We do understand the i

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Bus News Fri, 30 Jul 2010 09:21:00 GMT 23617
Mary Grant has lead role in Mission Impossible 2 https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/23613/mary-grant-has-lead-role-in-mission-impossible-2

When Nicola Shaw took the reins at FirstGroup’s UK bus business in 2005 there were doubters. Shaw had no prior experience of running a bus company, but the doubts were not over her ability. She was clearly one of the industry’s high fliers. Although still in her mid-thirties, her career had already included roles at the Office of Rail Regulation, the World Bank, London Transport, Bechtel and the Strategic Rail Authority. The doubts were about whether Shaw had signed up for the lead r

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Reflections Fri, 30 Jul 2010 09:03:00 GMT 23613
CPT urges government to safeguard Bus Service Operators Grant https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/23514/cpt-urges-government-to-safeguard-bus-service-operators-grant

Bus operators have called on the government to retain the Bus Service Operators Grant, noting that its withdrawal could lead to significant problems within the industry in the future. The Confederation of Passenger Transport says that the grant plays an important role in lowering the cost of providing services, resulting in lower fares, a more comprehensive network of services, less congestion on our roads and a better and healthier living environment in our communities. "The axing of BSO

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Bus News Tue, 13 Jul 2010 10:51:00 GMT 23514
No no-go areas in Hammond's best value review of railway https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/23421/no-no-go-areas-in-hammond-s-best-value-review-of-railway

A complete revision of the way the rail industry is structured and operates is being considered by the Department for Transport's team investigating how to bring subsidy and costs down to an affordable level. A  scoping study published last month by the DfT's best value review team states that there will be "no no-go" areas in its future work, and transport secretary Philip Hammond has made it clear that current rail service levels are under threat if savings can not be achieved.

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Rail News Lead Story Thu, 8 Jul 2010 14:44:00 GMT 23421
We dont do coffee Will tap water suffice? https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/23417/-we-don-t-do-coffee-will-tap-water-suffice- Tough times at the Department for Transport’s Great Minster House headquarters have been reported by the Railway?Eye blog. Whilst the majority of ministers in the coalition government have all lost their prized ministerial cars, until now the civil service has been immune from the cuts. However, a recent DfT staff memo revealed that things may be changing for the mandarins in Marsham Street. In future only water will be provided for meetings with anything other than that only provided i

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End of the line Thu, 1 Jul 2010 15:14:00 GMT 23417
Motorists see buses as poor value https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/23402/motorists-see-buses-as-poor-value What I have to agree with Steven Stewart that Stagecoach bus fares in urban areas are frequently cheaper than those charged by other bus operators in the UK. However, the fare-paying passenger will compare the cost of the bus fare with the saving he will make by leaving his car at home. When motorists choose to travel by bus, they frequently have to pay more than 30p per mile but save less than 20p per mile by leaving their car at home plus any parking charges. In making value for money compari

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Letters Thu, 1 Jul 2010 15:00:00 GMT 23402
Is it higher profits or regulation that buses need? https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/23396/is-it-higher-profits-or-regulation-that-buses-need-

What drives competition in local bus markets? Some have argued that it is lack of profitability rather than lack of regulation, that is holding back the development of a more competitive and efficient bus sector. They contend that operators’ strong desire for growth would tempt them away from reaping excess profits even in what have effectively become monopolies of local bus markets. This is at the core of the recent submission to the Competition Commission by consultants TAS, which sugges

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Inside View Thu, 1 Jul 2010 14:37:00 GMT 23396
Lightweight buses can slash fuel bills by 20% https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/23395/lightweight-buses-can-slash-fuel-bills-by-20-

Everyone is tightening their belts, but that doesn’t mean that investment should or will be halted. The years ahead will be about making sure that government and private enterprises spend what money they have wisely. New Transit will respond to this by highlighting investments that result in savings. One such investment is lighter buses. Fuel represents a significant, and growing, proportion of bus company costs, yet buses have become steadily less fuel efficient as manufacturers comply w

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Invest to save Thu, 1 Jul 2010 14:34:00 GMT 23395
The Coucher Years Revolting but right? https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/23393/the-coucher-years-revolting-but-right-

Most great and effective leaders seek control - Reagan didn’t but war leaders from Stalin to MacArthur did, and Wellington had a microscopic knowledge of and control over his forces. So, coming rapidly down to earth, we should not hold Iain Coucher’s mania for centralisation against him. What separates the great and effective from the failures is not about style, it is about being right, and it is about working with, and not against, the grain of events. The story of the Coucher ye

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Viewpoint Thu, 1 Jul 2010 14:23:00 GMT 23393
Low cost rail model offsets impact of the recession https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/23392/low-cost-rail-model-offsets-impact-of-the-recession

In its latest results presentation published last month, Stagecoach revealed that revenue at SWT and East Midlands Trains was £125m below the target in their combined bids, due to the effect of the recession. However, the impact had been largely offset by the creation of what chief executive Brian Souter described a “new low cost model” that has been introduced at the UK rail division. In the past year, costs have been reduced by a higher than expected £70m, substantiall

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Business Thu, 1 Jul 2010 14:20:00 GMT 23392
Greece plans sale of rail assets in effort to cut its deficit https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/23386/greece-plans-sale-of-rail-assets-in-effort-to-cut-its-deficit

The cash-strapped Greek government is investigating the possible privatisation of a number of public assets in a move that aims to reduce the country’s crippling debt burden. The Hellenic Railways Organisation is amongst the assets, including two water companies, the Post Office and several casinos, that are slated for either full or partial sales. However, finance minister George Papaconstantinou revealed that the rail operator is currently losing more than 1bn Euros each year and that

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World Thu, 1 Jul 2010 14:09:00 GMT 23386
New brand for Gatwick as GIP plans 1bn refit https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/23383/new-brand-for-gatwick-as-gip-plans-1bn-refit

The new owners of Gatwick Airport have unveiled a new brand and outlined details of their £1bn  investment programme to step up competition with Heathrow and Stansted for London air traffic. Global Investment Partners, a fund backed by investment bank Credit Suisse and US conglomerate General Electric, purchased the airport from BAA for £1.5bn in a deal agreed at the end of last year, after the Competition Commission ordered the break up of BAA. GIP said its two-year, modernisa

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Projects Thu, 1 Jul 2010 14:04:00 GMT 23383
Budget green light for five rail schemes https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/23382/budget-green-light-for-five-rail-schemes Chancellor George Osbourne confirmed that five planned rail upgrades will go-ahead in last month’s emergency budget. The Tyne & Wear Metro upgrade; the redevelopment of Birmingham’s New Street station; extensions to Manchester Metrolink; £67m of improvements to the London-Sheffield rail corridor; and £31m of railway improvements between Liverpool and Leeds were all approved. Meanwhile, the Treasury has approved funding for a number of other transport schemes that w

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Projects Thu, 1 Jul 2010 14:03:00 GMT 23382
Delays could see phased start of Edinburgh tram https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/23380/delays-could-see-phased-start-of-edinburgh-tram

The deadlock of a contractual dispute over construction of Edinburgh’s tram scheme appears to remain unresolved in the wake of a council meeting that investigated a number of solutions to problem plagued scheme. Transport Initiatives Edinburgh, the arms-length tram delivery company, and contractor Bilfinger Berger, who have not undertaken any work on on-street sections since last autumn, are currently locked in dispute over the slow pace of work and the spiraling costs of the scheme. I

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Projects Thu, 1 Jul 2010 13:59:00 GMT 23380
Network Rail profits down https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/23333/network-rail-profits-down Network Rail has announced a 75% slide in profits as a result of growing debts but says that it is continuing to “drive efficiencies” through the control of costs. The not-for-profit infrastructure operator revealed pretax profits for the year to March 31, 2010 of £395m, down from the £1.5bn it generated the year before. Its net debt increased by £1bn to reach £23.8bn as a result of the financial demands of its asset investment programme. However, Network R

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Rail News Thu, 1 Jul 2010 10:39:00 GMT 23333
Souter buys into yacht firm https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/23328/souter-buys-into-yacht-firm Stagecoach chief executive Brian Souter has made a £9.5m personal investment in luxury yacht manufacturer Sunseeker International. He is amongst a consortium of UK and Irish investors that have acquired a majority £25m stake in the Poole-based firm.

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People Thu, 1 Jul 2010 10:36:00 GMT 23328
All sweetness and light over bus policy despite previous differences between coalition partners https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/23318/-all-sweetness-and-light-over-bus-policy-despite-previous-differences-between-coalition-partners Last month transport minister Norman Baker told MPs that bus regulatory policy would be left untouched until after the Competition Commission publishes its report on Britain’s local bus market next summer. Bus policy had divided the coalition parties before the General Election: Baker is an enthusiast for bus Quality Contracts whereas the Conservatives proposed repealing the Quality Contract provisions of the Local Transport Act 2008. But the coalition partners now seem united on the way

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Projects Wed, 30 Jun 2010 15:06:00 GMT 23318
Driverless trains make sense but it takes time https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/23315/-driverless-trains-make-sense-but-it-takes-time-

Full metro automation is not new. There are 57 such lines in 32 cities and 13 airports, some in operation for three decades now. Driverless metros have unbeatable safety records and can halve operation costs compared to conventional driving. Turning legacy systems into driverless represents a much greater engineering and organisational challenge. Paris and Nürnberg show it is possible. Other cities will follow. And the Tube? In any case, it could only be gradual. An investment strategy to

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The Big Question Wed, 30 Jun 2010 14:21:00 GMT 23315
Five transport schemes get the green light in Emergency Budget https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/23169/five-transport-schemes-get-the-green-light-in-emergency-budget

There was little mention of transport in today's (Tuesday) emergency budget, but chancellor George Osbourne said that the coalition government would not make the mistakes of previous governments by cutting capital spending. To that end, Osbourne revealed that a number of previously announced rail schemes will go ahead. Planned upgrades of the Tyne & Wear Metro, the extension of the Manchester Metrolink system, the redevelopment of Birmingham New Street station and improvements to the rail

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Rail News Tue, 22 Jun 2010 14:22:00 GMT 23169
Network Rail reveals 75% slide in profits https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/22846/network-rail-reveals-75-slide-in-profits

Network Rail has announced a 75% slide in profits as a result of growing debts but says that it is continuing to "drive efficiencies" through the control of costs. The not-for-profit infrastructure operator revealed pretax profits for the year to March 31, 2010 of £395m, down from the £1.5bn it generated the year before. The firm's net debt increased by £1bn to reach £23.8bn as a result of the financial demands of its asset investment programme. However, Netwo

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Rail News Thu, 3 Jun 2010 10:23:00 GMT 22846
Dean Finch Interview Finch Express https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/22813/dean-finch-interview-finch-express

It has not taken long for National Express Group’s new chief executive to make his mark. In just three months since joining from Tube Lines in February, Dean Finch has completed his initial review of the company and has not pulled any punches. The review concluded that the West Midlands bus business, once a revered cash cow, has been undermined by a prolonged period of unfocused management which has contributed to costs rising well in excess of revenue. And it was also scathing about the

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Interview Wed, 2 Jun 2010 09:00:00 GMT 22813
Managers believe rail industry is on-track https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/22841/managers-believe-rail-industry-is-on-track

A new report has discovered that rail industry bosses have forecast an encouraging financial year for their individual train operating companies. The figures reveal that there is unanimous agreement passenger numbers will rise in the new financial year compared to the current one. Meanwhile, 80% expect the financial picture to improve with operating profits returning to their former levels. All respondents intend to invest in their network or services during the next 12 months at an average of

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Rail News Tue, 1 Jun 2010 15:16:00 GMT 22841
Optare wins 13m order from Greater Manchester https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/22821/optare-wins-13m-order-from-greater-manchester

Optare has won 100% of Greater Manchester Integrated Transport Authority’s order for up to 66 hybrid buses in the face of stiff competition. The order is worth up to £13m. It is the largest single order for hybrid buses so far to be placed with help from the government’s Green Bus Fund, which encourages low emission bus use. GMITA has secured over £3m from the Fund and £1.3m from other funders, including Wigan Council, to assist in the purchase of the buses. The

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Products & Services Tue, 1 Jun 2010 14:52:00 GMT 22821
ADL forges ahead large scale hybrid production https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/22820/adl-forges-ahead-large-scale-hybrid-production

Alexander Dennis is forging ahead with production of the first large-scale orders for hybrid buses in the UK. The move follows confirmation that ADL is the first manufacturer supplying the British market to have its double deck hybrid offering - the Enviro400H - certified at Euro5. In effect, ADL is the first bus producer to meet the strict, new low carbon emission guidelines set for hybrids by the Department for Transport and “policed” by the Low Carbon Vehicle Partnership. As a r

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Products & Services Tue, 1 Jun 2010 14:51:00 GMT 22820
A tale of two Crossrail schemes Edinburgh and London https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/22811/a-tale-of-two-crossrail-schemes-edinburgh-and-london

In Edinburgh, we now have a sparkling new tram sitting in the middle of Princes Street. It looks very pretty but it is not going anywhere as this shambolic project limps on through delays and cost overruns. At heart it is a good scheme, at least the airport to Leith section is, but the ingredients for the shambles were all there at the beginning. A wildly exaggerated “vision”, a parliament in denial, approving the scheme but washing its hands of cost overruns and, most dangerous of a

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Viewpoint Tue, 1 Jun 2010 13:49:00 GMT 22811
An open letter to Londons mayor https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/22807/an-open-letter-to-london-s-mayor

Dear Boris, We all accept that prior to the election political correctness had to rule and that election commitments had to be kept, however stupid they may be.  But now reality has dawned, and fiscal prudence is the name of the game. You should: Scrap the expensive ‘Borismaster’ before even more money is wasted; Leave the remaining bendy buses where they are, possibly moving some onto the central-London Red Arrow routes and swapping the buses on them elsewhere;

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Letters Tue, 1 Jun 2010 13:31:00 GMT 22807
New politics New transport? https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/22798/new-politics-new-transport-

The TV cameras have fled College Green. A brooding Gordon Brown has retreated to Fife, possibly for a new life as a primary school teacher. Meanwhile, that nice young man, David Cameron, married Nick Clegg in a sun-dappled Westminster garden. All cynicism is banished and men of good faith rule the land. What does all this mean for transport? The election provided few meaningful clues. The ‘debate’ about spending was essentially about whether to cut the enormous budget deficit by a

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Cover Story Detail Tue, 1 Jun 2010 12:46:00 GMT 22798
Formula for the Future https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/22795/formula-for-the-future

Change was the buzzword in run-up to May’s general election, and change is what is now going to happen. The world of public transport is no stranger to major upheavals. The bus industry experienced its fair share of them following privatisation in the mid-1980s, and it was the rail industry’s turn a decade later. But now, in 2010, we appear to be at the beginning of a new era. A combination of factors are coming together to create a new formula for the future. Perhaps the most obvio

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Cover Story Tue, 1 Jun 2010 12:29:00 GMT 22795
Hammond opens new platform at King's Cross railway station https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/22686/hammond-opens-new-platform-at-king-s-cross-railway-station

Network Rail’s redevelopment of King’s Cross station reached another crucial milestone today with the official opening of Platform 0 by transport secretary Philip Hammond. The addition of the new platform means Network Rail can begin refurbishing the station’s existing platforms, which will be taken out of service on a rolling basis, without affecting services. Built on what was for many years a taxi rank at the eastern side of the station, Platform 0 will provide greate

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Rail News Thu, 20 May 2010 11:54:00 GMT 22686
Coalition government announces its plans for transport https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/22685/coalition-government-announces-its-plans-for-transport

The coalition between the Liberal Democrats and the Conservatives has announced its 'Programme for Government', a move that prime minister David Cameron described as one that would provide "Strong, stable government". The transport element of the programme are a mixture of the two parties policies and express a firm commitment to take forward plans for a high speed rail network, support for Crossrail and further electrification of the rail network. The coalition also plans to refor

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News Lead Story Thu, 20 May 2010 10:57:00 GMT 22685
Free tickets to celebrate full opening of East London Railway https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/22683/free-tickets-to-celebrate-full-opening-of-east-london-railway

Ten thousand free tickets will be given out to passengers to travel on London Overground’s new East London Railway on its first day of operating a full public service this Sunday. The offer will mark the first time that passengers on London Overground’s new trains will be able to travel the complete length of the new £1bn route from Dalston Junction in the north all the way to West Croydon, Crystal Palace and New Cross in south London. London mayor Boris Johnson, said: "

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Rail News Wed, 19 May 2010 10:51:00 GMT 22683
Scotland invests in transport to promote economic growth https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/22681/scotland-invests-in-transport-to-promote-economic-growth Investment in improving road and rail infrastructure in the west of Scotland and across the rest of the country is at record levels, cabinet secretary for finance and sustainable growth, John Swinney said yesterday (Monday). Infrastructure projects like the M74 Completion which are acting as a catalyst for urban regeneration and new development, as well as safeguarding jobs and creating new job opportunities, will provide the fast efficient transport links that businesses need to thrive. Swin

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News Lead Story Tue, 18 May 2010 11:16:00 GMT 22681
Era of easy money is over warns transport secretary Hammond https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/22604/era-of-easy-money-is-over-warns-transport-secretary-hammond

The era of easy public money is over, Philip Hammond, the newly-appointed secretary of state for transport, warned today (Thursday). Hammond held a press briefing at Great Minster House this afternoon after attending the first cabinet meeting of the new Liberal Democrat-Conservative government. Hammond was handed the transport brief after Lib Dem MP David Laws was named as chief secretary to the Treasury, the role which he used to shadow before the election. This role required Hammond to scru

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People Lead Story Thu, 13 May 2010 16:07:00 GMT 22604
Northern Rail gains franchise extension for good performance https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/22603/northern-rail-gains-franchise-extension-for-good-performance

Train operator Northern Rail has confirmed that it has secured a two-year extension to its franchise as a result of beating performance targets. The Department for Transport has confirmed that operator, which is owned by a joint venture of Serco and Abellio, will now run the franchise until September 15 2013. Northern has improved the punctuality of its train services from 83.7% in the 12 months to December 2004 to 91.6% in the last 12 months, meaning that on average 200 more trains arrive on

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Rail News Thu, 13 May 2010 15:00:00 GMT 22603
Johnson and business leaders call for transport investment https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/22594/johnson-and-business-leaders-call-for-transport-investment

London mayor Boris Johnson and a number of London business leaders have today called for any incoming government administration to protect funding for improvements to the capital's transport networks. The group, whose letter was published in the Guardian this morning, includes City of London policy chairman Stuart Fraser, Jo Valentine, chief executive of London First, and Colin Stanbridge, chief executive of the London Chamber of Commerce and Industry. It sends a united message that building

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People Mon, 10 May 2010 11:40:00 GMT 22594
Johnson and TfL conclude 310m Tube Lines takeover agreement https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/22592/johnson-and-tfl-conclude-310m-tube-lines-takeover-agreement

London mayor Boris Johnson and Transport for London announced late on Friday that they have concluded an agreement with Bechtel and Amey to acquire their stakes in London Underground infrastructure company Tubelines for £310m. The agreement means that all London Underground infrastructure operations will return to public sector control and the end of the road for the controversial Public Private Partnership scheme to upgrade the capital's Tube network. TfL said that it was confident that

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Light Rail News Lead Story Mon, 10 May 2010 10:34:00 GMT 22592
TfL set to nationalise Tube Lines? https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/22590/tfl-set-to-nationalise-tube-lines-

Media reports suggest that Transport for London is in advanced negotiations to acquire Tube Lines, the London Underground infraco. The move would return the maintenance and upgrade of London's Tube system back into public control and follows the demise of the other infraco, Metronet, in 2008. The Times reported today that Amey and Bechtel, the shareholders of Tube Lines, who rebuffed a previous offer to buy them out last autumn, will be compensated for their stakes, receiving as much as &poun

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Light Rail News Fri, 7 May 2010 15:43:00 GMT 22590
What will the election mean for regional railways? https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/22394/what-will-the-election-mean-for-regional-railways-

It would be an unusual election if transport featured prominently, but the 2010 contest has produced some interesting commitments from each of the three main parties, not least on rail policy and scope for not-for-profit solutions, including co-operatives. There is a consensus that rail is a ‘good thing’ and needs strong government backing; this in itself is a major breakthrough. Both Tories and Lib Dems talk about re-opening disused lines. High speed rail is naturally the big issue

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Viewpoint Mon, 3 May 2010 08:53:00 GMT 22394
Manchester bus priority scheme gains approval https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/22399/manchester-bus-priority-scheme-gains-approval The Department for Transport has awarded Programme Entry status to the Manchester cross-city bus package and provisionally agreed a funding contribution of £37.8m for the project. The scheme will create three direct bus corridors into Manchester city centre with extensive bus priority and pedestrian and cycle improvements. Work could commence this year and is expected to take around three years.  

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Projects Thu, 29 Apr 2010 12:24:00 GMT 22399
Is BRT the answer to the more for less dilemma? https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/22395/is-brt-the-answer-to-the-more-for-less-dilemma-

David Eve as part of the recent budget, the government published a long term strategy for the development and funding of national infrastructure. “The majority of empirical research indicates that there is a positive relationship between infrastructure investment and economic growth,” the document states. It continues: “However, there is likely to be increasing competition for resources, skills and capital as countries across the world face the need to invest in infrastructur

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BRT Report Thu, 29 Apr 2010 12:13:00 GMT 22395
Bus profits are inadequate https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/22367/bus-profits-are-inadequate A submission by the TAS Partnership to the Competition Commission has argued that the difficulty making adequate financial returns is the real reason for lack of competition in the bus industry. “Put simply, there are easier ways of earning a living,” the consultants conclude. In its study, TAS calculates that to deliver a bus fleet with an average age of eight years, as the government desires, means a typical 250-vehicle operator requires a 14.3% operating profit margin. This figure

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Bus News Thu, 29 Apr 2010 10:09:00 GMT 22367
Election 2010 Main parties face key questions on transport policy https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/22361/election-2010-main-parties-face-key-questions-on-transport-policy

The Campaign for Better Transport compiled questions it wants each party to answer, and New Transit put them to the each party’s transport spokesman. Below are their responses LABOUR: LORD ADONIS 1. None of the parties has suggested ring-fencing transport funding, which implies significant cuts in transport spending. What are your priorities and what methodology would you use to decide which schemes to fund and which to cut? Labour’s manifesto commits to continued investment in p

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News Lead Story Mon, 26 Apr 2010 10:26:00 GMT 22361
Reading Transport announce hybrid bus order https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/22019/reading-transport-announce-hybrid-bus-order Council-owned bus operator Reading Transport has announced it has placed its first order for hybrid buses today (Wednesday). The order follows a successful bid for funding from the government's Green Bus Fund, which aims to increase the use of low carbon vehicle technology in Britain's bus fleet. The six Alexander Dennis Enviro 400s, which will feature a hybrid drive system produced by BAE Systems, will enter service with the operator later this year. It is understood that if successful, they w

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Bus News Wed, 14 Apr 2010 10:30:00 GMT 22019
New buses for Stagecoach Yorkshire Barnsley bus fleet https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/22018/new-buses-for-stagecoach-yorkshire-barnsley-bus-fleet

Five new Optare Solo single decker buses costing almost £500,000 have been introduced in Barnsley by leading operator Stagecoach Yorkshire. The 27-seaters takes the number of new vehicles since the company took over from Yorkshire Traction to 67 and an investment of £7m. Paul Lynch, Stagecoach Yorkshire managing director, said: “This further investment underlines our commitment to Barnsley’s travelling public and to making their journeys as comfortable as possible. &ld

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Bus News Wed, 14 Apr 2010 10:19:00 GMT 22018
CPT launches bus and coach manifesto ahead of elections https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/22017/cpt-launches-bus-and-coach-manifesto-ahead-of-elections

The Confederation of Passenger Transport, the trade association of the bus and coach industry in the UK, has launched its transport manifesto that aims to inform prospective councillors, MPs and ministers about the key issues affecting the sector. The document looks to explore ways to build on the successes of the industry and improve the services it offers to passengers. It concentrates on six specific areas: Improving bus services; The needs of the coach passe

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Bus News Wed, 14 Apr 2010 09:54:00 GMT 22017
Network Rail tenders for Acton Crossrail works https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/22016/network-rail-tenders-for-acton-crossrail-works Network Rail has issued an invitation to tender for a scheme at Acton in west London that will improve the reliability of passenger services and deliver increased freight capacity. When Crossrail services start in 2017, even more trains will travel along the Great Western main line (GWML) so work is needed to improve capacity in the area. The work will involve building a dive under at the west end of Acton Freight Yard and modifications to Acton Yard. This will enable freight trains that head

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Rail News Fri, 9 Apr 2010 11:42:00 GMT 22016
Network Rail completes 40m engineering works over Easter https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/22009/network-rail-completes-40m-engineering-works-over-easter Network Rail today (Tuesday) announced the successful completion of a number of engineering works on Britain's rail network over the Easter holiday. The value of the improvements totalled £40m. This included finishing a key stage of a project in Winchester that will take 50,000 lorries off Britain's roads every year, several more milestones on the £5.5 billion Thameslink Programme and improvements as part of the Olympic Transport Plan. Simon Kirby, director of infrastructure pro

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Rail News Tue, 6 Apr 2010 16:42:00 GMT 22009
Liberal Democrats promise rail revolution in manifesto https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/22008/liberal-democrats-promise-rail-revolution-in-manifesto

The Liberal Democrats have pledged to open thousands of miles of new railway in their election manifesto, funded by £3bn Rail Expansion Fund. The fund would allow councils and transport authorities to bid for funding to pay for rail improvement and expansion projects. Lib Dem transport spokesman Norman Baker said that funding would come from cuts made to the roads budget. "The Liberal Democrats will transform the railways with the biggest expansion since the Victorian age,"

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Rail News Tue, 6 Apr 2010 10:29:00 GMT 22008
Post Election Where will the axe fall on Transport Spending? https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/21861/post-election-where-will-the-axe-fall-on-transport-spending-

At present, the situation facing the UK’s public services is akin to a phoney war. Central government spending has continued to rise in an effort to bring the country out of recession, but shortly after the election decisive action will have to be taken to rectify the country’s £170bn budget deficit. To date the government is working on the basis of halving it by 2014. The day when change comes is fast approaching. Over the past year, transport has been one of the beneficiarie

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Cover Story Thu, 1 Apr 2010 10:12:00 GMT 21861
More problems for Edinburgh tram as work is suspended https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/21922/more-problems-for-edinburgh-tram-as-work-is-suspended

The continuing row between Edinburgh tram promoter Transport Initiatives Edinburgh and German construction firm Bilfinger Berger has taken another twist with the news that city centre road diversions in the Scottish capital are to be suspended until the dispute is resolved. Utilities works, which have over run by over 12 months, have now been completed on the project, but track laying has now been suspended. Traffic diversions around Haymarket will now be removed as will barriers restricting pe

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Light Rail News Lead Story Tue, 30 Mar 2010 15:11:00 GMT 21922
London mayor backs select committee report on Tube PPP https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/21920/london-mayor-backs--committee-report-on-tube-ppp

Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, and Transport for London welcomed the news on Friday that the parliamentary transport select committee’s confirmation that the London Underground Public Private Partnership contracts are “flawed” and have “failed to prove” value for money, as they reaffirmed their view that the PPP is simply not delivering for Londoners and taxpayers. The committee’s report said: “We reiterate once again our judgement that the PPP scheme

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Rail News Mon, 29 Mar 2010 11:11:00 GMT 21920
Khan announces 15m Kickstart bus funding https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/21919/khan-announces-15m-kickstart-bus-funding Bus services across England are set for a major boost after transport minister Sadiq Khan announced £15m of Kickstart grants. body The Kickstart programme offers financial backing to help launch new or improved services, with the focus on getting more people travelling on buses as well as improving accessibility. Residents in 31 areas of England are set to benefit from this second round of Kickstart grants. Khan said: "Local bus services are the backbone of our transport s

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Bus News Mon, 29 Mar 2010 11:08:00 GMT 21919
DfT announces funding for Tees Valley bus improvements https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/21917/dft-announces-funding-for-tees-valley-bus-improvements The Department for Transport has today awarded Full Approval for the Tees Valley Bus Network scheme, with a £37.5m contribution from the Department, enabling construction to begin. The move will improve bus reliability and make journeys quicker on key routes across Darlington, Hartlepool, Stockton, Middlesbrough and Redcar. The Tees Valley Bus Network scheme will provide new bus lanes, realignment of road junctions and changes to traffic signals giving priority to buses. Passenger faci

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Bus News Mon, 29 Mar 2010 10:55:00 GMT 21917
Where the Liberal Democrats stand on key transport issues https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/21869/where-the-liberal-democrats-stand-on-key-transport-issues--

High Speed Rail Have pledged to provide a comprehensive high speed rail network that would serve all parts of Britain. The Lib Dems claim that they are the only party that has been clear about how they would pay for high speed rail. They propose to introduce a new lorry road user pricing scheme, which they claim would bring in around £2bn per year, even after the cost of running such a scheme is taken into account. Railways Would introduce 22-year franchises to encourage investment in r

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Cover Story Detail Thu, 25 Mar 2010 10:39:00 GMT 21869
Where the Tories stand on key transport issues https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/21868/where-the-tories-stand-on-key-transport-issues--

High Speed Rail Would give the go ahead for a new high speed rail line linking London, Birmingham, Manchester and Leeds. This would later be extended to Newcastle and Scotland with further new lines connecting other cities across the country to our high speed rail network. If they win the next general election, they would target construction to begin in 2015, with full completion of the network by 2027. Railways Will make 15-20 year franchises the norm to encourage investment in new trains an

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Cover Story Detail Thu, 25 Mar 2010 10:37:00 GMT 21868
Where Labour stand on key transport issues https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/21867/where-labour-stand-on-key-transport-issues--

High Speed Rail A 250mph network from London to Birmingham with a western branch to Manchester and an eastern branch to Sheffield and Leeds. Connections onto existing tracks would allow direct high speed services to cities including Glasgow, Edinburgh, Newcastle and Liverpool. Heathrow would initially be served by a connecting Crossrail interchange at Old Oak Common, but a station at the airport itself will also be examined. Railways New franchise policy includes standard franchise term of 10

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Cover Story Detail Thu, 25 Mar 2010 10:33:00 GMT 21867
Holyrood on wheels ready to hit the rails https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/21899/-holyrood-on-wheels-ready-to-hit-the-rails

It didn’t take long for the project to return trams to the streets of Edinburgh to be dubbed ‘Holyrood on wheels’. Scots have not forgotten how construction of their new parliament building was initially priced at £40m, but when it opened in 2004, three years late, the bill was £431m. The Edinburgh tram project has also suffered from delays and spiralling costs. In 2003, the scheme’s promoters believed they could build two lines for £473m. By 2006, this

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Progress Report Wed, 24 Mar 2010 13:56:00 GMT 21899
Are the Tories ready to tackle transport? https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/21898/are-the-tories-ready-to-tackle-transport-

For most of the last two years there has been absolute confidence that the Tories would win the general election, and that Theresa Villiers would be the new transport secretary. The narrowing of the polls since the new year has thrown that into doubt, bringing excited talk of a hung Parliament. But the betting exchanges (always the best guide) and most pundits back a Conservative win – albeit with a small majority – and for now I agree. So what will face the new, Conservative, secre

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Viewpoint Wed, 24 Mar 2010 13:44:00 GMT 21898
Community Rail faces uncertain future after the election https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/21897/community-rail-faces-uncertain-future-after-the-election

Britain has a network of over 60 community rail partnerships, each bringing together train operators and Network Rail with local authorities and community groups. They have proved remarkably successful in safeguarding the future of local railways and have helped drive up ridership as well as bringing in external investment. They have worked wonders on small budgets, mostly based on contributions from local authorities and train operators. Most community rail partnerships have paid staff &ndash

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Viewpoint Wed, 24 Mar 2010 13:38:00 GMT 21897
The future of rail franchising https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/21894/the-future-of-rail-franchising

Despite privatisation dating back to 1996, there remains much debate about how to package and manage UK rail franchises in order to get the best deal for rail passengers and taxpayers. Over the years, different approaches have been tried with varying franchise lengths, flexibility, and contractual arrangements. The Department for Transport’s recent paper on ‘The Future of Rail Franchising’ (published on January 20) suggests a number of changes to the current franchising arrange

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Feature Wed, 24 Mar 2010 13:22:00 GMT 21894
Villian Alistair Darling https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/21893/villian-alistair-darling

So many transport secretaries have achieved very little during their time in office, so why single out Alistair Darling? One reason it that he made so much time to make a difference, but he failed to make use of it. Darling served for almost four years as secretary of state for transport. Over the last half century only two people have had more time in charge of the nation’s transport provision - Ernest Marples (1959-1964) and John Prescott (1997-2001). Barbara Castle, one of his predec

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Heroes & Villains - Villain Wed, 24 Mar 2010 13:20:00 GMT 21893
Labours transport record Good in London but not outside https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/21891/labour-s-transport-record--good-in-london-but-not-outside-

Over the past 13 years we’ve seen good progress in London, but outside of London it has been a story of disappointment. In London, the 1999 Greater London Authority Act has provided real powers to the mayor. As a result we’ve seen modal shift from cars and real investment in public transport. These have been real achievements. On rail there has been constant change. Rail - both passenger and freight - now has a greater market share. But this has happened on a background of constant

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The Big Question Wed, 24 Mar 2010 12:51:00 GMT 21891
Labours transport record A lot better than it might have been https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/21889/labour-s-transport-record--a-lot-better-than-it-might-have-been-

Answer, from a railway perspective: a lot better than it might have been - no retro renationalisation, and not much meddling either. Post-Hatfield chaos could have led to any number of silly restructuring but instead the 2004 White Paper, Alistair Darling’s creation, set out a rational and centre stage role for government and properly defined roles for Network Rail, the TOCs, ORR and the safety inspector to the extent that it is now possible to do railway planning. While this was going on

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The Big Question Wed, 24 Mar 2010 12:47:00 GMT 21889
A solution to the pensions crisis could help provide billions for investment in transport infrastructure https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/21884/a-solution-to-the-pensions-crisis-could-help-provide-billions-for-investment-in-transport-infrastructure

For years politicians have exploited the fact that, for most of us, pensions policy – like American Football - manages to be both complex and boring at the same time. This is odd, because what we earn in retirement ought to be pretty high on most people’s list of personal finance priorities. Part of the problem is that the lag between policy and effect in the pensions world is very long. A highly technical change to the taxation of pension funds’ dividends, buried on page 872

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Feature Wed, 24 Mar 2010 12:30:00 GMT 21884
as Manchester wins cash for tram expansion https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/21874/--as-manchester-wins-cash-for-tram-expansion The government has granted final funding approval of £120.9m for two further extensions to Manchester’s Metrolink tram system. The move will allow construction to commence on extensions linking Droylsden and Ashton-under-Lyne in Tameside and from Chorlton to Didsbury in South Manchester. Funding has also been secured for two new park and ride sites and six of eight new trams.  

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In brief Wed, 24 Mar 2010 11:30:00 GMT 21874
DfT approves Midland Metros city extension https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/21873/dft-approves-midland-metro-s-city-extension--

The Department for Transport last month announced £81m in funding towards the £127m cost of extending the Midland Metro light rail system from its current terminus at Snow Hill across Birmingham city centre to New Street Station. The funding will also assist with the procurement of a new fleet of trams for the network. However, the funding is conditional on “some additional work being undertaken by the promoter in the short term”.  

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In brief Wed, 24 Mar 2010 11:29:00 GMT 21873
New Bus for London programme costs hit 10m for five buses https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/21872/new-bus-for-london-programme-costs-hit-10m-for-five-buses

Costs for London mayor Boris Johnson’s New Bus for London project have risen to over £10m according to figures contained within a recent Transport for London  finance report. The figure means that the first five preproduction buses, which will enter passenger service in the capital by February 2012 just weeks before Johnson faces mayoral elections, will effectively cost £2.2m per bus. However, in a written response to a question on the subject posed by Green Party Londo

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Projects Wed, 24 Mar 2010 11:06:00 GMT 21872
Government lays the foundations for a high speed rail revolution https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/21870/government-lays-the-foundations-for-a-high-speed-rail-revolution

Train travel at speeds of 225mph between London, Birmingham, Manchester and Leeds could become the norm if the government’s plans published last week for a high speed rail network can be turned into reality. It won’t happen overnight: ministers envisage construction of the network beginning only after the completion of Crossrail in 2017. The first section of line from London to Birmingham would open in 2026 with extensions to Manchester and Leeds following in subsequent years. The

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Projects Lead Story Wed, 24 Mar 2010 10:43:00 GMT 21870
Transport isnt the biggest issue but it can bite https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/21863/transport-isn-t-the-biggest-issue-but-it-can-bite Transport is an area which is traditionally seen as a bit part player in elections, and that is unlikely to change this time. A recent survey of 141 Tory candidates asking them to rate their personal priorities saw ‘better road and rail services’ ranked 17th in a list of 20 policy areas. The related area of ‘reducing Britain’s carbon footprint’ ranked 20th. At the recent ‘Great Transport Debate’ conference in London, David Begg, former chairman of the

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Cover Story Detail Wed, 24 Mar 2010 10:23:00 GMT 21863
735m in 14 days Labours spring public transport wish list https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/21862/-735m-in-14-days-labour-s-spring-public-transport-wish-list Date Scheme £m 8/3 Manchester: Two Metrolink extensions, and 6 new trams  120.9 9/3 Leeds: Bus lanes on A65 corridor  20.0 10/3 Luton-Dunstable busway

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Cover Story Detail Wed, 24 Mar 2010 10:14:00 GMT 21862
March round-up Transport schemes win DfT funding https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/21853/march-round-up-transport-schemes-win-dft-funding March has seen a steady stream of voter-friendly funding announcements for public transport projects ahead of the coming general election. The announcements see more than £700m in funding approved for the projects around the country. Metro, the West Yorkshire PTE, has won programme entry status for its long planned New Generation Transport scheme that will see high quality trolleybuses employed on a rapid transit corridor linking north and south Leeds with the city centre and St. James&rs

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News Lead Story Wed, 24 Mar 2010 09:57:00 GMT 21853
Intercity train fleet plans are put on ice https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/21851/intercity-train-fleet-plans-are-put-on-ice

Procurement Plans for a new fleet of intercity express trains appear to be on the brink of collapse after transport secretary Lord Adonis announced the suspension of the programme in the run up to the forthcoming general election. Adonis has also announced an inquiry into the cost effectiveness of the plans, a move that many within the industry speculate could kill the programme. The new intercity express procurement programme was launched three years ago, with Agility Trains, a consortium mad

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Rail News Lead Story Wed, 24 Mar 2010 09:55:00 GMT 21851
Uncertain times but we can be sure change is coming https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/21850/uncertain-times-but-we-can-be-sure-change-is-coming It’s hard to recall a time when it was so difficult to predict the future direction of the public transport sector. There are so many things that are uncertain - the economy, the political orientation of the next government, the regulatory regime, the ownership structure. It’s all up in the air. By the time you read these words the date of the general election may have been announced. If not, there is not long to wait. Regardless, the battle has already begun, and the parties are ea

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Editorial Comment Wed, 24 Mar 2010 09:50:00 GMT 21850
Luton to Dunstable busway is approved https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/21763/luton-to-dunstable-busway-is-approved Transport minister Sadiq Khan has confirmed an £89m funding package that will allow construction of the long planned Luton to Dunstable guided busway to get under way. The investment will create a busway which will cover just over seven miles and stretch from Houghton Regis to Luton Airport and will deliver speedy and reliable connections to the town centres of Luton, Dunstable, Houghton Regis, Luton Airport Parkway station and Luton Airport. Khan said: “An efficient and reliable t

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Bus News Wed, 17 Mar 2010 10:36:00 GMT 21763
Metrolink extensions approved https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/21762/metrolink-extensions-approved

Construction work on new Metrolink extensions in Tameside and South Manchester has been given the green light by the Department for Transport. Transport Minister Sadiq Khan announced the government’s full approval of plans to extend the Metrolink from Droylsden to Ashton-under-Lyne in Tameside and from Chorlton to Didsbury in South Manchester. A further eight new trams will be ordered to serve Greater Manchester’s expanding Metrolink network, six of which will be funded by the DfT.

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Light Rail News Wed, 17 Mar 2010 10:26:00 GMT 21762
Work on East Manchester Metrolink progresses https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/21760/work-on-east-manchester-metrolink-progresses

Construction work on the new East Manchester Metrolink line is progressing well, with the first sets of tracks being laid on Ashton New Road. Councillors from Greater Manchester Integrated Transport Authority and Tony Lloyd, MP for Manchester Central, have been inspecting the latest sections of construction work on the line. Piling rigs have recently been in use to create the retaining walls of a new underpass under Great Ancoats Street, and the first sets of tracks have been laid on Ashton Ne

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Light Rail News Wed, 17 Mar 2010 10:17:00 GMT 21760
PPP Arbiter order London Underground to plug 400m funding gap https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/21754/ppp-arbiter-order-london-underground-to-plug-400m-funding-gap

Chris Bolt, the Arbiter for the London Underground PPP agreements, has published his final directions and guidance on Tube Lines’ costs for seven and a half years from July 1, 2010. He has allowed £4.46bn, an increase of £65m on his draft directions published in December. The final assessment of costs is £1.29bn less than Tube maintenance company Tube Lines originally said it needed. However, it exceeds the amounts that LU has said that it is able to afford by around &po

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Light Rail News Lead Story Wed, 10 Mar 2010 11:35:00 GMT 21754
Go North East plots bus expansion https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/21667/go-north-east-plots-bus-expansion Go North East has confirmed that it will push ahead with plans to invest in improvements to its services as well as expand its business. Signing off its plans for the coming year, managing director, Peter Huntley has endorsed a multi-million pound investment budget which includes buying more new buses, the introduction of smartcard tickets on its services and moving into a new operational area. Five of the major projects included in the plans are: Nine brand new Mercedes buses cos

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Bus News Tue, 2 Mar 2010 10:54:00 GMT 21667
ORR rejects Arriva bid for Mid Wales to London rail service https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/21666/orr-rejects-arriva-bid-for-mid-wales-to-london-rail-service

The Office of Rail Regulation has rejected an application by Arriva Trains Wales to introduce a direct rail service between Aberystwyth and London Marylebone. In rejecting the application, the ORR said that ATW had overstated the size of the potential market for such a service and the only alternative to make the service viable would be to abstract revenue from other operators. ATW said that the main focus of the proposal was to unlock the potential of the Mid Wales rail market which has no di

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Rail News Tue, 2 Mar 2010 10:30:00 GMT 21666
New intercity train fleet plan is put on ice https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/21665/new-intercity-train-fleet-plan-is-put-on-ice

Plans for a new fleet of intercity express trains appear to be on the brink of collapse after transport secretary Lord Adonis announced the suspension of the programme in the run up to the forthcoming general election. Adonis also announced an inquiry into the cost effectiveness of the plans, a move that many within the industry speculate could kill the programme entirely. The new intercity express procurement programme was launched three years ago, with Agility Trains, a consortium made up of

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Rail News Mon, 1 Mar 2010 11:21:00 GMT 21665
Stagecoach awarded Carbon Trust Standard https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/21661/stagecoach-awarded-carbon-trust-standard Stagecoach has been awarded the prestigious Carbon Trust Standard after taking action on climate change by measuring and reducing its carbon emissions. The group reduced the carbon intensity of its UK businesses by 5.7%* in the three years to 30 April 2009 as a result of a package of measures designed to make its business more sustainable. Stagecoach is the first Scottish-based transport group - and one of only two listed UK public transport operators - to have achieved the stretching carbon

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News Lead Story Mon, 1 Mar 2010 10:31:00 GMT 21661
French Transport Revolution Is their Spending Extravagant or Necessary? https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/21603/french-transport-revolution-is-their-spending-extravagant-or-necessary-

The arrival of French transport groups, Keolis, Veolia and Transdev, in the UK over the past decade has brought with it its fair share of legendary Gallic shrugs. The two countries may only be separated by 20 miles of English Channel, but the environment French transport professionals are used to in their homeland and the systems they have encountered in this country can often seem as though they are from a different planet. In the UK, promoting competition, minimising subsidy and proving the v

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Cover Story Fri, 26 Feb 2010 11:13:00 GMT 21603
Will the French regret their decision to invest so heavily in public transport or will we regret our decision not to? https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/21600/will-the-french-regret-their-decision-to-invest-so-heavily-in-public-transport-or-will-we-regret-our-decision-not-to- At London’s Victoria Station this week I had the pleasure of meeting Russell Allen, the deputy station manager for Southern Railway. As he showed me around it was clear the passion he has for his job and the pride he takes in it. He’s not the only one. Public transport is a sector that is blessed with employees who really care about what they do. But while Russell and his colleagues are proud of the work they do, how often does this pride extend to the public at large? Is Britain pro

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Editorial Comment Fri, 26 Feb 2010 11:08:00 GMT 21600
NATA Refresh https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/21628/nata-refresh

While the Versement Transport demonstrates the pro-public transport approach of the French government, NATA, the Department for Transport’s cost benefit analysis for appraising transport schemes, displays the very different approach adopted in the UK. Instead of promoting public transport and sustainability, NATA (New Approach to Appraisal), which was first introduced in 1998, does the opposite. It penalises schemes that lead to a reduction in fuel duty revenues - i.e. ones that get peopl

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Heroes & Villains - Villain Thu, 25 Feb 2010 16:25:00 GMT 21628
Versement Transport https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/21627/versement-transport

Investing in public transport is vital for local economies, but this is something that we have failed to recognise in the UK. If our city regions want to fund improvements to public transport they must go cap in hand to Whitehall and make their case. They often return empty handed. It’s a different story in France. The French regions have the power to raise substantial sums of money to fund improvements to local transport. They can require employers to pay the Versement Transport (transpo

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Heroes & Villains - Hero Thu, 25 Feb 2010 16:24:00 GMT 21627
French Connections Interview Jean-Pierre Farandou https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/21615/french-connections-interview-jean-pierre-farandou

The current merger discussions between Arriva and French operator Keolis appear certain to kick off a new wave of consolidation in the European passenger transport industry. Whether or not the Arriva/Keolis deal eventually goes ahead, French groups are being actively encouraged to increase their presence on the world stage by their government as restrictions on competition are lifted. The ripples are being felt throughout the European transport industry as a whole. The move towards the long-pr

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Interview Thu, 25 Feb 2010 15:44:00 GMT 21615
Goodbye credit crunch and hello to the oil crunch https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/21613/goodbye-credit-crunch-and-hello-to-the-oil-crunch

A wide-ranging report has called on the government to boost spending on public transport in the UK in order to mitigate the ever increasing economic effects that will be felt as the global supply of cheap oil begins to run out. The Industry Taskforce on Peak Oil &?Energy?Security was set up by a group of business leaders, including Virgin Group chairman Sir Richard Branson and Stagecoach chief executive Brian Souter, two years ago to highlight government inaction over the issue of peak oil.

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Environment Lead Story Thu, 25 Feb 2010 12:12:00 GMT 21613
We can learn A holistic approach to transport from the French https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/21611/we-can-learn-a-holistic-approach-to-transport-from-the-french

After wholesale surrender to the car in the sixties, the French finally woke up and began work on the holistic principle: they attacked from all sides and obliged municipalities by law to introduce rail-based public transport; a fresh-air act forcing towns to limit motor traffic was passed; Urban Mobility Plans for major and not-so-major cities created priority circuits for trams and environmentally-friendly buses; a petrol tax (TIPP) which goes to pay for urban transport improvements; employers

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The Big Question Thu, 25 Feb 2010 12:06:00 GMT 21611
How urban and regional public transport is funded in france https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/21605/how-urban-and-regional-public-transport-is-funded-in-france

French towns and cities are responsible for funding public transport from local taxes and fares revenue, with minimal state contribution. Funding for the 22 French Regions and the 96 Departments is provided by state grants. The Regions are responsible for commuter, interurban and rural rail services while Departments are responsible for school transport and public transport, mainly coaches, outside of urban areas. Towns and cities are responsible for subsidising and investing in bus and light ra

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Cover Story Detail Thu, 25 Feb 2010 11:34:00 GMT 21605
Select committee report backs Midland Metro expansion https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/21518/-committee-report-backs-midland-metro-expansion

The economic and social benefits of extending the Midland Metro through the heart of the Black Country have been endorsed in a high level report by MPs. The concept behind plans by regional transport authority Centro to reopen the disused Walsall to Stourbridge freight line, incorporating it into the Metro network, should become a cornerstone of Government rail policy according to the House of Commons Transport Select Committee. In their Priorities for Investment in the Railways report, the in

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Light Rail News Wed, 17 Feb 2010 11:46:00 GMT 21518
Network Rail plans 530m rail revolution for north of England https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/21516/network-rail-plans-530m-rail-revolution-for-north-of-england A £530m investment package to transform rail travel in the north of England through better stations and quicker, more frequent services was unveiled by Network Rail today. The Northern Hub study identifies what needs to be done to respond to the significant growth seen in the region and to help drive economic prosperity.  The plans include: A 40% increase in trains per day across the region - 700 extra services; Capacity for a further 3.5m passengers per year; and

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Rail News Wed, 17 Feb 2010 10:36:00 GMT 21516
SPT chair resigns as expenses row escalates https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/21514/spt-chair-resigns-as-expenses-row-escalates

It has been confirmed that the chairman of Scotland's largest transport partnership has resigned citing health problems. Alistair Watson will formally step down from his role at Strathclyde Partnership for Transport amid reports raising questions about the expenses claims of senior members and executives at the organisation. It is understood that Glasgow City Council, who appoint the chair of the RTP, believed Watson's position was untenable amid the news that senior officials claimed a tota

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People Mon, 15 Feb 2010 14:27:00 GMT 21514
London Councils call for Crossrail funding wins backing of mayor's panel https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/21510/london-councils-call-for-crossrail-funding-wins-backing-of-mayor-s-panel London Councils’ calls for the developers of hotels and shops to also contribute towards the cost of Crossrail have been backed by an independent panel looking into the mayor’s proposals for funding the railway. The moves were supported in the report by a panel of planning inspectors following an examination in public of the mayor’s plans to fund the development of Crossrail. London Councils is now urging the mayor to take on board the recommendations as he has no obligation t

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Rail News Fri, 12 Feb 2010 15:59:00 GMT 21510
Work on Crossrail's Canary Wharf station moves forward https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/21504/work-on-crossrail-s-canary-wharf-station-moves-forward

Work at the Canary Wharf Crossrail station took a major step forward today as transport minister Sadiq Khan flicked the switch on pumps draining nearly 100 million litres - the equivalent to 40 Olympic swimming pools - from the worksite over the next six weeks. The pumps will transfer water from inside the site's specially constructed coffer dam to the North Dock at a maximum rate of 13,500 litres per minute. A station 'box' will then be constructed in a dry environment - a similar technique t

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Rail News Thu, 11 Feb 2010 10:26:00 GMT 21504
Network Rail promises multi-million pound refurbishment of Swansea's railway station https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/21500/network-rail-promises-multi-million-pound-refurbishment-of-swansea-s-railway-station

Network Rail has unveiled a £2.5m plan to upgrade Swansea's railway station in a move that it says will create  a bright, accessible, clean and secure station fit for the 21st century. The upgrade will also help boost Swansea’s public transport network as the scheme sits alongside ongoing works to refurbish the city’s Quadrant bus station, as well as improving the user experience for the station's 1.6 million annual passengers. The scheme, which is part of the Depart

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Rail News Tue, 9 Feb 2010 10:38:00 GMT 21500
Government confirms Tyne Wear Metro investment as DB Regio inks operational deal https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/21381/government-confirms-tyne--wear-metro-investment-as-db-regio-inks-operational-deal

The government has confirmed today it will award Tyne & Wear PTE Nexus around £580m to modernise and operate the Tyne & Wear Metro light rail system. Most of the money, up to £350m, will be spent on the Metro: all change modernisation programme over the next 11 years. A further £230m will support Metro’s running and maintenance costs over the next nine years. The funding package is by far the biggest in Metro’s 30-year history and secures the future of the

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Light Rail News Lead Story Wed, 3 Feb 2010 10:46:00 GMT 21381
Johnson brands Tube Lines closure plans 'intolerable' https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/21368/johnson-brands-tube-lines-closure-plans-intolerable-

Plans by London Underground infrastructure firm Tube Lines for a series of weekend closures to the Northern Line over a 20 month period from March have been described as "intolerable" by London mayor Boris Johnson. The infraco has announced plans for early evening closures on the southern section of the line from July until November next year. The move will see the last trains leave central London at 10pm. Meanwhile, it has also proposed a total of 65 weekend closures over the same pe

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Rail News Tue, 2 Feb 2010 15:21:00 GMT 21368
Budget cuts see SPT withdraw Clyde ferry service https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/21367/budget-cuts-see-spt-withdraw-clyde-ferry-service A ferry service on the Clyde between Renfrew and Yoker will be withdrawn after a series of cost saving measures were approved by Strathclyde Partnership for Transport (SPT). Partnership members voted 14 to 5 in favour of approving budget proposals for 2010/11 at a special meeting held in Glasgow. The ferry will cease operation at the end of March in a move that will save SPT about £430,000 a year. Passenger numbers on the service have been in steady decline for many years. Each boat can

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In brief Tue, 2 Feb 2010 11:41:00 GMT 21367
Johnson exempts 4000 businesses from Crossrail business levy https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/21364/johnson-exempts-4-000-businesses-from-crossrail-business-levy

Up to four thousand of London’s smaller businesses will be exempt from the two pence business levy to fund Crossrail, while those areas of the capital set to benefit most from the new rail link will pay a greater share, the mayor of London announced today. Whilst over 80% of London’s businesses will pay no supplement at all, rising to almost 90% across the outer boroughs, the capital’s most important new infrastructure project for a generation is essential to deliver a 10% inc

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Rail News Tue, 2 Feb 2010 10:50:00 GMT 21364
Uncertain times for buses in the years ahead https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/18762/uncertain-times-for-buses-in-the-years-ahead

Mid December brought the ministerial statement on the future of subsidy to the bus industry, followed swiftly three festive and snowy weeks later by the announcement by the Office of Fair Trading that it is to refer the market to the Competition Commission. At one level, then, the year has started with two major policy uncertainties being clarified, but actually not so. The bus industry remains in a state of uncertainty, and will do so for some years, as a result of either one of these announc

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Ben Colson Wed, 27 Jan 2010 09:00:00 GMT 18762
SPTs jolly holiday https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/18779/spt-s-jolly-holiday It’s not just MPs feeling the heat over their expenses. The Herald newspaper in Scotland recently undertook a fearless exposé of the expenses incurred by senior managers and council members at Strathclyde Partnership for Transport. The figures obtained by The Herald reveal a ‘fact finding’ trip to New York for chief executive Ron Culley and vice chairs David McLachlan and David Fagan that cost just under £8,000 in flights alone. There’s also a £3,000

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End of the line Mon, 25 Jan 2010 15:03:00 GMT 18779
Hard to be optimistic about bus industry health https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/18743/-hard-to-be-optimistic-about-bus-industry-health

Bus operator profit margins edged up slightly in 2007/08 but remained lower than they were in the 1990s recession, according to the latest industry report by consultant the TAS Partnership. TAS said that a “double whammy of rising real-term costs and falling productivity is depressing bus industry profits” as it highlighted that the industry’s profit margin, at 6.9%, while higher than in 2006/07, was lower than at any other time since 1994. TAS says it is “difficult to

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Market Mon, 25 Jan 2010 11:26:00 GMT 18743
Longer franchise terms could attract a new type of bidder to the market Shooter predicts https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/18742/longer-franchise-terms-could-attract-a-new-type-of-bidder-to-the-market-shooter-predicts Adrian Shooter has predicted that the government’s plan to offer franchises of up to 22 years in return for train operators making infrastructure investment could see new companies bidding for rail franchises. The DB Region UK chairman was cautious over the prospect of the Stock Market-listed public transport groups being prepared to take the risk on delivering large infrastructure projects, however, he said it was possible that entrants from other sectors could emerge. “Different t

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Projects Mon, 25 Jan 2010 11:24:00 GMT 18742
100mph line speed will see Chiltern step up competition with West Coast https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/18741/100mph-line-speed-will-see-chiltern-step-up-competition-with-west-coast

Chiltern Railways is expecting its £250m Evergreen III upgrade to increase its share of the London-Birmingham rail market from 33% at present to 40%, taking passengers from Virgin West Coast and attracting people from road to rail. The project will see 50 miles of track on the Chiltern line with 60 and 75mph speed restrictions upgraded to 100mph, slashing journey times by 20% across the Chiltern route. Chiltern’s fastest journey time to Birmingham will fall from 1hr 47 minutes to 1h

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Projects Lead Story Mon, 25 Jan 2010 11:18:00 GMT 18741
Bus industry investment at lowest level for 15 years says new report https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/18739/bus-industry-investment-at-lowest-level-for-15-years-says-new-report Capital investment in the UK bus industry fell to its lowest level for 15 years in 2007/08, even before the recession and credit crunch took hold of the economy, according to new analysis from transport consultants TAS. TAS undertakes independent monitoring of the UK bus industry and tracks both the capital expenditure of 118 local bus operators and the total purchases of new bus and coaches as well as trends in revenues, costs and profit levels. The latest analysis has just been published, an

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Feature Detail Mon, 25 Jan 2010 11:04:00 GMT 18739
Why the bus industry needs a new SOFA https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/18738/why-the-bus-industry-needs-a-new-sofa

The debate about the appropriate level of ‘bus subsidy’ began well before New Labour took office in 1997 and looks like it will out-last the government itself. The recent ministerial announcement on BSOG (Bus Service Operators’ Grant) ended some of the uncertainty, but also leaves many issues hanging in the air. Whilst a great deal has changed in the bus world since Things Can Only Get Better, the fundamental laws of economics haven’t, so it might be useful to set out som

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Feature Mon, 25 Jan 2010 10:56:00 GMT 18738
Eurostar reveals growing passenger numbers https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/18647/eurostar-reveals-growing-passenger-numbers

Eurostar, the high-speed passenger train service that links the UK and mainland Europe, today announced its annual figures for the year ended 31 December 2009. Ticket sales for 2009 totalled a record £675.5 million, an increase of 1.7% on 2008, as Eurostar welcomed 9.2 million travellers throughout the year.  The volume of travellers year on year increased by 1.2%. Eurostar’s Brussels route saw the highest growth in 2009.  The number of passengers travelling between

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Rail News Wed, 20 Jan 2010 09:49:00 GMT 18647
Greener bus network for Oxford announced https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/18646/greener-bus-network-for-oxford-announced Oxford’s two main bus operators and Oxfordshire County Council have announced a new greener bus network for the city. The ground-breaking agreement, the first of its kind in the UK, is the result of months of planning between Stagecoach, Oxford Bus Company, and transport officers from Oxfordshire County Council. It is the latest element of the County Council’s Transform Oxford plans and will deliver a better environment for pedestrians and people using public transport. Planned to

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Bus News Fri, 15 Jan 2010 16:02:00 GMT 18646
Chiltern plans 250m rail revolution https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/18644/chiltern-plans-250m-rail-revolution

A £250m investment to create a new main line from London Marylebone station to Oxfordshire and the Midlands was today announced by the chairman of Chiltern Railways, Adrian Shooter, at an event attended by the secretary of state for transport Lord Adonis. In an ambitious drive to get motorists onto trains, the Chiltern Railways route will be upgraded - resulting in faster trains and reduced journey times. Average journey times will fall by 20%, including from the M40 park and ride hubs at

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Rail News Fri, 15 Jan 2010 15:28:00 GMT 18644
Network Rail completes another milestone in Thameslink upgrade https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/18572/network-rail-completes-another-milestone-in-thameslink-upgrade

The successful installation of a 350-tonne, 22-metre, concrete and steel section of bridge on the landmark Blackfriars station redevelopment over Christmas has marked a significant milestone in Network Rail’s £5.5bn Thameslink programme. The new section of bridge was specially designed and built on six metre high trestles towers in a site compound to the east of the site, to keep the station open for as long as possible and to minimise impact on passengers. The strengthened bridge

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Rail News Lead Story Wed, 6 Jan 2010 11:38:00 GMT 18572
Johnson views East London Line progress https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/18571/johnson-views-east-london-line-progress Mayor of London, Boris Johnson yesterday visited Shoreditch High Street station to see the last phase of works to deliver the new East London Line on the London Overground network.  Delivered as part of Transport for London's multi-billion pound Investment Programme, the new line will link communities across the Capital. The mayor also saw the new air-conditioned and accessible trains that will serve the line, as part of the £1bn project to provide a metro-style service of 12 trains

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Rail News Wed, 6 Jan 2010 10:21:00 GMT 18571
Consultation starts on Hertfordshire light rail plans https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/18569/consultation-starts-on-hertfordshire-light-rail-plans

Rail passengers will be given a chance to have their say on proposals to introduce a new tram offering a regular service between Watford and St Albans with the launch of a consultation this week. body The plans would enable passengers to travel between St Albans and Watford on a regular half-hourly tram and allow for the possibility of an even greater frequency of three trams per hour on the route. The consultation, launched by the Department for Transport and Hertfordshire County C

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Light Rail News Lead Story Wed, 6 Jan 2010 10:05:00 GMT 18569
Londons bus budget under scrutiny https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/18483/london-s-bus-budget-under-scrutiny

The success of London’s bus network in recent years is well known. Under former mayor Ken Livingstone, between 2000 and 2008 passenger kilometres rose by 74% to reach 7.7bn each year. However, this has come at considerable cost, with operating subsidy for the capital’s bus network rising to £653m in 2007/08, a significant increase on the annual subsidy of £41m in 1999/2000 and well up on the historic lows seen in the mid 1990s. But London’s bus network is about to

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Politics Lead Story Fri, 1 Jan 2010 08:00:00 GMT 18483
Citys influence is strong https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/18476/city-s-influence-is-strong Go Ahead chief executive Keith Ludeman estimates that he spends 25% of his time dealing with the group’s major shareholders and analysts from investment banks. It is a telling indication of the power the City can exercise over Stock Market-listed companies. Although the large institutional investors generally only hold between 3-7% of a transport groups shares, their common interest means they can have a major influence on strategy, management team and to an extent day-to-day operations.

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Cover Story Detail Wed, 30 Dec 2009 08:00:00 GMT 18476
After 10 stable years a hi-tech revolution awaits https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/18460/after-10-stable-years-a-hi-tech-revolution-awaits This is our last magazine of the decade, and it seems fitting to take a look back. Public transport has seen some huge changes over the past 30 years. The eighties saw bus deregulation. The nineties saw the privatisation of the railways. So what will the ‘noughties’ be remembered for? First of all there was no major structural upheaval like those of previous decades. The only exceptions are the devolution of power to London, Scotland and Wales, and  the creation of Network Rail

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Editorial Comment Tue, 29 Dec 2009 08:00:00 GMT 18460
Manufacturers demonstrate new ways to cut overheads https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/18481/manufacturers-demonstrate-new-ways-to-cut-overheads Outside the Nice exhibition hall delegates could view the wireless operation of trams through the centre of the city. In 2004 CANCA, the city’s transport authority, asked Alstom, the French train and tram builder, to provide the material for three tram lines covering 40km of track by 2015, while limiting the number of poles and overhead contact lines to a minimum. The result was the supply of 20 Citadis trams equipped with batteries that glide unobtrusively through the historic centre.

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World Mon, 28 Dec 2009 08:00:00 GMT 18481
The devolution solution https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/18479/the-devolution-solution While Whitehall has often appeared reactive in its transport policy, the Scottish and Welsh governments and Transport for London have taken a more dynamic approach to exercising their power. In Scotland and Wales, the most obvious examples have been rail reopenings which have been high on the political agenda. In Wales the Welsh Assembly reopened the Ebbw Vale line to passenger services in 2008 and the Vale of Glamorgan Line in 2005. In Scotland, the Stirling-Alloa-Kincardine line was reopened

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Cover Story Detail Thu, 24 Dec 2009 08:00:00 GMT 18479
'The image of service has improved' https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/18562/-the-image-of-service-has-improved-

The last 10 years has seen some progress. The image of public transport has improved due to better rolling stock for buses and trains, and the introduction of LRT and BRT systems in the UK. More people see it as a viable and more responsible alternative and not just the option for low income groups. Many problems still remain, however, notably how to serve rural areas and off-peak periods. There is also the issue of how to deliver integrated ticketing. In the future this will be increasingly im

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The Big Question Wed, 23 Dec 2009 13:38:00 GMT 18562
'Good for London but not regions' https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/18561/-good-for-london-but-not-regions-

Untroubled by major organisational reforms, the decade revealed an unhealthy bias towards London, which was favoured with every investment on offer in the rail sector, and consumed a large proportion of bus subsidy for good measure. Meanwhile the remainder of the country was denied investment in even its better LRT systems. For rail, this was the restoration decade, with Network Rail collecting a huge funding uplift from an enraged regulator to put the network back into shape following Hatfield

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The Big Question Wed, 23 Dec 2009 13:34:00 GMT 18561
The right model for buses? https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/18491/the-right-model-for-buses- Metro, the West Yorkshire PTE, has gone public with plans for a Quality Contract. Could it finally succeed in bringing buses under local control? The implementation of the 2008 Transport Act promised a new era for local authorities, particularly the ‘City Region’ PTEs, by allowing them the tools to take on greater control of local bus services after a vocal, and sometimes heated, lobbying campaign. The issues are well known. The PTEs suggest that deregulation of the bus market ou

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Feature Mon, 21 Dec 2009 15:27:00 GMT 18491
Adonis announces more rail electrification plans https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/18487/adonis-announces-more-rail-electrification-plans

North West in-fill scheme will mean more than two thirds of the network is electric Transport secretary Lord Adonis has announced a further round of rail electrification schemes on routes around the North West of England, first disclosed as part of chancellor Alistair Darling’s Pre-Budget Report last month. The move follows the £1.1bn electrification announcement by Adonis over the summer that will see the 200-mile London to Swansea line and the 32 mile line from Liverpool to Manch

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Environment Lead Story Mon, 21 Dec 2009 15:14:00 GMT 18487
Scheme Update https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/18486/scheme-

Workington North opens to connect flood hit town Network Rail last month opened Workington North station, a new temporary station planned and constructed in record time to reconnect Workington after floods led to the collapse of the town’s two road bridges. After four days planning and construction work, the station opened allowing the introduction of a free shuttle service between Workington and Maryport on the Cumbria Coast Line. The line is the only way of crossing the River Derwent w

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Projects Mon, 21 Dec 2009 15:10:00 GMT 18486
Brown defends bus network at City Hall https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/18484/brown-defends-bus-network-at-city-hall

The recession is having a significant impact on bus passenger growth in London, but it’s not as bad as many fear, David Brown, Transport for London’s managing director - surface transport, told the London Assembly transport committee’s bus seminar. “In the first quarter of this year passenger numbers actually rose, but flattened out over the summer. We anticipate that by the end of the year that passenger journeys will be above last year’s [figures] but slightly be

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Politics Mon, 21 Dec 2009 14:54:00 GMT 18484
Khan announces end of BSOG by 2020 https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/18473/khan-announces-end-of-bsog-by-2020 Transport minister Sadiq Khan has announced further reform of the Bus Service Operators Grant with more radical changes to be introduced. From April bus operators will receive an 8% increase in their BSOG rate if they have operational ITSO smartcard systems with the capability to accept all English concessionary passes and, separately, a 2% increase if they have fitted their buses with GPS equipment. Within the next two to three years BSOG will change to a per passenger arrangement that smartc

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In brief Mon, 21 Dec 2009 14:27:00 GMT 18473
20m smart ticketing fund https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/18471/-20m-smart-ticketing-fund The Department for Transport has announced a £20m fund to promote smart ticketing in the nine biggest urban areas outside London. The funding will be awarded to West Midlands, Tyne and Wear, Greater Manchester, West Yorkshire, South Yorkshire, Merseyside, the Bristol area, Nottinghamshire and Leicestershire. The DfT is also to commission a study of a national pre-pay public transport product. The plans are explained in a new smart ticketing strategy.

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In brief Mon, 21 Dec 2009 14:25:00 GMT 18471
Rail sector in recovery? https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/18467/rail-sector-in-recovery- Arriva and Stagecoach have reported that their train operating companies are showing signs of recovering from the worst effects of the recession. Arriva said revenue at its CrossCountry franchise had increased by 6% since mid-September. Between April and September revenue had been falling. Arriva Trains Wales revenue is also improving. Rapid declines in growth were also halted at Stagecoach’s rail division. In the latest quarter growth was 2.75%, compared to 0.9% in the previous three mon

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In brief Mon, 21 Dec 2009 14:21:00 GMT 18467
Transdev loses Edinburgh tram contract as council seeks to scale down schemes costs https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/18461/transdev-loses-edinburgh-tram-contract-as-council-seeks-to-scale-down-scheme-s-costs French group Transdev has been axed from the Edinburgh tram project as part of a drive to cut costs on the troubled £500m project. Transdev was hired more than five years ago to operate the Scottish capital’s light rail network, but the job has now been brought in house by the council as part of a programme of “logistical and financial efficiencies”. The trams are set to be operated by a new company, Edinburgh Trams Limited, control of which is expected to pass from Lot

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In brief Mon, 21 Dec 2009 14:15:00 GMT 18461
Taxpayers face Tubelines bail-out https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/18387/taxpayers-face-tubelines-bail-out London Underground (LU) has said the works should cost £4.2bn. Tube Lines says it needs to spend £5.75bn. Mr Bolt is expected to allow a figure higher than £4.2bn – and, in a blow to London Underground, will also suggest that the excess could be financed by LU. The move has caused fury at City Hall, with the Mayor, Boris Johnson, expected to say today that it "lacks lawful foundation" and would force either a "severe descoping of the Tube

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Light Rail News Wed, 16 Dec 2009 11:50:00 GMT 18387
Stagecoach hopes to win SWT legal dispute https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/18384/stagecoach-hopes-to-win-swt-legal-dispute

Stagecoach says that it is hopeful that it will win a £100m dispute with the Department for Transport over revenue support payments at its South West Trains franchise. Speaking yesterday Stagecoach finance director Martin Griffiths assured investors that the group's balance sheet was strong and that it would not default on the troubled franchise should it loose the dispute. The group is arguing for revenue support from the department from April 2010, but the DfT maintains that operators

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Rail News Thu, 10 Dec 2009 10:22:00 GMT 18384
Stagecoach profits slip despite revenue growth https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/18383/stagecoach-profits-slip-despite-revenue-growth Transport group Stagecoach today announced that pre-tax profits for the half year to the end of October fell sharply to £75.5m, down from £105.2m in the same period last year. The slump has occurred despite increasing revenues, however costs, particularly fuel and insurance, have risen too, outstripping the pace of revenue growth. Although the group has been hit by a fall in commuter traffic at its South West Trains rail franchise, Stagecoach says that the shortfall is being mad

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News Lead Story Wed, 9 Dec 2009 14:47:00 GMT 18383
Darling pledges further rail electrification in Pre-Budget Report https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/18382/darling-pledges-further-rail-electrification-in-pre-budget-report

Chancellor Alistair Darling has confirmed plans for further rail electrification schemes in this morning's Pre Budget Report. He also revealed that the government will respond to plans for a new high speed rail route between London and the West Midlands and on to the North and Scotland early next year. Darling said that public sector investment in infrastructure has reached a 30-year high. "This year public sector investment reached a 30-year high and has delivered over 70 road and mot

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Rail News Wed, 9 Dec 2009 14:30:00 GMT 18382
Deutsche Bahn beats in-house bid to gain Tyne Wear Metro contract https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/18355/deutsche-bahn-beats-in-house-bid-to-gain-tyne--wear-metro-contract

Nexus, the Tyne & Wear PTE, yesterday evening announced the name of a preferred bidder for a contract to operate trains and stations on the Tyne & Wear Metro on its behalf. It will now finalise contract details with the bidder, Deutsche Bahn subsidiary DB Regio (Tyne and Wear) Ltd, to agree an operating concession of seven to nine years to begin on April 1 2010. DB Regio beat off competition for the contract from an in-house Nexus bid led by Tyne & Wear Metro management. Conclud

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Light Rail News Fri, 4 Dec 2009 10:23:00 GMT 18355
Optare welcomes Green Bus Fund boost https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/18303/optare-welcomes-green-bus-fund-boost The government’s £30m Green Bus Fund announcement is likely to lead to orders for over 70 fully electric and hybrid Optare buses the Blackburn-based manufacturer has announced. The manufacturer says that as the only maker of a practical full size zero emission electric bus, Optare is in a unique position to contribute to the government’s strategy to introduce low carbon buses to British streets. The Optare Solo EV, launched earlier this year and demonstrated to the prime min

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Bus News Thu, 3 Dec 2009 16:41:00 GMT 18303
Stagecoach confirms Green Bus Fund hybrid orders https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/18302/stagecoach-confirms-green-bus-fund-hybrid-orders Stagecoach has confirmed that it is to invest around £11m in a fleet of state-of-the-art greener hybrid buses with 30% less carbon emissions than standard vehicles. A fleet of 56 double-decker hybrid vehicles will go into service at the group's major city operations in Manchester and Oxford. Some 30 of the new hybrid vehicles will be introduced on services covering Manchester’s major university and hospital areas, while 26 buses will run on some of Oxford’s busiest city centr

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Bus News Thu, 3 Dec 2009 16:31:00 GMT 18302
New web guide aims to make rail travel easy https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/18297/new-web-guide-aims-to-make-rail-travel-easy Elderly and disabled people with mobility problems, parents with young children and passengers with heavy luggage will find it much easier to get around the rail network from today, with the launch of a new interactive web guide to stations in Britain, called ‘Stations Made Easy’. In a national railway first anywhere in the world, over 2,500 stations in Britain were photographed to give passengers a step by step guide of how to get around when they travel by train. The photographs a

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Rail News Thu, 3 Dec 2009 11:29:00 GMT 18297
Manchester benefits from government's Green Bus Fund initiative https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/18295/manchester-benefits-from-government-s-green-bus-fund-initiative

The Department for Transport this morning (Thursday) announced funding for 349 new buses as part of the Green Bus Fund. The vehicles will all enter service before March 2012 and industry estimates are that up to 1000 jobs will be safeguarded as a result of this investment. Most of the buses that will be funded by the scheme will feature diesel-electric hybrid propulsion, but the fund will also support the purchase of at least 55 new electric buses. Greater Manchester will be a major benefi

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Bus News Thu, 3 Dec 2009 10:41:00 GMT 18295
Network Rail promises 20 rail routes free from replacement bus services https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/18294/network-rail-promises-20-rail-routes-free-from-replacement-bus-services

Network Rail has pledged to reduce the need for rail replacement bus services with new plans to divert trains on 20 key routes in the future. The new plan, which has been devised in partnership the Association of Train Operating Companies, with support from Passenger Focus, aims to keep passengers on trains rather than have their rail journey interrupted by a bus journey. The partners believe that the introduction of diversionary routes will be a significant step towards the industry&rsquo

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Rail News Wed, 2 Dec 2009 16:33:00 GMT 18294
Business leaders call for Midland Main Line electrification https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/18293/business-leaders-call-for-midland-main-line-electrification Politicians and business leaders are urging the government to electrify the Midland Main Line, to boost the economy, tackle congestion and protect the environment. Improving the route from London to the East Midlands and Sheffield could boost the regions’ economies by up to £19m per year, campaigners will tell Transport Secretary Lord Adonis. The campaign is led by the East Midlands Regional Assembly, the East Midlands Development Agency (EMDA), the South Yorkshire Passenger Tran

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Rail News Wed, 2 Dec 2009 12:07:00 GMT 18293
London Council anger at ATOC Freedom Pass price hike https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/18291/london-council-anger-at-atoc-freedom-pass-price-hike London Councils has reacted angrily to plans by the Association of Train Operating Companies (ATOC) to increase the cost of transporting Freedom Pass holders by 25%. During negotiations over the cost of the Freedom Pass, ATOC has demanded London boroughs pay 25% more for the train part of the Freedom Pass next year. This would mean that the amount London’s boroughs pay to the train operating companies would jump from £12m in 2009/10 to at least £15m in 2010/11. The Freedom P

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Rail News Wed, 2 Dec 2009 11:23:00 GMT 18291
Jowell and Johnson open new ticket hall at King's Cross St Pancras Underground station https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/18288/jowell-and-johnson-open-new-ticket-hall-at-king-s-cross-st-pancras-underground-station Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, and London minister, Tessa Jowell, today opened the new northern ticket hall at King’s Cross St Pancras Underground station which will provide a big increase in capacity, cutting congestion and improving accessibility. The new ticket hall, funded by the Department for Transport and delivered as part of Transport for London’s Investment Programme, is the station’s third ticket hall and will open to the public on Sunday, delivering an early legacy

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Rail News Fri, 27 Nov 2009 11:03:00 GMT 18288
Light rail must be made to offer value https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/18269/light-rail-must-be-made-to-offer-value The recent item on the Big Question ‘What needs to be done to get tram schemes moving again?’ included a comment by Neil Renilson that part of the answer is to secure government willingness for funding of over £50m per mile. While this appears to be the average rate for the current Edinburgh scheme it is about 50% higher than that stated for the Merseytram scheme of similar length which has still to receive the go ahead. Figures indicate that a number of major overseas high spe

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Letters Fri, 27 Nov 2009 10:15:00 GMT 18269
Bus growth is worth paying for https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/18267/bus-growth-is-worth-paying-for Of course it would be a good thing if bus fares were cut by 20% and bus use increased by 13% as a result. If more people left their cars behind and switched to the bus, this would reduce road traffic and carbon emissions. Cutting fares would be good from a social inclusion point of view too - people in the lowest income groups have been hit hardest by the 17% real increase in bus fares between 1997 and 2008. We agree with your contributor that if fares were cut, more buses would need to be prov

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Letters Fri, 27 Nov 2009 10:08:00 GMT 18267
Lyon and Liverpool a tale of transport in two cities https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/18264/lyon-and-liverpool-a-tale-of-transport-in-two-cities

Casually scanning New Transit during a journey to Lyon, Peter Stonham’s reflections following his attendance at yet another major UITP event graced by few UK delegates set me thinking. How much can UK public transport really learn from our overseas neighbours? Once public transport in the UK could claim to lead the world. Come to that, Transport for London under a management team with a sizeable American contingent, bent on delivering the vision of a US-style maverick mayor has restored Lo

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BRT Report Fri, 27 Nov 2009 09:48:00 GMT 18264
Is it a green agenda for buses or a cuts agenda? https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/18261/is-it-a-green-agenda-for-buses-or-a-cuts-agenda-

It is normal at this time of year to reflect on the year past, and to look forward to the next. As we have seen in the Queen’s Speech, posturing is perhaps a more appropriate way to describe it than to be looking forward. And nowhere is this more so than with the green agenda. December was meant to be a key month in the global fight back against climate change, but instead the media-savvy world leaders are spending their time lowering our expectations of what they will achieve at the Cope

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Ben Colson Fri, 27 Nov 2009 09:31:00 GMT 18261
Khan views progress on Farringdon rail interchange work https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/18253/khan-views-progress-on-farringdon-rail-interchange-work Transport minister Sadiq Khan visited Farringdon station today to see Network Rail’s progress on the £250m scheme which will transform it into one of London's busiest transport hubs. The minister was shown demolition work at Cardinal Tower, the 42 metre office block that is being taken down to make way for an integrated Crossrail and Thameslink ticket hall. Khan said: “Farringdon sits at the heart of a major investment in London’s railway network. "From this sta

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Rail News Thu, 26 Nov 2009 17:22:00 GMT 18253
National Express journey has cost Cosmens dear https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/18236/national-express-journey-has-cost-cosmens-dear

The decision to take a stake in National Express Group has proved a costly experience for the Cosmen family. When they sold their Alsa coaching business to National Express Group in December 2005, the Cosmens received a 10% holding in NEG worth £140m as part payment. Since then they have spent £115m building their stake up to 19.7%. As New Transit went to press, the Cosmens’ stake in the company was worth £105m - a loss of £150m on sharedealing and the shares acqui

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Business Lead Story Thu, 26 Nov 2009 13:04:00 GMT 18236
ScotRail plans rolling stock cascade with new Transport Scotland-funded trains https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/18235/scotrail-plans-rolling-stock-cascade-with-new-transport-scotland-funded-trains

ScotRail has announced plans for a rolling stock cascade from September 2010 after the introduction of a new fleet of trains on its routes in Ayrshire and Inverclyde. The first of the Transport Scotland-funded Class 380 trains are currently under construction at Siemens' factory in Germany and their introduction will add 9,000 seats to the Scottish rail network. Meanwhile, from December 2010, trains will once again run on the Airdrie to Bathgate rail line, with new stations created, others

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Rail News Thu, 26 Nov 2009 11:38:00 GMT 18235
Peterborough a green role model https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/18229/peterborough-a-green-role-model

While the Greener Journeys campaign has highlighted the impact major initiatives could have in reducing car travel and growing bus use, there remains considerable potential for large patronage increases from lower cost measures to raise awareness of public transport. Jacqui Wilkinson, formerly head of sustainable travel at the Department for Transport, says that too often basic information on bus services is not provided and the industry needs to ensure that it “puts its own house in order

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Cover Story Detail Thu, 26 Nov 2009 10:03:00 GMT 18229
Making buses greener https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/18227/making-buses-greener

Although vehicle technology in the car industry has made great strides in reducing emissions, it has been slow to have a significant impact on the bus industry. Trials in London show that emissions from hybrid diesel electric buses are 30-40% lower than for standard buses. However, at present fuel savings do not compensate for the price. The £230,000 cost of hybrid buses is £80,000 more than a standard diesel bus, and they are viewed by operators as unaffordable. Apart from the 56 h

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Cover Story Detail Thu, 26 Nov 2009 09:58:00 GMT 18227
If you have to be Beeching then do it well https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/18223/if-you-have-to-be-beeching-then-do-it-well There was a somewhat gloomy atmosphere in Birmingham last month when transport professionals gathered to discuss responses to the recession. Huge spending cuts are inevitable and the New Transit-sponsored Tough Times event heard expert opinions on where the axe will fall on local transport. There are clearly going to be some tough times ahead. “When you start a career in transport you think you’re going to be Isambard Kingdom Brunel, not Dr Beeching,” said Iain Reeve, head o

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Reflections Thu, 26 Nov 2009 09:31:00 GMT 18223
250000 funding boost for Traveline Cymru https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/18122/-250-000-funding-boost-for-traveline-cymru The Welsh Assembly Government has announced an investment of £250,000 in the development of the Traveline Cymru public transport information services. The current system which provides the travelling public with journey planning and timetable information through the Traveline Cymru call centre, website, text messaging and mobile internet services is in urgent need of upgrade to improve information for the people of Wales. It is hoped that the new system will allow members of the public t

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Technology News Thu, 19 Nov 2009 10:59:00 GMT 18122
Stagecoach partners with Bland Group to start cross-Forth hovercraft service https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/18121/stagecoach-partners-with-bland-group-to-start-cross-forth-hovercraft-service

Stagecoach confirmed today that it now has in place a joint venture agreement with Bland Group and a combined £14m funding package as it moves forward with plans to establish a permanent cross-Forth hovercraft service. The transport group said it had agreed heads of terms with Bland Group, the 200-year-old family-owned business who own Griffon Hoverwork Ltd, the world’s leading hovercraft manufacturer and Hovertravel, the highly successful hovercraft service that links Portsmouth an

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News Lead Story Thu, 19 Nov 2009 10:48:00 GMT 18121
Adonis launches station improvements and welcome Champion's report https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/18114/adonis-launches-station-improvements-and-welcome-champion-s-report

Transport secretary Lord Adonis has launched a new £50m fund for improvements to ten key stations in England as he warmly welcomed the independent Station Champions’ report on the state of facilities for passengers across the country. body He supports the Champions’ call for a comprehensive list of minimum standards for all stations, aimed at improving the daily travelling experience of passengers and attracting more passengers onto the railways. More than £3bn is

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Rail News Wed, 18 Nov 2009 10:58:00 GMT 18114
Crossrail cancellation could cost 16bn to taxpayer https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/18103/crossrail-cancellation-could-cost-1-6bn-to-taxpayer

Cancelling the Crossrail project next summer would cost the public purse over £1bn it has been revealed. Liberal Democrat shadow transport minister Norman Baker asked transport minister Sadiq Khan what the cost to the taxpayer would be if the scheme was cancelled in June 2010. Khan responded that the government remained fully committed to delivering the Crossrail project and that good progress has been made since the launch of the main construction works in May this year. However, if th

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Rail News Thu, 12 Nov 2009 10:51:00 GMT 18103
Network Rail launches 3bn station investment plan https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/18102/network-rail-launches-3bn-station-investment-plan Network Rail today unveiled its plans to improve thousands of stations across the country in a five year, £3.25bn, programme of investment. At the same time it launched the first ever piece of passenger research targeting stations. Over 2,000 stations are to benefit from investment between now and spring 2014 with sums ranging from tens of thousands of pounds to ten of millions.  The improvements to be made include new passenger information systems, new lifts and stairways and better

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Rail News Thu, 12 Nov 2009 10:27:00 GMT 18102
Tube Lines boss tapped for National Express role https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/18101/tube-lines-boss-tapped-for-national-express-role

Media reports this morning suggest that Dean Finch, the former FirstGroup chief operating officer and current head of London Underground infrastructure firm Tube Lines, is a front runner to take on the role of chief executive at National Express Group. It is understood that Finch is on the shortlist of NEG chairman John Devaney to fill the position which has been vacant since Richard Bowker stepped down in June. Commenting on the speculation, Finch said: "I can confirm they have spoken to

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People Thu, 12 Nov 2009 09:55:00 GMT 18101
Johnson to meet Khan over South London rail fears https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/18093/johnson-to-meet-khan-over-south-london-rail-fears The Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, will this week meet with transport minister Sadiq Khan in a bid to resolve their concerns over the future of rail services in South London. Over the next seven years more than £6bn will be spent on improvements in rail services in south London, including the upgrade and extension of the East London Line to complete an orbital London Overground service in the capital. Thameslink services will increase to 24 trains an hour, connecting areas north and sout

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Rail News Mon, 9 Nov 2009 14:22:00 GMT 18093
Borders railway tender process to start before end of year https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/18014/borders-railway-tender-process-to-start-before-end-of-year The procurement process to build a new rail link to the Borders will get underway before the end of the year, cabinet secretary for finance and sustainable growth John Swinney has told members of South of Scotland Alliance. Swinney said final technical documentation was being prepared to allow the formal announcement of Transport Scotland’s intention to let the project would be made before Christmas. "This Scottish government has always made its commitment to this vital public tr

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Rail News Thu, 5 Nov 2009 14:36:00 GMT 18014
Adonis and Johnson agree new arrangements to monitor former Metronet contracts https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/18003/adonis-and-johnson-agree-new-arrangements-to-monitor-former-metronet-contracts Transport secretary Lord Adonis and mayor of London Boris Johnson today confirmed that the Tube improvement contracts inherited by Transport for London on an interim basis after Metronet’s collapse will remain permanently under the direct management of London Underground Ltd. body LUL will remain responsible for all asset management decisions, but there will continue to be substantial private sector involvement through the contracts managed by LUL. Underpinning these new arrang

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Rail News Thu, 29 Oct 2009 14:55:00 GMT 18003
City concern at National Express merger decision https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/18001/city-concern-at-national-express-merger-decision City analysts have reacted with concern to the news that National Express Group has rejected a merger proposal from rival group Stagecoach. Damian Brewer of JP Morgan said in a note issued this morning that NEG would have to "work very hard to prove its calibre". "Although new equity could put the corporate finance foundations in place, we remain concerned that the National Express board were not able to contemplate running the two process (equity rights and a Stagecoach combina

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In brief Thu, 29 Oct 2009 10:58:00 GMT 18001
Network Rail plots Midland Main Line rail electrification https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/17996/network-rail-plots-midland-main-line-rail-electrification

A plan to expand the electrified network that would increase capacity, improve journeys while reducing costs and carbon emissions was unveiled today following a year-long study by Network Rail. The study concludes that the electrification of the Midland Main Line - the main route from London St Pancras to Derby, Nottingham and Sheffield - has an extremely attractive business case and could, over the course of 60 years, pay for itself with the savings made from cheaper running costs and mainte

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Rail News Wed, 28 Oct 2009 10:08:00 GMT 17996
Invest in capital's rail infrastructure urges London First https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/17995/invest-in-capital-s-rail-infrastructure-urges-london-first

Business organisation London First has today unveiled research which shows the benefits - to passengers and to the economy - of maintaining investment on the London Underground, and the impacts for commuters of postponing it. The report explains that building Crossrail and completing modernisation of the Tube will bring the vital extra transport capacity needed to meet London's forecast growth. In addition, the Tube's modernisation will generate wider economic benefits for Britain in the order

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Rail News Tue, 27 Oct 2009 14:56:00 GMT 17995
Stops with no buses are symptom of failing industry says PTE chairman https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/17990/stops-with-no-buses-are-symptom-of-failing-industry-says-pte-chairman

“Bus stops with no buses serving them are what you are going to get when you have a bus industry structure that allows private sector operators to stop and start services at will,” said Metro chairman Cllr Ryk Downes on Friday. Downes was responding to a local case, which attracted fierce criticism in both local and national press, where shortly after a replacement shelter was ordered, the local operating company changed its route, which meant buses no longer served the stop. The sh

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Bus News Mon, 26 Oct 2009 11:32:00 GMT 17990
DLR station moves to new location without a hitch https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/17989/dlr-station-moves-to-new-location-without-a-hitch

Transport for London has heralded the weekend move of a Docklands Light Railway station without any disruption to passengers as an extraordinary feat of engineering. South Quay station closed on Friday evening and a state-of-the-art replacement opened this morning 125 metres away, after being tested over the weekend The station, which cost £30m, had to be rebuilt further down the line where the track is straight, so that platforms could be extended to accommodate three-carriage-long DLR

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Light Rail News Mon, 26 Oct 2009 11:22:00 GMT 17989
GMPTE plans new bus and Metrolink interchange for Rochdale https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/17983/gmpte-plans-new-bus-and-metrolink-interchange-for-rochdale

GMPTE has submitted an application to Rochdale Council for detailed planning consent for a new interchange on Smith Street, next to the River Roch, in Rochdale town centre. It will replace the existing bus station in the town centre and will also be next to the proposed town centre Metrolink stop. Michael Renshaw, GMPTE’s interim bus & rail director, said: “Rochdale’s new transport interchange will be a vast improvement for both passengers and bus operators, who currently

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Bus News Mon, 26 Oct 2009 10:26:00 GMT 17983
Boris lays out his vision for transport in London https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/17859/boris-lays-out-his-vision-for-transport-in-london

London mayor Boris Johnson last month unveiled his shopping trolley of schemes to improve transport infrastructure in the capital over the next 20 years and there were more than a few surprises. The draft Mayor’s Transport Strategy reveals the shape of the capital’s transport system and how it will developed. Amongst the proposals are plans for Tube extensions, the long mooted Chelsea-Hackney Line, or Chelney, that is now branded firmly as Crossrail 2, improvements to the bus networ

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Projects Lead Story Sat, 24 Oct 2009 09:56:00 GMT 17859
National Express denies profit warning as problems hit North American business https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/17907/national-express-denies-profit-warning-as-problems-hit-north-american-business

Problems at troubled National Express Group have continued with the group today warning that profit's for the current financial year will be lower that expected. However, interim chief executive Ray O'Toole denied the group was issuing a profit warning. "This is not what we would call a profit warning," he told The Guardian today. "What we have said is that profits will be slightly below previous expectations. Obviously we have a rights issue coming and we wanted to be as transpa

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Rail News Thu, 22 Oct 2009 16:04:00 GMT 17907
TfL Board approves 'austerity' business plan https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/17904/tfl-board-approves-austerity-business-plan

The board of Transport for London yesterday approved TfL's updated business plan that sets out how investment in front line services and London's critical transport projects will be maintained up to 2018. Although the plan calls for a strict focus on delivering the major upgrades of the capital's public transport infrastructure, it also tasks TfL with a continuous search for efficiencies and an emphasis on value for money. Several key projects are due for completion within the next year, incl

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News Lead Story Thu, 22 Oct 2009 15:01:00 GMT 17904
National Express debt makes 500p a share a good offer https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/17886/national-express-debt-makes-500p-a-share-a-good-offer

In your article on the value of National Express Group (New Transit, October 2009) you have missed the major point in valuing the business, which possibly former chief executive Richard Bowker also missed, which is the level of debt. If National Express West Midlands was sold off for £350m, and the trains (National Express East Anglia and c2c) for another £100m, and the Cosmen’s/CVC paid £765m for the group, they would inherit £850m of debt - ie. they must find &po

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Letters Thu, 22 Oct 2009 10:29:00 GMT 17886
Our formula for growing demand for public transport https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/17878/our-formula-for-growing-demand-for-public-transport

At the Conservative Party conference in Manchester last week, I was impressed to discover that, despite the economic downturn, train passenger numbers continue to grow in the North West at an extraordinary rate. In the year up until July, the route from Liverpool into Manchester Victoria achieved 17.1% growth. I accept that this is not the case everywhere, but the long-term trend is clearly this: demand for public transport will continue to grow. We should not be seeking to contain this growt

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Viewpoint Thu, 22 Oct 2009 10:16:00 GMT 17878
Government should share the risk with tram schemes https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/17876/-government-should-share-the-risk-with-tram-schemes-

Trams are quiet, environmentally friendly, and efficient. Unfortunately, they are all too scarce. While there are towns of 50,000 people with tram systems in Germany, we have several cities 10 times that size without one. If we are to get trams moving, the major obstacles to overcome are a lack of political will, funding problems, and a lack of incentive for private firms to invest in trams. As long ago as March 2000, the DfT suggested that funding would be available for up to 25 new trams a

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The Big Question Thu, 22 Oct 2009 10:13:00 GMT 17876
Be willing to pay 50m per mile for a tram scheme https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/17875/-be-willing-to-pay-50m-per-mile-for-a-tram-scheme-

Edinburgh’s presently under construction 11-mile tram line is currently projected to cost £562m (£545m build cost, plus £17m previously spent) – that’s £51m per mile, for a tramway with 63% of its mileage “off road” on greenfield land, and which is relatively simple to build with only one significant underbridge and four overbridges. Edinburgh is thus a valid, if conservative, yardstick for current UK tramway construction costs. Its £56

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The Big Question Thu, 22 Oct 2009 10:12:00 GMT 17875
Tram schemes need money and leadership https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/17874/-tram-schemes-need-money-and-leadership-

Simple answer - ‘Money’. With money Liverpool could recommence, Manchester do the Big Bang and Nottingham build two new lines. The long term answer - ‘Leadership’. Government needs to show it means what it says about climate change - it must electrify as much public transport as possible.  Projects should be encouraged and not treated as “another problem” at the DfT.  We need local politicians committed tram projects,– Manchester and Croydo

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The Big Question Thu, 22 Oct 2009 10:11:00 GMT 17874
First remains upbeat but how long will it last? https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/17850/first-remains-upbeat-but-how-long-will-it-last- The impression that First’s latest trading statement is designed to put over is that conditions are difficult, but the group is standing up to them well. That may well be true for the moment, but how long it will remain so is unclear. On the face of it, the deterioration in the performance of the bus business is frightening. In just three months, revenue growth has fallen from 4% to virtually nothing. As a one off, such a fall is far from unmanageable, even coming on top of previous more

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Reflections Thu, 22 Oct 2009 09:46:00 GMT 17850
One million use Ebbw Valley rail service https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/17847/one-million-use-ebbw-valley-rail-service The Ebbw Valley rail service, operated by Arriva Trains Wales, celebrated carrying its millionth passenger this week, reaching the landmark in less than half the time expected. Deputy first minister and minister for the economy and transport, Ieuan Wyn Jones, joined passengers on the 8.40am from Ebbw Vale Parkway to Cardiff yesterday to mark the occasion. “The demand for this new service has outstripped all expectations and I’m delighted that we have met this landmark less than t

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Rail News Wed, 21 Oct 2009 10:58:00 GMT 17847
Stevenson calls for Glasgow to host public transport Commonwealth Games https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/17845/stevenson-calls-for-glasgow-to-host-public-transport-commonwealth-games

Scotland's transport minister, Stewart Stevenson, has stressed that he wants to see the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow served by public transport. Stevenson, speaking to SPT members at the Scottish National Party's annual conference in Inverness, said the 2014 Games were not about providing vast amounts of car parking at the venues, but about getting people there sustainably. The minister also said he wanted to engage with SPT on proposals to modernise the Subway in Glasgow and looked forward t

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News Lead Story Wed, 21 Oct 2009 10:39:00 GMT 17845
Public transport creates 25% more jobs than road investment says UITP https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/17843/public-transport-creates-25-more-jobs-than-road-investment-says-uitp UITP, the international public transport association, has called on world governments to invest in public transport in order to safeguard employment at a meeting of its Policy Board in Belgium. It says that in Europe, public transport operators alone create one million direct jobs, with every direct job linked to four jobs in other sectors of the economy. Public transport creates 25% more jobs than the same investment in building roads or highways. “Public transport provides green loca

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In brief Tue, 20 Oct 2009 12:25:00 GMT 17843
First Olympic carriage arrives on Docklands Light Railway https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/17841/first-olympic-carriage-arrives-on-docklands-light-railway

The first new Docklands Light Railway carriage part-funded by the Olympic Delivery Authority has been delivered to Stratford station. The ODA and Transport for London contributed £20m each for 22 new carriages in preparation for increased DLR services during the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games. Prior to the Games, the carriages will be used to help form the three-car trains that DLR will introduce from early 2010. The carriages will also be used to aid capacity on DLR’s mo

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Light Rail News Lead Story Tue, 20 Oct 2009 10:11:00 GMT 17841
ATOC calls for rail electrification to fill 'missing links' https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/17838/atoc-calls-for-rail-electrification-to-fill-missing-links-

Proposals to electrify up to 400 miles of railways, to fill in the network’s ‘missing links’ and provide better connections between some of the UK’s biggest cities are set out today by train companies. The Association of Train Operating Companies is keen to see work done which prepares for the electrification in the long term of a relatively small number of strategic routes, bringing significant benefits to the UK economy. The proposals would cut carbon emissions and

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Rail News Mon, 19 Oct 2009 15:58:00 GMT 17838
Spanish consortium pulls out of National Express bid https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/17836/spanish-consortium-pulls-out-of-national-express-bid

Reports this morning indicate that the Cosmen family-led consortium that is bidding to acquire National Express Group has withdrawn its £765m offer for the business. The family, with private equity partner CVC Capital, have been working on a deal since July. It was expected that they would complete due diligence today, a move that would have cleared the path for a formal offer to be made for the beleaguered group. The Cosmens have instead announced that they will now back NEG's plans to

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News Lead Story Fri, 16 Oct 2009 08:26:00 GMT 17836
Eurostar makes progress as sales recover https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/17833/eurostar-makes-progress-as-sales-recover

Eurostar, the provider of high-speed, carbon neutral rail journeys between the UK and the Continent, today announced its third quarter 2009 results which report some recovery in sales. Whilst sales and revenues for the year to date are down slightly and the business travel environment remains challenging, overall sales revenue in Q3 2009 is up 6.8% on the same period last year. This uplift is due to the impact of the fire on a shuttle in the Channel Tunnel in September last year which depressed

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Rail News Thu, 15 Oct 2009 10:53:00 GMT 17833
First Aberdeen staff move into new depot facilities https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/17742/first-aberdeen-staff-move-into-new-depot-facilities

Office and engineering staff from bus operator First Aberdeen have moved in to the new custom-built depot building in King Street, marking the completion of the first phase of the £14m investment project. Around 90 operational and administrative staff, traffic controllers, directors and managers are now settling into their new accommodation which combines modern, state-of-the-art surroundings with enhanced safety features. With a place for everything and everything in its place, the depo

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Bus News Thu, 8 Oct 2009 15:26:00 GMT 17742
Crossrail coffers boosted by 4m with go-ahead for controversial skyscraper https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/17741/crossrail-coffers-boosted-by-4m-with-go-ahead-for-controversial-skyscraper London mayor Boris Johnson has approved Columbus Tower, a significant planning application in Tower Hamlets, despite local objections to the scheme. Conditions attached to the application will see the developer contributing £4 million towards Crossrail and over £1m towards affordable housing in the area. More than £2m will also be invested by the developer into the local community. This will see an increase in capacity on local bus services, improvements to local parks and ope

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Rail News Thu, 8 Oct 2009 12:00:00 GMT 17741
GMITA calls for backing for Manchester rail hub https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/17730/gmita-calls-for-backing-for-manchester-rail-hub Investment in the rail network around central Manchester is crucial to unlocking the economic potential of the north of England for generations to come. That's the message shadow transport minister Stephen Hammond heard yesterday from members of GMITA when he arrived in the city for this week's Conservative Party conference. Ian Macdonald, vice-chair of GMITA, met Hammond at Piccadilly Station to discuss the constraints to the growth of rail services to cities across the north of England. C

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Rail News Mon, 5 Oct 2009 09:58:00 GMT 17730
Alloa rail users flock to new rail service https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/17724/alloa-rail-users-flock-to-new-rail-service

Clackmannanshire passengers have been taking advantage of the new direct morning and evening rail services between Alloa and Edinburgh – with around 4,000 trips made to and from Alloa on these services alone since their introduction in May this year. Passenger services returned to Alloa for the first time since 1968 when the new Alloa station opened on 15 May 2008. The Alloa – Stirling – Glasgow Queen Street service has proved very popular since its launch last year,

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Rail News Fri, 2 Oct 2009 11:47:00 GMT 17724
Oldham loop line closes for conversion to Metrolink https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/17721/oldham-loop-line-closes-for-conversion-to-metrolink Transport bosses will mark the end of an era this weekend, as the heavy rail line through Oldham closes for conversion to Metrolink. The new Metrolink line to Oldham and Rochdale is part of a £600 million expansion of the light rail network, which will also take trams to East Manchester and Droylsden, Chorlton, and MediaCityUK in Salford. As part of the upgrade new Metrolink stops will be built at Monsall, Central Park, South Chadderton, Freehold, Newbold and outside Rochdale railway stat

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Light Rail News Thu, 1 Oct 2009 15:39:00 GMT 17721
Greyhound struggles as First's UK bus and rail divisions make marginal progress https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/17712/greyhound-struggles-as-first-s-uk-bus-and-rail-divisions-make-marginal-progress

First's US-based Greyhound long distance coach division expects to report a 20% fall in revenue for the summer period according to an Interim Management Statement issued to the City this morning. Meanwhile, the group's UK bus and rail operations have seen revenue growth, albeit at a much slower rate than in previous years. The group has also warned that it will absorb a significant increase in its hedged fuel costs over the year which are set to recover by over £100m in 2010/11. &quo

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Bus News Lead Story Wed, 30 Sep 2009 14:13:00 GMT 17712
Network Rail pledges improvements with 250m track renewal contract https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/17707/network-rail-pledges-improvements-with-250m-track-renewal-contract

Network Rail is promising more benefits for passengers as it continues with plans to invest high-tech track renewals technology. Disruption will be significantly reduced using high-output technology which can carry out track renewals quicker than conventional methods. Today, Network Rail announced Amey Colas as its preferred bidder for a new contract to operate and maintain its fleet of high-tech, high-output track renewal systems. Over the next few years, Network Rail is increasingly moving to

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Rail News Wed, 30 Sep 2009 10:39:00 GMT 17707
ATOC calls for more continued rail investment https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/17705/atoc-calls-for-more-continued-rail-investment

Train operators yesterday called on all political parties to ensure that investment in the railways continues beyond the next election, arguing that passenger rail is essential to Britain’s future economic success. Passenger rail – the way forward, launched by the Association of Train Operating Companies, says: Rail makes a significant contribution to the economy and Government must continue to invest in rail. Trains are used by 64% of British businesses, with business t

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Rail News Tue, 29 Sep 2009 12:38:00 GMT 17705
Shared Journey? Planes Trains Buses https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/17547/shared-journey--planes-trains--buses

As a proportion of the passenger transport sector, aviation is relatively small. Of the 7.7 billion journeys made by passenger transport in the UK in 2007/08 only 0.3% were made on domestic flights (22 million journeys). With international flights this figure climbs to 200 million journeys a year. However, this is still tiny when compared to the 1.2 billion journeys made each year on the national rail network, the 1.1 billion on the London Underground and the massive 5.1 billion on buses. And

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Cover Story Tue, 29 Sep 2009 09:09:00 GMT 17547
Nein Nein Nein Video https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/17597/nein-nein-nein--video- Not everyone shares SFA’s love of trams. A video posted on YouTube entitled ‘Edinburgh trams fiasco’ has been doing the rounds in Scotland. It features a clip from the 2004 film Downfall in which a furious Hitler rages at his generals during the Red Army’s final advance on Berlin. But the subtitles in this clip have been changed. At one point the red-faced Führer roars “500 million quid to replace the number 22 bus? Have they completely lost their minds!?&rdquo

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End of the line Tue, 29 Sep 2009 08:36:00 GMT 17597
Crossrail receives boost with 1bn loan to TfL https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/17560/crossrail-receives-boost-with-1bn-loan-to-tfl Transport for London has confirmed that it has agreed a £1bn loan from the European Investment Bank that will be used to finance its part contribution to the Crossrail project. London mayor Boris Johnson welcomed the news, noting that the loan was one of the largest ever transport loans.  

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Projects Mon, 28 Sep 2009 11:48:00 GMT 17560
Adonis needs to focus on the basics https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/17588/adonis-needs-to-focus-on-the-basics THE rail industry world and the politicians are very excited about Lord Adonis’s announcements on high speed rail and electrification. But the concerns of actual train passengers are being ignored. Fares are the number one priority for passengers - not surprising when we have the highest train fares in Europe. Yet the government continues to allow fares to rise above inflation every year (including this one), so that it can cut its own contribution to rail. Taking the train from London to

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Letters Thu, 24 Sep 2009 13:24:00 GMT 17588
Is High Speed Rail the best investment to make? https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/17580/is-high-speed-rail-the-best-investment-to-make-

While government ministers and opposition spokespersons vie with each other in promising new high speed rail lines, apparently forgetting the failure of HS1 to deliver a commercial return on its capital investment costs, it is worth reminding ourselves what the nation’s decision makers should be looking for in assessing the case for new high speed rail lines in the UK. It is first important to distinguish between a commercial case and a social cost benefit case for a new HS Line. A comme

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Viewpoint Thu, 24 Sep 2009 13:11:00 GMT 17580
Airport link is first victim of Scottish budget cuts https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/17559/airport-link-is-first-victim-of-scottish-budget-cuts

The much anticipated Glasgow Airport Rail Link has become a victim of spending cuts with the Scottish Government taking the axe to the £100m scheme in a bid to ease pressure on the public purse after the cost of the project significantly increased. Scottish finance secretary John Swinney announced that the SNP-led government was ditching the project as part of its austerity budget to cover the first fall in public spending since the advent of devolution in 1999. “The government mu

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Projects Lead Story Thu, 24 Sep 2009 11:47:00 GMT 17559
Optare offers solutions to industry carbon question https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/17557/optare-offers-solutions-to-industry-carbon-question

The government’s announcement of a £30m scheme to subsidise the purchase of around 700 new low carbon buses, plus changes to the Bus Service Operators Grant that will reward fuel efficiency, seem to have become something of a rallying cry for Britain’s bus manufacturers to push alternative fuel technologies in recent months. Last month bus manufacturer Optare formally announced its EcoDrive strategy that aims to enhance the environmental credentials of its vehicles. Rather tha

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Environment Thu, 24 Sep 2009 11:27:00 GMT 17557
Momentum behind high speed rail is unstoppable https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/17554/momentum-behind-high-speed-rail-is-unstoppable

Lord Adonis was preaching to the converted when he extolled the virtues of high speed rail to a railway audience at September’s HSR Summit in London. However, he believes that it’s no longer a case of ‘if’ Britain should build a new High Speed 2 rail line, but ‘when’. The political consensus behind HSR is growing and the transport secretary says it will be vital to making this vision a reality. His opposite number, Theresa Villiers, restated her support for H

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Politics Lead Story Thu, 24 Sep 2009 11:10:00 GMT 17554
BSOG needs to be extended instead of reformed https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/17544/bsog-needs-to-be-extended-instead-of-reformed Are we witnessing a concerted lobbying attempt by a united bus industry? It would appear so with the launch of the Greener Journeys, a campaign that aims to be a call to arms for the industry at large. It needed to happen. The fundamental economics of the industry continue to be interfered with by government departments, most recently with proposals to change the way in which the Bus Service Operators Grant works. Now the industry is fighting back. BSOG is a the 80% rebate that bus operators ge

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Reflections Thu, 24 Sep 2009 10:04:00 GMT 17544
Dont let buses suffer to pay for trams https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/17543/don-t-let-buses-suffer-to-pay-for-trams

PTEG and the All-Party Parliamentary Light Rail Group announced a select committee-style inquiry into the prospects for modern trams in the UK and how barriers to tram scheme development and implementation can be tackled. They will begin taking evidence this month and it must be hoped that they speak to somebody from Edinburgh. Although the funding package for the £500m-plus Edinburgh Line One light rail scheme is not yet secured, construction has been taking place on the famous Princes S

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Reflections Thu, 24 Sep 2009 10:01:00 GMT 17543
TfL agrees 1bn loan for Crossrail from European Investment Bank https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/17459/tfl-agrees-1bn-loan-for-crossrail-from-european-investment-bank

Transport for London has agreed a £1bn loan with the European Investment Bank (EIB) to finance part of their contribution to the Crossrail project. The £1bn loan facility which will be drawn out over the next six years, is a contractual agreement between TfL and the EIB - the long-term financing institution of the European Union. TfL and the Greater London Authority are responsible for £7.7bn of Crossrail's £15.9bn funding. Out of the £7.7bn Tfl/GLA funding &p

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Rail News Tue, 8 Sep 2009 10:21:00 GMT 17459
Go Ahead is 'strong buy' says financial analysts https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/17451/go-ahead-is-strong-buy--says-financial-analysts

Go Ahead Group's preliminary financial results for the year ended June 27 2009, have shown that the company's bus operations have risen slightly, year on year, while rail is below the level achieved last year, with a proposed full year divident maintained at 81.0 pence per share. Financial analyst Gerald Khoo of Arbuthnot's recommendation remains "Strong Buy, with a target price of 1520p based on our SOTP valuation". Khoo said: "Before any potential changes to estimates, t

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News Lead Story Thu, 3 Sep 2009 14:22:00 GMT 17451
Travelling should not be the hard work it has become https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/17327/travelling-should-not-be-the-hard-work-it-has-become

There are few things as closely tied to the quality of life in this country as our ability to move around. As soon any one of us leaves their front door, we are reliant on a network of roads, buses, trains, planes, and pavements to enable us to get where we need to go. Our transport network provides the veins and arteries of our economy and is a daily experience - a necessity - for nearly everyone in Britain. The quality of that experience is in decline. It has been for more than a decade.

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Viewpoint Tue, 1 Sep 2009 12:16:00 GMT 17327
Is rail a risky business? https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/17315/is-rail-a-risky-business-

The day after National Express Group announced its intention to hand back the keys to its East Coast franchise, transport secretary Lord Adonis was quizzed by industry executives on the implications of the debacle. Did it expose issues with franchising policy, or indeed with that particular franchise that need to be addressed, he was asked. After all, it was the second time in three years that the Department for Transport’s East Coast franchise had collapsed. It was a question Adonis was

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Feature Tue, 1 Sep 2009 11:37:00 GMT 17315
Form guide whos got the winning formula for projects in the making? https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/17299/form-guide-who-s-got-the-winning-formula-for-projects-in-the-making- Sure bets or big gambles? We’ve selected 10 public transport projects, in the bus, rail and light rail sectors, and have assessed their ‘form’. Which schemes have the pedigree to make it to the finish line, and which flaws could cause them to struggle? Crossrail This long standing contender has a history of falling, but now appears to have unstoppable momentum behind it. However, doubts remain over the way that London’s business community will provide support. Low

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Cover Story Detail Tue, 1 Sep 2009 10:16:00 GMT 17299
Crossrail rail electrification and tram extensions sure bet or big gamble? https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/17293/crossrail-rail-electrification-and-tram-extensions-sure-bet-or-big-gamble-

The government is placing its bets on public transport. In the midst of the worst economic crisis for a generation, ministers appear to have decided that there is a strong case for investing in bus, tram and rail schemes to help stimulate the economy, hasten the recovery and meet environmental obligations. A number of projects of varying sizes have been given the green light at a time when public finances are under increased pressure. So, is this strategy a sure bet or a big gamble? Recent mont

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Cover Story Tue, 1 Sep 2009 09:40:00 GMT 17293
The government is right to bet on public transport https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/17285/the-government-is-right-to-bet-on-public-transport Being positive about the future is a fundamental belief of New Transit. Public transport has a vital and growing role to play in a modern, sustainable and socially inclusive society. And delivering that future often means making commitments to investment that take time to turn into the reality of service provision. In this issue we put the spotlight on the substantial investment portfolio which is now either under way or awaiting approval. We may be in the midst of a deep recession and credit s

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Editorial Comment Tue, 1 Sep 2009 09:28:00 GMT 17285
Almost but not quite a commercial business https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/17342/almost-but-not-quite-a-commercial-business

ROBERT Jack (New Transit Issue 2) hits the nail on the head when he says “there is a schizophrenia amongst politicians and the industry itself about whether the [passenger transport] sector is a truly commercial marketplace, or still in part a public utility”. Other sectors do not seem to suffer the same difficulty. Take food retailing – surely a more vital public service than transport. This is a thriving commercial sector, and needs no government support. Indeed, the publ

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Letters Wed, 26 Aug 2009 14:00:00 GMT 17342
Spending on bus network is unsustainable https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/17332/spending-on-bus-network-is-unsustainable- The last occupant of City Hall made much of the work he and his team had done to improve London’s bus network and the increases in ridership that resulted from this. However, it came at a cost. Under Ken Livingstone annual subsidy for the capital’s bus network ballooned from nothing to around £680m today. This is currently forecast to reach £750m by 2012. “It’s not sustainable,” says Kulveer Ranger, director of transport policy for the new mayor, Boris

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Interview Detail Wed, 26 Aug 2009 13:41:00 GMT 17332
Electrifying rail lines must spark a wider debate https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/17329/electrifying-rail-lines-must-spark-a-wider-debate

It is hard to believe that it is less than a decade since the dark days of Hatfield and the demise of Railtrack. Since then, there has been a significant investment in Britain’s railway network, with a modern fleet of vehicles, a comprehensive national timetable and a raft of new schemes in the planning, including Crossrail and Thameslink. As Network Rail have correctly noted, more passengers are using more services than ever. And now the government has announced the electrification of the

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Viewpoint Wed, 26 Aug 2009 12:53:00 GMT 17329
DfT approves 13m for new Tyne and Wear Metro ticket machines https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/17324/dft-approves--13m-for-new-tyne-and-wear-metro-ticket-machines Nexus today welcomed the government's final confirmation of £13.4m funding, which will see 225 ticket machines replaced on the Tyne and Wear Metro system, and passenger control barriers installed at 13 key Metro stations.   The project forms part of Phase One of the Metro: All Change programme, which is a £300m plan to renew and modernise the 30 year-old network.   Nexus, which owns and manages Metro, can now award the contract for the work and begin the detailed proce

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Light Rail News Wed, 26 Aug 2009 11:59:00 GMT 17324
Are crises for public Transport unique to the UK? https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/17314/are-crises-for-public-transport-unique-to-the-uk- Railtrack, Metronet, East Coast. Why is UK?public transport never short of a crisis? That was the question that New Transit asked in our last issue. But is making a fine mess of public transport really unique to the UK - or are our continential cousins equally capable of causing a calamity? Berlin is one of the last places that you might expect a to see poor management of the public transport system result in a huge embarrassment for the city. Some UK passenger transport professionals couldn&rs

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World Wed, 26 Aug 2009 11:34:00 GMT 17314
Bid to make Manchester sustainable travel city https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/17304/bid-to-make-manchester-sustainable-travel-city Greater Manchester Integrated Transport Authority is spearheading a bid to make the region one of the country’s first ‘sustainable travel cities’. GMITA is seeking £29m in funding over three years to deliver a programme aimed at encouraging people to make smarter travel choices by helping to cut congestion, reduce carbon emissions and improve health.

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Environment Wed, 26 Aug 2009 10:34:00 GMT 17304
UK lagging behind on high speed rail https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/17298/uk-lagging-behind-on-high-speed-rail

Guillaume Pepy, chief executive of French state railway SNCF, presides over the largest high speed rail network in Europe. France has 1,872 kilometres of high speed track, and there are plans to more than double this. In contrast, the UK has just 113 kilometres, between London St Pancras and the Channel Tunnel. Yet Pepy sees huge potential for high speed rail in the UK. He points to the success of Eurostar, which now controls 80% of the London to Paris and Brussels network. “Distances a

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Cover Story Detail Wed, 26 Aug 2009 10:02:00 GMT 17298
Compare Contrast French revolution and UK stagnation https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/17297/compare--contrast-french-revolution-and-uk-stagnation

In the UK, cities are playing catch up with continental rivals in introducing tram systems. Nowhere is this more apparent than in comparison with France. All 10 of France’s largest cities have tram systems with the exception of Toulouse, which has a 27km Val Metro system instead, and a tramway under construction (see table below). Tram networks in French cities are also generally supplemented by other modern forms of rapid transit or urban railways. In the UK, only half the 10 largest cit

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Cover Story Detail Wed, 26 Aug 2009 09:49:00 GMT 17297
Financial analysis of big five shows National Express 'high risk overweight' https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/17148/financial-analysis-of-big-five-shows-national-express-high-risk-overweight- J P Morgan's Damian Brewer reports on the financial status of the big five: Arriva and National Express ratings lifted to overweight (OW), FirstGroup reduced to neutral (N): In separate notes today, we upgrade both Arriva and National Express to OW from N but reduce our rating on FirstGroup from OW to N. We remain OW on Stagecoach and underweight (UW) on Go-Ahead. Rail and balance sheet risk/reward re-assessment: Following strong H1-09 results at NEX from bus operations and capital managem

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News Lead Story Wed, 5 Aug 2009 10:23:00 GMT 17148
Western Greyhound plots major expansion with tender gains https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/17146/western-greyhound-plots-major-expansion-with-tender-gains

Award-winning Western Greyhound, Cornwall’s largest independent operator, has won a significant number of additional Cornish trunk routes in a major retendering exercise by the new unitary Cornwall Council. Most have historically been operated by First Devon & Cornwall, although some routes were previously operated by Truronian prior to their takeover by First. Routes which will be taken over at the end of September include the 22 St Austell to Truro (Mondays to Saturdays), 24 St Aust

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Bus News Tue, 4 Aug 2009 10:59:00 GMT 17146
Adonis approves Victoria Station tube upgrade https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/17124/adonis-approves-victoria-station-tube-upgrade

Transport secretary Lord Adonis has approved plans for the £695m upgrade of London's Victoria tube station. The move follows a three-month public inquiry, which ended in January this year. Used by more than 80 million passengers each year, Victoria Underground station is at the heart of London's transport network. However, severe congestion during the morning rush hour often makes it necessary to stop passengers coming into the station for several minutes, to avoid overcrowding on the T

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Rail News Fri, 31 Jul 2009 10:53:00 GMT 17124
Nottingham tram extensions and parking levy approved https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/17109/nottingham-tram-extensions-and-parking-levy-approved

Extensions to Nottingham's light rail system have moved a step closer thanks to £530m of government funding transport minister Sadiq Khan announced today. The scheme, which has received initial government approval, will see two new tram lines - one to Chilwell and Beeston and the other to Clifton. The extensions build on the success of the existing line, which carried over 10m passengers last year, and will be funded through private finance initiative credits. It will also allow easi

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Light Rail News Fri, 31 Jul 2009 10:27:00 GMT 17109
Crossrail Business Rate Supplement plans draw criticism from retailers https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/17059/crossrail-business-rate-supplement-plans-draw-criticism-from-retailers

The recovery of London businesses risks being undermined by GLA plans to move ahead with funding Crossrail using a Business Rate Supplement, according to the British Retail Consortium. Reacting to the GLA’s Initial Prospectus for Crossrail, published today, the British Retail Consortium said that while Crossrail is much needed and long overdue - retailers will contribute far more than they will benefit from the scheme. The plans call for a BRS of 2p to business properties with a rateab

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Rail News Thu, 30 Jul 2009 11:14:00 GMT 17059
National Express slips into loss with East Coast cash provision https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/17054/national-express-slips-into-loss-with-east-coast-cash-provision

National Express Group has reported a half-year loss after setting aside more than £40m to cover the cost of quitting the East Coast rail franchise. The group made a loss of £36.6m in the first six months of the year, substantially down on the profit of £35.9m a year earlier, and announced that it will not be paying an interim dividend. However, revenue grew 4.4% to reach £1.4bn and net debt has been reduced by over £200m to £977.5m. The East Coast rail

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News Lead Story Thu, 30 Jul 2009 08:23:00 GMT 17054
Manchester bids for Kickstart bus funding https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/17058/manchester-bids-for-kickstart-bus-funding Greater Manchester Integrated Transport Authority has lodged a bid for just over £3m from the Department for Transport’s Kickstart fund - designed to help develop new bus services or improve existing services. GMITA has put forward 12 schemes that it believes would benefit from the funding. £25m is available to local authorities nationally to help give bus services an initial boost over their first few years, with the aim that they eventually carry on running without further

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Bus News Wed, 29 Jul 2009 10:54:00 GMT 17058
Stagecoach confirms 400-vehicle bus order https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/17046/stagecoach-confirms-400-vehicle-bus-order

Stagecoach today confirmed details of a £71m investment in new vehicles for use by its UK bus division. The group announced earlier this year that it was to make a multi-million pound investment in hundreds of new vehicles to benefit customers across its provincial UK bus operations. In total, Stagecoach has ordered 434 new vehicles in 2009-10, to be introduced across the company's bus operations in Scotland, England and Wales. Vehicle manufacturers Alexander Dennis, Scania, Plaxton

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Bus News Wed, 29 Jul 2009 10:22:00 GMT 17046
First new Victoria Line train begins running in passenger service https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/17041/first-new-victoria-line-train-begins-running-in-passenger-service

This week has seen the first of the new fleet of trains for use on the Victoria Line enter full passenger service, albeit on a limited basis. The new train is initially operating towards the very end of the operating day, several nights per week, in tandem with the new signalling system. It will gradually operate for more hours of the day over the coming weeks and will roll out into full passenger service in the autumn, when further new trains will start to be delivered. The new trains will f

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Rail News Fri, 24 Jul 2009 15:31:00 GMT 17041
Midland Metro city centre extension funding given green light https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/17038/midland-metro-city-centre-extension-funding-given-green-light

A government decision to financially support plans to run Midland Metro trams through Birmingham and Wolverhampton city centres, was yesterday welcomed by Centro, the region’s transport authority. The proposed light rail extensions were among a series of major transport improvement schemes for the metropolitan area between now and 2014 that the West Midlands had asked the Department for Transport to help support with £154 million of funding. Transport minister Sadiq Khan said the g

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Light Rail News Fri, 24 Jul 2009 11:04:00 GMT 17038
An activist not a fatalist https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/17013/an-activist-not-a-fatalist

I have never seen transport as merely being about the quickest route between two points on a map. In my view, you can tell as much about the values of a society from its transport system as by its schools and hospitals. I therefore reject the dialogue of despair that says we just have to grin and bear congestion; that we in Britain are incapable of carrying through long-term infrastructure projects; that you will never get people cycling on British roads; and, that our engineers simply aren&rsqu

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Viewpoint Thu, 23 Jul 2009 15:40:00 GMT 17013
Observations on the recession and public transport https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/17012/observations-on-the-recession-and-public-transport Joe Thomas  Investec Securities You can be sure volumes are going to get worse before they get better with commuter franchises having the greatest risk. Franchises signed in 2007 are going to remain well below target and potentially in loss for rest of their lives, although revenue support should help in time. Peter Huntley Go North East The 1980s recession was an industrial and blue collar recession and impacted very quickly on travel volumes. This seems more of a consumer recession.

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Feature Detail Thu, 23 Jul 2009 15:37:00 GMT 17012
Is it different this time? https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/17011/is-it-different-this-time-

Little more than a year ago, transport operators were the darling of the stock market as chief executives of the ‘Big Five’ groups charmed investors with the notion that their companies could defy the recession. On the rail side, the theory was that train operators could reverse the trends of previous recessions which had seen heavy falls in patronage. The sales pitch was that a fundamental shift from car and air travel to rail had taken place, caused by factors including road conge

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Feature Thu, 23 Jul 2009 15:33:00 GMT 17011
30m fund to help make hybrid bus production viable https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/16998/-30m-fund-to-help-make-hybrid-bus-production-viable

The government has announced plans for a new £30m scheme that will subsidise the purchase of around 700 low carbon buses. Bus operators and councils will be able to bid for the money which they can then use towards the additional up front cost of buying low carbon buses. Transport minister Lord Adonis said that the move would be a boost to bus builders and would also help kickstart mass production of hybrid vehicles by reducing initial acquisition costs. He added that the move would als

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Environment Thu, 23 Jul 2009 15:04:00 GMT 16998
Metro takes Leeds bus rapid transit plans ahead https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/16999/metro-takes-leeds-bus-rapid-transit-plans-ahead

Plans for an advanced bus system in Leeds have taken a step forward with scheme promoter Metro, the West Yorkshire PTE, holding a series of public events to create awareness about the project. In July, Metro and Leeds City Council hosted the events about the proposed system that is being developed as part of the city’s  New Generation Transport (NGT) project. Visitors to the events were able to view an exhibition about the scheme as well as ask questions of the NGT team and feed bac

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Projects Lead Story Thu, 23 Jul 2009 15:04:00 GMT 16999
Rail industry starting to think beyond the station https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/16995/rail-industry-starting-to-think-beyond-the-station

In late June transport secretary Lord Adonis announced that £5m of funding was to be provided to 10 rail terminals to enable them to upgrade their bicycle facilities. The list of the 10 stations to benefit from this cash is due to be announced later this summer. This announcement came less than one week after the government and public transport operators had launched their national station travel plans initiative. 24 pilot plans encompassing 31 stations across the country will, it is ho

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Business Lead Story Thu, 23 Jul 2009 14:56:00 GMT 16995
The 10 biggest fine messes https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/16992/the-10-biggest-fine-messes- There have been plenty of fine messes in UK public transport over the past 25 years. We have selected the 10 biggest for you. They are listed in chronological order, starting in 1986 and finishing in 2009. We’ve also rated the ‘mess factor’ of each event on a scale of one to five. What do you think were the 10 biggest ‘fine messes’ were? Write to us at ed.transit@landor.co.uk 1: Bus deregulation (1986) Whatever you think about the merits of bus deregulation, most

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Cover Story Detail Thu, 23 Jul 2009 14:40:00 GMT 16992
Have lessons been learnt about risk? https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/16991/have-lessons-been-learnt-about-risk- The past decade of deals has seen UK transport groups become global operators with notable successes. But it has also seen some traumatic and costly escapades. Most notoriously, Stagecoach’s £1.2bn acquisition of Coach USA, conducted without thorough due diligence, almost brought the group to its knees. Even before its latest escapades, National Express had a costly experience in Australia withdrawing from contracts in 2002 which cost it £135m in lost performance bonds and wr

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Cover Story Detail Thu, 23 Jul 2009 14:38:00 GMT 16991
DfT is planning huge cuts in spending https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/16989/dft-is-planning-huge-cuts-in-spending

Internal Department for Transport figures obtained by New Transit show that capital spending on transport is expected to be cut by around a third in the eight years to 2018/19 compared to pre-recession figures projected following the 2007 Comprehensive Spending Review. The total reduction is £29bn, and throws doubt over the DfT’s ability to fund major infrastructure upgrades such as Crossrail and large rail schemes for which funding was committed in Network Rail’s 2009-14 settl

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Cover Story Detail Thu, 23 Jul 2009 14:34:00 GMT 16989
Granny takes a trip Is she planning more? https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/16983/granny-takes-a-trip-is-she-planning-more- The introduction of free nationwide concessionary bus travel in Wales, Scotland and finally England is something of a landmark, but since its introduction it has become a contentious issue for both government and operators alike. Operators at large feel hard done by, believing that they are out of pocket for the extra passengers they are compelled to carry. But the project could turn out to be a minefield for both central and local government too. Whatever the whys and wherefores of the deal,

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Reflections Thu, 23 Jul 2009 14:18:00 GMT 16983
Eurostar feels strain as businesses drop train https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/16879/eurostar-feels-strain-as-businesses--train Eurostar, the cross-Channel train operator, said yesterday that ticket sales to business customers had fallen by 20% in the first six months of the year, as companies cut costs amid the recession. The sharp drop in corporate travel more than offset a 4% rise in leisure tickets, with overall sales for the group falling 7%. Richard Brown, its chief executive, said: “The fact is that some of our biggest business clients are from the financial and banking sectors - and it follows

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Rail News Thu, 16 Jul 2009 12:13:00 GMT 16879
Stagecoach first bus company to join ECO scheme https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/16874/stagecoach-first-bus-company-to-join-eco-scheme

Stagecoach has become the first bus and coach operator to sign up to the ECO - Efficient and Cleaner Operations - Stars Fleet Recognition Scheme. The free South Yorkshire scheme gives the opportunity for all commercial vehicles to cut costs and improve environmental performance by reducing fuel consumption. Stagecoach have signed up 295 buses and coaches to the scheme, bringing the total number of ECO Star rated vehicles across the region to 3152 Stagecoach were awarded a three star rat

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Bus News Lead Story Thu, 16 Jul 2009 09:49:00 GMT 16874
TfL responds to London Assembly report on fares https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/16849/tfl-responds-to-london-assembly-report-on-fares

London mayor Boris Johnson's office and Transport for London has responded to the London Assembly Budget and Performance Committee's report on fares. The Assembly report looks at the potential level of TfL's fares for 2010 and in subsequent years, and asserts that TfL is facing a shortfall of £112m this year due to lower than projected fares revenue. However, the mayor's office has said this is not a new projection and the £112m was taken in to account when TfL's budget for 2009/

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Light Rail News Lead Story Mon, 13 Jul 2009 10:49:00 GMT 16849
Adonis warns Brown over spending cutbacks https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/16848/adonis-warns-brown-over-spending-cutbacks Adonis will not accept sacrifice of £8bn high-speed rail line amid pressure on public finances. Lord Adonis, the Secretary of State for Transport, has become the first senior minister to launch an offensive against cuts to his major spending plans, ruling out any withdrawal of support for his ambitious high-speed rail line despite growing pressure on the Government to cut some big projects. In an interview with The Independent, Lord Adonis issues a clear message to sceptics as well as

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Rail News Mon, 13 Jul 2009 10:36:00 GMT 16848
National Express in 400m cash-call https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/16824/national-express-in-400m-cash-call National Express is reportedly planning a £400 million investor cash-call as speculation mounted over the group after the Government's move to re-nationalise its East Coast rail franchise. var strHref = window.location.href; if (strHref.indexOf(".html") > -1 ){ document.write(''); } else { document.write('

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Rail News Tue, 7 Jul 2009 10:17:00 GMT 16824
ADL calls for bus scrappage programme https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/16709/adl-calls-for-bus-scrappage-programme

The major survivor of the UK's bus-building industry is calling on the government to introduce a "bus scrappage" scheme to kick-start industry investment that has been stalled by the rail franchise crisis. Alexander Dennis (ADL), owned by a Scottish business consortium and employing half of its 2000 worldwide staff at its Falkirk headquarters, is also calling for a subsidy for its hybrid double-decker bus, now on trial in London, which cuts fuel consumption by 40%, but is a third mo

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Bus News Thu, 2 Jul 2009 08:00:00 GMT 16709
QA East Coast troubles for UK rail https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/16705/q-a-east-coast-troubles-for-uk-rail Q: What exactly has been announced on Wednesday? A: National Express, the company that runs the InterCity East Coast rail franchise from London to Leeds, Edinburgh and other places, has announced it cannot support the losses it expects this year on the franchise and will not be able to pay money it owes the government to run the service. As a result, the Department for Transport has announced that it will take the operation into public hands at some point this year until it can find a new o

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Rail News Wed, 1 Jul 2009 15:06:00 GMT 16705
National Express loses East Coast No Bail out https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/16698/national-express-loses-east-coast--no-bail-out- The government is to take the East Coast rail service, run by National Express, into public ownership. Ministers have refused the company's requests for its contract with the government to be renegotiated. Transport Secretary Lord Adonis said: "The government is not prepared to renegotiate rail franchises, because I'm simply not prepared to bail out companies that are unable to meet their commitments. The troubled rail franchise, which is expected to have lost £20m in the first half

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Rail News Wed, 1 Jul 2009 09:18:00 GMT 16698
Bowker hands in the keys but is National Express East Coast surrendered? https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/16699/bowker-hands-in-the-keys-but-is-national-express-east-coast-surrendered-

National Express chief executive Richard Bowker has resigned, however, the group has said that it will continue to the run the East Coast franchise, despite the announcement from transport secretary Andrew Adonis that it would be taken into public ownership. Bowker CBE, the former head of the Strategic Rail Authority, will leave NEG at the end of August to become chief executive designate of Union Railway in the UAE. However he will be standing down as a director of the group on July 10.

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Rail News Wed, 1 Jul 2009 08:39:00 GMT 16699
Arriva predicts lower revenue growth rates for CrossCountry https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/16690/arriva-predicts-lower-revenue-growth-rates-for-crosscountry

Shares in operator Arriva have been reported by Reuters to be down by 3.9% today, as the firm has said that the slowdown in passenger growth on Britain's railways is likely to hit its results for the first half of the year. "Today's trading update is disappointing, showing a weakening in all areas of the business, especially on the CrossCountry rail franchise. Further deterioration in trading is likely to emerge in time," analysts at Investec have said. In a trading statement issued

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Rail News Tue, 30 Jun 2009 11:45:00 GMT 16690
Tube Lines plans 2bn savings https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/16688/tube-lines-plans-2bn-savings

A company maintaining and upgrading three London Underground lines wants to resolve a row over its public-sector funding with a plan to save £2bn in waste through efficiencies, a scaling back of tasks, and better working practices. The Path to Affordability document would cut Tube Lines’ funding needs under the next phase of its contract to £5.13bn. This compared to the £7.2bn that it estimated last year would be needed for work on the Jubilee, Northern and Piccadi

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Light Rail News Tue, 30 Jun 2009 10:44:00 GMT 16688
National Express in DfT talks https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/16686/national-express-in-dft-talks

National Express was locked in talks with the government on Monday night ahead of a crucial trading update on Wednesday. The discussions came as the troubled bus and rail operator confirmed it had rejected an all-share takeover approach from its larger rival FirstGroup that would have created a huge public transport group with operations in the US and Britain. In a statement, National Express said it was “focused on implementing a number of initiatives to strengthen the group and do

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Rail News Tue, 30 Jun 2009 10:06:00 GMT 16686
National Express rejects First Group takeover bid https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/16683/national-express-rejects-first-group-takeover-bid Rail and bus operator First Group has said it has had a bid for rival National Express rejected. But First Group said it continued to believe there was "significant industrial and commercial logic" in a merger of the two companies. National Express said it was focusing on its own initiatives... Click here to open the original story in another window

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Rail News Mon, 29 Jun 2009 10:41:00 GMT 16683
Khan takes 'honest and candid' approach to light rail https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/16675/khan-takes-honest-and-candid-approach-to-light-rail

New transport minister Sadiq Khan has said that light rail schemes will not be approved at any cost, and has pointed to the role of the Regional Funding Allocation in supporting such schemes. Speaking at the All Party Parliamentary Light Rail Group event this week, Making the best of our rail network - what is the future for tram/train?, Khan said that £10bn is available for investment in local communities through the RFA process. Khan also emphasised that he wanted to take an "

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Light Rail News Thu, 25 Jun 2009 12:42:00 GMT 16675
Bus profits boost for Stagecoach https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/16669/bus-profits-boost-for-stagecoach Transport group Stagecoach has reported growth in profits, helped by a strong performance from its bus division. It made a pre-tax profit of £196.4m in the year to the end of April, up 2% from the previous year. It owns Megabus and Oxford Tube coach service, and South West and East Midlands train franchises as well as half of Virgin Rail. Click here to open the original story in another window

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Bus News Thu, 25 Jun 2009 11:32:00 GMT 16669
DfT says light rail funding can be done https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/16663/dft-says-light-rail-funding-can-be-done- “It can be done”: that was the message delegates to the Fourth Annual Light Rapid Transit Forum conference in late May from the Department for Transport’s director of regional and local transport delivery John Dowie. “We have a very clear and transparent process,” Dowie said, defending the UK Government’s Regional Funding Allocation, a system that allows regional authorities discretion in how they spend central government grants. “That system is no

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Light Rail News Wed, 24 Jun 2009 14:47:00 GMT 16663
Khan announces 62m upgrade for Tees Valley buses https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/16659/khan-announces-62m-upgrade-for-tees-valley-buses

Transport minister Sadiq Khan has announced that Tees Valley is to benefit from a £62m upgrade to help improve its local bus network. The scheme, which has received initial government approval, aims to make bus journeys quicker and increase reliability by removing some of the major causes of delays.  The funding - £40m of which is coming from the Department for Transport - will improve services on a number of the major bus routes through Darlington, Middlesbrough, Stockton, R

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Bus News Wed, 24 Jun 2009 13:09:00 GMT 16659
Stagecoach admits 'slower rates of revenue' as rail profits down but bus strong https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/16656/stagecoach-admits-slower-rates-of-revenue-as-rail-profits-down-but-bus-strong

Stagecoach Group has reported a £3.4 million fall in operating income at its UK rail division in the year to April 30 2009, with earnings dropping back to £55.7 million, with the issue of its preliminary financial results for 2009. Rail revenues were up 25.7% to £977.7m, but margins dropped 1.9 percentage points to 5.7%. Robert Spiers, the company's chairman, acknowledged: "we are not immune to the current economic environment, which has resulted in slower rates of

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Rail News Wed, 24 Jun 2009 12:25:00 GMT 16656
Stagecoach backers await SWT sales news https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/16653/stagecoach-backers-await-swt-sales-news

Stagecoach warned in April that its rail division risked slipping into the red. The bus and train operator, which reveals full-year results on Wednesday , said that a dispute with the government over the amount of state support it was entitled to receive on its South West Trains franchise could cost it millions of pounds and leave it facing a "substantial loss". The issue is important because SWT, which runs between London Waterloo and the south coast, is already suffering a fall

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Rail News Tue, 23 Jun 2009 17:02:00 GMT 16653
Edinburgh's big four employers pledge only 1m for trams https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/16648/edinburgh-s-big-four-employers-pledge-only-1m-for-trams THE four largest private sector firms in Edinburgh have pledged just over £1 million between them to the cost of the city's £545m tram project, it can be revealed today. Council chiefs need to raise £25m of their £45m share in the project through contributions linked to developments along the length of the route. But figures obtained by the Evening News show the Capital's four largest private sector employers, the Royal Bank of Scotland, Bank of Scotland, Standard L

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Media Monitor Tue, 23 Jun 2009 14:26:00 GMT 16648
Go-Ahead Next stop Aviation - as London bus starts to see margin pressure https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/16643/go-ahead-next-stop-aviation--as-london-bus-starts-to-see-margin-pressure Trimming 09/10E EPS, PER premium remains Go Ahead’s 65% venture Go-Via recently retained the Southern rail contract, and we wrote about this in our note of 09/06/2009. Following this note’s slight adjustments 08/09E clean EPS remains at 145.4p, 09/10E is cut 1.2% to 107.9p but the PER premium to its peers remains (at 13-14% 10E). London bus faces margin pressures and Go-Ahead is the most ‘London bus’ of the bus/rail shares: While non-London bus continues to see mode

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Bus News Tue, 23 Jun 2009 11:52:00 GMT 16643
The car is yesterdays mode Why bail it out? https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/16468/the-car-is-yesterday-s-mode-why-bail-it-out- A recent press release from 10 Downing Street proudly proclaims that more than 60,000 new cars have been ordered through the government’s scrappage scheme. It allows drivers to scrap cars and small vans more than 10 years old and get £2,000 off the price of a new vehicle. Prime minster Gordon Brown is delighted. “This scheme not only helps hard-pressed consumers,” he claims, “it also helps protect British jobs by stimulating demand for new cars.” Not just B

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Reflections Sat, 20 Jun 2009 09:54:00 GMT 16468
Train operators must trim their sails too https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/16532/train-operators-must-trim-their-sails-too For many months, the trade press and City pages have been avidly speculating on the possible effects of the current economic situation on train operating companies. The spotlight has moved away from National Express's perceived angst with the East Coast Main Line, through Stagecoach's South West Trains anticipated problems to Arriva Trains Wales, who apparently are the only operator who claim not to have any problem at all. Several TOCs have, sensibly, attempted to ‘trim their sails&rsquo

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Letters Thu, 18 Jun 2009 12:25:00 GMT 16532
Is spending 16bn on Crossrail the right decision for UK plc? https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/16512/is-spending-16bn-on-crossrail-the-right-decision-for-uk-plc-

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The Big Question Title Thu, 18 Jun 2009 11:27:00 GMT 16512
Just who wants to run in London? https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/16489/just-who-wants-to-run-in-london-

The sale of National?Express Group’s London bus operations to NedRailways, the overseas arm of the Dutch state railway, is the latest move in a musical chairs process by the industry’s major players as they take their positions in the London bus market. While it has been a clearly attractive growth area for some, the attitude of others has been ambiguous to say the least. Currently there are eleven contract holders in the London bus market ranging from Arriva with over 100 routes in

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Business Thu, 18 Jun 2009 10:28:00 GMT 16489
Contrasting responses to recession Sir Stuart Rose versus Richard Bowker https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/16484/contrasting-responses-to-recession-sir-stuart-rose-versus-richard-bowker

M&S: Price cuts and brand protection Last year, as the severity of the recession became apparent, Marks & Spencer chief executive Sir Stuart Rose acted rapidly to position M&S as a company which would help customers during tough times. This was a difficult trick for it to pull off as its brand has long been associated with premium quality rather than price. However, a succession of high profile, and sustained promotions, have begun to alter perceptions. The campaign started with th

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Cover Story Detail Thu, 18 Jun 2009 10:17:00 GMT 16484
National Express agrees debt buffer with banks https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/16483/national-express-agrees-debt-buffer-with-banks National Express has struck a deal with banks to delay for six months a tightening of the terms governing its £1.2bn debt mountain. The bus and rail operator had faced reverting to stricter lending terms from 30 June, under which its net debt would be pegged at three-and-a-half times its earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation (Ebitda). National Express said it would have met the tougher terms after a cost-cutting drive led to job losses and a reduced dividend, b

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Media Monitor Thu, 18 Jun 2009 10:14:00 GMT 16483
Using freedom to build for the future? https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/16479/using-freedom-to-build-for-the-future-

The conventional view of the bus industry is that it is resilient to economic downturns. Recent results statements published by the major transport groups suggest that this is the case with Arriva, FirstGroup and Go Ahead broadly maintaining a stable business performance. But should the industry be thinking that it can do more than just hold its position in the current environment? Can it use the commercial freedoms which are denied to sister train operating companies to innovate and turn the

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Cover Story Detail Thu, 18 Jun 2009 10:13:00 GMT 16479
How much pain will the government share? https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/16477/how-much-pain-will-the-government-share-

Over the past year, the recession has caused rail revenue growth to fall well below the 8-10% target that formed the basis of winning franchise bids during the 2006-2008 rail boom. The failure to meet financial targets means that, between them, SWT, East Midlands, NXEC and Cross Country are forecast to rack up losses running into hundreds of millions of pounds before they qualify for relief in the form of revenue support from the government. This provision normally kicks in four years after a fr

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Cover Story Detail Thu, 18 Jun 2009 10:09:00 GMT 16477
Do passengers risk being squeezed to death as operators fight the recession? https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/16475/do-passengers-risk-being-squeezed-to-death-as-operators-fight-the-recession-

The past year’s economic mayhem has been wreaking havoc with the business plans and expectations of many industries. Banks have gone bust, long standing retailers collapsed, and the car industry has seen its volumes decimated and its economic base left untenable. Responding to the consumer recession and falling demand is undoubtedly a massive challenge for businesses, but sometimes it can also be an opportunity for companies to act creatively to build brand loyalty and strengthen their pos

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Cover Story Thu, 18 Jun 2009 10:02:00 GMT 16475
Stagecoach results https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/16466/stagecoach-results The impact of the current economic downturn on Stagecoach, one the country’s largest bus and train operators, will be revealed. The Perth-based group will announce its full-year financial results on June 24.  

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Editorial Comment Briefs Thu, 18 Jun 2009 09:17:00 GMT 16466
National Express in debt talks https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/16459/national-express-in-debt-talks National Express is in talks with bankers to renegotiate terms on part of its £1.2bn ($2bn) debt amid fears that the bus and rail operator will breach loan conditions in December. The group is expected to pass a key test of whether it is meeting the terms of its debt at the end of this month. But it is still seeking greater flexibility as it struggles with a slowdown in passenger revenues on its East Coast train franchise and rising payments to the Department for Transport to run th

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Media Monitor Wed, 17 Jun 2009 08:46:00 GMT 16459
TfL consultants 'cost millions' claim unions https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/16427/tfl-consultants-cost-millions--claim-unions Unions have accused Transport for London (TfL) of "wasting" millions of pounds on consultants. Unison and the Transport Salaried Staffs Association (TSSA) said TfL's consultants earn up to £2,700 a day. The unions alleged TfL were keeping consultants on the roll while laying off regular staff to meet its £2.4bn efficiency savings target... Click h

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Media Monitor Mon, 8 Jun 2009 14:30:00 GMT 16427
Metronet's collapse 'cost 410m' https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/16408/metronet-s-collapse-cost-410m- The collapse of London Underground maintenance firm Metronet cost taxpayers up to £410m, a report says. The company went into administration in July 2007 mainly due to poor corporate governance and leadership, the National Audit Office (NAO) report revealed. The NAO said the firm's failure meant LU passengers had not seen all the promised improvements... Click h

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Media Monitor Sat, 6 Jun 2009 11:32:00 GMT 16408
Rotala makes progress following Go Ahead bus buy https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/16318/rotala-makes-progress-following-go-ahead-bus-buy

AIM-listed transport group Rotala has broken into annual profitability for the first time according to its results for the year ending November 30. As well as its Flights Hallmark coach business, the group operates buses in the West Midlands through its Diamond Bus and Central Connect subsidiaries. It also operates around the Bristol area as Wessex Connect. The year saw turnover increase by 84.5% to reach £35.7m and a fully year profit before tax of £1.2m, an improvement on the &po

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Bus News Thu, 4 Jun 2009 14:31:00 GMT 16318
Network Rail sees profits slide https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/16300/network-rail-sees-profits-slide British railway infrastructure operator Network Rail has seen its annual profit fall and its debt level increase. Pre-tax profit fell to £1.52bn in the period to 31 March, from £1.59bn in the same period a year before. Meanwhile net debt rose to £22.3bn from £19.7bn. Network Rail failed to meet targets for efficiency savings set by the Office of Rail Regulation... Click here to open th

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Media Monitor Wed, 3 Jun 2009 11:52:00 GMT 16300
Tube Lines/TfL row rocks 30bn LU improvement https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/16275/tube-lines-tfl-row-rocks-30bn-lu-improvement

Tube Lines and TfL dispute threatens £30bn LU improvement The London mayor, Boris Johnson, could be forced to consider slashing a £30bn London Underground improvement programme after the regulator threatened to intervene in a funding row. The public-private partnership (PPP) project to upgrade the tube is mired in a financial dispute between its last remaining contractor, Tube Lines, and the mayor's Transport for London authority...

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Media Monitor Mon, 1 Jun 2009 09:13:00 GMT 16275
Network Rail shelves quarter of track renewals https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/16229/network-rail-shelves-quarter-of-track-renewals

Train passengers face an increase in delays and disruptions because of a funding row between Network Rail and a Government quango. Network Rail, in charge of railway infrastructure, has shelved more than a quarter of its track renewal programme after being ordered to make cost savings of just under £3bn by the Office of Rail Regulation. The postponements could lead to an increase in unscheduled delays and cancellations, as the decaying infrastructure will be more vulnerable...

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Media Monitor Wed, 27 May 2009 11:22:00 GMT 16229
BA worst loss in 20 years as Virgin Atlantic profits jump https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/16225/ba-worst-loss-in-20-years-as-virgin-atlantic-profits-jump

British Airways: worst loss in 20+ years British Airways (LSE: BA) lost £375m ($595m) in the 12 months ending March 31, 2009. This is down from a profit of £712m ($1.1bn) the year before. The airine, which was privatized in 1987, has never sustained a loss this great. As a result, British Airways will not pay any dividends to shareholders - or bonuses to the management team. Click here to open the original BloggingStocks story in another window

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Media Monitor Tue, 26 May 2009 14:26:00 GMT 16225
Payouts to rail operators set to soar https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/16214/payouts-to-rail-operators-set-to-soar

The government's financial exposure to the rail industry could worsen amid predictions that a shortfall in fare sales could cost taxpayers up to £400m in the next two years. The Department for Transport is obliged to cover a proportion of train operators' losses if their revenues are below target, with some of Britain's biggest commuter franchises among those entitled to taxpayer support. According to analysis by stockbroker Blue Oar Securities, franchises could receive £100m f

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Media Monitor Sun, 24 May 2009 06:21:00 GMT 16214
First Group funds footie talent https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/16205/first-group-funds-footie-talent

The future is looking bright for a talented team of footballers from across the west of Scotland thanks to a funding boost from First Group. First’s Charities and Sponsorship Committee awarded £2,000 to West of Scotland Football Club for the Physically Disabled – the only Scottish team of its kind. The committee was set up last year to consider requests for funding and gifts from groups and organisations across the country, and aims to provide charitable support in line w

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Regular News Sat, 23 May 2009 09:52:00 GMT 16205
National Express to sell London buses to NedRailways for 32m https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/16121/national-express-to-sell-london-buses-to-nedrailways-for-32m

National Express Group has announced that it has entered a binding agreement to sell Travel London, its London bus business, to NedRailways, a subsidiary of state operator, NS Dutch Railways.  In an agreement subject to the consent of Transport for London and expected to be completed shortly, the group is selling the entire issued share capital of Travel London and Travel London (West) for £32m on a cash and debt-free basis. The gross assets which are the subject of the transa

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Media Monitor Thu, 21 May 2009 23:46:00 GMT 16121
Bransons bids 1bn WCML upgrade for franchise rehaul https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/16092/bransons-bids-1bn-wcml-upgrade-for-franchise-rehaul

Richard Branson, chairman of the Virgin Group, has urged a rehaul of the rail franchising system. Calling for 20 year franchises, ownership of stations, Branson proposed in return a £1bn further upgrade of the London-Glasgow West Coast Main Line, if the government gave the private sector more freedom. This would, he says, enable in the next decade: journey times of under 60 minutes between London and Birmingham; construction of an underground extension to Birmingham Interna

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Rail News Wed, 20 May 2009 10:36:00 GMT 16092
New wave of fast track rail investors on way says Alstom boss https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/16076/new-wave-of-fast-track-rail-investors-on-way-says-alstom-boss

Only the fast track will do for next generation of rail investors, says head of Alstom Transport. Rail transport is on the cusp of a decade of upheaval, with mergers, takeovers and new investors from the airline industry and elsewhere, according to the chief executive of one of the world's leading train manufacturers. National rail companies will absorb their weaker neighbours and a new generation of private operators will invest in high-speed trains to exploit new infrastructure built wi

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Media Monitor Mon, 18 May 2009 14:19:00 GMT 16076
Minister tackled over 2m bus pass shortfall https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/16070/minister-tackled-over-2m-bus-pass-shortfall

A government transport minister is being tackled over the £2m cost of pensioners' free bus passes in Torbay tomorrow. Torbay Council says it is expecting the cost of the free passes for the over 60s to soar to £4m for 2008 and 2009. The final total will depend on the figures from the bus companies. The council is expecting to be £2m out of pocket for providing free travel for some 33,000 pensioners and disabled travellers...

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Media Monitor Mon, 18 May 2009 11:51:00 GMT 16070
Branson Let me invest in railways https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/16064/branson-let-me-invest-in-railways

Sir Richard Branson is urging ministers to hand the private sector a greater role in the railways by giving entrepreneurs freedom to invest in new trains, stations and track. The Virgin boss said the tightness of the public purse means that without private money, the network risks stagnation. “With the strains on public finances increasing, I believe the private sector will be crucial in driving rail investment over the next 20 years,” he said...

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Media Monitor Sun, 17 May 2009 12:23:00 GMT 16064
First Group merges Yorkshire bus operations https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/16062/first-group-merges-yorkshire-bus-operations

Bus operator First Group has completed a shake-up of its operations covering Huddersfield in a bid to cut costs. The group has merged its four subsidiaries covering Huddersfield and Halifax, Leeds, Bradford and York into a single bus operating company comprising 1,143 vehicles and 3,231 staff. First Group said the move - aimed at streamlining the business and improving efficiency – had resulted in the loss of only a “handful” of jobs...

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Media Monitor Sat, 16 May 2009 14:37:00 GMT 16062
Reading Bus drivers may lose jobs https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/16054/reading-bus-drivers-may-lose-jobs Reading Buses has said it may have to make some of its drivers redundant after a dramatic drop in the number of fare-paying passengers. Takings are down by £100,000 a month - a 14% drop, the firm said. Bosses said the decline is due to the economic downturn and the revenue from fares is expected to drop further... Click here to open the original BBC News story in a new window

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Media Monitor Sat, 16 May 2009 08:03:00 GMT 16054
Hoon refuses to let rail bosses off hook https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/16052/hoon-refuses-to-let-rail-bosses-off-hook Transport secretary Geoff Hoon has ruled out renegotiating the East Coast rail franchise as growing numbers of MPs expressed concern. The fate of the critical rail link between the North East, London and Scotland has been at the centre of speculation for months because the recession has squeezed profits for operator National Express. The company’s pledge to pay the government £1.4bn for the right to run services on the route depended on strong passenger growth, but that has

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Media Monitor Sat, 16 May 2009 08:00:00 GMT 16052
Looking at the past is a chance for us to learn https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/16046/looking-at-the-past-is-a-chance-for-us-to-learn

Nostalgia, they say, ain’t what it used to be. I was going to write a heavyweight piece on the oppressive weight of regulation on the industry but I was struck by a coincidence of anniversaries the other weekend, and so have changed my plan. You probably picked up on three anniversaries over the recent holiday weekend. Without doubt the most important was the 30th anniversary of the last episode of Fawlty Towers, that monument of British television comedy.  Probably better preser

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Ben Colson Fri, 15 May 2009 11:09:00 GMT 16046
Market resurgence sees good news for transport https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/16044/market-resurgence-sees-good-news-for-transport

Apparently the gloomy days are now over. Recent media reports suggest that the market is rebounding from the credit crunch and investors can look forward to a brighter future. With a number of British and world banks reporting encouraging numbers over the last fortnight, the sudden resurgence in stock market confidence brought some good news to our portfolio of transport stocks with First and National Express pressing ahead. The news that National Express was reported to be in negotiations

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Stockwatch Fri, 15 May 2009 11:01:00 GMT 16044
Bus passenger rights legislation threatens to add more cost onto a crippled industry https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/16042/bus-passenger-rights-legislation-threatens-to-add-more-cost-onto-a-crippled-industry And so the European Parliament’s plans to introduce passenger rights legislation for the bus and coach industry rumbles onward. Late last month the proposals were overwhelmingly accepted by MEPs in Brussels, except that they agreed that it was up to member states to decide whether they apply the rules to the local bus market. No doubt bus and coach operators up and down the land are crossing their fingers and hoping that the UK rejects the proposals. After all, as Bus Users UK quite

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Business Comment Fri, 15 May 2009 10:56:00 GMT 16042
Firsts business mix looks to be surprisingly recession-proof https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/16039/first-s-business-mix-looks-to-be-surprisingly-recession-proof First may not have come out crowing about its prospects of beating the recession, but in trumpeting its unique advantages over its rivals it came pretty close. To be fair though, it appears to have a decent case for its triumphalism. By way of example, the contrast between National Express’s and First’s recent assessments of their strengths is staggering. Deregulated bus operations are traditionally seen as a resilient buffer against economic downturns and NEG was delighted to po

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Business Comment Fri, 15 May 2009 10:52:00 GMT 16039
Lothian lays out its strategy to return to the good times https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/16037/lothian-lays-out-its-strategy-to-return-to-the-good-times

2008 was something of an Annus Horribilis for Lothian Buses. After a golden 10-year period, which saw significant fleet investment, innovation in new products and a 40% growth in patronage that culminated in Lothian scooping the prestigious UK Bus Operator of the Year award in 2007, a culmination of factors made life increasingly fraught for the council-owned firm. Such were the problems that the respected municipal took the drastic step of making fleet reductions and service cuts as a result

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News Extra Fri, 15 May 2009 10:46:00 GMT 16037
LCR state aid could mean Eurostar rival https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/16031/lcr-state-aid-could-mean-eurostar-rival

The European Commission has approved a final package of UK state aid for London and Continental Railways in a decision which could lead to rival rail services to Eurostar being set up on the Channel Tunnel Rail Link. The £5.2bn of aid will be used to pay off London and Continental Railways’ debts paving the way for the sale of the 68-mile High Speed One and LCR's share of Eurostar. A precondition of the sale is that access charges will be reduced considerably on High Speed One

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Rail News Fri, 15 May 2009 10:41:00 GMT 16031
Transdev launches new south coast fleet https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/16023/transdev-launches-new-south-coast-fleet Transdev Yellow Buses has introduced the first of 11 new Optare Tempos on its 1A route between Bournemouth and Somerford. The vehicles feature leather seating and wood effect flooring and follow the introduction of new Optare Versas to a similar specification last year. Last week saw the frequency of the 1A route increased from every 10 minutes to every seven and a half minutes. The change means that the operator now has 14 buses an hour on the main Bournemouth to Christchurch corridor.  

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In brief Fri, 15 May 2009 10:21:00 GMT 16023
Hoon lends support to Manchesters plans for TIF alternative improvements https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/16016/hoon-lends-support-to-manchester-s-plans-for-tif-alternative-improvements

Transport secretary Geoff Hoon this week made a surprise visit to Manchester to announce his support for a £1.5bn package of transport improvements. The cash will be used to fund projects that were originally to be funded by the failed congestion charge-linked Transport Innovation Fund bid by the city. Three planned extensions to the Metrolink light rail system which will link Chorlton, Manchester Airport, Oldham and Rochdale will now go ahead, as will the long planned Leigh to Mancheste

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Bus News Fri, 15 May 2009 10:13:00 GMT 16016
First Group claims advantage in battle to survive the recession https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/15991/first-group-claims-advantage-in-battle-to-survive-the-recession

First Group has claimed it is unique among UK transport groups in its ability to combat the recession. The triumphant statement came as First reported full-year operating profits of £497m on revenue of £6.2bn, reflecting the impact of its huge US acquisition Laidlaw and what it described as “the unique strengths of our rail division”. Presenting the results, chief executive Moir Lockhead said the group had considerable advantages over National Express, Arriva, Go Ahead

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Regular News Fri, 15 May 2009 09:24:00 GMT 15991
First Group feels recession blow as rail business drops 21% https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/15987/first-group-feels-recession-blow-as-rail-business-s-21-

First Group illustrated the dire impact of the recession on Britain’s railways yesterday as its train business reported a 21% drop in full-year operating profits. Worst hit was the group’s First Great Western franchise, which runs routes between London Paddington and the West Country and which was hit by commuters losing their jobs. Such is the extent of the increase in shortfall of passenger revenue compared with forecasts made when the franchise was signed that the governme

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Media Monitor Thu, 14 May 2009 09:48:00 GMT 15987
First Group lifts dividend as bus revenue rises https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/15986/first-group-lifts-dividend-as-bus-revenue-rises

A fall in passenger revenue at its UK rail businesses has not prevented First Group from raising its dividend. More than half of the bus and train operator’s business comes from public sector contracts, including its school bus division in the US, which would protect it from some of the worst effects of the downturn, the company said. But First Group acknowledged it was not immune to the recession, with a programme announced in March to cut 3,500 jobs about two-thirds completed. Mo

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Media Monitor Thu, 14 May 2009 09:46:00 GMT 15986
EU approves UK state aid for Eurostar line https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/15979/eu-approves-uk-state-aid-for-eurostar-line

The European Commission approved on Wednesday a British plan to give £5.2bn of state aid to the owner of Eurostar and Britain's first high-speed railway. The clearance opens the way for the break-up of London & Continental Railways (LCR), which built the High Speed 1 link between London and the Channel Tunnel. Thousands of tunnelers and engineers have already gone, leaving a company that owns 68 miles of high-speed track, a stake in the Eurostar service that runs on it, and so

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Media Monitor Thu, 14 May 2009 08:51:00 GMT 15979
Network Rail's Coucher gives up annual bonus https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/15977/network-rail-s-coucher-gives-up-annual-bonus

Network Rail's chief executive, Iain Coucher, has said that he will forgo any annual bonus this year to avoid clouding NR's success story on performance. Coucher informed the company's remuneration committee that he has taken a personal decision to withdraw from the annual bonus scheme for 2008/9, although he will still receive payment for the long term element of the bonus scheme, designed to replicate share options within a plc. "Today I want to be able to talk freely about Network

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Rail News Thu, 14 May 2009 08:31:00 GMT 15977
First Group's secret 50m bailout from taxpayer https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/15964/first-group-s-secret-50m-bailout-from-taxpayer

First Great Western, the much-criticised Paddington-based train company, has received a secret £50m bailout from the taxpayer. Figures from First Group today revealed profits from its rail operations plunged more than 20% last year. But they would have been far worse were it not for a handout from the Department for Transport because recession-hit passenger revenue numbers are not coming in on budget...

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Media Monitor Wed, 13 May 2009 11:16:00 GMT 15964
Network Rail on track to miss target https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/15947/network-rail-on-track-to-miss-target

Estimates show that Network Rail has missed its efficiency target to cut costs over the last five years. The company that owns Britain's rail network has missed its target to cut costs over the past five years, according to preliminary estimates, fueling calls for rail bosses to forgo their six-figure bonuses. People familiar with early figures for the efficiency target say Network Rail cut the cost for each unit of work by 27%, instead of the 31% it was set by regulators for the 2004-09

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Media Monitor Mon, 11 May 2009 10:44:00 GMT 15947
National Express franchise talks could spark other claims https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/15936/national-express-franchise-talks-could-spark-other-claims National Express calls for franchise renegotiation could lead other rail operators to demand cheaper deals. Moves to renegotiate the East Coast Main Line rail franchise could open the door to rail companies across the country demanding cheaper deals than they had previously agreed with the government. Analysts say if ministers give in to National Express's calls for the franchise to be renegotiated other rail operators "will beat a path to their door for similar treatment"...

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Media Monitor Sat, 9 May 2009 11:54:00 GMT 15936
RMT National Express can't escape debt https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/15887/rmt-national-express-can-t-escape-debt Union weighs into row over East Coast The biggest rail union has warned it would be “political suicide” for ministers to bow to National Express’s attempt to escape paying the £1bn ($1.5bn) which it owes the government for the East Coast rail franchise. The RMT called for urgent action to nationalise the line because the alternative – agreeing a cheaper franchise – would represent “complete and abject failure on an epic scale”...

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Media Monitor Fri, 8 May 2009 12:00:00 GMT 15887
National Express debt woes persist https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/15827/national-express-debt-woes-persist National Express is looking at how it will meet its debt covenants despite speculation that it would take more drastic action, such as changes to its East Coast franchise. National Express missed a key opportunity to announce a resolution of its problems over its debt and onerous rail franchise obligations when its annual meeting statement contained no significant news of progress. There had been speculation that the bus and rail operator would announce an agreement with the Department for

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Media Monitor Thu, 7 May 2009 13:00:00 GMT 15827
Edinburgh tram line 1b postponed over funds https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/15815/edinburgh-tram-line-1b-postponed-over-funds Edinburgh City  Council has  postponed plans for tram line 1b - the spur line from Haymarket to Granton due to the economic downturn and funding constraints. The move was recommended in a report produced last week and discussed this week, with a more detailed position on the programme due “in coming months”. “The updated business plan still reflects a very robust business case over the long term for the overall project, despite the economic downturn,” said a sp

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Regular News Fri, 1 May 2009 11:07:00 GMT 15815
Double digit growth drives TPE profits up by 36% https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/15811/double-digit-growth-drives-tpe-profits-up-by-36-

TRAIN operator TransPennine Express recorded a sharp increase in operating and pre-tax profits during the year to March 31  2008, according to its annual accounts. The company provides urban and inter-urban rail services across northern England, serving Tyneside and Teesside, West & South Yorkshire, Greater Manchester and Merseyside. Routes are also operated between Manchester Airport, Blackpool the North West and - since November 2007 - to Edinburgh and Glasgow.  The franchise is

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Business Monitor Fri, 1 May 2009 11:01:00 GMT 15811
TfL quarterly statistics show London travel growth slowing https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/15810/tfl-quarterly-statistics-show-london-travel-growth-slowing

STATISTICS published by Transport for London show that demand for travel continued to grow in the third quarter of 2008/09, albeit at a slower rate and generally below budgeted levels. The report shows that 830 million journeys were made on the TfL network during the quarter, 2.8% more than in the same quarter last year. The London Underground network carried 265 million passenger journeys, which represented growth of 1.5% over last year, but this fell 2.4 million below the target for the quar

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Business Monitor Fri, 1 May 2009 10:58:00 GMT 15810
First sees 58% reduction in South Yorkshire profit levels https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/15809/first-sees-58-reduction-in-south-yorkshire-profit-levels

ROTHERHAM-based bus operator First South Yorkshire suffered a 57.9% drop in operating profits in the 52 weeks ended  March 29 2008, according to the company’s annual accounts. The fall came as the company suffered a fall of over 4% in revenues. The company operates a fleet of around 620 vehicles on local bus services in Sheffield, Rotherham and Doncaster, home of the three former municipal undertakings which comprise the business. The year marked the tenth in full First Group owners

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Business Monitor Fri, 1 May 2009 10:56:00 GMT 15809
Trading statements joy for Arriva and Go Ahead https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/15805/trading-statements-joy-for-arriva-and-go-ahead

After the good tidings of the last edition of Stockwatch with all of the major groups making significant progress on the market, this fortnight brought mixed news. While Arriva, First and Go Ahead moved ahead, National Express returned to its downward trend along with Stagecoach. Arriva’s trading statement revealed that the group is experiencing difficulties at its CrossCountry rail franchise, but its UK bus business returned a robust performance. Initially this unsettled investors who fl

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Stockwatch Fri, 1 May 2009 10:42:00 GMT 15805
DfT opens consultation on changing concessionary fares administration https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/15772/dft-opens-consultation-on-changing-concessionary-fares-administration The Department for Transport has announced that it is to launch a consultation into changing the way that England’s nationwide free concessionary bus travel scheme is administered. The move could see the management of concessionary travel shifted from districts to a county-wide basis or centralised by the DfT in its entirety. Announcing the consultation, transport minister Paul Clark said:  “Concessionary travel is a successful and popular policy. We’re confident there i

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Bus News Fri, 1 May 2009 09:53:00 GMT 15772
Bus operators will get 3% BSOG hike for hitting fuel efficiency target https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/15761/bus-operators-will-get-3-bsog-hike-for-hitting-fuel-efficiency-target Transport secretary Geoff Hoon last week announced further changes to Bus Service Operators’ Grant that will see operators rewarded with a 3% increase in rebate if their fuel efficiency is improved by 6% by April 2010. Speaking at Passenger Focus’ annual conference in London, Hoon also announced that there would be an extra payment of 6p for each kilometre they operate with low carbon buses with immediate effect. “We want buses to be as green and as clean as possible,”

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Regular News Fri, 1 May 2009 09:34:00 GMT 15761
Stagecoach warns of 'substantial loss' in SWT dispute https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/15753/stagecoach-warns-of-substantial-loss-in-swt-dispute

Transport group says it will go to arbitration if legal dispute with government over contract payments due from South West Trains is not resolved. Stagecoach has warned that its rail division is facing a "substantial" loss if a dispute with the government over its South West Trains franchise is not resolved. The public transport group confirmed today that it is embroiled in a row over payments on the contract, which pledges £1.2bn to the government by 2016 for the right to

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Media Monitor Tue, 28 Apr 2009 14:33:00 GMT 15753
Go Ahead pensioners can't have free bus ride https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/15749/go-ahead-pensioners-can-t-have-free-bus-ride

Pensioners cannot be given a "blank cheque" to travel on buses for free, a transport industry leader has warned. Keith Ludeman, chief executive of the Go-Ahead Group that runs more than 3,400 buses across the country, says councils are struggling to fully reimburse bus companies for the free travel scheme that was introduced a year ago. Some companies have complained they receive less than half the fare charged to paying passengers from local authorities and are now considering

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Media Monitor Mon, 27 Apr 2009 17:00:00 GMT 15749
Arriva's CrossCountry franchise runs into trouble https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/15667/arriva-s-crosscountry-franchise-runs-into-trouble

Shares of transport operators slammed into reverse on Wednesday after Arriva, the bus and train operator, said it was possible that its CrossCountry rail franchise would need support from the government. The Sunderland-based company, which took on the CrossCountry franchise less than two years ago, said that the economic downturn had applied a brake to increases in passenger revenue... Click here to read the original Times story in a new window Click here to read the Financial Times

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Media Monitor Thu, 23 Apr 2009 11:46:00 GMT 15667
ORR's Chris Bolt defends Network Rail bonuses https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/15664/orr-s-chris-bolt-defends-network-rail-bonuses ORR defends Network Rail bonuses Network Rail’s controversial bonus scheme has been defended by the chairman of the rail industry watchdog in the teeth of political attacks on the programme. Chris Bolt, of the Office of Rail Regulation, said it was “clearly important” that management at the company that owns Britain’s rail network was made to focus on meeting its targets. “That’s what the financial incentive plan is there to do,” he said....

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Media Monitor Tue, 21 Apr 2009 12:47:00 GMT 15664
National Express in rail cash plea Stagecoach locked in SWT rail contract row https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/15658/national-express-in-rail-cash-plea-stagecoach-locked-in-swt-rail-contract-row National Express in rail cash plea to government Bus and rail group National Express will this week make a fresh plea to government for financial assistance on its London-Scotland train service. The company, led by chief executive Richard Bowker, is attempting to resolve an impasse over the future of services on the East Coast Main Line... Click here to open the original Times story in a new window Stagecoach locked in rail contract row Stagecoach, one of Britain's biggest trai

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Media Monitor Mon, 20 Apr 2009 15:37:00 GMT 15658
Arriva grows turnover by 1 billion but overall margins slip as finance costs rise https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/15650/arriva-grows-turnover-by-1-billion-but-overall-margins-slip-as-finance-costs-rise

TRANSPORT operating group Arriva recorded increased operating profits but lower margins during the year to December 31 2008, according to its annual report, on the back of continuing expansion which took total turnover up by a billion to over £3bn for the first time. The group operates three basic divisions, covering respectively its local bus operations in the UK; the UK rail business which now comprises two franchises - the Wales and the Borders business run since December 2003, and th

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Business Monitor Fri, 17 Apr 2009 10:27:00 GMT 15650
Profits slip at Northern Rail as costs rises beat revenue https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/15648/profits-slip-at-northern-rail-as-costs-rises-beat-revenue

PROFITS fell at train operator Northern Rail back by 9% in the 52 weeks ended January 5 2008, according to the company’s annual accounts. The company operates local and inter-urban rail services throughout Northern England, including the busy urban networks in West and South Yorkshire, Greater Manchester and Merseyside. Turnover rose slightly less than the prevailing rate of inflation, rising by 2.2% to £531.7m, whilst operating costs rose by 2.6%. The resulting operating profit of

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Business Monitor Fri, 17 Apr 2009 10:25:00 GMT 15648
National Express rallies on acquisition rumours https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/15647/national-express-rallies-on-acquisition-rumours

Well at last there is some good news. After a dismal performance in the last few months, all of our portfolio of transport stocks made significant progress with all making positive gains. Leading the pack though was National Express. After a distressing few months for investors, the group climbed ahead no less than 70% to close at 256.5p on the back of City rumours that a deal between major shareholders the Cosmen family and Stagecoach was imminent. The rumours where also good news for Stagecoa

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Stockwatch Fri, 17 Apr 2009 10:17:00 GMT 15647
The recession hasnt got bad enough for the bail outs to begin but it probably will https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/15646/the-recession-hasn-t-got-bad-enough-for-the-bail-outs-to-begin-but-it-probably-will You can’t blame the Department for Transport for sticking to its ‘no way’ line on bail outs for struggling rail franchises, but how long can it last? Every recession is different and we’re still waiting to see how this one will turn out. “At the moment it is not looking like a complete disaster,” one City transport analyst told Transit this week. “But we’re not in the really nasty bit yet.” It’s going to be a learning experience. We d

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Business Comment Fri, 17 Apr 2009 10:15:00 GMT 15646
Could DfT policy changes mean a railway planning revolution? https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/15644/could-dft-policy-changes-mean-a-railway-planning-revolution- Government transport policy is often an easy target for criticism. And so it was with the long-term rail technical strategy and Towards a Sustainable Transport System framework covering all modes of travel. Both documents, published in 2007, were roundly greeted with howls of derision for their absence of vision and reponderance of waffle. However, to give credit where it is due, subsequent publications including the Delivering a Sustainable Transport System (DaSTS) and now the Network Route Uti

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Business Comment Lead Story Fri, 17 Apr 2009 10:13:00 GMT 15644
Bus industry must prepare itself to fight the war on subsidy come 2011 changes https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/15642/bus-industry-must-prepare-itself-to-fight-the-war-on-subsidy-come-2011-changes

The bus subsidy debate is hotting up, not only in these columns but more importantly in stakeholder advisory group meetings buried away deep in the department in Great Minster Street. That the Treasury is behind much of the current pressure for reform is beyond doubt, however that the current proposals are such an unworkable mess is the responsibility of the department itself. But the question we have all failed to debate is why it is that buses should be subsidised anyway. For decades the indu

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Ben Colson Fri, 17 Apr 2009 10:01:00 GMT 15642
GMITA invests TIF into station facilities https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/15634/gmita-invests-tif-into-station-facilities Greater Manchester ITA has invested Transport Infrastructure Fund money in new customer information screens, CCTV and public address systems at stations in Wigan and Bolton. GMPTE has overseen the overall project and Northern Rail has managed the installation of the new equipment. Mark Barker, client and stakeholder manager for Northern Rail, said: “We’re delighted that our partnership with GMITA and GMPTE has delivered improved facilities at stations that provide our customers with

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In brief Fri, 17 Apr 2009 09:46:00 GMT 15634
SYPTE claims that Firsts service cuts are real reason for quitting partnership https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/15621/sypte-claims-that-first-s-service-cuts-are-real-reason-for-quitting-partnership

South Yorkshire PTE has hit back at claims made by First that Sheffield City Council has reneged on pledges to improve bus priority, claiming that the group’s withdrawal from the Sheffield Bus Agreement is motivated by plans to make cuts to the city’s bus services. First signed the agreement in May 2007 in a groundbreaking deal calling for investment and network stability from First in return for enhanced bus priority measures in the city. However, First South Yorkshire deputy mana

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Bus News Lead Story Fri, 17 Apr 2009 09:31:00 GMT 15621
Adonis backs Swindon to Kemble line upgrade https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/15615/adonis-backs-swindon-to-kemble-line-upgrade

The Department for Transport has backed plans to upgrade the Swindon-Kemble rail line despite funding for the £40m project being rejected by the Office of Rail Regulation. Transport minister Andrew Adonis has given his personal backing to the scheme after meeting with West of England MPs and rail lobby groups, and has announced £2.5m of funding for a study into double tracking the 12-mile stretch of track. The £2.5m for the study consists of £1.6m from the latest round

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Rail News Fri, 17 Apr 2009 09:24:00 GMT 15615
Network Rail sets out its 30-year vision for UK long distance rail https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/15614/network-rail-sets-out-its-30-year-vision-for-uk-long-distance-rail

Network Rail has published a vision of the demand the long distance rail network will have to cater for over the next 30 years. The work forms the first part of the Network Route Utilisation Strategy and has been carried out by a cross-industry group including the Department for Transport, the Association of Train Operating Companies, Network Rail and the Passenger Transport Executive Group. Its forecasts are based on four scenarios which paint a dramatically different picture of future dema

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Rail News Lead Story Fri, 17 Apr 2009 09:22:00 GMT 15614
Network Rail asked to identify projects for 250m rail package South Lancs Travel takes on bus service scrapped by First Group https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/15598/network-rail-asked-to-identify-projects-for-250m-rail-package-south-lancs-travel-takes-on-bus-service-scrapped-by-first-group Government could boost rail work and target fare dodgers in £250m package The government is considering a £250m stimulus package for the railways aimed at boosting revenues and passenger numbers. It is understood that Network Rail, the owner of Britain's rail infrastructure, has been asked to select projects that can be brought forward at a cost to the taxpayer of between £200m and £250m. The government has ruled out giving money to train operators struggling with ex

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In brief Mon, 13 Apr 2009 12:21:00 GMT 15598
First Glasgow plans new head office and 'super depot' for bus fleet https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/15511/first-glasgow-plans-new-head-office-and-super-depot-for-bus-fleet

First Glasgow has submitted plans to Glasgow City Council for a major new bus depot and company headquarters on Glasgow’s southside. The operator says the move represents an investment of more than £25m in the local economy. The objective of the proposals - which, if approved, will see the existing Larkfield site replaced by the new development at Gushetfaulds on Cathcart Road -  is to provide First with larger and more efficient, modern facilities that will enable the company

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Bus News Tue, 7 Apr 2009 11:24:00 GMT 15511
National Express Group https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/15497/national-express-group

TRANSPORT operator National?Express Group recorded increased operating profits during the year to December 31 2008, according to its annual report. However, any positive reaction there may have been to the overall results was tempered by continuing concerns about future performance during the recession, especially at the group’s UK rail operations.  The group operates five basic divisions, covering respectively its local bus operations in the West?Midlands, London and Tayside; the U

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Business Monitor Fri, 3 Apr 2009 11:49:00 GMT 15497
Profits collapse at East London as cost rises bite https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/15495/profits-collapse-at-east-london-as-cost-rises-bite

BUS operator East?London Bus and Coach Company suffered a 97% reduction in operating profits in the 48 weeks ended March 30 2008, according to their annual accounts. The business forms part of the East London?Bus Group, owned by a consortium of investors led by the Australian company Macquarie Bank, and acquired from? Stagecoach Group in 2006. The accounts cover a 48 week period following a change in financial reporting date. This company runs a fleet of 622 vehicles on contracts for Transport

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Business Monitor Fri, 3 Apr 2009 11:42:00 GMT 15495
First results please the City but Natex woes continue https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/15494/first-results-please-the-city-but-natex-woes-continue

Once again it was another rocky fortnight on the markets for our portfolio of transport stocks with National Express struggling once again, but a solid set of results led to good news for Aberdeen-based First. What is particularly noticeable now is the wide variations between the 52-week high and the current trading price for all of the groups. Indeed, National Express is now worth almost a tenth of what it was in the happier times of last year, while Go Ahead has shedded more than half of is m

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Stockwatch Fri, 3 Apr 2009 11:40:00 GMT 15494
Payment per passenger would kill rural buses https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/15488/payment-per-passenger-would-kill-rural-buses

There have been a number of weird and wacky schemes to reform BSOG (Bus Service Operators’ Grant) in recent years. There are certain incentives which have been proposed that we at Bus Users UK would welcome: incentives, for instance, to expand smartcard use and to extend the provision of real-time information systems. We would argue for incentivising either of those aspirations, with the provisos that we would like to see smartcards working as rapidly as Oystercard, which not all systems d

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Other Columnist Fri, 3 Apr 2009 11:17:00 GMT 15488
Bus operators should already have enough incentive to grow https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/15482/bus-operators-should-already-have-enough-incentive-to-grow Helen Holland of CfIT advocated revising BSOG to provide bus service operators with an incentive for carrying additional passengers (Transit March 20). Her logic is that, with such an incentive, companies would focus resources on routes with the most potential for passenger growth. I contend that there is no need for this. Companies should already have sufficient incentive to do this, stimulated by commercial instincts. Over the last twenty years or so, as companies have adapted to living in a

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Letters to the Editor Fri, 3 Apr 2009 11:04:00 GMT 15482
Evergreen III will offer faster travel times that compete with West Coast https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/15476/evergreen-iii-will-offer-faster-travel-times-that-compete-with-west-coast

Chiltern Railways’s Evergreen III project will be designed to cut its journey time to within touching distance of that achieved by London-Birmingham competitor Virgin. The route upgrade, which Chiltern aims to complete in 2011, would reduce journey times on its London-Birmingham Snow Hill route to 100 minutes. This would make Chiltern’s services just 15-20 minutes slower than Virgin’s West Coast Main Line services between the cities. Kirsteen Robertson, Chiltern’s Head

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Rail News Fri, 3 Apr 2009 10:57:00 GMT 15476
EYMS continues to invest in new buses https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/15472/eyms-continues-to-invest-in-new-buses EYMS Group introduced a further 10 new double deckers into its fleet late last month, the first part of an order for 20 Wrightbus-bodied Volvos, worth £3.5m, which the company has ordered for delivery in 2009. The other 10 vehicles are due to be delivered in the summer. The new additions brings to a total of £53m that EYMS has invested in new buses and coaches since the company was purchased through a management buyout in 1987. £40m has been spent since EYMS came under sole own

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In brief Fri, 3 Apr 2009 10:53:00 GMT 15472
Hampshire wins government funding for BRT https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/15469/hampshire-wins-government-funding-for-brt Construction of a bus-based rapid transit scheme in Gosport has moved a step further with the news that the scheme had secured a £20m bid for funding from the government’s Community Infrastructure Fund last week. The scheme emerged from the then transport secretary Alistair Darling’s decision not to fund the Portsmouth to Fareham light rail scheme in 2006. Scheme promoters Transport for South Hampshire were then encouraged by the Department for Transport to investigate bus-b

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Bus News Fri, 3 Apr 2009 10:50:00 GMT 15469
TfL will meet planned efficiency savings https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/15465/tfl-will-meet-planned-efficiency-savings In the last edition of Transit we reported on allegations in the Evening Standard the Transport for London was encountering problems in meeting planned efficiency savings. TfL says it is fully convinced it will meet the planned target of £2.4bn in efficiency savings and points out the board report referred to in the story is publicly available. It also rejects that fares will have to rise to meet any funding gap. We apologise for any confusion caused and are happy to set the record strai

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In brief Fri, 3 Apr 2009 10:44:00 GMT 15465
Department denies plans to backtrack on rolling stock order https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/15452/department-denies-plans-to-backtrack-on-rolling-stock-order The Department for Transport has been forced to deny that it is planning to backtrack on the 1,300 new trains promised to the rail industry by 2014 in the DfT’s High Level Output Statement. Following a parliamentary debate in which junior transport minister Paul Clark acknowledged that some of the allocation would be made up of rolling stock from the new Thameslink order, shadow transport secretary Theresa Villiers accused the government of orchestrating a “con” which would le

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Rail News Fri, 3 Apr 2009 10:29:00 GMT 15452
Dubai places orders for 260 new Citaros https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/15450/dubai-places-orders-for-260-new-citaros The Roads & Transport Authority of Dubai has placed a major new contract with Mercedes Benz for 260 Citaro citybuses. The RTA already operates 80 Citaros and the new contract also includes a service and maintenance agreement. The new vehicles will be fitted with three doors and feature an enhanced climate control system, extra insulation and heat resistant glass in an effort to cope with the hot temperatures of Dubai.

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In brief Fri, 3 Apr 2009 10:21:00 GMT 15450
First introduces new coaches on express https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/15448/first-introduces-new-coaches-on-express First Glasgow this week launched a new fleet of coaches on its X11 Lanarkshire Express service, which operates between Newmains and Glasgow. The new coaches are part of a package of service improvements to enhance the passenger experience on the X11 - other improvements include more peak hour journeys to and from Glasgow as well as the introduction of a new return journey from Cleland and Coltness. First Glasgow service quality manager Eddie McGuigan said further frequency enhancements of the

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Bus News Fri, 3 Apr 2009 10:20:00 GMT 15448
Bus Users UK calls for concessionary reforms https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/15447/bus-users-uk-calls-for-concessionary-reforms The government this week launched changes to the free concessionary bus travel scheme in England as bus passenger lobby group Bus Users UK called for  wholesale changes to the scheme. It suggests simplification of the scheme by: going for a 24/7 scheme by getting rid of the Monday to Friday time restraints, which vary from borough to borough; reimbursing operators from central government instead of by a convoluted scheme through district/borough councils; funding it prop

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Bus News Fri, 3 Apr 2009 10:19:00 GMT 15447
Bus Users UK says CfITs per-passenger incentive plan would damage rural buses https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/15440/bus-users-uk-says-cfit-s-per-passenger-incentive-plan-would-damage-rural-buses

Bus users UK has rejected calls by the Commission for Integrated Transport for the government to reconsider reforming the Bus Service Operators’ Grant on a payment per passenger model. The lobby group claims that doing so would threaten lightly-used but socially necessary services. BUUK also claims that local authorities cannot be depended on to step in to save bus routes that are withdrawn because they have become uneconomical. In this edition of Transit, BUUK external relations office

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Regular News Fri, 3 Apr 2009 10:09:00 GMT 15440
First Group to cut 3500 jobs as UK revenue growth slows down https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/15292/first-group-to-cut-3-500-jobs-as-uk-revenue-growth-slows-down

First Group has announced 3,500 job cuts to compensate for the economic slowdown. Half will come at its North American bus and coach operations, 1,100 at its UK bus operations and 650 at UK rail operations. In a statement, First said that the job cuts and “other payroll actions” would form half of a £200m efficiency programme to ensure that the group remains robust in this more challenging economic environment”. The rest would come from a variety of “smaller action

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Lead Story Fri, 20 Mar 2009 11:01:00 GMT 15292
Dont dismiss per passenger bus incentives https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/15347/don-t-dismiss-per-passenger-bus-incentives

The Commission for Integrated Transport very much agrees that the future of the bus subsidy hangs in the balance, as Ben Colson suggests (Transit February 20). As part of the most comprehensive scrutiny the bus industry has ever seen, we recommended public subsidy into the bus industry should firmly put passengers at the heart of the government’s sustainable transport agenda. Bus services in many parts of the UK are suffering from a combination of falling passengers and new pressure on ca

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Other Columnist Fri, 20 Mar 2009 10:57:00 GMT 15347
New coach fleet for cross country service https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/15343/new-coach-fleet-for-cross-country-service Stagecoach East has introduced a new fleet of coaches on its high profile cross country X5 route that links Oxford with Cambridge. The 17 new Plaxton coaches feature leather seats, free wireless internet access provided by Icomera and full accessibility to wheelchair users. Commenting on the new vehicles, Stagecoach East managing director Tony Cox said: “The investment in the new coaches is opening up accessible public transport. Commuters love the free Wi-Fi and power sockets, meaning th

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In brief Fri, 20 Mar 2009 10:48:00 GMT 15343
Stagecoach plans for Manchester growth despite TIF rejection https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/15339/stagecoach-plans-for-manchester-growth-despite-tif-rejection Stagecoach manchester has announced that it will receive 88 new vehicles in 2009 in addition to the 100 vehicles that we introduced into the fleet last year. The news represents a significant fleet renewal and growth by the company despite the TIF bid being rejected by Greater Manchester, and will bring the company’s total investment to £28m. Managing director Mark Threapleton said: “This additional investment in 88 new buses further demonstrates our commitment to the future.

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Bus News Fri, 20 Mar 2009 10:45:00 GMT 15339
Profitable last period on the Midland Main Line for NEG https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/15330/profitable-last-period-on-the-midland-main-line-for-neg

Train operator Midland Main Line recorded a return to profit during the 44 weeks ended November 11, the last trading period before the franchise became part of a new East Midlands operation and passed to Stagecoach. The company operated InterCity services between?London?St Pancras, the East Midlands and South Yorkshire, mainly serving Leicester, Derby, Nottingham and Sheffield. Turnover was 1.1% lower at £184.9m, whilst operating costs fell by 16.2% to £166.1m. The resulting operat

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Business Monitor Fri, 20 Mar 2009 10:34:00 GMT 15330
Record profits for Wellglade as growth record kept up https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/15323/record-profits-for-wellglade-as-growth-record-kept-up

The Derbyshire-based bus operator Wellglade, owner of the TrentBarton and Kinchbus operations, recorded increased operating and pre-tax profits during the year to December 31 2007, on the back of continued real-term revenue growth, according to its annual accounts. The company operates a fleet of around 370 vehicles on local bus services in?Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire. It is one of the few remaining management buyouts from the days of the National?Bus Company left in the same ownership - th

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Business Monitor Fri, 20 Mar 2009 10:22:00 GMT 15323
National Express continues to struggle on the markets https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/15319/national-express-continues-to-struggle-on-the-markets

It was another rocky fortnight on the markets with gains and losses in equal measure, however bus manufacturer Optare had a particularly tough time with a significant collapse in its share price. Arriva’s results also failed to impress the City. Despite a strong performance from the group’s UK bus division and a significant increase in profitability at its UK rail business, the shares slumped over 5% on the day they were announced and continued on a downward trajectory before rallyi

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Stockwatch Fri, 20 Mar 2009 10:20:00 GMT 15319
TfL could face 600m savings black hole https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/15308/tfl-could-face-600m-savings-black-hole Transport for London could be forced to raise fares in the capital unless it can plug a £600m gap in efficiency savings according to a leaked report. Late last year, London transport commissioner Peter Hendy said he was confident that TfL could reduce its expenditure by £2.4bn through efficiency savings. But according to a TfL board meeting report leaked to the Evening Standard this week, Hendy has admitted to senior managers that the organisation is likely to miss its target by &po

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Bus News Fri, 20 Mar 2009 09:55:00 GMT 15308
Edinburgh plans merger of TIE and Lothian Buses to integrate transport https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/15307/edinburgh-plans-merger-of-tie-and-lothian-buses-to-integrate-transport Councillors in Edinburgh are to proceed with plans to merge  Lothian Buses and Edinburgh Tram promoter Transport Initiatives Edinburgh within the next 18 months. The move will create a single integrated public transport operation that will be responsible for integrating the forthcoming cross-city tram route, which will open in the summer of 2011, into the Lothian Buses network. Commenting on the move, Phil Wheeler, the council’s transport convener, said: “It has always been ou

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Bus News Fri, 20 Mar 2009 09:54:00 GMT 15307
National Express plans further cuts to help service 12bn debts https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/15290/national-express-plans-further-cuts-to-help-service-1-2bn-debts

National Express Group has announced that it will be making further job cuts and cost reductions, paring back investment and cutting its dividend. The moves, announced at the presentation of the company’s full year results, are designed to free up at least £100m of additional cash next year, enabling the company to pay off debt, minimise the expected fall in profit and prevent it from breaching its banking covenants. Although NEG made a pre-tax profit of £194m in 2008, the i

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Regular News Tue, 17 Mar 2009 17:04:00 GMT 15290
National Express results fail to enthuse City https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/15187/national-express-results-fail-to-enthuse-city The ever bleak economic picture means it was another gloomy fortnight for our portfolio of transport stocks, perhaps as a result of National Express’s unsurprisingly downbeat annual results. But surprisingly, the City seemed to be optimistic by the group’s results as they 8p to close at 233p on February 26 before climbing once again and then settling back to close at 233p once again on March 2, a fall overall of just under 14%. Interestingly, Stagecoach also had a tough fortnight.

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Stockwatch Fri, 6 Mar 2009 19:29:00 GMT 15187
NEG reaps small profit in last full year at Gatwick Express https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/15190/neg-reaps-small-profit-in-last-full-year-at-gatwick-express Train operator Gatwick Express recorded a return to profit during the year ended December 31 2007 - the last full year of the separate Gatwick franchise before it was merged into the South Central operation last June. The company operated a dedicated train service between London Victoria and London Gatwick Airport, running frequent,  non-stop dpeartures. The franchise was awarded to National Express Group in April 1996, and was originally due to run until 2011. However, it was terminated e

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Business Monitor Fri, 6 Mar 2009 12:38:00 GMT 15190
CentreWest bounces back into profit as Orpington sold https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/15188/centrewest-bounces-back-into-profit-as-orpington-sold London bus operator CentreWest saw a return to profitability in the period to March 29 2008 following losses recorded in 2007. The company operates a fleet of around 710 vehicles on contract bus services to Transport for London from its depots in west London. It is a First Group subsidiary, having being purchased from its management buyout team in 1997. The company’s subsidiary First?Tram Operations holds the operating contract for the Croydon?Tramlink light rail system. During the yea

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Business Monitor Fri, 6 Mar 2009 12:31:00 GMT 15188
Johnsons bendy bus replacement scheme is going to cost a lot of money to implement https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/15186/johnson-s-bendy-bus-replacement-scheme-is-going-to-cost-a-lot-of-money-to-implement The figures are finally out. The cost of replacing bendy buses on three of London’s bus routes could cost Transport for London and, ultimately, the taxpayer up to £3m per year. But perhaps we should have expected this? With capacity of each Mercedes-Benz Citaro G being around 150 passengers, it was easy to see, as a rule of thumb, that replacing artics would require steep increases in the peak vehicle requirement for each route. That could only have had an upward effect on the cost

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Business Comment Fri, 6 Mar 2009 12:27:00 GMT 15186
New template for Network Rail relationship with TOCs https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/15178/new-template-for-network-rail-relationship-with-tocs

Since its creation, Network Rail, has regularly been forced to draw up battle lines against train operators pressing for vertical integration trials on the basis that the company is bureaucratic, expensive and insufficiently focussed on customers’ requirements. Unsurprisingly, given the threatening nature of the proposals to take over its infrastructure, Network Rail has concentrated on scuppering all attempts to impose them, and refused to make any public statement of substance on the sub

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News Extra Fri, 6 Mar 2009 11:00:00 GMT 15178
BSOG reform threatens to make bus operation a hard task https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/15175/bsog-reform-threatens-to-make-bus-operation-a-hard-task Ian Maude (Transit February 20) is certainly correct in his scepticism on the OAP free travel. My wife and I have just returned for a four day break in the Lake District where our free travel pass saved us buying a ‘4 day Explorer’ which would have cost us an already discounted £21 each. This was a straight forward saving on our holiday costs, but we can be quite certain that Cumbria County Council will not have paid Stagecoach the £42 we saved. The Keswick Tourist econom

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Letters to the Editor Fri, 6 Mar 2009 10:54:00 GMT 15175
Stagecoach launches new buses in Preston https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/15171/stagecoach-launches-new-buses-in-preston Stagecoach North West has introduced a new fleet of double deck vehicles on its key X2 interurban route between Preston and Liverpool this week. The operator has invested £1.5m in nine new Scania ADL Enviro 400 double deckers. They are the first Enviro 400s to Stagecoach’s interurban specification with coach seating and seat belts. Rob Jones, operations manager at Stagecoach’s Preston depot said: “This is a significant investment. The X2 route is just over 2 years old

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In brief Fri, 6 Mar 2009 10:45:00 GMT 15171
Transdev revamps Burnleys Mainline https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/15170/transdev-revamps-burnley-s-mainline Transdev Burnley & Pendle has invested £3.5m in a fresh new look and new vehicles for its key Mainline services linking Burnley, Nelson and Colne. The new look service will be operated by 19 new Wrightbus single deck vehicles and the operator is also refurbishing an further 11 existing buses to the same specification. Commenting on the move, David Wilson, Transdev’s commercial director for its operations in Lancashire, said: “It’s the biggest ever investment in

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In brief Fri, 6 Mar 2009 10:44:00 GMT 15170
Scottish operators to receive BSOG increase to drive down fare costs https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/15167/scottish-operators-to-receive-bsog-increase-to--drive-down-fare-costs-

Scottish bus operators have cautiously welcomed the news that the Scottish government has announced  a £4m funding package that will see the Bus Service Operators’ Grant increased. The cash will be used to offset recent fuel duty increases by matching the 2p increase announced by chancellor Alistair Darling in his pre-budget report last December. Commenting on the move, transport minister Stewart Stevenson said: “In order to mitigate the impact of the fuel duty increase

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Bus News Fri, 6 Mar 2009 10:36:00 GMT 15167
TfL reveals the cost of replacing first bendy buses could be 3m https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/15166/tfl-reveals-the-cost-of-replacing-first-bendy-buses-could-be-3m

The cost of converting three London bus routes from bendy bus operation to conventional vehicles will cost up to £3m per year, Transport for London figures reveal. Industry sources have pointed out that the cost is more than the annual budget of many of Britain’s unitary authorities. Contracts for three bendy bus routes were awarded late last year as part of London mayor Boris Johnson’s controversial manifesto commitment to phase out articulated buses from service in London

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Bus News Lead Story Fri, 6 Mar 2009 10:30:00 GMT 15166
SPT boosts park and ride spending by 5m https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/15164/spt-boosts-park-and-ride-spending-by-5m Strathclyde Partnership for Transport is to spend an extra £5m this year on developing park and ride projects in the west of Scotland. The money has been brought forward from the 2010/11 allocation as part of an acceleration of capital spending on infrastructure projects by the Scottish government.  Schemes across Strathclyde will benefit from the move.

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In brief Fri, 6 Mar 2009 10:26:00 GMT 15164
Communications director among 40 job losses as ATOC seeks to cut costs https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/15155/communications-director-among-40-job-losses-as-atoc-seeks-to-cut-costs

The Association of Train Operating Companies is seeking to cut staff numbers by 20% as a result of financial pressures affecting its train operator members. The cutback from 210 to 170 staff is being accompanied by a reorganisation which will see some departments reduced in size or disbanded and their responsibilities and personnel reallocated. It will also continue the process of reducing centralisation. Whereas 19 staff reported directly to previous director general George Muir, that has been

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Rail News Fri, 6 Mar 2009 10:12:00 GMT 15155
Edinburgh tram works come to halt https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/15146/edinburgh-tram-works-come-to-halt Edinburgh Tram works on Princes Street were delayed a day before they were due to begin after a dispute over the contract. Contractors BSC - Bilfinger Berger, Siemens and CAF - were reported to have asked for between £50m and £80m extra funds from Transport Initiative Edinburgh, the arms-length body set up by City of Edinburgh Council to oversee the £512m tram project. Tie said the work would not go ahead after contractors BSC demanded “unacceptable” late changes

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Rail News Fri, 6 Mar 2009 10:05:00 GMT 15146
Irish bus companies to undergo efficiency review https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/15129/irish-bus-companies-to-undergo-efficiency-review

Irish transport minister, Noel Dempsey, has signalled a "fundamental review" of state-owned bus companies Dublin Bus and Bus Éireann. The announcement follows an assessment of how the two operators provide bus services across Ireland, and whether the resources (buses, people and funding) currently available to the companies are used in the most effective and efficient way. The assessment was carried out by Colin Buchanan as part of a Deloitte-led consortium. The consultancy

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Bus News Tue, 3 Mar 2009 11:00:00 GMT 15129
71% revenue growth helps LUL to strong result https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/15018/7-1-revenue-growth-helps-lul-to-strong-result STRONG revenue growth and tight cost control helped London?Underground to an improved result in the year to March 31 2008, according to the company’s accounts. The company operates the 400 route kilometre deep tube and sub surface underground rail network and is a subsidiary of Transport for London. Turnover during the year rose by 7% to reach?£2,259m, whilst operating costs were just 1.9% higher at £2,142m.  The resulting operating surplus of £116.1m was signific

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Business Monitor Fri, 20 Feb 2009 10:20:00 GMT 15018
Scottish transport groups make positive progress https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/15017/scottish-transport-groups-make-positive-progress The current state of the stock market does not inspire confidence, however the last fortnight saw something of a revival for a majority of listed transport stocks prices. Four of the ‘big five’ of listed transport group’s edged ahead, on the whole slightly, while Arriva dropped back into the red with a marginal loss. The Sunderland-based group closed at 453.4p, down 0.44% on a fortnight earlier, a marginal loss yes, but in comparison to recent market performance of our portfo

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Stockwatch Fri, 20 Feb 2009 10:18:00 GMT 15017
Operators take note the future of bus subsidy really does hang in the balance https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/15013/operators-take-note-the-future-of-bus-subsidy-really-does-hang-in-the-balance

Ever since the present government came to power, it has hankered for the opportunity to cut subsidy to bus services. Of course they wouldn’t put it that way, they would say to reform the way subsidies are distributed, but the end game really is to reduce the cost to the Treasury. It seems more than a little odd, then, that when the business minister says that the government is here to help businesses work through the impact of the recession, at the very same time the department decides to

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Ben Colson Fri, 20 Feb 2009 10:10:00 GMT 15013
Concessionary fare support cannot be going to bus industry https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/15007/concessionary-fare-support-cannot-be-going-to-bus-industry Having worked for an operator who competed with EYMS in the East Riding for a number of years, I?always found Peter Shipp’s views of the industry and his company most interesting. I question one of his statistics in the article (Transit  January 9) however. He states that government has increased spending on buses outside London over the past 10 years by “just” 52% and points to BSOG and Concessionary Fare Support as evidence of this (meagre) investment in comparison with

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Letters to the Editor Fri, 20 Feb 2009 09:57:00 GMT 15007
Bailing out rail https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/15004/bailing-out-rail A selection of train company executives sat in a room in the House of Commons earlier this month facing questions from MPs on the transport select committee on rail fares. They were told: “Second only to bankers in the City of London, you gentlemen must be the most unpopular men in the country.” The industry is certainly fighting an uphill battle at the moment from those who cannot reconcile the idea of a company providing a public service and making a profit. Train operators are be

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Opinion Fri, 20 Feb 2009 09:54:00 GMT 15004
Johnson welcomes funding for East London Line extension https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/14988/johnson-welcomes-funding-for-east-london-line-extension London mayor Boris Johnson and transport secretary Geoff Hoon have reached a deal that will allow a further extension to the East London Line. The move, which will see the line extended with a new spur from Surrey Quays to Clapham Junction, will complete the London Overground network and create an orbital railway around the capital. It is expected that the £75m scheme will be completed by May 2012, in time for the start of the London Olympic Games. “This is tremendous news,”

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Rail News Fri, 20 Feb 2009 09:31:00 GMT 14988
Bluestar launches 15m fleet into service https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/14977/bluestar-launches-1-5m-fleet-into-service

Eastleigh-based bus operator Bluestar has launched a new fleet of vehicles for use on its services between Winchester and Southampton. The new fleet of seven Scania OmniCity buses, representing an investment of £1.5m by the Go Ahead subsidiary, was displayed in Winchester and Southampton as part of the launch and free tickets for the route, and timetable information was made available from the Bluestar roadshow team. The new vehicles will operate on the Bluestar 1 route between Southamp

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Bus News Fri, 20 Feb 2009 09:19:00 GMT 14977
Go Ahead interims show slowing of rail growth https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/14971/go-ahead-interims-show-slowing-of-rail-growth Half year results from Go Ahead Group reveal the impact of the current economic downturn on its bus and rail businesses. Growth in passenger volumes has fallen sharply at the group’s rail businesses while profits have fallen at its bus businesses due to increased fuel prices. However, the group managed to maintain operating profits at £64.6m for the six months to December 27, up just £0.1m on the same period of 2007. Revenue increased by 19.1% to £1,223.9m (2007: £

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Regular News Fri, 20 Feb 2009 09:12:00 GMT 14971
Bailouts will become inevitable as the rail industry slides into the red https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/14969/-bailouts-will-become-inevitable-as-the-rail-industry-slides-into-the-red- The government will initially refuse to bail out train operators which run into financial difficulty, but will inevitably be forced to do so when large swathes of the industry are unprofitable, a City analyst has predicted. The current financial crisis has slowed growth at rail operators across the country, with five reported to be rated as ‘red’ on the Department for Transport’s traffic light early warning report on the financial position of operators. The DfT has ruled out b

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Regular News Fri, 20 Feb 2009 09:07:00 GMT 14969
Super Express trains to replace Great Western and East Coast HSTs https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/14874/super-express-trains-to-replace-great-western-and-east-coast-hsts

Transport secretary Geoff Hoon has announced today what the Department for Transport is calling "the single biggest investment in Intercity trains for a generation" through a new generation of high speed trains for Great Western and East Coast main lines. A fleet of new Super Express trains are set to replace existing high speed trains on those lines. Hoon also announced that the DfT is in advanced negotiations with National Express East Anglia to provide 120 new carriages for the Sta

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Rail News Thu, 12 Feb 2009 11:59:00 GMT 14874
First achieves best result for four years in Manchester https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/14852/first-achieves-best-result-for-four-years-in-manchester BUS?operator First Manchester recorded an increase of over 50% in operating profit in the year to March 31 2008, according to its annual accounts. The company operates a fleet of around 900 vehicles on local bus services to the north of Manchester, covering towns such as Oldham, Rochdale, Wigan and Bury as well as the northern suburbs of the city itself.   The company has been a subsidiary of First Group since 1994, having been part of a larger operation run by Greater Manchester P

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Business Monitor Fri, 6 Feb 2009 11:08:00 GMT 14852
National Express sees dramatic fall in stock price https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/14851/national-express-sees-dramatic-fall-in-stock-price Well yet again it was another tough fortnight on the stockmarket for out portfolio of transport stocks and it doesn’t look like it’s going to get any better. With continuing news of redundancies from the major transport groups as they try to shore up the finances of their rail franchise and the disclosure of a mysterious list of five TOCs drawn up by the Department for Transport that are said to be in trouble, it is perhaps understandable why investors took flight. And took flight

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Stockwatch Fri, 6 Feb 2009 11:04:00 GMT 14851
Now is the time to finally resolve the free concessionary travel reimbursement issue https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/14850/now-is-the-time-to-finally-resolve-the-free-concessionary-travel-reimbursement-issue The table of local authorities which are seeing serious shortfalls in their concessionary fare budgets that has been produced by the Local Government Association makes gloomy reading. What is horrifying is that critics of the scheme were right. Four of the 13 authorities are areas very much orientated toward the tourism market, and four or five are towns and cities that are destinations for days out. The grant allocated by the Department for Transport has proven to be wholly inadequate with B

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Business Comment Fri, 6 Feb 2009 11:03:00 GMT 14850
How well will franchises face storms ahead? https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/14845/how-well-will-franchises-face-storms-ahead-

When the railways were privatised and the first franchises let, I published an assessment of their prospects. Drawing heavily on my business knowledge at the time it was possible - given what I knew of the cost, operating and market environment of each TOC - to make some predictions about their prospects in the light of the franchise commitments made by the early “winners”. I was of course careful to call these “assessments” rather than predictions. I was not inclined to

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John Nelson Fri, 6 Feb 2009 10:44:00 GMT 14845
Arriva places decker order with Wrightbus https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/14826/arriva-places-decker-order-with-wrightbus Ballymena-based bus manufacturer Wrightbus has announced that it has won a new £11m order for 57 Wrightbus Gemini 2 vehicles on VDL chassis from transport group Arriva. The vehicles will enter service with Arriva in London from November this year. The order is in addition to a deal signed at the Euro Bus Expo show in Birmingham last November for 268 new Wrightbus vehicles. Commenting on the order during a visit to VDL’s facilities in Holland, Wright Group’s Mark Nodder said: &

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In brief Fri, 6 Feb 2009 10:00:00 GMT 14826
Stagecoach announces bus orders https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/14823/stagecoach-announces-bus-orders Stagecoach has announced that it has placed new bus and coach orders for 420 vehicles in deals worth £70m. All of the vehicles will meet tight new Euro 5 emissions standards. Commenting on the order, Stagecoach UK bus managing director Les Warneford said: “We are committed to reinvesting our profits to boost our quality of service to passengers, even in the current economic downturn. “These buses have some of the cleanest engines in Europe and this investment will support our

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Bus News Fri, 6 Feb 2009 09:55:00 GMT 14823
Operators overcharge councils says MP https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/14819/operators-overcharge-councils-says-mp Speaking at a prime ministers question time this week, a Derbyshire MP accused local bus operators of defrauding councils. “Free bus travel for the over-60s has given thousands of pensioners in Derbyshire their lives back,” said Labour MP Natascha Engel. “Many, however, are absolutely furious that some unscrupulous bus companies seem to be issuing tickets for far longer journeys than people have made and then overcharging local authorities.” Prime minister Gordon Brown t

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In brief Fri, 6 Feb 2009 09:46:00 GMT 14819
Clark announced new Kickstart bus scheme https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/14818/clark-announced-new-kickstart-bus-scheme Transport minister Paul Clark has announced a new round of Kickstart funding for new bus schemes around the country. Local authorities are being asked by the Department for Transport to submit applications for a share of £25m in funding. The new funding round, applications for which close on July 3, will be the first to use the new powers contained within the Local Transport Act. Successful schemes will be announced in the Autumn. “This latest round of funding will give crucial fin

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In brief Fri, 6 Feb 2009 09:45:00 GMT 14818
LGA reveals scale of free bus travel funding gap https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/14817/lga-reveals-scale-of-free-bus-travel-funding-gap

A new briefing document issued by the Local Government Association has lifted the lid on  the scale of concessionary travel grant shortfalls around England. The report has been produced in the wake of the government’s planned review of the scheme’s operation. It reveals that the Isle of Wight Council is facing a shortfall in its scheme of £4.2m, the equivalent of 3.2% of the council’s total revenue expenditure budget. The city of Exeter faces a shortfall of £

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Bus News Fri, 6 Feb 2009 09:42:00 GMT 14817
Metro wins second round of funding for New Generation Transport plans https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/14815/metro-wins-second-round-of-funding-for-new-generation-transport-plans Plans for a new high quality bus-based transport network in Leeds have moved a step forward with the news that the Yorkshire and Humber Regional Transport Board has approved further funding for a second phase of the scheme. Metro, the West Yorkshire PTE has been working up proposals  for a high quality bus-based system since proposals for its Supertram light rail network were thrown out by then transport secretary Alistair Darling in late 2006. An initial cross-city route is planned linki

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Bus News Fri, 6 Feb 2009 09:40:00 GMT 14815
Housing woes see Bristol faced with funding gap for planned BRT scheme https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/14813/housing-woes-see-bristol-faced-with-funding-gap-for-planned-brt-scheme

Plans for a new bus-based rapid transport corridor in Bristol have been hit by the economic downturn with a funding gap that could require intervention from the public purse. Costs for the planned scheme, which would link a park and ride site at Ashton Vale with the city centre and Temple Meads railway station, have also rapidly increased from the estimated £24m-£26m in 2007 to reach £47.3m. The scheme is one of four ‘rapid transit corridors’ planned for the city

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Bus News Lead Story Fri, 6 Feb 2009 09:35:00 GMT 14813
New NXEC services could lose money https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/14810/new-nxec-services-could-lose-money MVA has forecast that National Express East Coast could lose money from its plans to introduce an extra 25 services per day. The analysis, commissioned by the Office of Rail Regulation, is based on Network Rail’s current assessment of the paths it can make available for NXEC to operate its enhanced service in December 2009. These paths would produce significantly lower revenue generation than the timetable NXEC believes is possible. “Due to longer journey times than expected by NXE

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Rail News Fri, 6 Feb 2009 09:14:00 GMT 14810
Network Rail drops funding demands and accepts 285bn five-year package https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/14807/network-rail-s-funding-demands-and-accepts-28-5bn-five-year-package

Network Rail has accepted the £28.5bn five-year funding package proposed by the Office of Rail Regulation and withdrawn its threat to refer the ORR’s decision to the Competition Commission. Network Rail had originally demanded £31bn for the period from 2009-2014. However, a softening of both sides’ positions has seen the company accept the compromise package, although there is still a £1.5bn-plus funding gap between the funding Network Rail will receive and the amo

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Regular News Fri, 6 Feb 2009 09:06:00 GMT 14807
Retail Price Index could force reduction in rail fares https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/14797/retail-price-index-could-force-reduction-in-rail-fares-

Train operators could be forced to reduce rail fares next year, according to today’s Guardian. Investment bank Investec is predicting RPI could sink to -2.1% in July 2009. Since regulated fares – which account for more than half of all tickets sold - may not increase by more than 1% above inflation, financial analyst Joseph Thomas claims ticket prices could be reduced by more than 1% in January 2010. Earlier this month, the Association of Train Operating Companies (ATOC) was defe

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Rail News Mon, 2 Feb 2009 12:17:00 GMT 14797
Transport groups reject media reports of DfT meeting seeking state aid for rail https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/14644/transport-groups-reject-media-reports-of-dft-meeting-seeking--state-aid--for-rail

The Association of Train Operating Companies has hit back at media reports that suggested that senior managers from Britain’s five biggest transport groups met with transport secretary Geoff Hoon this week to request financial assistance for their rail franchise businesses. The Guardian reported that the chief executives of the groups met Hoon to argue for shortened trains, the rewriting of the financial terms of their franchise agreements and state funding for an extra 1,000 staff across

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Regular News Mon, 26 Jan 2009 09:43:00 GMT 14644
Strong revenue growth drives Cardiff Bus up 48% https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/14693/strong-revenue-growth-drives-cardiff-bus-up-48- BUS?operator Cardiff Bus recorded an increase of over 48% in operating and pre-tax profits in the year to March 31 2008, according to its annual accounts. The company operates a fleet of around 220 vehicles on local bus services in and around its home city, but also into surrounding areas, especially the Penarth and Barry areas of the Vale of Glamorgan. The company also runs a high profile service to Cardiff International Airport. The company is owned by the local authority. Though considera

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Business Monitor Fri, 23 Jan 2009 11:31:00 GMT 14693
Tide of red ink returns once again to transport stocks https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/14692/tide-of-red-ink-returns-once-again-to-transport-stocks Perhaps we should have toned down the optimism in the previous edition of Stockwatch as our portfolio of transport stocks once again slide dramatically into the red over the last fortnight. First Group had a particularly bumpy time over the last two weeks with its shares slumping just shy of 30% to close at 315.25p. The most dramatic loss was on January 14 when the stock closed at 358.75p, down 62.5p. This followed a management statement that revealed that revenue growth at Greyhound, the iconi

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Stockwatch Fri, 23 Jan 2009 11:28:00 GMT 14692
Recession likely to play havoc with DfTs investment plans https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/14689/recession-likely-to-play-havoc-with-dft-s-investment-plans The impact of the recession on train operators has been the subject of apocalyptic reporting in the national media over the past week, suggesting that the major owning groups are seeking government approval for swinging service cuts. The suggestion has been comprehensively rejected by ATOC and, while it would be a surprise if expansion plans are not scaled back or dropped, it would be equally surprising if desperate measures are needed to prevent meltdown in operators’ finances. The reas

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Business Comment Lead Story Fri, 23 Jan 2009 11:25:00 GMT 14689
Villiers and PTEs call for Plan B in wake of Manchester TIF bid https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/14671/villiers-and-ptes-call-for--plan-b--in-wake-of-manchester-tif-bid

Shadow transport secretary Theresa Villiers has joined PTEs in calling for the government to commit to investment in public transport, in the wake of the collapse of the Manchester Transport Innovation Fund bid. The city bid for £3bn worth of public transport improvements - including a major expansion of the Metrolink light rail system - was pivotal on the success of a postal referendum last December (Transit December 19). The bid collapsed after voters rejected the proposals on the back

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Rail News Fri, 23 Jan 2009 10:42:00 GMT 14671
Welsh politicians call for free public transport https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/14667/welsh-politicians-call-for-free-public-transport A Welsh MP and a Welsh Assembly minister have called for all public transport services in Wales to be made free in an effort to tackle congestion. They have also called for all public transport services to be  publicly-owned in order to face up to the “staggering challenges” of climate change. Dai Davies and Trish Law, the independent MP and AM for Blaenau Gwent respectively, say that costs for the scheme could be covered by new forms of taxation such as a 3p-per-pound levy on

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Bus News Fri, 23 Jan 2009 10:39:00 GMT 14667
Oxford Bus Company chooses Alexander Dennis for Brookes Bus https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/14665/oxford-bus-company-chooses-alexander-dennis-for-brookes-bus Go Ahead subsidiary Oxford Bus Company has placed an order for 11 new Alexander Dennis-bodied Scania double deckers for use on the Brookes Bus contract that it recently captured from rival operator Stagecoach Oxford. The vehicles will enter service when the new contract commences in July and will be used to connect the principle sites of Oxford Brookes University. Pointing to the superior environmental credentials of the vehicles that have been ordered, Oxford Bus managing director Philip Kir

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Bus News Fri, 23 Jan 2009 10:37:00 GMT 14665
Funding cuts see rail feeder bus services withdrawn despite success https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/14664/funding-cuts-see-rail-feeder-bus-services-withdrawn-despite-success

Rail-link buses which form integral parts of the new Ebbw Vale to Cardiff rail service will be withdrawn in April, despite their apparent success. The loss of dedicated feeder services is a significant setback because the terminus of the branch line, reopened last February after a £30m investment, is almost two miles short of Ebbw Vale town centre. The hourly bus linking Ebbw Vale Parkway station to the centre and northern suburbs has been well used, by rail-feeder standards, but the Wels

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Bus News Fri, 23 Jan 2009 10:36:00 GMT 14664
Dublin Bus and Bus Éireann plan staff and fleet cuts to restore profitability https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/14663/dublin-bus-and-bus-ireann-plan-staff-and-fleet-cuts-to-restore-profitability

Dublin Bus is to cut 290 jobs and reduce its fleet by 120 vehicles in a bid to reduce losses as a result of the economic downturn. The cuts amount to a 10% cut in both total fleet and staff numbers at the firm, which operates the urban bus network in the Irish capital. They are being made as a result of a “serious and challenging” financial position in 2009. Losses for the current financial year are projected at €31m, up from €10m in 2008, unless “corrective action&

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Bus News Fri, 23 Jan 2009 10:35:00 GMT 14663
Trent Barton places 6m new bus orders https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/14660/trent-barton-places-6m-new-bus-orders Award-winning bus operator Trent Barton has announced that it has placed orders for 43 new buses to be delivered during the course of the coming year - an investment that totals £6m. The vehicles will be introduced on five routes in Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire. Commenting on the order, Trent Barton commercial director Ian Morgan said: “Like most businesses we expect to be hit by aspects of the recession, but it would be short sighted not to continue the policy of investing in our

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In brief Fri, 23 Jan 2009 10:31:00 GMT 14660
Stagecoach acquires Eastbourne competitor but opts for its closure https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/14655/stagecoach-acquires-eastbourne-competitor-but-opts-for-its-closure

Stagecoach has followed up its recent purchase of council-owned bus operator Eastbourne Buses with a deal to acquire local competitor Cavendish Motor Services for an undisclosed sum. The Perth-based group acquired the business last week from its parent, coach operator Renown of Bexhill. However, the deal will see the 28-vehicle Polegate-based operation closed in March with all 40 staff made redundant. Cavendish has been a significant thorn in the side of Eastbourne Buses over several years. It

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Bus News Lead Story Fri, 23 Jan 2009 10:25:00 GMT 14655
New train deliveries hit by credit crunch https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/14652/new-train-deliveries-hit-by-credit-crunch New trains that have been ordered for use by Southern, First Capital Connect and Transport for London have been delayed as key component suppliers have been unable to arrange the finance that would allow them to ramp-up production. Train builder Bombardier said around a dozen of its suppliers had been unable to secure the necessary finance to supply key electrical components. The first batch of trains had been due for delivery, but will be delayed for some weeks as suppliers catch up.

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In brief Fri, 23 Jan 2009 10:08:00 GMT 14652
National Express likely to hand back keys on its franchises says JP Morgan https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/14646/national-express-likely-to-hand-back-keys-on-its-franchises--says-jp-morgan

The impact of the recession on the rail industry is likely to be so severe that City analyst JP Morgan has predicted National Express could opt to hand back its franchises. JP Morgan had previously forecast that National Express East Coast would make profits of around £30m/year throughout the franchise. However, its latest forecasts for the company are a loss of £6m in 2009 and £34m in 2010. As well as being hit by falling patronage, JP Morgan noted that the company was alre

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Rail News Lead Story Fri, 23 Jan 2009 10:00:00 GMT 14646
France sweet land of tramways? https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/14638/france-sweet-land-of-tramways-

Trams have made a stunning comeback in France over the past 25 years. To date more than 420 kilometres of lines are in commercial operation - over 465 kilometres if we include those running on tyres. More than 820 light rail vehicles are in service. The development of trams is continuing with more than 150 kilometres of new lines to be built before the next local elections in 2014. The number of tramcars will be not far from 1,000. When most French cities dismantled their trams only three citi

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Sub Story to Feature Tue, 20 Jan 2009 14:48:00 GMT 14638
All change for Tyne Wear Metro https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/14637/all-change-for-tyne--wear-metro

Would you like to get a return of £8 back for every pound you invest? It sounds absurd - the kind of offer only a bookie would have made as punters crammed Newcastle Racecourse during the mid-summer ‘Plate Day meeting’. But it is a serious offer - the offer Nexus made to government when we submitted our business case for funding to modernise the Tyne & Wear Metro. Eight to one, we calculated, was the cost benefit of investing in Metro to secure its long-term future, compa

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Feature Tue, 20 Jan 2009 14:44:00 GMT 14637
Where does light rail transit fit into our urban transport policy? https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/14632/where-does-light-rail-transit-fit-into-our-urban-transport-policy- Edinburgh’s first tram line is now under construction. After years of lobbying, Manchester has funding for Phase 3a, although further funding for Phase 3b is out of the picture following the ‘no’ vote on congestion charging. Blackpool has secured government funding for a much needed upgrade. Nexus, the Tyne and Wear Passenger Transport body has started the competition process for a £600m regeneration of the metro system. In London’s Docklands, the Woolwich Extens

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Lead Story Tue, 20 Jan 2009 14:17:00 GMT 14632
Arriva trading statement sees group on the up https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/14447/arriva-trading-statement-sees-group-on-the-up Well after a fairly gloomy run of Stockwatch in recent times it would seem there was some New Year cheer for our portfolio of transport stocks. All of the ‘big five’ transport groups made significant progress after the record lows of the last edition, with plucky Arriva leading the pack. The Sunderland-based group made some real progress over the Christmas period. After a slow rise in its fortunes, the stock closed at 608.5p on Christmas Eve, before falling back when the market reo

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Stockwatch Fri, 9 Jan 2009 11:21:00 GMT 14447
What have rules and regs done for the buses? https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/14443/what-have-rules-and-regs-done-for-the-buses- Because buses are so vital to the life of a community I have made a point of being involved in general and business issues in the EYMS area. This is not least through active membership of the Hull and Humber Chamber of Commerce, which I believe has helped promote a move away from an approach which prioritises cars and car parking to one where public transport is now at least on the agenda. I realise just how much buses are undervalued by much of the business community but I have pointed out to

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Other Columnist Fri, 9 Jan 2009 11:13:00 GMT 14443
How should the railway respond to recession? https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/14441/how-should-the-railway-respond-to-recession- No need for fancy predictions this year. It can be simply said. Things will be tough. The only question is “how tough”? With jobs being lost at a dramatic rate it is already clear that train use for the purpose of travel to work is going to fall. With financial services and retail first in the line of fire we can expect commuting into central London and other major cities to be hit quickly. Following the Lawson boom to bust in the 80s/90s the drop-off in London commuting reached 25

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John Nelson Fri, 9 Jan 2009 11:08:00 GMT 14441
Another year of change for passenger transport sector https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/14440/another-year-of-change-for-passenger-transport-sector

January It was a difficult start to 2008 for Network Rail. The infrastructure controller came under fire after engineering works over Christmas and New Year overran by several days. It coincided with the company’s chairman, Sir Ian McAllister, being awarded a knighthood in the Queen’s New Year’s Honours List. The auction of Laing Rail concludes with Deutsche Bahn agreeing to pay fund manager Henderson a very full price of around £130m, so securing th

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Regular Feature Fri, 9 Jan 2009 10:54:00 GMT 14440
Government plans to link BSOG to fuel efficiency wont work https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/14434/government-plans-to-link-bsog-to-fuel-efficiency-won-t-work In Transit (December 19) we read of ever-slower buses in Manchester and Neath. This is a common experience due to congestion and inadequate bus priority. Slow buses stopping and starting in traffic queues use more fuel. We also read that if bus operators invest in more fuel-efficient buses and train drivers to drive more economically that they will be rewarded with higher BSOG (Bus Service Operators’ Grant). Inadequate bus priority will negate any effect of such investments and not trigge

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Letters to the Editor Fri, 9 Jan 2009 10:35:00 GMT 14434
East Coast on-train dining service revamped to stem losses https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/14426/east-coast-on-train-dining-service-revamped-to-stem-losses National Express East Coast has revamped its on-train dining service in a bid to stem catering losses understood to amount to around £25m a year. The number of trains with a restaurant car has been slashed from 96 a day to just 15. Instead NXEC will offer an ‘at-seat’ dining service throughout the train on 60 of the services where the restaurant has been axed. On these trains, the same dishes will be served by waiters to first class customers and from café bars to sta

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Rail News Fri, 9 Jan 2009 10:20:00 GMT 14426
Tyne Wear bids for 15m to improve buses https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/14412/tyne--wear-bids-for-15m-to-improve-buses Tyne & Wear pte Nexus has announced that  it has submitted a bid to the Department for Transport for £15m of funding to improve local bus services. Projects included in the bid includes the region’s first bus-based park and ride schemes, road improvements to improve reliability and other bus priority measures. If funding is approved work could begin next year with completion in 2011. The funding bid has been put together by Nexus, on behalf of the Tyne & Wear Passenger

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Bus News Fri, 9 Jan 2009 09:56:00 GMT 14412
NCT plans for 100% low floor https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/14408/nct-plans-for-100-low-floor Nottingham City Transport has announced orders for 11 additional new vehicles for delivery in 2009 that will allow its final step-entrance vehicles to be withdrawn from service later this year. The move will see the operator’s fleet compliant with Disability Discrimination Act legislation eight years before its enforcement. Commenting on the news, Nicola Tidy, marketing and communications director said: “NCT is proud of its investment record in recent years and we’ve spent w

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Bus News Fri, 9 Jan 2009 09:52:00 GMT 14408
Tory cuts would cause a deeper recession - Hoon https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/14406/tory-cuts-would-cause-a-deeper-recession--hoon Transport secretary Geoff Hoon has written to his shadow counterpart, Theresa Villiers, asking her to make clear where the Tories’ proposed £840m cuts in the Department of Transport budget would fall.  “Unless the Conservatives can tell us exactly where the cuts will fall, no major transport project is safe,” he said. “Labour are determined to invest in our economy and our infrastructure so that we come through the downturn stronger and sooner.”

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Regular News Fri, 9 Jan 2009 09:43:00 GMT 14406
Bidders announced for 200 new diesel train carriages https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/14325/bidders-announced-for-200-new-diesel-train-carriages

Four pre-qualified bidders have been sent an Invitation to tender for a £300m project to build 200 new train carriages on First Great Western, Trans-Pennine Express and Northern Rail routes in the Thames Valley, around Bristol and on longer distances in Northern England. The four companies are Bombardier Transportation UK, Construcciones y Auxiliar de Ferrocarriles (CAF) of Spain, Chinese Sourced Railway Equipment (CSRE) on behalf of CSR Nanjing Puzhen Rolling Stock and Hyundai Rotem Comp

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Rail News Sun, 28 Dec 2008 21:04:00 GMT 14325
2008 well what a year for all of us that was https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/14311/2008-well-what-a-year-for-all-of-us-that-was-

This time last year a few pundits were suggesting that an economic collapse was imminent, but for the majority they were just an eccentric minority. There were clear signals that fuel prices would be rising, but who would have thought that they would collapse again so quickly? Who would have thought that the banks would be partially nationalised, with the strangest of sights possible, as arch-capitalist bankers queued up to surrender equity to government? It all happened this year, as did plent

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Ben Colson Mon, 22 Dec 2008 09:09:00 GMT 14311
Transport stocks sees unprecedented losses https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/14315/transport-stocks-sees-unprecedented-losses Things can only get better? Well they certainly didn’t over the past fortnight with some of the bumpiest trading that we’ve seen in Stockwatch for a long time. The flood of red ink saw Stagecoach loose just over a quarter of its market capitalisation during the current period, dropping from 171.5p on December 2 to reach 128.3p two week later. This was not the low point however, as the stock managed to slump down to 114.8p on December 8 on the back of Stagecoach chief executive Brian

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Stockwatch Fri, 19 Dec 2008 10:58:00 GMT 14315
Perhaps Hoons BSOG future will spur on a new generation of fuel efficient vehicles https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/14313/perhaps-hoon-s-bsog-future-will-spur-on-a-new-generation-of-fuel-efficient-vehicles The bus industry will no doubt breathe a collective sigh of relief at the news that transport secretary Geoff Hoon will increase the Bus Service Operator’s Grant to cover the recent rise of 2p per litre in fuel duty. However, in the long term it looks like there could be tough times ahead. Hoon has said that there will be no further increases in BSOG until 2010 when radical changes to the £450m subsidy to operators will be introduced. The worrying thing is that in his pre-budget

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Business Comment Fri, 19 Dec 2008 10:55:00 GMT 14313
Swansea we have a problem https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/14308/swansea-we-have-a-problem The Department for Transport introduces a new computer system in an efficiency drive that ends up costing significantly more than the money it managed to save. No this is not a plot from an episode of ‘Yes Minister’ but the comical problems the department has been having with its new shared services IT system based in Swansea. The parliamentary public accounts committee has discovered the project to combine the finance and HR systems has gone somewhat awry, with technical problems

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In Passing Fri, 19 Dec 2008 10:35:00 GMT 14308
Dont cut service https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/14304/don-t-cut-service In these difficult times public transport operators are inevitably under increasing pressure to cut costs. More than 1,000 redundancies have already been announced by Britain’s passenger transport groups, most of which, so far, are at National Express Group. More will follow. It is vital for the future prosperity of the industry that these redundancies and other cost saving measures do not have a negative impact on standards of customer service. In a recession, customer service does not

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Opinion Fri, 19 Dec 2008 10:29:00 GMT 14304
Faster north south Wales rail service launched with 17m WAG subsidy https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/14302/faster-north-south-wales-rail-service-launched-with-1-7m-wag-subsidy Arriva trains Wales is now running a faster train service between north and south Wales, launched by transport minister Ieuan Jones this week. The Welsh Assembly Government has provided £1.7m in subsidy for the service between Holyhead and Cardiff, which has one outward journey leaving Holyhead at 05:32 and a return journey, leaving Cardiff at 16.17. “I am delighted to be able to launch this new service between Holyhead and Cardiff, which will give travellers an attractive alternat

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Rail News Fri, 19 Dec 2008 10:25:00 GMT 14302
Watchdog demands to know cost of removing London bendy buses https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/14291/watchdog-demands-to-know-cost-of-removing-london-bendy-buses London’s watchdog for public transport users has demanded to know the full cost of mayor Boris Johnson’s policy of removing bendy buses from the city’s streets. Transport for London began the process of removing the vehicles earlier this month with the award of new contracts for three former bendy bus routes using conventional vehicles. The contracts now require 119 buses to operate, 44 more than did previously. However, TfL has not revealed how much extra funding this will re

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Bus News Fri, 19 Dec 2008 10:05:00 GMT 14291
Industry rues Manchesters lost opportunity https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/14288/industry-rues-manchester-s-lost-opportunity

Stagecoach and passenger lobby group Bus Users UK have expressed their disappointment at the soundly defeated outcome of the Transport Innovation Fund referendum in Manchester. Both say the result is a missed opportunity to tackle ever increasing levels of congestion in the city. The postal referendum saw just 21% of voters who cast their ballot support plans for peak hour congestion charging that would have also unlocked a £3bn package of transport improvements to the region’s bus

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Bus News Fri, 19 Dec 2008 10:00:00 GMT 14288
Operators react to BSOG plans https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/14287/operators-react-to-bsog-plans Operators have given a mixed reaction to the changes to the Bus Service Operator’s Grant that transport secretary Geoff Hoon announced this week. “Of course I welcome the news that this newest 2p duty is to be covered by a corresponding increase in BSOG although I wish the Department for Transport could have announced it at the same time and not kept the industry in suspense for over two weeks,” said Peter Shipp, chairman of the 400-vehicle EYMS Group. He said that as he inte

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Bus News Fri, 19 Dec 2008 09:59:00 GMT 14287
Hoon announces BSOG rise but warns of further reforms ahead https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/14286/hoon-announces-bsog-rise-but-warns-of-further-reforms-ahead

Transport minister Geoff Hoon has announced that the government plans to increase the Bus Service Operator’s Grant to reflect the 2p duty increase that chancellor Alistair Darling revealed in his pre-budget report. However, Hoon also revealed that there will be no further increases to BSOG until April 2010 when long mooted reforms to the £450m subsidy to operators will take place. From then BSOG rates will be uprated for those operators who have achieved an improvement in fuel effic

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Bus News Lead Story Fri, 19 Dec 2008 09:55:00 GMT 14286
Group seeks new chairman after Ross resigns over share disclosure breach https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/14277/group-seeks-new-chairman-after-ross-resigns-over-share-disclosure-breach

National Express chairman David Ross last week tendered his resignation to the group as the fallout surrounding his business affairs intensified. The Carphone Warehouse founder quit after it was revealed he had failed to disclose that he had mortgaged his shareholdings in a number of companies, including National Express. Ross is also believed to be experiencing financial difficulties after a commercial property business in which he had a substantial stake collapsed. He has already indicated t

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Regular News Fri, 19 Dec 2008 09:39:00 GMT 14277
East Coast growth disappears as downturn hits National Express https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/14275/east-coast-growth-disappears-as-downturn-hits-national-express

National Express East Coast has taken a huge hit from the nation’s economic downturn, with revenue growth falling severely. The effect on NXEC was revealed in National Express Group’s most recent trading statement which said that revenue growth at the east coast franchise had fallen from 11% at the beginning of October to 9.5% at the beginning of December. Railway statisticians calculated that the scale of the drop meant that revenue growth at NXEC during these two months would have

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Lead Story Fri, 19 Dec 2008 09:34:00 GMT 14275
Hoon announces BSOG increase and plans for reform https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/14268/hoon-announces-bsog-increase-and-plans-for-reform

Transport minister Geoff Hoon has announced that the government plans to increase the Bus Service Operator's Grant to reflect the 2p fuel duty increase that chancellor Alistair Darling announced in his pre-budget report. However, Hoon also revealed that there will be no further increases in the BSOG until April 2010 when long mooted reforms to the scheme will take place. From then  BSOG rates will be uprated for those operators who have achieved an improvement in fuel efficiency equivalent

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Bus News Tue, 16 Dec 2008 14:28:00 GMT 14268
Crossrail announces Design Framework Agreements https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/14183/crossrail-announces-design-framework-agreements

Crossrail has announced the names of the 12 companies that have been awarded Design Framework Agreements on the project. Under the agreements, which run until completion of the Crossrail scheme, the selected firms - Aedas Group, Atkins, BDP, Capita Symonds, Halcrow Group, Hyder Consulting, Jacobs Engineering, Mott MacDonald, Ove Arup, Parsons Brinckerhoff, Scott Wilson Railways and WSP -will be allowed to bid for design work, including tunnels and shafts, stations, and railway systems.

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Rail News Wed, 10 Dec 2008 14:34:00 GMT 14183
Green light for 150m Belfast BRT https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/14110/green-light-for-150m-belfast-brt

Northern Ireland transport minister Conor Murphy has given the go-ahead for a £150m Bus Rapid Transit network for Belfast. The next phase will see detailed design work commence. The pilot network will have three routes: one running from Dundonald in the east to the city centre; one serving the development in Titanic Quarter and one from the city centre to the Royal Victoria Hospital and beyond into west Belfast. “This project is our opportunity to create a new dynamic transportati

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Regular News Mon, 8 Dec 2008 09:38:00 GMT 14110
West Coast makes hay as average train loads up 76% https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/14164/west-coast-makes-hay-as-average-train-loads-up-7-6- INTERCITY rail operator West Coast Trains recorded a five-fold increase in profits in the year to March 1 2008, according to its annual accounts. The company operates long distance rail services on the West?Coast Main Line between London?Euston, the West Midlands, North?Wales, North?West?England, Glasgow and Edinburgh. The company expanded in November 2007, taking over the services between Birmingham and Scotland via the West Coast route formerly operated by the Cross Country franchise. The bus

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Business Monitor Fri, 5 Dec 2008 11:09:00 GMT 14164
Travel London maintains growth but margins slip https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/14162/travel-london-maintains-growth-but-margins-slip BUS operator Travel London saw increased cash operating and pre-tax profits but slightly lower margins in the year to December 31 2007, according its annual accounts. The company operates a fleet of around 450 vehicles on contract bus services to Transport for London from depots in Beddington and Walworth. The business was acquired from French transport group Connex in 2004, but it has been turned round and expanded by its new owners. Turnover during the year was 13.4% up at £50.7m, whi

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Business Monitor Fri, 5 Dec 2008 11:07:00 GMT 14162
Optare woes see bus builder shed 10% of value https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/14161/optare-woes-see-bus-builder-shed-10-of-value It was mixed fortnight on the stock market for our portfolio of transport stocks with gains and losses in equal measure, but with perhaps more losses as is sadly becoming normality. Stagecoach suffered a real setback with its stock plummeting almost 9% to close at 160.7p. It’s very likely that City speculation about the group’s six-monthly results could have played a part here and the continuing gloomy news about the state of the British economy could make cause for concern, especia

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Stockwatch Fri, 5 Dec 2008 11:04:00 GMT 14161
Could recession prove to be the catalyst for reform of the railway industrys structure? https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/14159/could-recession-prove-to-be-the-catalyst-for-reform-of-the-railway-industry-s-structure- When the January rail fare increases were announced, the Department for Transport and train operators trotted out their usual lines about how above inflation rises are needed to pay for investment. In some respects it is true, but in others it is way off beam. When Network Rail is quoting £2,500 to change a station socket or double the price of European railways to electrify some stretches of line, it is clear that what passengers are in fact paying for is institutional inefficiency. This

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Business Comment Fri, 5 Dec 2008 11:03:00 GMT 14159
Souter warns of thumping recession but buys up shares https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/14158/souter-warns-of-thumping-recession-but-buys-up-shares Brian Souter this week warned that Britain was facing a “thumping, enormous recession” when Stagecoach announced that it would be making redundancies across its UK rail businesses to take account of a fall in central London employment. But just how bad is it going to get? Nobody knows, not even Stagecoach’s chief executive. Asked how he viewed the expected unemployment rates to develop, he quipped: “If I could answer those questions, I would be running the country, not ru

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Business Comment Lead Story Fri, 5 Dec 2008 11:02:00 GMT 14158
ATW is five years old but theres ten years left to run https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/14155/atw-is-five-years-old-but-there-s-ten-years-left-to-run

In five years of operating the Wales & Borders network, Arriva Trains Wales has arguably achieved more than it gets credit for. The Standard Pattern Timetable of December 2005 brought more efficient use of resources and additional services which stimulated significant growth, especially on the two-hourly services between Holyhead, Wrexham and Cardiff. ATW improved reliability of the struggling Valley Lines Pacers, and other fleets. Revenue protection has improved, with ticket gates install

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Regular Feature Fri, 5 Dec 2008 10:53:00 GMT 14155
The express bus route to urban rejuvenation https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/14153/the-express-bus-route-to-urban-rejuvenation

This year’s BRT-UK conference was held in Belfast. A wise decision, as it turned out, since the event coincided with the news that the Northern Ireland Executive has given the green light for a £150m Bus Rapid Transit corridor in the city. In his keynote speech to delegates, transport minister Conor Murphy said the planned scheme, which will see a cross-city route linking deprived areas of east and west Belfast with the emerging developments of the Titanic quarter, would be a key co

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News Extra Fri, 5 Dec 2008 10:44:00 GMT 14153
Diamond steps in to save threatened Black Country bus services https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/14142/diamond-steps-in-to-save-threatened-black-country-bus-services Rotala subsidiary Diamond Bus has stepped in to save three Black Country bus services that National Express West Midlands has deregistered on a commercial basis. National Express will continue to operate a fourth route after West Midlands PTE Centro stepped in with an offer of subsidy. Diamond Bus commercial manager Austin Birks said that the operator had stepped in with new commercial registrations as it regarded the routes as “an integral part of the Black Country community”. He

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Bus News Fri, 5 Dec 2008 10:31:00 GMT 14142
Welsh railway investment programme is revised https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/14129/welsh-railway-investment-programme-is-revised

Two single-track bottle necks will be doubled under a Rail Forward Programme announced by the Welsh Assembly Government this week. The limitations of the single track between Chester and Wrexham became a political issue this autumn when it emerged that a new express service linking North and South Wales from 15 December would omit Wrexham, North Wales’ largest town, because no suitable paths were identified. WAG has earmarked £27m to restore double track there, and £20m for a

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Rail News Fri, 5 Dec 2008 10:11:00 GMT 14129
Network Rail proposes new rail enhancements for Merseyside https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/14127/network-rail-proposes-new-rail-enhancements-for-merseyside

Network Rail and Merseyrail have renewed calls for funding to improve Liverpool Central station and for a debate on when, not if, it should be redeveloped or a new station built.  Other developments to the Merseyside network, which Network Rail says should be examined, include building a new 13-mile rail line to link the large town of Skelmersdale to Liverpool. With a population of 40,000, it is the second largest town in the north west without a rail station. The proposal precedes a fort

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Rail News Lead Story Fri, 5 Dec 2008 10:07:00 GMT 14127
Bus operators express anger at fuel duty rise and BSOG changes https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/14116/bus-operators-express-anger-at-fuel-duty-rise-and-bsog-changes

Bus operators have reacted with anger to chancellor Alistair Darling’s Pre-Budget Report which revealed increases to fuel duty and plans to reform the way the Bus Service Operator’s Grant is distributed to them. Although the chancellor cut VAT from 17.5% to 15%, this has been offset by an increase in fuel duty from this week by 2p a litre.  Darling also announced further increases with a 1.84p per litre rise next April and a further 0.5p increase in April 2010. Operators have

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Bus News Lead Story Fri, 5 Dec 2008 09:52:00 GMT 14116
Hoon hastens delivery of 200 rail carriages https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/14112/hoon-hastens-delivery-of-200-rail-carriages Transport Secretary Geoff Hoon has announced that 200 of the 1,300 new rail carriages promised by the government before 2015 will be provided earlier than planned. The vehicles will be deployed at Northern Rail, First Great Western and TransPennine Express. A spokesman said the carriages would enter service in two to three years, although the DfT was unable to quantify how much this advanced their delivery by or how many vehicles each company could receive. However, the announcement did appear

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Regular News Fri, 5 Dec 2008 09:42:00 GMT 14112
Job losses mount as Stagecoach prepares for enormous recession https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/14108/job-losses-mount-as-stagecoach-prepares-for--enormous-recession-

The recession is beginning to make itself felt in the rail industry after Stagecoach followed National  Express in announcing that it would be making redundancies. Announcing its interim results this week, the Perth-based group revealed that it will cut jobs to ensure that its rail business remains competitive in deteriorating economic conditions. Stagecoach, which owns South West Trains and East Midlands Trains, and has a 49% stake in Virgin West Coast, has not said which jobs it will cu

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Lead Story Fri, 5 Dec 2008 09:32:00 GMT 14108
Credit crunch will see train leasing costs rise by up to 40% says ROSCO https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/13914/credit-crunch-will-see-train-leasing-costs-rise-by-up-to-40--says-rosco

Leasing prices negotiated for new rolling stock orders will be 30-50% higher in today’s market than last year’s, one of Europe’s leading train financiers has warned. Haydn Abbott, chief executive of Angel Trains International, said part of the increase was accounted for by the sale of the rolling stock leasing companies from banks to consortiums of equity investors. He said the new ownership structures created a “totally different situation” and calculated that the

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Rail News Lead Story Fri, 21 Nov 2008 13:13:00 GMT 13914
Virgin reaps 8x profit jump from slimmed operations https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/13970/virgin-reaps-8x-profit-jump-from-slimmed-operations TRAIN operator Virgin?Rail Group recorded and eightfold increase in profits in the year to March 1 2008, according to its annual accounts. The company operates services via its West?Coast Trains subsidiairy on the West?Coast Main Line between London?Euston the West Midlands, North?Wales, North?West?England, Glasgow and Edinburgh. Total turnover for the year was £1,163.9m, 4.6% ahead of the previous year despite being without Cross Country for four months. Operating costs were £1,09

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Business Monitor Fri, 21 Nov 2008 11:46:00 GMT 13970
National Express stock plunges 10% into the red https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/13967/national-express-stock-plunges-10-into-the-red It was another fortnight of woe unfortunately for our portfolio of transport stocks, with National Express most exposed with a 10% slide in its stock price. But with all of the Big Five now trading at roughly half their 52-week highs, it would be easy to suggest there could now be one or two bargains for the plucky long term investor. As mentioned, National Express well and truely slid into the red with 10% wiped off the value of its stock over the period, closing at 527.5p. This came despite

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Stockwatch Fri, 21 Nov 2008 11:39:00 GMT 13967
Bus manufacturers and operators debate design https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/13960/bus-manufacturers-and-operators-debate-design The recent Euro Bus Expo show in Birmingham gave manufacturers the chance to show off some of their latest kit and it was also the setting for the second meeting of the Young Bus Managers Network. The meeting aimed to debate the issue of good bus design and the conflicting agenda of aspiration against the reality of day-to-day bus operation. This was a theme that was taken up by Stagecoach chief executive Brian Souter at the first meeting of the network during the summer. He criticised many of

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Regular Feature Fri, 21 Nov 2008 11:05:00 GMT 13960
Boris launches London bus network review in quest for value https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/13938/boris-launches-london-bus-network-review-in-quest-for-value London mayor Boris Johnson has ordered a review of the capital’s bus network with a view to cutting costs. The move could result in changes being made to the way in which services are procured by Transport for London. “Why is it that so many buses seem half empty?” Johnson asks in his Way to Go! report that was published earlier this month. “Passengers may like it, but it is expensive in subsidy.” TfL says that an independent review will examine the planning and c

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Bus News Fri, 21 Nov 2008 10:26:00 GMT 13938
ATCO warns of increasing cost of bus service procurement https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/13935/atco-warns-of-increasing-cost-of-bus-service-procurement A new survey by the Association of Transport Co-ordinating Officers has discovered that the increasing cost of local authority supported bus services is leading to cuts around the country. This year’s survey, which ATCO carries out annually, shows that in the last year, the average cost of re-tendered local bus contracts was 7.4% higher than the contracts they replaced. This is the eleventh successive year in which the increase has been significantly above inflation. ATCO says that with

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Bus News Fri, 21 Nov 2008 10:22:00 GMT 13935
FGWs rolling stock proposal could see a new fleet for West of England https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/13916/fgw-s-rolling-stock-proposal-could-see-a-new-fleet-for-west-of-england First Great Western has submitted a proposal for new rolling stock to the Department for Transport which could provide it with a fleet of new trains for its West of England services. Contrary to the indicative allocation in the DfT’s rolling stock plan, FGW has proposed that a new fleet should be ordered for the Cardiff-Bristol-Portsmouth service. The rolling stock plan  suggested that Class 150 trains could be cascaded from London Midland. “The proposal for the West services

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Rail News Fri, 21 Nov 2008 09:48:00 GMT 13916
Hoon says projects will not be halted https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/13756/hoon-says-projects-will-not-be-halted

Transport secretary Geoff Hoon has claimed that the country’s deepening economic crisis will not affect investment in transport infrastructure. Appearing before the Commons transport select committee last week, Hoon was asked by the committee’s chairman, Louise Ellman, whether he expected the current economic climate to affect delivery of the big capital projects. “We have not got to that stage yet,” he replied. “I see no reason why it should. As the prime ministe

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Regular News Mon, 10 Nov 2008 09:41:00 GMT 13756
Smaller schemes and vintage stock can cut costs of light rail https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/13738/smaller-schemes-and-vintage-stock-can-cut-costs-of-light-rail

Light rail costs can be brought down by scaling down schemes and making them more modest, according to Mott MacDonald Edinburgh’s technical director of light rail and trams, Scott McIntosh. Speaking at the All Party Parliamentary Light Rail Group this week, McIntosh said that the major cost drivers of light rail are the length of time the whole approvals process takes, utility relocation costs, track construction costs, and the tendency of public private partnerships to increase costs by

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Rail News Sat, 8 Nov 2008 16:05:00 GMT 13738
Stocks continue downward trend but Rotala is ahead https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/13783/stocks-continue-downward-trend-but-rotala-is-ahead The continuing global economic fallout continues with our portfolio of UK transport stocks seeing a further slide into the red with only Arriva and AIM-listed Rotala seeing any sort of positive progress. Arriva was up just over 1% to close at 608p, hardly an earth-shattering performance but remarkable given the circumstances. It is likely that the group’s much smaller exposure in the UK rail market has been a contributing factor as the City retains its concerns about the impact that reces

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Stockwatch Fri, 7 Nov 2008 10:52:00 GMT 13783
If Network Rail really aspires to be world class it will accept cost reduction targets https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/13782/if-network-rail-really-aspires-to-be-world-class-it-will-accept-cost-reduction-targets In justifying their demand for Network Rail to make huge cost savings - 21% over the next five years - staff at the Office of Rail Regulation were careful to emphasise that they do not want to castigate the company. Yet the fact remains that six years after its formation, Network Rail’s work is a third more expensive than that of its European counterparts. Perhaps this is understandable given what went before, but less comprehensible is the company’s apparent rejection of European p

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Business Comment Fri, 7 Nov 2008 10:50:00 GMT 13782
Innovative thinking needed to restart LRT https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/13779/innovative-thinking-needed-to-restart-lrt It is disappointing to see the lack of official enthusiasm for light rail transit when government claims it is seeking to reduce pollution and support the renaissance of urban centres. As more and more people return to the city, the need for new urban transportation solutions grows ever more important. Good public transport is one of the keys to creating quality public places - and tramways are an excellent form of public transport. However, the relentless escalation of design features, infras

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Other Columnist Fri, 7 Nov 2008 10:42:00 GMT 13779
Innovative bus services face cuts as Welsh Assembly axes funding https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/13762/innovative-bus-services-face-cuts-as-welsh-assembly-axes-funding

Innovative Welsh bus schemes, including the Snowdon Sherpa, face uncertainty because the Welsh Assembly Government will stop funding them in March next year. Council officers say they were previously led to believe the Section 156 funding would continue beyond March. Swansea’s newest park-and-ride scheme will also lose its funding prematurely. Cardiff Bus’ flagship Baycar service is also affected. Gwynedd council, lead authority for Snowdonia National Park’s Sherpa network,

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Bus News Fri, 7 Nov 2008 10:04:00 GMT 13762
Regulator sticks with generous Network Rail cost reduction goal https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/13754/regulator-sticks-with--generous-network-rail-cost-reduction-goal

The Office of Rail Regulation has refused to back down on the cost reduction targets set for Network Rail over the next five years, describing them as “conservative” and “generous”. In its final judgement on Network Rail’s funding for 2009-14, ORR confirmed that the company would have to make a 21% improvement in efficiency, and presented a vast suite of evidence to counter its claim that the target is unachievable. “What we are saying is that Network Rail r

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Lead Story Fri, 7 Nov 2008 09:30:00 GMT 13754
Plans invited for Reading remodelling https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/13753/plans-invited-for-reading-remodelling Network Rail has invited 70 engineering firms to put forward plans to deliver the £425m Reading remodelling scheme. Network Rail will award 25 individual work packages with values ranging between £1m and £80m. The first set of work packages will be awarded by summer 2009 for preliminary work to start by end of next year. The larger contracts for the main programme of work, which include the construction of the elevated railway and track renewals, will be awarded from the end of

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In brief Thu, 6 Nov 2008 17:12:00 GMT 13753
Lockhead shrugs off threat posed by recession https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/13750/lockhead-shrugs-off-threat-posed-by-recession

First Group chief executive Sir Moir Lockhead has played down the threat posed to his company by the current economic climate. Speaking this week as the FTSE 100 bus and rail group published healthy half-year results, Lockhead said that First was equipped to cope with a downturn. He said the most vulnerable part of the business was the group’s First Capital Connect London commuter operation, where year-on-year revenue growth has slipped back from 10% to 8%. “Early indications are th

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Rail News Thu, 6 Nov 2008 17:07:00 GMT 13750
Worsening economic conditions yet to impact on passenger transport groups https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/13749/worsening-economic-conditions-yet-to-impact-on-passenger-transport-groups Trading statements from the ‘Big Five’ passenger transport groups have shown that the UK’s worsening economic situation has yet to have a significant impact on their operations. The updates from the groups coincide with the July-September quarter when economic output in the UK dropped by 0.5% - the first fall for 16 years. Yet there were few signs of business falling off significantly in the rail sector, traditionally badly hit by economic downturns, where revenue growth remai

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Rail News Thu, 6 Nov 2008 17:05:00 GMT 13749
Private sector investment must be found to relieve 5bn shortfall https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/13748/private-sector-investment-must-be-found-to-relieve-5bn-shortfall

The Government must find a proper mechanism for the private sector to invest in Britain’s rail infrastructure, according to a new report on the rail industry’s finances. This year’s annual Rail Industry Monitor report from transport consultancy TAS highlights a £4.9bn shortfall in rail investment compared with John Prescott’s 10-Year Plan. The report’s editor, Chris Cheek, said: “When the 10-year plan was announced in 2001, we were told that investment

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Rail News Thu, 6 Nov 2008 17:03:00 GMT 13748
BAA formally agrees to contribute 230m to CrossRail project https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/13741/baa-formally-agrees-to-contribute-230m-to-crossrail-project Airports operator BAA has formally agreed to make the £230m contribution it had promised to the CrossRail project, transport minister Andrew Adonis has announced. In return, CrossRail will guarantee a fast, limited stop, train service four times an hour for the majority of the day. This will provide direct services from Heathrow airport through central London, the City and Canary Wharf and out to Shenfield and Abbey Wood, following the scheduled completion of the project in 2017. BAA&rs

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Rail News Thu, 6 Nov 2008 16:48:00 GMT 13741
GNER bows out of UK rail with 33% profit reduction https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/13728/gner-bows-out-of-uk-rail-with-33-profit-reduction GREAT North Eastern Railway, the train operator which bowed out of the InterCity?East?Coast rail franchise last December after a decade, recorded sharply reduced profits in its last year of trading. The company operated the route from London?King’s Cross to Leeds, Newcastle and Edinburgh and was widely admired for its branding and high standards of customer service. During the year in question, the franchise was operated on a fee basis for the Department for Transport, with incentive pay

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Business Monitor Thu, 6 Nov 2008 15:40:00 GMT 13728
Blackpool profits dip as resort visitor numbers drop https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/13726/blackpool-profits-dip-as-resort-visitor-numbers- Bus and tram operator Blackpool Transport Services suffered an 18.2% drop in operating profits in the 52 weeks ended March 30 2008, according to the company’s annual accounts. The company operates a fleet of 184 vehicles on a network of local bus services throughout the Fylde Coast under the Metro Coastlines brand, together with the historic tram fleet on the promenade route from Starr?Gate to Fleetwood. Turnover during the year was 2.1% up at £23.5m, whilst operating costs rose by

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Business Monitor Thu, 6 Nov 2008 15:36:00 GMT 13726
Strong growth in revenues and cash profits for Go Ahead but margins stick around 6% https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/13476/strong-growth-in-revenues-and-cash-profits-for-go-ahead-but-margins-stick-around-6- TRANSPORT operator Go Ahead Group made strong progress during its most recent financial year, according to its annual accounts, recording a 20% increase in operating profits in the 52 weeks to June 28 2008. However, operating margins remained virtually unchanged at around 6%.  The group operates a fleet of some 3,100 buses and coaches through subsidiaries in London, Oxford, along the south coast from Poole to Eastbourne, on the Isle of Wight and in its original home territory of North Eas

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Business Monitor Fri, 24 Oct 2008 14:45:00 GMT 13476
Nottingham profits steady despite 4% patronage rise https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/13474/nottingham-profits-steady-despite-4-patronage-rise BUS operator Nottingham City Transport saw an increase in profits and improved margins in the year to March 31 2008, according to the company’s accounts. The business, which is jointly owned by the city council and the French transport group Transdev, operates a fleet of some 330 vehicles on local bus services in around its home city, along with a 50% stake in Nottingham Tram, the company which holds the operating contract for the Nottingham Express Transit light rail system. The company

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Business Monitor Fri, 24 Oct 2008 14:42:00 GMT 13474
World stock market tumble hits transport stocks https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/13473/world-stock-market-tumble-hits-transport-stocks Well it looked like things could not possibly get worse on the stock market, but the last fortnight has proven that things certainly can. Despite US billionaire Warren Buffett urging investors that now is the time to buy equities, the market certainly wasn’t taken in by the advice and our portfolio of transport stocks certainly saw a rocky ride over the last two weeks. National Express was down, not marginally, but disastrously, slumping almost 19% to close at 644.5p. That 52-week high o

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Stockwatch Fri, 24 Oct 2008 14:39:00 GMT 13473
Darlings Keynesian approach could promise good news for Britains transport network https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/13472/darling-s-keynesian-approach-could-promise-good-news-for-britain-s-transport-network Just when we thought the Keynesian approach to economics had become deeply unfashionable, chancellor Alistair Darling has announced that the government is poised to unleash an unprecedented amount of cash for infrastructure projects.  We are, in Darling’s words, going to spend our way out of the global recession that now seems inevitable. If phase one of Darling’s recession-busting plan was to shore up the country’s beleaguered banking industry with a flurry of state inte

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Business Comment Fri, 24 Oct 2008 14:38:00 GMT 13472
No appetite for Irelands railways but do operators want bite of open access cherry? https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/13471/no-appetite-for-ireland-s-railways-but-do-operators-want-bite-of-open-access-cherry- Privatisation has been on and off the cards in the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland over the last few years. However, there is currently no real appetite for privatisation of bus or rail operations south of the border. Ireland has a derogation from European Union policies aimed mainly at opening continental railways to on-rail competition. However, that will begin to change in 2010, when international open-access passenger operations are permitted across the EU. Ireland has one internat

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Business Comment Fri, 24 Oct 2008 14:37:00 GMT 13471
Sell shares in Network Rail https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/13463/-sell-shares-in-network-rail- A future Conservative government should consider using the growing strength of Network Rail’s balance sheet to issue shares in the company, Mike Jones, a director of consultancy First Class Partnerships has recommended. Jones, a long-standing Tory Party activist, said that Network Rail had been clever in building up its financial strength to the extent that it now listed £6.5bn of net assets on its balance sheet, up from £0.5bn five years ago. “My reading is that the c

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News Extra Fri, 24 Oct 2008 12:14:00 GMT 13463
Street ticketing trial launched in Manchester https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/13441/street-ticketing-trial-launched-in-manchester

Stagecoach and GMPTE have teamed up to in Manchester to introduce on-street solar-powered ticket machines, produced by Parkeon, as part of a 12-month trial. Around £80,000 is being invested in the project, which will make it even easier for customers to buy tickets in advance, speeding up boarding and helping services run on time. Commenting on the trial, Mark Threapleton, Stagecoach Manchester’s managing director, said: “We have chosen some of the busiest bus stops in Manche

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Bus News Fri, 24 Oct 2008 11:10:00 GMT 13441
Manchester favours the bus https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/13440/manchester-favours-the-bus A survey of Greater Manchester residents by bus operator Stagecoach Manchester has revealed that 8% of people in Manchester have switched from car to public transport in the past three years. In addition 34% of car users from the 2,000 people contacted as part of the poll told researchers that they would find it easy to switch to public transport. The findings come only two months before Manchester votes on the £3bn Transport Innovation Fund (TIF) package that would deliver an extended M

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Bus News Fri, 24 Oct 2008 11:09:00 GMT 13440
Birmingham plans 500m funding boost https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/13428/birmingham-plans-500m-funding-boost Local authorities in the West Midlands have commissioned a new study that could lead to a £500m boost in transport funding. The councils, led by Birmingham City Council, want approval to set up a North American-style Accelerated Development Zone in the region. The move would allow business rate income from new enterprises in the ADZ to go to local authority coffers instead of to the Treasury. Councils would then be able to borrow against a guaranteed income stream for 25 years which coul

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Bus News Fri, 24 Oct 2008 10:44:00 GMT 13428
Stringer brands Manchesters TIF referendum question as biased https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/13425/stringer-brands-manchester-s-tif-referendum-question-as--biased-

The announcement of the question that voters will be asked in the forthcoming referendum into Greater Manchester’s Transport Innovation Fund proposals has ignited criticism from opponents to the congestion charging element of the plans. The government announced the award of £3bn of TIF funding for public transport improvements earlier this year. This will see Manchester’s Metrolink light rail system significantly expanded and improvements to bus and rail services. However, mor

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Bus News Lead Story Fri, 24 Oct 2008 10:35:00 GMT 13425
Threat to Irish investment https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/13414/threat-to-irish-investment

The Republic of Ireland’s ambitious transport investment programme is being blown off course by the country’s economic difficulties. Last week’s Irish budget, brought forward by two months in emergency, allocated €917,000 to public transport investments in 2009, 7% less than in 2008. This will enable completion of current rail projects, which include two extensions to Dublin’s Luas light-rail system. The budget authorised an additional Luas extension, which is mostl

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Regular News Fri, 24 Oct 2008 10:00:00 GMT 13414
TOCs bid to win back control from Whitehall https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/13187/tocs-bid-to-win-back-control-from-whitehall ATOC and Network Rail have started preliminary discussions with the Department for Transport on loosening civil servants’ control over the rail industry and giving train operators greater freedom to take commercial risks. Speaking at the Railway Forum annual conference, ATOC chairman, Mike Alexander, said that it would be impossible for the industry to cater for anticipated levels of patronage growth and provide the standard of customer service passengers now demand under the current syst

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Rail News Fri, 10 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT 13187
Tube Lines is in sound financial health We are not Metronet https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/13233/tube-lines-is-in-sound-financial-health-we-are-not-metronet I refer to your article (Transit September 12) headlined ‘Tube Lines following same fate as Metronet as £2bn shortfall revealed’. I can confirm that Tube Lines is in sound financial health and has no intention of following the fate of Metronet. Our strong financial performance, record of delivering improvements on our lines, and the PPP Arbiter’s initial assessment of our base cost estimates going forward show that we are providing value for money while operating a succes

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Letters to the Editor Fri, 10 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT 13233
Can the railway strengthen the pace of reform and improvement? https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/13240/can-the-railway-strengthen-the-pace-of-reform-and-improvement-

“Laws and institutions must go hand in hand with the progress of the human mind ... We might as well require a man to wear the coat that fitted him as a boy, as civilized society to remain ever under the regime of their ancestors.” So said Thomas Jefferson, the principal author of the American Declaration of Independence in 1776. They are inscribed on the interior of the rotunda of the Jefferson Memorial in Washington DC, and should be remembered by transport professionals who face a

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Regular Feature Fri, 10 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT 13240
Strong revenue growth sets NXWM on road to recovery https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/13248/strong-revenue-growth-sets-nxwm-on-road-to-recovery BRITAIN’S largest single bus operating company, West?Midlands Travel, recorded improved operating and pre-tax profits in the year to December 31 2007, according to its annual accounts. The 1700-vehicle company operates an intensive network of local bus services throughout the West?Midlands, and extending into Warwickshire, Worcestershire and Staffordshire. The business began life as the bus operating subsidiary of West?Midlands PTE, and was privatised in 1991. It has been owned by?Nationa

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Business Monitor Fri, 10 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT 13248
Tide of red ink hits transport stocks https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/13247/tide-of-red-ink-hits-transport-stocks As the banking crisis and ‘Credit Crunch’ continues it was inevitable that this edition of Stockwatch would make gloomy reading. And the stock market slide of the last fortnight, led by the rollercoaster-like performance of the major high street banks, saw our portfolio of shares slide deeply into the red. Stagecoach suffered the most, sliding down a whopping 16% to close at 238p. This is perhaps an inevitable consequence of the City’s concern at the ambitious rail franchise d

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Stockwatch Fri, 10 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT 13247
Stations are one of the best places to save energy and cut costs https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/13221/stations-are-one-of-the-best-places-to-save-energy--and-cut-costs Stations and depots, serving both buses and rail, are turning out to be one of the most fruitful places for initiatives to save energy, and reduce costs, according to George Muir, the former director general of the Association of Train Operating Companies. In recent Environmental Statements, Go-Ahead has declared a 17% reduction in site energy use over a single year to November 2007, possibly aided by a mild winter, while National Express has delivered an underlying decrease of 13% in site elec

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Other Columnist Fri, 10 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT 13221
Optare Group announces interim loss of 25m https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/13195/optare-group-announces-interim-loss-of-2-5m AIM-listed bus manufacturer Optare has disclosed interim results that reveal the business made a pre-tax loss of over £2.5m in the six months to June 30. The business has its roots in the former East Lancs concern that was acquired by North East-based entrepreneur Roy Stanley last year. He went on to acquire Leeds-based Optare earlier this year from its management team before its subsequent integration with the Darwen business. Stanley has been the subject of much controversy in recent m

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Bus News Fri, 10 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT 13195
Theres a storm coming and opportunities await Are your people ready for it? https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/13245/there-s-a-storm-coming-and-opportunities-await-are-your-people-ready-for-it- AMID all the doom and gloom about the economy it can be difficult to stay positive, but that’s just what Sir Tom Farmer urged the industry to do last week. Farmer had been invited to speak at the annual conference of the Scottish bus industry, but his message could have been for any passenger transport business, indeed any business whatsoever. The Kwik-Fit founder claims to be a natural optimist. He has seen recessions come and go before, and while he forecast tough times ahead he continu

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Business Comment Fri, 10 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT 13245
Cost rises drive c2c losses up despite patronage growth https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/13250/cost-rises-drive-c2c-losses-up-despite-patronage-growth TRAIN operator c2c Rail recorded increased operating and pre-tax losses in the year ended December 31 2007, according to its annual accounts.  The company operates suburban and inter-urban services eastwards from London?Fenchurch?Street serving Grays, Thurrock, Basildon and Southend. The franchise was awarded to Prism?Rail in May 1996 on a 15-year contract. Prism was subsequently acquired by National?Express Group in the autumn of 2000. Turnover was 10.1% up at £117.4m, whilst oper

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Business Monitor Fri, 10 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT 13250
Conservatives and rail policy what to expect? https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/12954/conservatives-and-rail-policy-what-to-expect- With the present government’s power seeming to ebb away in the face of a harsh economic climate and a resurgent Cameron-led, Conservative Party, it is time to turn our attention again to the policy work being carried out by the shadow ministerial teams. We have all been aware of a detailed rail policy examination by the Conservatives for some time. It is somewhat surprising that a formal policy statement has not yet emerged although it is wise for opposition parties not to create &ldquo

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Other Columnist Fri, 26 Sep 2008 00:00:00 GMT 12954
15m for new strategic research programme https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/12923/-15m-for-new-strategic-research-programme The Department for Transport has allocated an additional £15m for a new strategic research programme to be managed by the Rail Safety and Standards Board. The new research will be designed to help the industry achieve the long term goals set out in last year’s Rail Technical Strategy. It will include examining how to double capacity and reduce the industry’s carbon footprint. Research projects are due to start in spring 2009, and the programme itself will run for five an

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Rail News Fri, 26 Sep 2008 00:00:00 GMT 12923
Blunkett report calls for 150m roll out of yellow school buses https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/12886/blunkett-report-calls-for-150m-roll-out-of-yellow-school-buses

Dedicated school buses should be introduced across Britain to all primary and many secondary schools says the Yellow School Bus Commission, chaired by former education secretary David Blunkett.  The commission, which is sponsored by First Group, published its report earlier this month following the conclusion of its year-long review of school transport in the UK. It report claims that a national roll out of yellow school buses would cut local traffic congestion, benefit the environme

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Lead Story Fri, 26 Sep 2008 00:00:00 GMT 12886
Are rising oil prices hastening carbon free rail? https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/12955/are-rising-oil-prices-hastening-carbon-free-rail-

Whatever else it has done, the high oil price has certainly shone a spotlight on the advantages of public transport. Car travel flat, bus and rail up. The oil price is falling now, but don’t relax; the price of electricity has just hit a new peak. But do these high prices at least have the advantage of discouraging the use of carbon based fuels and are they hastening the time when the railway, like Eurostar, can offer passengers carbon neutral travel? The Office of Rail Regulation,

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Other Columnist Fri, 26 Sep 2008 00:00:00 GMT 12955
ATOC proposes initial routes for electrification https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/12899/atoc-proposes-initial-routes-for-electrification The Association of Train Operating Companies has named two routes which it believes should be electrified as the forerunners to a national electrification programme. They are the Manchester-Liverpool via Chat Moss route and Liverpool-Wigan. ATOC policy and regulation director Alec McTavish estimated that £100-150m could be made available from unallocated funding in the DfT 2009/14 rail budget. The case for reserving the money for electrification projects is based on the need to ensur

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Rail News Fri, 26 Sep 2008 00:00:00 GMT 12899
World financial crisis hits transport stocks https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/12961/world-financial-crisis-hits-transport-stocks As the global financial turmoil continues ever deeper, it was perhaps inevitable that the last fortnight would not have been an easy time for our portfolio of transport stocks. Indeed all of our stocks slumped into the red, with Go Ahead and National Express having a particularly tough time. Newcastle-based Go Ahead was down almost 12% to close at 1,724p, just ahead of National Express which closed down just over 11% at 885p. There was also red ink at Arriva and First who closed at around 5

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Stockwatch Fri, 26 Sep 2008 00:00:00 GMT 12961
Network Rail holds power to improve services at Rotherham https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/12945/network-rail-holds-power-to-improve-services-at-rotherham I enjoyed Nelson’s column, which recognises that Barnsley and Rotherham deserve and indeed, need, better rail services to support economic growth and social needs. Building on the work of South and West Yorkshire PTEs who introduced a Sheffield - Leeds “Fast” Train service in 2004, providing Barnsley and Wakefield with fast connections to the two major cities, from this December the Department for Transport are funding a second “Fast” service on the same route.

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Letters to the Editor Fri, 26 Sep 2008 00:00:00 GMT 12945
40m BRT scheme in Sheffield and Rotherham to be proposed https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/12913/-40m-brt-scheme-in-sheffield-and-rotherham-to-be-proposed South Yorkshire PTE has developed outline proposals for a new Bus Rapid Transit scheme between Rotherham and Sheffield, in partnership with Rotherham and Sheffield  borough and city councils. The proposal follows the government’s rejection of SYPTE’s plans to extend the Sheffield network to Rotherham on the grounds of cost and a perceived failure to deliver value for money, in 2006. SYPTE was asked to look at bus based alternatives instead. The new proposed BRT scheme, whi

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Bus News Fri, 26 Sep 2008 00:00:00 GMT 12913
Transport Scotland may face problems financing its five-year rail programme https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/12897/transport-scotland-may-face-problems-financing-its-five-year-rail-programme

Transport Scotland has indicated that it is facing problems financing its five-year rail programme published last summer. Chief executive Malcolm Reed has told the Office of Rail Regulation that the funding situation north of the border has changed since the Scottish government set out its £3.6bn HLOS rail plan for 2009-2014. And he has told the regulator to alter its draft determination of Network Rail’s financial settlement for the period to take account of Transport Scotland&rs

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Rail News Lead Story Fri, 26 Sep 2008 00:00:00 GMT 12897
Kelly announces 25m of new funds to Kickstart bus services https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/12934/kelly-announces-25m-of-new-funds-to-kickstart-bus-services

Transport secretary Ruth Kelly used her speech to the Labour party conference in Manchester this week to announce £25m of Kickstart funding for bus services in England. After revealing that she will step down as transport secretary at the next reshuffle, Kelly said: “I am proud that from this autumn, councils will have new powers to plan bus routes, fares and frequencies across their borough - powers opposed by the Tories every step of the way in parliament,” she said. &ldqu

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Regular News Fri, 26 Sep 2008 00:00:00 GMT 12934
Government accused of levying a stealth railway tax on franchises https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/12927/government-accused-of-levying-a-stealth-railway-tax--on-franchises

The government is imposing a “stealth railway tax” on poor performing rail lines, according to Liberal Democrat shadow transport secretary Norman Baker. Speaking at a fringe meeting at last week’s Lib Dem conference in Bournemouth last week, said the government considers money spent on roads as investment while money spent on railways in particular is regarded as subsidy. “In the last 12 months if you look at the figures from the Department for Transport the amount

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Regular News Fri, 26 Sep 2008 00:00:00 GMT 12927
Rotala records maiden profit of 579000 https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/12731/rotala-records--maiden-profit--of-579-000

AIM-listed bus and coach group Rotala has announced it has now turned the corner financially and is on-track to realise its vision building a substantial bus business in the West Midlands. The group currently operates over 400 vehicles from depots at Gatwick and Heathrow Airports in the South East, Bristol and throughout the West Midlands on a broad mix of work. During the first half of this year, turnover grew 65% and gross profits were nearly three times higher than during the same perio

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Regular News Fri, 12 Sep 2008 00:00:00 GMT 12731
Winterton gives approval for Luton to Dunstable guided busway plan https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/12736/winterton-gives-approval-for-luton-to-dunstable-guided-busway-plan Transport Minister Rosie Winterton has given conditional approval for the controversial Luton to Dunstable guided busway in a move that will allow Luton Borough Council to issue tenders for construction of the scheme. When completed, the guided section of the route will be 5.1 miles, with extensions bringing the total distance to 7.2 miles. The extensions will be via bus lanes and on-street running at each end to Houghton Regis in the west and to Luton Airport Parkway railway station and on t

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Bus News Fri, 12 Sep 2008 00:00:00 GMT 12736
Metrolink upgrades tracks in city centre https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/12728/metrolink-upgrades-tracks-in-city-centre Greater Manchester PTE will begin  a major project to replace worn-out track on its Metrolink system in Manchester city centre later this month. GMPTE will close its Piccadilly and Piccadilly Gardens stops for eight weeks from  September 27. The city centre track is the busiest on the network with trams travelling over some sections over 250 times every day, which will increase to up to 400 times a day when the new Metrolink lines open. Metrolink director, William Purdy said: “Th

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In brief Fri, 12 Sep 2008 00:00:00 GMT 12728
First and Stagecoach make a return to form https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/12771/first-and-stagecoach-make-a-return-to-form Well it was another mixed fortnight on the markets for our portfolio of transport stocks with First Group and Stagecoach well ahead. The Perth-based group closed up just shy of 6% at 318p, no doubt helped along by the news that the group is continuing to have great success at its UK bus business, with passengers flocking back to the bus. Indeed, if the success that the group’s Goldline concept is anything to go by, it would seem that Stagecoach is pressing all the right marketing button

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Stockwatch Fri, 12 Sep 2008 00:00:00 GMT 12771
Planning to replace Pacers with newer trains needs to start now says watchdog https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/12720/planning-to-replace-pacers-with-newer-trains-needs-to-start-now--says-watchdog Passenger Focus has said that planning to replace Pacers and other diesel trains built by British Rail in the 1980s should start now. In its response to Network Rail’s draft Wales Route Utilisation Strategy, the watchdog said: “Journeys in pacer type trains are more to be endured than enjoyed. Their seating capacity is limited and access is hampered by the steps inside their doorways. Class 150 trains also offer basic accommodation, far from that of the average family motor car. C

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Rail News Fri, 12 Sep 2008 00:00:00 GMT 12720
Network Rail releases its plans for boosting Reading station capacity https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/12714/network-rail-releases-its-plans-for-boosting-reading-station-capacity Network Rail has unveiled plans for its £400m-plus scheme to increase capacity at Reading station. The notorious bottleneck at the station will be tackled with an elevated railway west of Reading station to untangle the paths used by freight and passenger trains and to allow more trains to run to and from London. Five new platforms will be built, four of them for long distance services and local services. A further new southern platform and platform lengthening will provide addition

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Rail News Fri, 12 Sep 2008 00:00:00 GMT 12714
Chiltern plans competition for West Coast and Great Western https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/12712/chiltern-plans-competition-for-west-coast-and-great-western

Chiltern railways is working up plans which would enable it to contest the London-Birmingham market more effectively and compete against Great Western for Oxford-London passengers. If delivered, the upgrade project known as Evergreen III would deliver a further increase to Chiltern’s franchise term. The new Oxford-London Marylebone route involves dual tracking and resignalling the Oxford-Bicester Town line and constructing a new quarter-mile chord linking it to the Chiltern Line. T

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Rail News Lead Story Fri, 12 Sep 2008 00:00:00 GMT 12712
Raft of improvements for Cambridge station https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/12719/raft-of-improvements-for-cambridge-station National Express East Anglia has unveiled a package of improvements  at Cambridge station, including a new travel centre at the front of the station for customers making advance purchase ticket bookings and general enquiries. The centre has been opened in conjunction with fellow train operator at Cambridge, First Capital Connect.  The waiting room has been revamped in partnership with AMT Coffee, and the customer toilets have also been refurbished.

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In brief Fri, 12 Sep 2008 00:00:00 GMT 12719
Chiltern losses mount ahead of Tescos 18m payment https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/12774/chiltern-losses-mount-ahead-of-tesco-s-18m-payment TRAIN operator Chiltern recorded increased operating and pre-tax losses in the 52 weeks ended January 5 2008, but recorded a net profit after receiving £18m in compensation from supermarket giant Tesco for the collapse of the tunnel at Gerrards Cross in 2005.  The company operates suburban and inter-urban services north from London Marylebone, serving High Wycombe, Aylesbury, Banbury, Warwick and Birmingham. The franchise has changed hands twice, as parent group John Laing wa

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Business Monitor Fri, 12 Sep 2008 00:00:00 GMT 12774
Network Rail works on East Midlands line https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/12726/network-rail-works-on-east-midlands-line £11m improvement works at Bradway tunnel between Sheffield and Chesterfield have begun and are expected to last until mid December. Passengers on nearly all East Midlands Trains’ London to Sheffield services have been told to expect a delay of at least nine minutes. Buses are being used to replace some rail services. Kevin Preece, area general manager for Network Rail, said: “This common sense solution will bring benefits for passengers. It will take us 13 weeks to do all th

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In brief Fri, 12 Sep 2008 00:00:00 GMT 12726
Go Ahead bus losses revealed https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/12730/go-ahead-bus-losses-revealed Go Ahead's annual results reveal the extent of its losses at its West Midlands bus business that was sold to AIM-listed Rotala earlier this year. In the eight months of the 2008 financial year when Go Ahead owned the business, Go West Midlands recorded turnover of £7.2m and a loss of £3.9m. This contrasts with the businesses results in the full 2007 year when revenue peaked at £15.7m with a loss of £4.1m. The Newcastle-based group offloaded the 134-vehicle strong bu

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Regular News Fri, 12 Sep 2008 00:00:00 GMT 12730
Network Rail has funding gap despite grudging concessions https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/12713/network-rail-has-funding-gap-despite-grudging-concessions Network Rail has moved closer to the Office of Rail Regulation’s appraisal of what it should spend on the  network between 2009-14. In its response to the ORR’s draft funding determination published in June, Network Rail grudgingly said it could live with a £1.8bn reduction in ORR-approved spending. But there is still a funding gap of nearly £1.5bn between the two sides, and Network Rail says it will need more than £29bn over the five years. In making its

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Rail News Fri, 12 Sep 2008 00:00:00 GMT 12713
and rail services resume at Lincoln https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/12727/--and-rail-services-resume-at-lincoln East Midlands Trains has reopened Lincoln with services back to normal, after a six-week closure of the station to allow Network Rail to carry out key improvements to signalling systems around the station. To thank passengers for their patience, the operator have launched a two for one offer on services to and from Lincoln which will run to September 30.

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In brief Fri, 12 Sep 2008 00:00:00 GMT 12727
MSP inquiry into high speed rail planned https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/12722/msp-inquiry-into-high-speed-rail-planned The Scottish Executive  is to launch an inquiry into the potential for a high speed rail link between Scotland and the rest of the UK, and also the continent. The Scottish transport committee said it wanted to gauge reactions on how such a link could cut journey times and boost passenger numbers. It  will look at the cost implications, the technology required and how much work would be needed on the existing infrastructure. The committee’s convener, Patrick Harvie, said that

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Rail News Fri, 12 Sep 2008 00:00:00 GMT 12722
Go Ahead profits soar by 20% as groups beat economic forecasts https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/12729/go-ahead-profits-soar-by-20-as-groups-beat-economic-forecasts

The City is rethinking its view of the public transport sector as a result of a series of upbeat financial statements. After the publication of Go Ahead's full-year results last week, chief executive Keith Ludeman told Transit that analysts now appeared inclined to take a more positive view of transport groups' prospects during a recession. “There is a re-rating going on because transport groups are beating the market,” Ludeman said. “They are taking the view that it look

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Regular News Fri, 12 Sep 2008 00:00:00 GMT 12729
Stratford station deals with future capacity via extra relief platform https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/12747/stratford-station-deals-with-future-capacity-via-extra-relief-platform Stratford regional  station is to get an extra platform in order to cope with future demand created by various future growth, including the 2012 Olympics, and the Stratford City Development. With demand to increase by 87,000 passengers, and as part of a station enhancement study, Jacobs Consultancy developed the idea of building a new relief platform for the Central Line westbound to provide access and egress to the trains from either side. The plan alleviates the need to close the stat

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Regular News Fri, 12 Sep 2008 00:00:00 GMT 12747
Cumbria throws lifeline to rural bus operators as cost increases bite https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/12542/cumbria-throws-lifeline-to-rural-bus-operators-as-cost-increases-bite Cumbria County Council has announced proposals to increase public sector funding to bus operators in the county in the wake of increasing cost inflation throughout the industry. The council says it is making the move in order to shore up the finances of firms that operate tendered services that transport Cumbria’s “school children and vulnerable adults”. If councillors agree to the plans, contract payments would be increased by 1.5% from?next week for all operator contracts

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Bus News Fri, 29 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMT 12542
Tyne and Wear Metro gets 96% punctuality https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/12558/tyne-and-wear-metro-gets-96-punctuality Owner of the Tyne and Wear Metro, Nexus PTE has invited leading rail companies to find out more about its £350m reinvigoration programme. The ‘Market Update’ day at St James Park football ground in Newcastle will allow potential bidders for the seven to nine year concession to find out more about the process. Bernard Garner, director general of Nexus, said: “We are openly market-testing a unique business model in a way that hasn’t been since the very first round

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In brief Fri, 29 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMT 12558
DLR use tops 66 million as revenue grows by over 29% https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/12588/dlr-use-tops-66-million-as-revenue-grows-by-over-29- INCREASES in revenue after strong patronage growth helped the Docklands Light Railway to an improved operating profit margin and reduced subsidy requirements in the year to March 31 2008, according to its annual accounts. The company, which is wholly-owned by Transport for London (TfL), is responsible for the operation and development of the railway, though it franchises out the operation of the services to a private sector franchise (Serco), and runs over the routes to Greenwich and Londo

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Business Monitor Fri, 29 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMT 12588
LCR cuts operating losses again but has to provide for 51m TACs to Network Rail https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/12590/lcr-cuts-operating-losses-again-but-has-to-provide-for-51m-tacs-to-network-rail LONDON and Continental Railways, the company responsible for the construction of the Channel Tunnel Rail Link to St Pancras, recorded reduced operating losses of £61m in the year to December 31 2007, according to its annual accounts. The completion of the works saw the high profile opening of the line, Britain’s first dedicated high speed railway (now known as High Speed 1), last November, coupled with the move of the cross channel?Eurostar services to the superbly restored St Pan

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Business Monitor Fri, 29 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMT 12590
Rail franchise news brings good news for stocks https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/12587/rail-franchise-news-brings-good-news-for-stocks Once again there is positive news to report. Arriva’s interim results gave a boost to our portfolio of transport stocks and the announcement that three of the Big Five have been shortlisted for the upcoming South Central rail franchise competition also meant that Go Ahead finally managed to pull ahead of its peers. Indeed, the Newcastle-based group was almost 6% ahead to close at 1,913p. Also shortlisted was Stagecoach, which closed up 0.5% to close at 295.5p, however another shortlist

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Stockwatch Fri, 29 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMT 12587
Strong interims for Arriva https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/12534/strong-interims-for-arriva

A strong set of financial results from Arriva have given further evidence that the passenger transport sector is prospering, despite the current uncertain economic climate. The Sunderland-based group achieved increased profits across all three of its divisions - UK bus, UK rail and mainland Europe. Over the six months to June 20, 2008, revenue was up 59% to £1,443.4m (2007: £909.2m), reflecting strong growth across all three divisions and the first full half year of the new CrossC

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Regular News Fri, 29 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMT 12534
Arrivas results are further evidence that passenger transport is bucking the trend https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/12586/arriva-s-results-are-further-evidence-that-passenger-transport-is-bucking-the-trend Reading the papers can be a weary business these days with so much doom and gloom about the current economic climate - unless of course you are reading Transit. It’s too early to say that the UK passenger transport sector is recession-proof, but it certainly appears to be coping very well. The latest evidence of this came from Arriva’s financial results. CrossCountry has seen 10% year-on-year growth in passenger revenue while UK bus margins are back in the double digits again.

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Business Comment Fri, 29 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMT 12586
Retailers call for government clarification on Crossrail funds https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/11886/retailers-call-for-government-clarification-on-crossrail-funds Following the Royal Assent of the Crossrail Bill last week, the British Retail Consortium has called on the government to clarify business’ contribution to the £16bn project. When Crossrail was first given the go-ahead last October, the government indicated the costs of the project would be met by roughly equal contributions from three sources - taxpayers, fare-payers and the London business community. However, to date, the government has not provided a clear explanation of how bu

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Rail News Wed, 20 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMT 11886
BSOG reform offers a golden opportunity https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/11910/bsog-reform-offers-a-golden-opportunity-

The Department for Transport is now considering the responses to its consultation paper on reform of the Bus Service Operators’ Grant in England, which enables bus operators to claim back tax on fuel. The grant, formerly known as Fuel Duty Rebate, currently injects £413m into the bus industry, equating to around 8.7p per passenger carried. It is generally regarded as offering good value for money. However, launching the DfT’s consultation on BSOG reform in March, transport secr

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News Extra Wed, 20 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMT 11910
88% think higher motoring costs will see cars left at home https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/11786/88-think-higher-motoring-costs-will-see-cars-left-at-home The rising cost of motoring has led to a sharp jump in people believing more journeys will take place by bus and train in the future, a YouGov tracker poll for First Group has found. The poll also reveals that concerns about the environment have already led many people to switch from their cars or think about doing so in the future. The poll of over 2,200 adults found 39% believe public transport use will increase in the next five to 10 years - a rise from 30% since November 2007, when the

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Regular News Tue, 19 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMT 11786
Wolves-Walsall link faces axe again as minister announces funding cut https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/11802/wolves-walsall-link-faces-axe-again-as-minister-announces-funding-cut The Wolvehampton-Walsall rail service is again faced with the axe after the Department for Transport said funding would be withdrawn from December. Rail minister Tom Harris has written to West Midlands PTA, Centro, telling it the hourly service is being cut because of low patronage. Usage is estimated to be around 250 passengers a day, or 60,000 a year. However, Centro claimed marketing and improved reliability had enabled significant growth from a low base. Passengers using the service h

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Rail News Tue, 19 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMT 11802
Darwen revises funding for Optare deal as Stanley backs Tanfield Group https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/11810/darwen-revises-funding-for-optare-deal-as-stanley-backs-tanfield-group

Bus manufacturer Darwen Group has been forced to revise plans for a stock market placing that will allow it to fund the acquisition of Optare. In a statement issued last week, Darwen said that its directors had noted the recent decline in the company’s share price and were unable to explain why. However, it is believed that chairman Roy Stanley’s links with troubled Tanfield Group, a specialist manufacturer of electric vehicles and lifting platforms of which he is founder and

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Bus News Lead Story Tue, 19 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMT 11810
Fuel for thought https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/11834/fuel-for-thought Little more than a year ago, oil was falling from $70 per barrel to $60 per barrel. Its rise since then has been truly staggering, with the price recently topping $140. The government’s explanation, and indeed that of major Western oil companies, smacks of delusion. The price rise they argue, is being largely caused by the ‘difficult’ regimes, which control the world’s main oil fields - in particular their rigging of their market through refusal to boost production, a

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Opinion Tue, 19 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMT 11834
A good time to invest in public transport https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/11799/a-good-time-to-invest-in-public-transport Rising fuel costs are driving commuters out of cars onto public transport and helping boost the performance of bus and train operators, according to the manager of a leading socially responsible investment fund. Mike Fox, CIS Sustainable Leaders Trust fund manager at The Co-operative Investments said: “Commuters now have more than just environmental reasons to leave the car at home. “The rising cost of filling up at the pumps is leading increasing number of people to choose pub

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Regular News Tue, 19 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMT 11799
Darwens stock slumps 17% as investors take flight https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/11846/darwen-s-stock-slumps-17-as-investors-take-flight It was a fortnight of mixed news for our portfolio of transport stocks, with gains and losses in equal measure. Significantly down on the Alternative Investment Market was Darwen Group  which last week changed its name to Optare plc. It closed at 25p, down a massive 17%. Much of this can be put down to the bus manufacturers’ links with the north east entrepreneur Roy Stanley, whose other business, Tanfield Group, has gone from stock market darling to almost junk. Meanwhile, of

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Stockwatch Tue, 19 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMT 11846
Return to profit for Wilts as staff cut but revenue grows https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/11847/return-to-profit-for-wilts-as-staff-cut-but-revenue-grows STRONG revenue growth coupled with some strong cost control saw bus company?Wilts & Dorset return to the black during the year to June 30 2007, having made a loss for the first time for many years in 2006. The company runs a fleet of some 320 vehicles on a network of urban and inter-urban services in Dorset, Wiltshire and South?Hampshire focused on the Bournemouth/Poole conurbation. The business was acquired by current owners Go-Ahead Group in?August 2003 from its management owners. Tu

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Business Monitor Tue, 19 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMT 11847
Shipp urges government to help bus operators with fuel increases https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/11787/shipp-urges-government-to-help-bus-operators-with-fuel-increases

One of the country’s largest remaining independent bus operators has called on the government to help the industry cope with “horrendous” increases in fuel costs. Peter Shipp, the chairman of the Hull-based EYMS Group, wants ministers to increase the level of government support for bus services by restoring the ‘lost’ element of the Bus Service Operators’ Grant. This would increase the £400m a year grant by around £92m. The grant, which was f

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Regular News Tue, 19 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMT 11787
Welsh operators withdraw services as bus funding sees real-terms cut https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/11813/welsh-operators-withdraw-services-as-bus-funding-sees-real-terms-cut- Several Welsh bus services will be withdrawn in August, as concerns mount over how local government can meet rising costs. Veolia Transport Cymru has applied to cancel seven routes during the month. The operator says the withdrawals resulted from diesel prices and the higher fuel duty in Wales than England, and said local authorities would retender most of the seven routes. However, a retendering exercise by Vale of Glamorgan Council this month resulted in a big cost increase. The lowest b

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Bus News Tue, 19 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMT 11813
Stagecoach achieves strong UK volume growth but profit margins slip back https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/11849/stagecoach-achieves-strong-uk-volume-growth-but-profit-margins-slip-back TRANSPORT operating group Stagecoach achieved strong volume growth in its UK businesses but achieved reduced operating margins, according to the group’s annual report for the year to April 30 2008. The company is now focused on three markets - UK bus, UK rail and the USA. Its rail operations include the new South Western passenger rail franchise and the Supertram light rail system in Sheffield. It also owns 49% of the Virgin Rail Group. New contracts were won during the year for the Ea

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Business Monitor Tue, 19 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMT 11849
Deal between First Stagecoach and PTEs over concessionary travel https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/11954/deal-between-first--stagecoach-and-ptes-over-concessionary-travel First and Stagecoach are believed to be close to striking deals with the five English PTEs over the contentious issue of concessionary fare reimbursements. The deal would see the current reimbursement rate for each PTE area increased by an agreed fixed annual percentage over the next three financial years. Both sides believe that the deal would free them from the long, and costly, appeals process to the Department for Transport. If given the go-ahead, the deal would take into account oper

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Regular News Fri, 15 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMT 11954
Edinburgh BRT scheme mooted https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/11967/edinburgh-brt-scheme-mooted SEStran, the regional transport partnership for south east Scotland has announced plans for a £54m Bus Rapid Transit corridor around the south of Edinburgh in a move that aims to giver car users a convenient orbital alternative. Up to 12 buses an hour would operate the route which would link Queen Margaret University in the east with the Edinburgh Royal Infirmary, Edinburgh Park and Gogarburn. Significant amounts of bus priority are envisaged, with interchanges along the corridor that c

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Regular News Fri, 15 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMT 11967
SEStran calls for more bus industry support https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/11969/sestran-calls-for-more-bus-industry-support The board of SEStran, the south east Scotland regional transport partnership, is to consider a report recommending that the Scottish government provide bus operators with short-term financial support. The report acknowledges that while patronage is increasing, increased costs are threatening many bus services and leading to fare rises. It therefore urges government to intervene, to stabilise fares and secure routes. SEStran chair, Russell Imrie said: “Bus operators are being hit hard by

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In brief Fri, 15 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMT 11969
Timetable announced for construction of Waverley Railway https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/11961/timetable-announced-for-construction-of-waverley-railway Scottish Transport minister Stewart Stevenson has announced the timetable for the construction of the Waverley Railway linking Midlothian and the Scottish Borders to Edinburgh, and formally handed responsibility for delivering the project to Transport Scotland. Work is expected to start on site in 2011 with completion around the end of 2013. The project is estimated to cost £235-295m - confirming that the line could cost a third more than initial estimates. A notice advertising the pro

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Rail News Fri, 15 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMT 11961
High operating costs and little demand sees Powys ditch DRT https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/11981/high-operating-costs-and-little-demand-sees-powys-ditch-drt Five rural Demand Responsive Transport services face withdrawal next month, as the DRT concept continues its ever bumpy ride in the UK. The routes were part of a wholesale reorganisation last year of bus services funded by Powys County Council. However, the council is now looking at options for their future. A spokesman for the council said: “Unfortunately five bus routes that require passengers to book their place before the start of their journey have not been successful and are due t

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Bus News Fri, 15 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMT 11981
Lothian Buses slides into the red as fuel costs and roadworks bite https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/11965/lothian-buses-slides-into-the-red-as-fuel-costs-and-roadworks-bite

Lothian Buses is to axe part of its network in response to a mounting financial crisis at the council-owned operator. After posting record breaking profits of £5.9m last year, the council-owned company, which pays the City of Edinburgh Council a dividend of just over £2m each year, is now struggling to break even. The financial problems at the incumbent ‘Bus Operator of the Year’ have been blamed on a combination of rapidly increasing costs and a small drop in passenge

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Regular News Fri, 15 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMT 11965
Network Rail results maintain improving trend as interest charges top over 1bn https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/11919/network-rail-results-maintain-improving-trend-as-interest-charges-top-over-1bn RAIL?network company Network Rail Infrastructure maintained an improving trajectory for its financial performance in the year to March 31 2008, according to its annual report and accounts. The company, formerly called Railtrack, was created in 1994 and is now owned by the not for dividend company Network Rail, who acquired it from the administrator in the autumn of 2002. Turnover during the year rose by 2.8% to £5,960m, whilst operating costs were 0.9% higher at £3,548m. 

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Business Monitor Fri, 1 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMT 11919
Optare sheds 5% in a difficult fortnight for stocks https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/11916/optare-sheds-5-in-a-difficult-fortnight-for-stocks Will their be any good news for investors in transport stocks? Once again our portfolio of transport shares had a tough time on the market, reflecting the rising concerns about the state of the global economy in the wake of the ‘Credit Crunch’. There was some hope however. Arriva managed to pull ahead just over 3% over the period to close at 694p. Much of this growth was no doubt helped along by the news of acquisitions in Spain and eastern?Europe which offer some stability in rev

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Stockwatch Fri, 1 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMT 11916
We must seize this opportunity to move forward https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/11912/we-must-seize-this-opportunity-to-move-forward

You can always tell when summer is coming. Two of the main transport plcs publish upbeat annual accounts and financial statements, and the only thing to bet on is by how much they will have both increased their bus customer base by organic growth. Then, later each year, come the aggregated figures from Department for Transport showing a very different overall position. It leaves you pondering just how badly the rest of the industry must have performed to square the two sets of figures, but then

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Ben Colson Fri, 1 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMT 11912
Arriva sees Welsh rail profits rise as improvements flow https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/11917/arriva-sees-welsh-rail-profits-rise-as-improvements-flow INCREASES in revenue from grants and passengers helped Arriva Trains Wales to improve its profits by over 36% in the year to December 31 2007, according to the company’s annual accounts. The company operates all local rail services in the principality, together with cross border routes into Birmingham, Crewe and Manchester. Transport group Arriva won the contract to operate the franchise in?December 2003 for a 15-year period. Total turnover was 1.7% lower during the year, whilst oper

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Business Monitor Fri, 1 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMT 11917
Unregulated fares rise 54% https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/11701/unregulated-fares-rise-5-4- Train operators this week said that inflation-busting fare increases were needed to pay for further investment in Britain’s railway network. From January 2, unregulated fares will increase by an average of 5.4% - 1.2% above RPI - the Association of Train Operating Companies announced. Regulated will rise by 4.8% - 0.6% above RPI. The biggest hikes in unregulated fares are at Arriva CrossCountry and Stagecoach’s East Midlands Trains (both 7.0%), followed by One (6.8%) and GNER (

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Rail News Tue, 22 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT 11701
Cumbria bus survey to help plan services https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/11710/cumbria-bus-survey-to-help-plan-services Cumbria County Council is to conduct a major survey into use of bus services that it subsidises in an effort to determine which should continue in the future. Around 90% of bus routes in the county are operated on a commercial basis, however the council says that the government funding to support services, through the rural and urban Bus Challenge grants, so now is the right time for a full review. Ian Stewart, cabinet member for transport and the environment, added: “We want to encour

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In brief Tue, 22 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT 11710
Steady growth in Nottingham but doubled pension costs dent margins https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/11750/steady-growth-in-nottingham-but-doubled-pension-costs-dent-margins NOTTINGHAM City Transport, the bus company jointly owned by the city council and French group Transdev, recorded a small reduction in profits during the year to  March 31 2007, according to its annual accounts. The deterioration was largely due to the more than doubled cost of employer pension contributions. The company operates around 340 vehicles on local bus services in and around its home city, together with some services farther afield, including an express route to East Midlands A

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Business Monitor Tue, 22 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT 11750
Taken for a ride https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/11737/taken-for-a-ride You have to wonder who it was who took the decision to give the money for compensating English bus companies for carrying pensioners for free to the district unitary councils. Without any standard payment mechanism there has of course been a large number of disputes, which have absorbed an obscene amount of management time at both operators and local authorities. Yet all of this could have easily been avoided. Some local authorities were not given enough money by central government to cover

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Opinion Tue, 22 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT 11737
New station clock? That will be 4000 https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/11703/new-station-clock--that-will-be-4-000 Network rail is quoting £4,000 as the cost of a new rail station clock. Helen Beaumont, Transport for London’s principal transport planner - interchanges, told last week’s UK Rail Stations conference that the price could be found on a list of indicative costs compiled by the company. Commenting on Network Rail’s quote for refurbishing toilets at Fenchurch Street station, c2c managing director Mark Hopwood said: “When you’re rebuilding track on a network you

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Rail News Tue, 22 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT 11703
7m investment sees new fleet at First Edinburgh https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/11716/-7m-investment-sees-new-fleet-at-first-edinburgh FIRST HAS announced an investment of £7m in 44 new buses for use at its troubled Edinburgh bus business. The order comprises 21 new double deck and 23 single deck vehicles. The operator has had a troubled year with reliability issues with its ageing fleet and staff recruitment problems leading to an appearance before Scottish traffic commissioner Joan Aitken earlier this month. Commenting on the order, First Edinburgh managing director Jane Desmond said the new vehicles would improve

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Bus News Tue, 22 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT 11716
Costs that would hit the roof https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/11742/costs-that-would-hit-the-roof A member of the audience at Transit’s Rail Stations 2007 conference this week was staggered that Network Rail’s indicative cost of putting up a clock was the princely sum of £4,000. c2c chief executive Mark Hopwood agreed. When he wanted Fenchurch Street station toilets refurbished, he knew this would cost about £65,000, however Network Rail’s price was much higher once they’d added their risk premiums, management and project management costs into the mix.

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In Passing Tue, 22 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT 11742
Central Trains maintains profits as subsidy growth pays for access and train cost rises https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/11751/central-trains-maintains-profits-as-subsidy-growth-pays-for-access-and-train-cost-rises CENTRAL TRAINS, the regional operator which ended operations and was split up earlier this month, maintained its profit levels despite massive shifts in its cost base during 2006, according to its annual accounts. The company operated a network of urban, inter-urban and some rural services throughout the midlands, stretching from?Cardiff in the west to Cleethorpes and Norwich in the east, and from Stansted and   Rugby through to Preston and Liverpool. The franchise was awarded to Na

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Business Monitor Tue, 22 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT 11751
NEG finance director to step down https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/11753/neg-finance-director-to-step-down

National Express Group has announced that Adam Walker will be stepping down from his position as group finance director following the preliminary results which will be announced in February 2008. Walker will be joining Informa, a publisher of specialist information, as finance director. Walker joined the NEG in 2001 as its corporate development director and joined the board as group finance director in March 2003.

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People Lead Story Tue, 22 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT 11753
Gloomy market means bad news for transport stocks https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/11749/gloomy-market-means-bad-news-for-transport-stocks Sadly there was little good news to report in the current Stockwatch period, with every stock, with the exception of Alternative Investment Market-listed Rotala, seeing substantial falls in their market valuation. No doubt little helped by the current gloomy market with talk of recession next year, Arriva lost just over 9% to close at 741.5p. National Express was also down by almost 8%, despite the impressive noises emanating from chief executive Richard Bowker about his plans to rebrand the

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Stockwatch Tue, 22 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT 11749
St Pancras and London Overground stations put rail stations in the spotlight https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/11745/st-pancras-and-london-overground-stations-put-rail-stations-in-the-spotlight There’s only one St Pancras station, and what a station it is. But, there are also over  2,499 other rail stations in the UK - varying in size and use. Equally, there a number of stakeholders to consider - Network Rail, train operators, private developers, local authorities, government and passengers. So, whose responsibility is it to deal with stations and their development, not to mention provide funding? This was a key question at last week’s Transit-sponsored conference U

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Regular Feature Tue, 22 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT 11745
FCC lambasts Network Rail over its support of rail freight terminal plan https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/11735/fcc-lambasts-network-rail-over-its-support-of-rail-freight-terminal-plan First capital Connect has criticised Network Rail over its support of a rail freight terminal proposed near St Albans, which the operator is concerned will result in severe disruption to commuters and fewer trains. Network Rail expressed their support for the terminal in a letter submitted to the public inquiry on the proposal. FCC’s managing director, Elaine Holt, previously unaware of the terminal proposal, responded to the planning inspector by setting out FCC’s concerns ab

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Rail News Tue, 22 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT 11735
Network Rail to invest 18m in Derby station https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/11729/network-rail-to-invest-18m-in-derby-station Network Rail plans to redevelop the platform canopies of Derby station over the next 18 months, costing £18m. It will carry out the work between February 2008 and June 2009, in four phases, with the aim of minimum disruption to passengers. The work follows structural damage discovered in 2005.

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In brief Tue, 22 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT 11729
ATCO bus cost survey reveals 49% growth in contract costs https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/11708/atco-bus-cost-survey-reveals-4-9-growth-in-contract-costs The cost of local authority supported bus services is still rising, according to a survey conducted by the Association of Transport Co-ordinating Officers. The survey, which is now in its tenth year, reveals that in the last year the average cost of re-tendered local bus services was 4.9% higher than the contracts that they replace. Although the rate of contract inflation is the lowest annual increase since the survey began in 1998, it is still above the general price of inflation, however it

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Bus News Tue, 22 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT 11708
Operators call for standardised reimbursement https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/11707/operators-call-for-standardised-reimbursement Bus operators have called on the government to introduce a national scheme in England for reimbursing them for participating in concessionary travel schemes. National schemes already exist in Scotland and Wales, but operators complain of a “postcode lottery”, with very different stances on reimbursement across England. The plea was made by operators as they gave evidence to the Commons transport select committee’s inquiry into ticketing earlier this month. Stagecoach UK Bus

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Bus News Tue, 22 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT 11707
Electrification now cheaper than diesel option says Network Rail https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/11695/electrification-now-cheaper-than-diesel-option--says-network-rail

Train operators and Network Rail are on the verge of putting a case to the Department for Transport which promises to dismantle the government’s argument that it is too expensive to electrify the remainder of the rail network. Despite severe pressure from the industry over the past few months, rail ministers have continually re-iterated arguments in this summer’s White Paper which ruled out a significant electrification programme before 2014 on cost grounds. Longer-term prospects

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Lead Story Tue, 22 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT 11695
Funding sees green light for Fastway https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/11659/funding-sees-green-light-for-fastway HOUSING AND COMMUNITIES?minister Yvette Cooper last week announced an allocation of £560m to local authorities, part of which will be used to  improve transport links in fast growing conurbations. She also confirmed plans for a levy on new property developments that will help fund transport improvements. As part of the allocation from the Growth Fund, the Crawley Fastway bus rapid transit network will now be expanded to the Surrey borough of Reigate and Banstead, while the troubled

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Bus News Mon, 14 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT 11659
National Express drops 8% despite start of franchise https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/11683/national-express-s-8-despite-start-of-franchise Well it can be safely said that there is little Christmas cheer to be had in the current Stockwatch fortnight, unless you are an Alternative Investment Market-listed ‘mini group’ that is. Despite all manner of financial doom and gloom surrounding the world financial markets as the ‘Credit Crunch’ bites ever harder, both Rotala and Tellings Golden Miller made gains this time. Thanks to a trading statement, Rotala was edging ahead. Chairman John Gunn reported that alt

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Stockwatch Mon, 14 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT 11683
Insurance write-back helps Cardiff to 13m net profit but margins remain low https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/11684/insurance-write-back-helps-cardiff-to-1-3m-net-profit-but-margins-remain-low CARDIFF City Transport Services, the local bus operator in which its council owners plan to sell a stake, recorded enhanced operating and pre-tax profits in the year to  March 31 2007, according to its annual accounts. The company, which trades as Cardiff Bus, operates some 230 vehicles on local bus services in and around its home city and into the Vale of Glamorgan. The city council suggested in September that it would be prepared to sell a stake in the business of up to 40% to a priva

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Business Monitor Mon, 14 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT 11684
Megaloss for Megabus in North America https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/11653/megaloss-for-megabus-in-north-america Stagecoach’s Megabus.com network in the USA made a £1.1m loss over six months, according to the group’s latest financial results. The budget service, which now links around 20 key cities in the Midwest and Western US, generated turnover of £2.4m over the period. In the same period of 2006, Megabus.com made a loss of £0.5m on turnover of £1.2m in the US. Megabus.com in the US has carried 630,000 passengers to date. Stagecoach has invested £5m in Americ

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In brief Mon, 14 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT 11653
Strong revenue growth and 70% subsidy rise keep Silverlink cash profits steady https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/11685/strong-revenue-growth-and-70-subsidy-rise-keep-silverlink-cash-profits-steady TRAIN operator Silverlink, which ceased to operate in its original form last month, recorded slightly higher operating and pre-tax profits during its last full year of existence, according to the company accounts. The North London Railways franchise ran orbital rail services on the North and West?London lines, plus suburban and inter-urban services from?Euston to?Watford, Milton Keynes, Rugby and Northampton.  It was awarded to National?Express Group in March 1997 on a 7.5 year contrac

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Business Monitor Mon, 14 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT 11685
Why we should celebrate the revival of bus company profits https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/11680/why-we-should-celebrate-the-revival-of-bus-company-profits It wasn’t that long ago that the thought of a major UK bus group achieving a profit margin of more than 14% seemed unthinkable. In fact, it was only last week, before Stagecoach released its half year results for the six months to October 31, 2007. The Perth-based group put a smile on the faces of its shareholders by announcing that its UK bus profit margin had leapt from 10.0% in 2006 to 14.3%. But some people are going to be very upset. Of course, this is some way short of the 18% mar

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Business Comment Lead Story Mon, 14 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT 11680
and invests 1m in new low-floor buses https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/11663/--and-invests-1m-in-new-low-floor-buses Arriva North West has invested £1m in a fleet of 10 low-floor buses for its 13 services in Eccles, Salford, which are funded by Greater Manchester Passenger Transport Authority. GMPTA’s chair, Roger Jones said: “We had a review meeting with Arriva to discuss the services in the area. I am encouraged by this investment and hope that we can continue to work in partnership with them with a view to improving their services further.” Arriva North?West managing director

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In brief Mon, 14 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT 11663
Huge leap in UK bus profits stops Stagecoach from stalling https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/11649/huge-leap-in-uk-bus-profits-stops-stagecoach-from-stalling

A massive increase in operating profits at its UK bus division has enabled Stagecoach to offset a fall in profits across the rest of its operations, according to its latest half-year results. Published last week, financial results for the six months to October 31, 2007, show that revenue from Stagecoach’s UK bus operations was up 8.1% to £367.1m (2006: £339.6m). Operating profits for the 7,000-vehicle division leapt by 53% to £52.5m (2006: £34.1m). The operat

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Regular News Mon, 14 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT 11649
Transport stocks end 2007 on a high https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/11615/transport-stocks-end-2007-on-a-high A flurry of trading statements, plus Arriva’s proposed acquisition of Alternative Investment Market-listed bus and coach group Tellings Golden Miller saw some much needed good news for our portfolio of transport stocks. Leading the pack is TGM which closed on December 31 at 41.5p, up almost 24% on the start of the period. Arriva’s proposed acquisition of the group is valued at 45p per share in cash, representing a significant premium. No wonder chairman Steve Telling recommended t

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Stockwatch Thu, 10 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT 11615
Go Ahead reviews future of West Midlands buses https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/11573/go-ahead-reviews-future-of-west-midlands-buses GO AHEAD used a trading statement to announce that it is reviewing the future of its Go West Midlands bus business as its financial performance is below what the group terms its  “medium term requirements”. The Newcastle-based group first ventured into the West Midlands bus market with its purchase of the Birmingham Coach Company in 2005. It later purchased Probus Management, the troubled former Pete’s Travel operation. Since then both businesses have been integrated, b

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Regular News Thu, 10 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT 11573
New sales techniques net 1m for NEG https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/11584/new-sales-techniques-net-1m-for-neg New sales strategies introduced at National Express Group’s rail division have delivered £1m profit in their first three months. Since September, NEG has run pilot schemes testing new marketing and customer relationship management techniques which have targeted 150,000 passengers on a new database. The aim has been to generate more repeat business. NEG said an “incremental profit of £1m” had been generated which represented “a two to one return even after

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Rail News Thu, 10 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT 11584
On the brink https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/11602/on-the-brink As the UK bus industry entered 2008, it’s annual health check turned up some nasty results. Bus Industry Monitor, the report that has kept track of the industry’s finances since 1991, revealed that profits are at their lowest level since 1993. Of the country’s largest bus companies, 19 are now making a loss. And the report’s author has warned that the rest of the industry will follow them into the red if current trends continue. A further 18 companies are already teeterin

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Opinion Thu, 10 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT 11602
A race between recession and climate change? https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/11606/a-race-between-recession-and-climate-change-

As we look forward into the New Year, there are three main preoccupations for observers of the public transport scene: the progress of the government’s current transport legislation, the economy and its effect on our industries, and the growing concern over carbon emissions and climate change. Despite all the attention it is receiving, the government’s current bill looks increasingly irrelevant. Even if it is enacted by the late spring of next year, there will still be the regulat

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News Extra Thu, 10 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT 11606
Arrivas Welsh rail profits slip slightly but other signs point to significant progress https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/11617/arriva-s-welsh-rail-profits-slip-slightly-but-other-signs-point-to-significant-progress ARRIVA Trains Wales. the company which operates the Wales and the Borders franchise, suffered an 8% cut in operating profit in the year to December 31 2006, according to its annual accounts, as operating costs outstripped revenue growth. The company operates all internal rail services in Wales, including the intensive Valley Lines network around Cardiff, together with cross-border inter-urban services to and from Manchester, Crewe, and Birmingham. The franchise commenced in December 2003, and

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Business Monitor Thu, 10 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT 11617
Cardiff Bus ponders move to new depot site https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/11598/cardiff-bus-ponders-move-to-new-depot-site Cardiff Bus has announced that it has entered preliminary discussions with property developer PMG Estates that could see it move its depot to a new site at Trident Park in Cardiff Bay. Both the council-owned operator and PMG Estates have submitted a planning application which would see the current Sloper Road site redeveloped for housing with Cardiff Bus moving to the Trident Park site. The transaction would be subject to obtaining the necessary approval by Cardiff County Council and the Wels

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Bus News Thu, 10 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT 11598
Concern grows for future of UK bus industry as profits fall again https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/11570/concern-grows-for-future-of-uk-bus-industry-as-profits-fall-again

Concern has been raised about the future viability of the UK bus industry, following research which shows that industry profit levels have fallen again, to their lowest levels since 1993. The analysis, based on the results of over 130 bus companies around the country, is from the latest Bus Industry Monitor report by Preston-based consultants TAS. The data shows that pre-tax profit margins in 2005/06 fell back to 6.6% from 7.2%. “This is the seventh fall in eight years,” said t

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Lead Story Thu, 10 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT 11570
GMPTE to axe Trafford Centre bus link? https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/11601/gmpte-to-axe-trafford-centre-bus-link- Greater Manchester PTE is to withdraw funding for the ML1 bus service linking Metrolink light rail services at Stretford with the Trafford Centre shopping complex. It says it has reached the decision as a significant number of commercially funded services now operate on the route. However,the PTE says it is in discussion with Trafford Centre-owner and co-funder Peel Holdings about the service’s future.

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In brief Thu, 10 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT 11601
Trent Barton parent back on form profits up by 46% as income grows but costs held https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/11616/trent-barton-parent-back-on-form-profits-up-by-46-as-income-grows-but-costs-held WELLGLADE, the parent company of the Trent and Barton bus companies, and one of the last remaining management-owned former NBC companies in the industry, recorded a 46% rise in operating profit during the year to December 31 2006, according to its annual accounts. The company, which trades through its Trent Buses, Barton Buses and Kinchbus subsidiaries, operates some 360 vehicles on local bus services in Derbyshire, Leicestershire and Nottinghamshire. Turnover during the year grew by 5.

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Business Monitor Thu, 10 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT 11616
Darwen plans to acquire Optare in transformational purchase https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/11448/darwen-plans-to-acquire-optare-in--transformational--purchase

Darwen Holdings, the AIM-listed bus manufacturer, last week announced that it had agreed to acquire Jamesstan Investments, the parent of Optare, the UK’s third largest bus builder, in a move described as transformational. The Blackburn-based firm has been in talks with Optare’s owner since early May when shares in the group were suspended. The acquisition will see Jamesstan Investments sole shareholder, Roy Stanley, who is also chairman and a substantial shareholder in Darwen, rec

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Bus News Lead Story Mon, 7 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT 11448
Mayor says TfL Tramlink takeover is 'a fantastic deal for Londoners' https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/11456/mayor-says-tfl-tramlink-takeover-is-a-fantastic-deal-for-londoners- Transport for London has taken over the ownership and management of the Tramlink network in South London, from Tramtrack Croydon, who won the concession to design, built, operate and maintain the system in 1996. The 28-kilometre light rail system, which has 24 trams on three lines connecting to and through a number of areas in south London including Croydon and Wimbledon, became fully operational in May 2000. The £98m deal, which was signed by TfL’s London Rail managing directo

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Regular News Mon, 7 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT 11456
KMP sells bus route to Arriva https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/11466/kmp-sells-bus-route-to-arriva A Welsh independent is being paid by Arriva to withdraw its rival services between Llandudno and Bangor, where the Sunderland-based group will regain its bus service monopoly. KMP began a Holyhead-Bangor-Llandudno service in May 2004, competing with two Arriva bus routes. KMP subsequently curtailed the western terminus to Llangefni and added two further Llandudno-Bangor services per hour, continuing to Caernarfon and Llanberis. Some KMP single/return fares have undercut Arriva’s by more

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Bus News Mon, 7 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT 11466
Stagecoachs bus profits may be the stuff of yesteryear but they bode well for the future https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/11492/stagecoach-s-bus-profits-may-be-the-stuff-of-yesteryear-but-they-bode-well-for-the-future Casting an eye over Stagecoach’s latest full year financial results last week was like travelling back in time. A UK bus operating profit margin of 14.8%? Surely not? But it’s true. No wonder chief executive Brian Souter is in such a buoyant mood about the future prospects for buses. Years ago Stagecoach used to demand profit margins closer to 20%, but that soon looked like mission impossible as bus industry profitability began successive years of decline. However, profits have bo

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Business Comment Mon, 7 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT 11492
Network Rail resists demands to cut rail spending to European levels https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/11509/network-rail-resists-demands-to-cut-rail-spending-to-european-levels

Network Rail is resisting demands to cut the cost of running the railway to European levels. The company was told last month that its £24.6bn business plan for 2009-2014 was overpriced by at least £1.8bn. Greater reductions in the cost of operations, maintenance and renewal than Network Rail proposed were highlighted as key means of bridging the gap. However, in a letter to Network Rail chief executive Iain Coucher outlining how the company should update its business plan, Off

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Rail News Mon, 7 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT 11509
DDA deadline is yet another hurdle for bus operators https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/11559/dda-deadline-is-yet-another-hurdle-for-bus-operators The pressure just keeps building up on the UK bus industry. Earlier this month, Transit reported the findings of the latest Bus Industry Monitor healthcheck. It found that industry profits levels have fallen again and are now at their lowest levels since 1993. In this issue, we report that bus operators will have to massively step up their investment in new buses over the next seven years to meet the 2015/16 deadline for phasing out vehicles that do not comply with disability legislation. These

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Business Comment Lead Story Mon, 7 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT 11559
What downturn? Latest growth figures reveal a 'rail renaissance' https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/11434/what-downturn-latest-growth-figures-reveal-a-rail-renaissance-

The major public transport groups have reacted bullishly to new growth figures, claiming they demonstrate that a fundamental change in favour of travelling by bus and rail has taken place. Their comments came on the back of results statements and trading updates issued by four of the ‘big five’ UK public transport plcs over the past two weeks. At the launch of Stagecoach’s annual results, chairman Robert Spiers said the group had “benefited from a renaissance on th

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Lead Story Mon, 7 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT 11434
Review promised for Manchester congestion charge referendum https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/11451/review-promised-for-manchester-congestion-charge-referendum The Association of Greater Manchester Authorities has agreed to review plans for a Greater Manchester-wide referendum on the city’s Transport Innovation Fund proposals that include congestion charging. AGMA, which represents the region’s 10 local authorities, has proposed to discuss the matter at its next meeting.  Local residents are currently being consulted on the TIF plans which would see a £3bn boost to public transport (Transit June 20). Any referendum would follo

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Bus News Mon, 7 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT 11451
Metro developing NGT proposals for Leeds https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/11452/metro-developing-ngt-proposals-for-leeds Detailed proposals for a ‘New Generation Transport’ system for Leeds are being worked up by city transport specialists for approval by West Yorkshire PTA and the City Council. This follows approval by the Regional Transport board for a £300m system to which £150m has been committed for its first phase. Work to date suggests a system running from a major park and ride site in Stourton to the south of the city, in and around the city centre, and to St James’ hospital,

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In brief Mon, 7 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT 11452
GMPTE orders 28 new trams for Metrolink https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/11460/gmpte-orders-28-new-trams-for-metrolink Greater Manchester PTE has ordered 28 trams from Bombardier and consortium partner Vossloh Kiepe, for its three new Metrolink line extensions. GMPTE ordered 12 new trams from Bombardier last year to relieve overcrowding on the existing Metrolink network and to provide a new service to the new MediaCity UK?development in Salford Quays. The 28-tram order will take the total number of trams on the Metrolink network to 72. Costing just over £2m each, the new model of tram accommodates 20

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Regular News Mon, 7 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT 11460
Alstom win new contract for LUAS https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/11462/alstom-win-new-contract-for-luas Alstom has been awarded a €15m contract to maintain 18 new Citadis trams for Dublin’s LUAS tram system, for five years. The trams are currently being built by Alstom in France, and will arrive early next year for use on the LUAS?Green Line. The existing 14 trams will be transferred from the Green to the Red line.  Alstom supplied and maintains the existing fleet of 40 trams which have been in service since 2004, and has just completed an extension programme on the Red Line tr

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In brief Mon, 7 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT 11462
Hail the tram? https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/11478/hail-the-tram- Light rail at last, seems to have found itself a spotlight on the passenger transport platform, not only within the industry but amongst the powers that be at Whitehall too. At last week’s All Party Parliamentary Light Rail Group reception, Stagecoach chief executive Brian Souter scarcely made any mention of the bus as he held the beacon of light rail high, and gave a glowing report on tram growth in his Sheffield and Manchester operations - and on the very same podium as Centro PTA chief

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Opinion Mon, 7 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT 11478
Rail growth is welcome ray of light in bleakness of economy https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/11490/rail-growth-is-welcome-ray-of-light-in-bleakness-of-economy When Stagecoach was preparing its bid for the new South West Trains franchise towards the end of 2006, the UK’s economic outlook appeared very different to the situation on the ground today. According to Treasury forecasts, GDP was expected to grow 2.5-2.9% in 2008. Now its forecast has been revised to 1.7%. Meanwhile, central London employment, on which the fortunes of commuter rail operators’ traditionally depend, was expected to increase 1.4% in 2007/08. Figures show it actually f

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Business Comment Lead Story Mon, 7 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT 11490
Healthy trading statements bring positive returns https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/11493/healthy-trading-statements-bring-positive-returns At last. After months of a downward trajectory by all of the major passenger transport groups, a flurry of upbeat trading statements and final results led to all but one managing to make some real progress this time. Leading the pack was Go Ahead which released a particularly buoyant statement that ended the group’s recent woes on the market. It closed this fortnight up a healthy 20% at 1,848p, making some real progress after languishing since earlier this year. Stagecoach was also a

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Stockwatch Mon, 7 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT 11493
Stagecoach bus profits up by 25m https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/11435/stagecoach-bus-profits-up-by-25m

High passenger growth has seen profits soar at Stagecoach’s UK bus business, according to full year financial results published by the group last week. Revenue from the Perth-based group’s UK bus operations increased by 7.7% to £743.9m in the year to April 30, 2008. The operating profit leapt by 30.1% to reach £109.9m, an increase of £25.4m on the previous year. As a result the operating margin was 14.8% compared to 12.2% in 2007. UK bus passenger volumes in t

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Regular News Mon, 7 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT 11435
Souter hails unique appeal of light rail and its role in future of public transport https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/11455/souter-hails--unique-appeal-of-light-rail--and-its-role-in-future-of-public-transport Brian Souter, Stagecoach’s chief executive, celebrated the success of light rail and growth more exciting than that of the bus, last week. Speaking alongside Centro PTE director general Geoff Inskip, at All Party Parliamentary Light Rail Group reception, The Importance of Light Rail for an Integrated Transport System, Souter said: “We’ve been involved in the tram business for some time now, and the statistics are very impressive. The tramway in Sheffield has grown 45% in 10

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Regular News Mon, 7 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT 11455
Go North East launches fuel cost campaign https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/11465/go-north-east-launches-fuel-cost-campaign

Rising fuel costs have forced bus operator Go North East to increase the prices of some of its fares, but has also launched a campaign to highlight how its fares compete with increasing motoring costs. Since last week, the Go Ahead-owned operator has increased the price of its BuzzFare and Get Around faresaver tickets due to continuing increases in the cost of fuel. The increases come at a time when Go North East is looking to increase its fuel efficiency by putting all its 1,700 drivers

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Bus News Mon, 7 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT 11465
Darwens capture of Optare looks a good deal but beware of the ghost of Transbus https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/11491/darwen-s-capture-of-optare-looks-a-good-deal-but-beware-of-the-ghost-of-transbus LAST week saw Darwen Holdings, the AIM-listed bus manufacturer, finally snap up its Leeds-based rival Optare. Of course when North East entrepreneur Roy Stanley bought Optare from its management team in March, it was pretty much a dead cert that he would combine the enterprise in some way with Darwen, a business he formed from the remains of the long established East Lancs, before floating it on the stock market earlier this year. For Optare it means a new owner, the fourth since the star

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Business Comment Mon, 7 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT 11491
First Group heads for 5 billion turnover as UK margins improve on bus and railways https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/11496/first-group-heads-for-5-billion-turnover-as-uk-margins-improve-on-bus-and-railways FIRST GROUP, now the largest public transport operator in the UK and US with annualised turnover of over £5 billion, returned a 31% increase in operating profits and improved margins in the year to March 31 2008, according to its annual report. The company is the market leader in both UK rail and bus, running roughly a quarter of the passenger rail network and a growing freight business. Its fleet of just under 9,000 buses provides services all over the country. In the USA, the company

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Business Monitor Mon, 7 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT 11496
DfT favours roads over public transport https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/11541/dft-favours-roads-over-public-transport Government appraisal and funding systems favour road building, and make it difficult for local councils to secure money for public transport, according to research by Steer Davies Gleave. The report, commissioned by Buckinghamshire County Council and Friends of the Earth to investigate options for improving transport other than by a road building project in the area, found that a mix of measures including good bus and rail services would be cheaper and better value for money. Campaign for Better

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In brief Mon, 7 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT 11541
Virgin Rail returns to the black as passenger revenue grows by over 16% https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/11564/virgin-rail-returns-to-the-black-as-passenger-revenue-grows-by-over-16- VIRGIN Rail Group Holdings, the joint venture between Sir Richard Branson’s group and Stagecoach Group, returned to profit during the year to March 3 2007 on the back of passenger revenue growth of over 16%, according to the company’s annual accounts. During the year in question, the company operated two intercity rail franchises - Cross Country and West Coast Trains. However, the Cross Country franchise ended in November 2007, leaving Virgin with an expanded West?Coast business.

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Business Monitor Mon, 7 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT 11564
Arriva London North sees margins slip slightly as pension costs rise by over 30% https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/11563/arriva-london-north-sees-margins-slip-slightly-as-pension-costs-rise-by-over-30- ARRIVA’S north London bus subsidiary recorded slightly reduced operating profits but increased pre-tax profits in the year to  December 31 2006, according to its annual accounts. The company, originally known as Leaside Buses, has been part of the Arriva group since privatisation in 1994. The company runs a fleet of around 870 vehicles on London bus services, under contract to Transport for London. Turnover during the year grew by 6.4% to £164.0m, whilst operating costs r

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Business Monitor Mon, 7 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT 11563
Economic woes continue to bite transport stocks https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/11562/economic-woes-continue-to-bite-transport-stocks After the good news last time for our portfolio of transport shares, helped by a flurry of up-beat trading statements from the Big Five and Arriva’s purchase of Tellings Golden Miller, this edition of Stockwatch sees a return to gloomy news. Stagecoach was particularly affected by the turmoil in the markets, sliding almost 18% over the fortnight to close at 234.25p. First was also down almost 16% to close at 674.5p.  Despite recent upbeat trading statements from both groups, perhaps r

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Stockwatch Mon, 7 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT 11562
Operators must increase annual spending on new buses by 90m https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/11514/operators-must-increase-annual-spending-on-new-buses-by-90m Britain’s bus operators must significantly speed up the replacement of their fleets with new DDA-compliant pre-2000 vehicles before it is too late. Single deck buses that are not DDA-compliant cannot be used  on scheduled services from 2015, and non DDA double deckers will be banned a year later. This gives bus operators just seven years to replace more than 25,000 buses. Analysis of the UK’s bus fleet has  found that operators are under-replacing their vehicles. UK b

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Bus News Lead Story Mon, 7 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT 11514
Why does rail cost so much? https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/11511/why-does-rail-cost-so-much- The railway is infamously said to cost two to three times as much today as under BR, while carrying around 50% more passengers. At a select committee hearing last week, four of the country’s most senior railwaymen gave their views on some of the factors which have driven up costs. Labour costs “The railway is very labour intensive and employs 70,000 people while changes in society and in people’s attitude to wages and safety have increased labour costs considerably. “

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Rail News Mon, 7 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT 11511
Above-inflation revenue growth drives Oxford profits https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/11494/above-inflation-revenue-growth-drives-oxford-profits ABOVE-inflation revenue growth of over 4% drove a 47% increase in operating profits at the Oxford Bus?Company in the year to June 30 2007, according to its annual accounts. The company runs a fleet of some 150 vehicles on a network of urban and inter-urban services in and around Oxford, together with frequent express services to central?London and the airports at?Heathrow and Gatwick. The company continues to experience severe competition from?Stagecoach both locally and on the London express

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Business Monitor Mon, 7 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT 11494
National Express and Arriva fall 5% https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/3432/national-express-and-arriva-fall-5- Once again it was another disastrous fortnight on the markets for our portfolio of transport shares. With current economic predictions, it is likely to get far worse in the not too distant future. Only Stagecoach made any sort of headway during the period. The Perth-based managed to scrape into positive figures, closing at 238.75p, up just over 0.3% a fortnight earlier. Elsewhere there was gloomy news. National?Express was down by over 5%, disappointing no doubt to both shareholders and ch

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Stockwatch Fri, 4 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT 3432
Bus operators hail 3bn TIF boost to public transport in Manchester https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/3388/bus-operators-hail-3bn-tif-boost-to-public-transport-in-manchester

Stagecoach and First Group have welcomed the government’s approval of £2.8bn from the Transport Innovation Fund for Greater Manchester authorities to invest in major public transport improvements. Transport secretary Ruth Kelly gave the green light for authorities to proceed with their proposals which include: 22 miles extension to the Metrolink light rail system, new direct buses from the north to south of the city, 120 extra yellow school buses, extra carriages for local trains

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Bus News Fri, 4 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT 3388
French profit margins too low for Brits https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/3417/french-profit-margins-too-low-for-brits UK transport groups have failed to establish a presence in France because the market is too competitive and offers low rewards, French operator Transdev has claimed. While UK groups complain that bureaucratic restrictions have been set up to prevent foreign firms winning large contracts, Transdev communications director Bruno Négro claimed that in fact they were being deterred by low profit margins demanded by French city transport authorities. “The margins are as low as 1% N&

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Regular News Fri, 4 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT 3417
Go with the flow not against it Network Rail https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/3428/go-with-the-flow-not-against-it-network-rail When Willy Walsh declined to take a bonus that would have been worth a reported £750,000 there were sharp intakes of breath. A gesture no doubt but a mighty impressive one at that. What was the cause of his act of magnanimity? The Heathrow Terminal 5 debacle of course. The headlines he got were fulsome in their praise of the man standing up, taking responsibility and doing it in a way that must have hurt a lot. Well done that man. Contrast this with the response given to Bill Emery when

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John Nelson Fri, 4 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT 3428
Cross Country profits dip sharply as cost increases outstrip revenue growth https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/3376/cross-country-profits-dip-sharply-as-cost-increases-outstrip-revenue-growth TRAIN operator Cross Country Trains recorded sharply reduced operating and pre-tax profits in the year to March 3 2007, as cost increases outstripped significant turnover growth. The company, owned by the Virgin/Stagecoach joint venture, has run the franchise since January 1997 and was originally scheduled to last 15 years until 2012. However, the agreement was replaced in  2002, since when Virgin has run the franchise on a fixed fee basis. A competition to let a new franchise was held i

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Business Monitor Thu, 3 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT 3376
CfIT report warns that bus costs will increase by up to 100% https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/3329/cfit-report-warns-that-bus-costs-will-increase-by-up-to-100- THE COMMISSION for Integrated Transport has called on local authorities to speed up the introduction of bus priority measures in an effort to combat potentially lethal cost inflation in the industry. The concerns are highlighted in a new CfIT research report, Cost Issues in Public Transport Operation, prepared by consultancy firm TAS. It concludes that the bus industry is seeing “substantial upward pressure on costs, resulting in lower profit margins”. Wage costs are a signifi

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Bus News Thu, 3 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT 3329
Bus operators need all the breaks they can get to ensure that costs are kept in check https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/3372/bus-operators-need-all-the-breaks-they-can-get-to-ensure-that-costs-are-kept-in-check Recent issues of Transit have discussed the issue of bus industry finances. It really is the big white elephant in the corner that won’t go away. Now the Commission for Integrated Transport has revealed new research undertaken by transport consultancy firm TAS that shows that, all things being equal, bus operating costs could increase by between 30% and 100% over the next 25 years. No doubt in the collective boardrooms of the Big Five there will be a few sharp intakes of breath, but

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Business Comment Thu, 3 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT 3372
National Express Group makes serious money in London as profits double https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/3375/national-express-group-makes-serious-money-in-london-as-profits-double TRAVEL London, National Express Group’s south London bus subsidiary, recorded more than doubled operating and pre-tax profits  in the year to December 31 2006, according to its annual accounts. The company, formerly Connex Bus, was acquired from French company Veolia in March 2004. It incorporated operations established by NEG in its previous foray into the London market, and Limebourne Coaches, to which NEG added a lease on the old LT Walworth Garage. The company now runs some 47

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Business Monitor Thu, 3 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT 3375
Transport stocks continue their downward spiral https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/3302/transport-stocks-continue-their-downward-spiral Sadly it was another depressing fortnight for our portfolio of transport stocks thanks to the continued gloom on the world markets and only Go?Ahead making any sort of progress. Arriva had a particularly dismal two weeks with its stock depreciating by almost 7% to reach 679.5p following 10 days of steady downward progress in its share price. One thing is for sure: it would seem that the 52 week high of 852.5p is now a long way behind us. Surprisingly National Express also dropped 4.4% to c

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Stockwatch Wed, 2 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT 3302
Harris announces long-awaited 85m upgrade to Blackpools historic tramway https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/3257/harris-announces-long-awaited-85m-upgrade-to-blackpool-s-historic-tramway

THE DEPARTMENT for Transport has secured the future of Blackpool’s historic tramway with the confirmation by transport minister Tom Harris that it is to fund £60m towards an £85m project to upgrade the system. Harris said that the upgrade, which could be completed in 2012, would bring the route between Starr Gate near the South Pier to Fleetwood up to 21st century standards and act as a catalyst for the regeneration of the town. Improvements planned include the refurbis

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Rail News Wed, 2 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT 3257
Fuel costs slash Firsts South Yorkshire profits by 26% https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/3303/fuel-costs-slash-first-s-south-yorkshire-profits-by-26- BUS operator First South Yorkshire recorded a 26.9% reduction in operating profits during the year to March 31 2007, according to its annual accounts, as revenue grew by less than inflation whilst materials costs rose by more than 20%. The company operates a fleet of around 600 vehicles on services in and around Sheffield, Rotherham and Doncaster. The operations were consolidated under South Yorkshire PTE?ownership in 1974. The company was sold to its employees in 1993 and on to First Group

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Business Monitor Wed, 2 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT 3303
Metrolink wins 25m for upgrade work https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/3261/metrolink-wins-25m-for-upgrade-work TRANSPORT MINISTER Tom Harris has announced that the Department for Transport will fund the final part of a £100m upgrade to Manchester’s Metrolink light rail system. The £25m that Harris has pledged completes the £58m central government contribution to the project which will see upgrades to bridges, cabling and overhead lines as well as junction improvements on the Eccles line. “This funding marks the last piece of a historic funding package for Manchester Me

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Rail News Wed, 2 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT 3261
First unveils 100m bus order as it reveals results of transport survey https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/3273/first-unveils-100m-bus-order-as-it-reveals-results-of-transport-survey FIRST HAS announced a £100m  order for 700 new buses for use at its UK bus business that is its largest ever. The new vehicles will begin entering service in April in Leeds, with other deliveries to its South Yorkshire and Aberdeen businesses following shortly after. The order comes just weeks after research discovered that the Aberdeen-based group must order on average 758 new vehicles every year between now and 2016 to ensure its fleet complies with the  Disability Discrimin

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Bus News Wed, 2 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT 3273
Fearnley highlights industrys problems https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/3286/fearnley-highlights-industry-s-problems Incoming Confederation of Passenger Transport chairman Giles Fearnley used his speech at last weeks CPT dinner in London to highlight the bus industry’s growing problems. He said that despite CPT’s excellent working relationship with the Department for Transport, operators still have continuing problems with concessionary fare reimbursement regimes and also called for BSOG payments in Scotland and Wales to be brought into line with England. “I am not getting on a soapbox

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In brief Wed, 2 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT 3286
Public sector train operator in red despite grant growth https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/3305/public-sector-train-operator-in-red-despite-grant-growth TRAIN?operator South Eastern Trains recorded an operating loss of over £5.5m in its final year of operation, despite receiving over £82m of public funding, according to its annual accounts. This company was formed to take over operation of the franchise on a temporary basis in November 2003, following the Strategic Rail Authority's decision to withdraw the franchise from French transport group Connex (since renamed Veolia). The franchise was re-let with effect from April 1 2006,

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Business Monitor Wed, 2 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT 3305
Scotland runs out of cash for free bus fares https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/3195/scotland-runs-out-of-cash-for-free-bus-fares The £163m budget for the Scottish concessionary bus fares for the elderly and disabled looks set to overrun by £3m, due to the popularity of the scheme and pressures to raise fares.  The Scottish Executive and the Confederation for Passenger Transport are due to review the scheme later in the year. Paul White, public affairs executive for the CPT in Scotland said that the national transport agency, Transport Scotland was expected to reduce operators payments to ensure the bu

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In brief Tue, 1 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT 3195
Go Ahead left mystified after share price plunges https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/3212/go-ahead-left-mystified-after-share-price-plunges Brewin Dolphin - Target price: 2,155p. “The group faces higher fuel costs, reducing rail subsidies and profit share capping, and problems at the West Midlands bus operation. We have reduced profit before tax forecasts for this year and next by 6% and 4%. However, we feel that the share price fall has been overdone.” Citi - Target price 2,300p. “We think Go Ahead now represents the best value in the UK Bus and Rail sub-sector. An 18% correction following mildly disappointin

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News Extra Tue, 1 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT 3212
Stagecoach freezes work on Forth hovercraft https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/3166/stagecoach-freezes-work-on-forth-hovercraft

Stagecoach is to freeze any further work on its proposals for a cross-Forth hovercraft from the end of this month. The Perth-based transport group is putting all research and development on the project on hold until it receives clarification over the future public sector role and investment, both of which are key to taking the project forward. Stagecoach unveiled a detailed business plan in autumn 2007 outlining how a link could be established between Fife and Edinburgh using a 150-passe

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Regular News Tue, 1 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT 3166
Buoyant rail boosts National Express Group https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/3169/buoyant-rail-boosts-national-express-group Increased profits from its UK trains division enabled National Express Group to announce a strong set of full-year financial results this week. In the year to December 31, 2007, the group’s UK rail revenue was £1,472.1m, down 1.7% on 2006. However, the operations generated operating profits of £63.3m, up by 29% on the previous year. The group said that these results were ahead of expectations and reflected strong passenger growth of 6% over the year. The group’s

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Regular News Tue, 1 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT 3169
Times warns of cuts in libraries and parks https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/3196/times-warns-of-cuts-in-libraries-and-parks The Times joined in the debate over free nationwide bus travel for the over  60s this week with a warning that council services, such as libraries, parks and leisure centres will be hit with financial cuts as a result of the shortfall between the £212m government has given to local authorities to fund the travel, and what they are obliged to pay bus operators. The newspaper points out that a survey by the Local Government Association found that 30 councils were planning to cut serv

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In brief Tue, 1 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT 3196
DfT/Virgin Trains revenue share result of good negotiation https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/3206/dft-virgin-trains-revenue-share-result-of-good-negotiation I must take issue with your news article and comment piece (Transit, February 15) that suggest the Department for Transport has not negotiated a good deal with Virgin Trains. The franchise deal between ourselves and DfT ensures a return for both parties if we are successful in growing our business, which we have been. Your table states that we pay more in revenue share to the government than any other train operator, and this will continue. That is the result of a good negotiation that r

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Letters to the Editor Tue, 1 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT 3206
Go Ahead slumps as investors take flight https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/3224/go-ahead-slumps-as-investors-take-flight The doom and gloom of the stock market of late continues for another period, with only Arriva and Rotala making any sort of progress. We also bid farewell to Tellings Golden Miller, now that its purchase by Arriva looks to be sewn up, and welcome Blackburn-based vehicle manufacturer Darwen Holdings to our portfolio of transport stocks. However, Go Ahead saw perhaps the worse loss of any of our stocks of late when it revealed it had made a hefty £8.4m write off on the value of its West?M

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Stockwatch Tue, 1 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT 3224
Preston Bus back in the black but margins are low https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/3225/preston-bus-back-in-the-black-but-margins-are-low EMPLOYEE owned company Preston Bus recorded an operating profit before exceptional items again in the year to March 31 2007, according to its annual accounts. The company operates a fleet of  around 130 vehicles on services in and around the city of Preston. The former municipal company was privatised by an employee buyout in 1993 and is one of only a handful of major bus companies left in independent ownership. Since the summer of 2007 the company has faced much increased competition w

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Business Monitor Tue, 1 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT 3225
New entrant to UK train leasing market wins TfL contract https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/3185/new-entrant-to-uk-train-leasing-market-wins-tfl-contract A partnership between National Bank of Australia and Sumitomo Mitsui Banking has become the first major new entrant into the rolling stock leasing market. The joint venture, QW Rail Leasing, has been awarded the contract to supply London Overground’s new fleet of 188 electric trains by Transport for London. TfL had previously intended to buy the trains stating that it did not want to pay the “mark up” charged by the ROSCOs. However, it decided to change its strategy in order

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Rail News Tue, 1 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT 3185
Go Ahead left mystified after share price plunges https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/3211/go-ahead-left-mystified-after-share-price-plunges Go Ahead chief executive Keith Ludeman was prepared for the fact that the stock market was not going to react as he would have wished when he released the group’s interim results on February 15. The volatility in the market since the extent of the US sub-prime housing crisis became apparent meant the City had been seizing on any sign of bad news in companies’ figures. It had also caused several analysts to reconsider the transport sector and take a less favourable view of its pros

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News Extra Tue, 1 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT 3211
Review sees Cumbria cut 350000 from budget for subsidised services https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/3137/review-sees-cumbria-cut-350-000-from-budget-for-subsidised-services A major reform of how bus services are subsidised by Cumbria County Council was approved by Cumbria’s cabinet this week. Around 90% of Cumbria’s buses are commercially run. But the county council spends around £2m a year subsidising other bus routes. Councillors have now given the go ahead to change to dozens of subsidised routes in the wake of a public consultation. Some services will see a reduction in frequency while others will be withdrawn altogether. The changes will t

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Bus News Mon, 30 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT 3137
Profitable end to GNER is tenure on the East Coast https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/3154/profitable-end-to-gner-is-tenure-on-the-east-coast TRAIN?operating company Great North Eastern Railway earned an operating profit of £23.3m in the year to January 6 2007, according to its annual accounts. This was the last full year before the termination of the franchise, which passed to National?Express Group last November. The company operated the InterCity East Coast franchise from 1996, on the basis of an initial seven year agreement, later extended by two years. The business won the contract again on retender in 2005, but a combin

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Business Monitor Mon, 30 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT 3154
Mason happy with Translink funding package https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/3112/mason-happy-with-translink-funding-package Translink has hailed confirmation of the Northern Ireland budget for 2008/09 to 2010/11 by the NI Assembly as a huge boost for its bus and rail services. In particular, the budget means 20 new trains to replace 13 older trains used on the Larne line and more capacity and frequency across the rail network Bus passengers will enjoy 200 new buses to continue to modernise the fleet, improve accessibility and expand services. In addition, the free travel scheme for those over 65 will be exte

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Regular News Mon, 30 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT 3112
Looming oil price boom means light rail strategy is needed now https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/3120/-looming-oil-price-boom-means-light-rail-strategy-is-needed-now-

Light rail is the solution to an expected boom in oil prices and   according to West Midlands PTA Centro, however, only if work on a long term strategy starts now. This was the message from Centro-PTA’s chief executive, Geoff Inskip, speaking at the spring meeting of the All Party Parliamentary Light Rail Group in the House of Commons last week, who agreed that oil is predicted to become a scarce resource.  “It’s a well-known theory that once the world rea

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Rail News Mon, 30 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT 3120
Why should Stagecoach ask for subsidy for hovercraft project? https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/3141/why-should-stagecoach-ask-for-subsidy-for-hovercraft-project- You report that Stagecoach is to cease work on the cross-Forth hovercraft project because the Scottish taxpayer is reluctant to subsidise possible initial losses. Is this the same Stagecoach who have campaigned against public sector involvement in bus services, arguing that such things are best left to thrusting private sector entrepreneurs who are willing to take commercial risks?

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Letters to the Editor Mon, 30 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT 3141
Transport groups see share prices tumble https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/3151/transport-groups-see-share-prices-tumble Go Ahead Group saw a 10% slump in its share price over the past fortnight, following on from the 15% fall of the previous two-week period. The Newcastle-based group saw its share price hit a 52-week low of 1,691p on March 7. The picture was similar at First Group which finished the latest two-week period with a year low of 547.5p after seeing 10% wiped of the value of its shares. Stagecoach and Arriva also saw their share prices fall by around 10% with the latter having released full-year fin

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Stockwatch Mon, 30 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT 3151
Natex East Anglia has 100k rural upgrade https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/3125/natex-east-anglia-has-100k-rural-upgrade National Express East Anglia has completed the £100k interior upgrade of its fleet of Class 156 two-carriage trains which form most of its services operating on the rural routes from Norwich to Great Yarmouth, Lowestoft and Sheringham, as well as other services that operate between Ipswich and Cambridge, Felixstowe and Lowestoft. To mark the completion of the upgrade which includes improved seats, tables and carpets, the final train in the fleet to receive the makeover will be unveiled

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In brief Mon, 30 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT 3125
First plunges into the red in Bristol as costs up by 12% https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/3152/first-plunges-into-the-red-in-bristol-as-costs-up-by-12- BUS operator First Bristol recorded a £3m operating loss in the year to March 31 2007, according to its annual accounts.  The company operates a fleet of  around 330 vehicles on services in and around the city and has traded in its current form since 2001. Turnover during the year was 2.3% higher at £38m, whilst operating costs rose by 11.3% to £40.0m. The resulting operating loss of £2.0m was achieved at a margin of -5.3%% (last year: +3.8%). Interest was n

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Business Monitor Mon, 30 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT 3152
Stagecoachs Liverpool acquisition stays in the red https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/3094/stagecoach-s-liverpool-acquisition-stays-in-the-red GLENVALE Transport, the Liverpool bus operator,  recorded an operating loss of just over £1m in the year to April 30 2007, according to its annual accounts -  significant improvement on the £2.3m deficit recorded in the 39 weeks to 30 April 2006. The company was originally established in 2001 in response to an OFT requirement for Arriva to sell MTL’s Gilmoss Depot on acquiring the whole of the company during the previous year. It grew from 120 buses to nearly 200,

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Business Monitor Fri, 27 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT 3094
Network Rail says ORR stance could freeze work on enhancements https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/3053/network-rail-says-orr-stance-could-freeze-work-on-enhancements Network Rail has threatened to take action which could freeze work on major enhancement projects such as the Thameslink programme, if the Office of Rail Regulation continues to demand that the company make “impossible” cost reductions. Chief executive Iain Coucher warned that unless ORR changes its stance on Network Rail’s funding settlement for the next five years, he would have “no choice” but to refer the matter to the Competition Commission, whose inquiries c

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Rail News Fri, 27 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT 3053
Is the cost of UK rail delays really as high as 1bn a year? https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/3081/is-the-cost-of-uk-rail-delays-really-as-high-as-1bn-a-year- The National Audit Office report on train delays states that “Incidents led to 14 million minutes of delay to franchised passenger rail services in Great Britain, costing a minimum of £1bn in the time lost to passengers in delays” (Transit March 14). The value of a train delay minute is shown as £73.47. With an average of 182 passengers on each train, the cost to each passenger is £24.22 per hour. This would indicate a salary before tax of some £60,000 per

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Letters to the Editor Fri, 27 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT 3081
Go Aheads share price tumbles another 10% https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/3093/go-ahead-s-share-price-tumbles-another-10- It was another dreadful fortnight for our portfolio of transport stocks with Go Ahead seeing almost a 10% slump in its share price, following on from the 10% fall of the previous two-week period. The group saw its share price hit another 52-week low of 1,528p at the close of business on March 20. This is despite it off-loading its troublesome West Midlands bus business last month to AIM-listed Rotala. National Express also had a tough time. It closed the latest two-week period at 970p, down

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Stockwatch Fri, 27 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT 3093
Correction https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/3016/correction In the last edition of Transit a technical problem, unconnected to Chris Cheek, meant that the Rail Monitor headline was altered inadvertently. The correct headline should have appeared as ‘West Coast back in the black as fares income tops £600m’. We apologise for this error and are more than happy to set the record straight.

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In brief Tue, 24 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT 3016
Arriva hits 2bn turnover but profit margins slip again after cost increases https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/3034/arriva-hits-2bn-turnover-but-profit-margins-slip-again-after-cost-increases CONTINUED?growth at bus?and train operator Arriva took company revenues above £2bn for the first time in the year to  December 31 2007, according to the company’s annual accounts. However, cost inflation and other factors meant that the operating and pre-tax profit margins fell for the second year in a row. The company is the UK’s second largest bus operator, with a market share of just under 15% by turnover. The UK rail portfolio, previously limited to the Wales and Bo

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Business Monitor Tue, 24 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT 3034
Firsts ScotRail deal is extended after 70m investment pledge https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/2994/first-s-scotrail-deal-is-extended-after-70m-investment-pledge

ScotRail’s franchise has been extended until 2014 after First Group pledged to provide at least £70m for rail service improvements. The deal was struck after First offered to guarantee the level of clawback payments it will make over the life of the franchise and convert them into an investment fund, giving Scottish ministers the certainty required to make additional improvements to rail services. Patronage growth more than double the level predicted in ScotRail’s franchise

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Rail News Tue, 24 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT 2994
100 per passenger journey? Who are the bus industry's real 'subsidy junkies'? https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/3029/-100-per-passenger-journey-who-are-the-bus-industry-s-real-subsidy-junkies- It was revealed this week that a bus feeder service for the new Ebbw Vale line in South Wales is costing a staggering £100 subsidy per passenger journey. It will not escape the notice of some that while those nasty private sector bus barons were being labelled “subsidy junkies” in parliament that the public sector should be wasting tax payers money on a service that is used by just six passengers a day. The Welsh Assembly Government is disappointed that so few people have us

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Business Comment Tue, 24 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT 3029
Transport stocks make a return to growth https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/3031/transport-stocks-make-a-return-to-growth At last there is good news to report. All of the Big Five made progress this time, with First and Stagecoach ahead on the back of some support from the City’s analysts community. First closed at 601p, up almost 12% on the start of the fortnight, while Stagecoach was up just over 10% to close at 245p. National Express edged ahead by over 5% to close at 1,027p, perhaps helped by the buoyant start the group has had at its East Coast intercity rail business. Go Ahead also made progress, inc

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Stockwatch Tue, 24 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT 3031
Western Greyhound upgrades its fleet https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/3014/western-greyhound-upgrades-its-fleet In a move to boost capacity and modernise the fleet, Western Greyhound has upgraded its double-deck fleet and added a further five 10-year old Volvo Olympians to the three purchased last year, and an order for two low-floor ADL Enviro 400 double decks for the Newquay to Exeter route. Western Greyhound's Managing Director, Mark Howarth told Transit: “We are having a clear-out of all double-deckers older than 10 years in order to modernise the fleet. On all new contracts from September th

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In brief Tue, 24 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT 3014
Profits at First Manchester start to recover but stay low https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/3032/profits-at-first-manchester-start-to-recover-but-stay-low BUS operating profits to the north of the Greater Manchester conurbation started to recover during the year ended March 31 2007, according to the annual accounts of First Group’s Manchester subsidiary. The company, formerly Greater Manchester Buses North, originates in the municipal operations of Bolton, Bury, Oldham, Salford, Rochdale and Wigan and the Lancashire United business - all of which were merged into Greater Manchester PTE in the late 1960s.  The company was acquired by

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Business Monitor Tue, 24 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT 3032
Arriva invests 32m in Tamworth fleet https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/2927/arriva-invests-3-2m-in-tamworth-fleet Arriva Midlands has invested £3.2m in an 18-strong new low-floor bus fleet for a relaunch of its network of services in Tamworth, North Warwickshire, Sutton Coldfield and Birmingham. Improvements include boosted frequencies, improved bus stop information and links retained following public consultation. Arriva Midlands managing director Bob Hind said that the improvements follow extensive customer consultation to identify improvements.

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Bus News Mon, 23 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT 2927
19m pension charge drives East London into the red https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/2967/-19m-pension-charge-drives-east-london-into-the-red AN?exceptional payment into the pension fund resulted in a loss of over £15.9m at  East London Bus and Coach?Company, the former Stagecoach subsidiary, in the year to April 30 2007. The business, along with  Selkent, was acquired by a consortium led by?Macquarie Bank in August 2006. The company runs a fleet of  830 vehicles on a series of contracts for Transport for London in and around  the East End. The £19.9m payment arose on the separation of pension scheme

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Business Monitor Mon, 23 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT 2967
First signs bumper bus deal with Wrightbus https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/2944/first-signs-bumper-bus-deal-with-wrightbus

First has formally signed a bumper new bus order with Ballymena-based manufacturer Wrightbus that is worth in excess of £125m over a multi year period. The order adds to the 1,500 new Wrightbus vehicles that the Aberdeen-based transport group has purchased over the last five years. The bulk of the order calls for both single and double deck buses on Volvo chassis, but it also includes nine new Wrightbus double  deck buses, five of which are hybrids. Commenting on the deal, First

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Bus News Mon, 23 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT 2944
NatEx profits hit new record but rail growth disguises margin falls elsewhere https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/2969/natex-profits-hit-new-record-but-rail-growth-disguises-margin-falls-elsewhere STRONG performance in its UK rail division drove operating and pre-tax profits to their highest levels for several years in the year to December 31 2007, according to the group’s annual accounts. The company retains a strong presence in the UK rail market, has bus operations in the midlands, Tayside and London, and operates the UK’s largest network of express coach services. In addition, the group has a significant presence in the US school bus market, and owns Spain’s larg

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Business Monitor Mon, 23 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT 2969
New bus orders give a boost to Darwen Group https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/2966/new-bus-orders-give-a-boost-to-darwen-group It was another turbulent fortnight on the markets yet again, not helped by the continuing impact of the credit crunch. For the transport sector, the news that the price of oil has reached $199 a barrel will no doubt be of great concern for investors, and with more pundits predicting that the day of $200 for a barrell is edging ever closer, they understandably took flight. Of the Big Five, none made any sort of progress and slipped back ending the positive progress of the last period. Stageco

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Stockwatch Mon, 23 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT 2966
Small independent bus operators crippled by costly legislation https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/2887/small-independent-bus-operators-crippled-by-costly-legislation Regretfully I have to agree with your views (Transit April 25) about the continuing demise of small independent bus operators in the UK which are suffering disproportionately under the flood of unhelpful and costly legislation which together with crippling fuel price rises threaten to engulf the industry.  No doubt some of the recent sales have also been influenced by the chancellor’s decision to eliminate, from April 6 this year, the beneficial 10% capital gains tax rate for busi

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Letters to the Editor Tue, 17 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT 2887
Southern sun for Govia as profit levels double https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/2900/southern-sun-for-govia-as-profit-levels-double COMMUTER?train company?New Southern Railway achieved a 57.1% increase in operating profits in the 52 weeks ended June 30  2007, according to its latest accounts. The improvement was achieved on the back of double digit passenger growth, but also increased subsidy levels. The company, owned by Govia, the joint venture between Go Ahead Group and French transport operator Keolis, has operated the South?Central franchise since taking over from Connex in 2001. It won a new franchise in 2003

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Business Monitor Tue, 17 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT 2900
Plymouth doubles profits as revenue grows by over 6% https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/2898/plymouth-doubles-profits-as-revenue-grows-by-over-6- PLYMOUTH?Citybus, the West?Country’s only municipal bus operator, saw profits more than double during the year to March 31 2007, as revenue grew strongly. The company operates a fleet of some 180 vehicles on a network of local services in and around the city, as well as a small coaching operation which survived a closure threat last year. There has been competition with First Group’s local subsidiary for a number of years. Turnover during the year rose by 6.6% to reach £1

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Business Monitor Tue, 17 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT 2898
Go Ahead to hike up fares due to oil costs https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/2867/go-ahead-to-hike-up-fares-due-to-oil-costs Go Ahead is planning to raise bus fares to take account of an increase in fuel prices of approximately 30% over the past four months. Finance director Nick Swift told Transit that because fuel is only 10% of the bus division's cost base, relatively small rises of 2-4% would be sufficient to recoup the additional expenditure. He added that he did not believe this would adversely affect patronage as the cost increases were considerably less than travelling by car and that passengers would be u

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In brief Tue, 17 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT 2867
Upbeat trading statements put transport stocks ahead https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/2897/upbeat-trading-statements-put-transport-stocks-ahead Well, according to the pundits in the City and Wall Street the end of the Credit Crunch is in sight and judging by the performance of our portfolio of transport stocks in the last few days of the current period, it would seem that they could be right. Stagecoach edged ahead a massive 20% over the fortnight to close at 256.75p, reflecting a positive trading statement and support from the City’s analyst community. Continuing rumours about the acquistion of the group by a third party will

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Business Comment Tue, 17 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT 2897
BSOG bus https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/2893/bsog-bus

It would have been extremely naïve to believe that government - big government - would have its pound of flesh with the Local Transport Bill and then leave us alone for a while to get used to the new regime. Nice though that would have been for our customers, the budget statement quickly affirmed that it was not to be, and we now have a review of what they call bus subsidies to face, even though most are actually people subsidies. Two of the so called subsidies now under attack are conc

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Ben Colson Tue, 17 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT 2893
Academic claims operators overpaid in Scotland and Wales https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/2850/academic-claims-operators-overpaid-in-scotland-and-wales An academic at Napier University’s Transport Research Institute claims that the Scottish and Welsh concessionary fare reimbursement regimes are far too generous to bus operators. Speaking at last month’s Scottish Transport Applications and Research conference in Glasgow, Tom Rye said that his research, based on National Travel Survey data, suggested that operators in Scotland were being overpaid by £100m annually. Under the 1985 Transport Act, bus operators should be no b

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Bus News Tue, 17 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT 2850
84% patronage growth drives Brighton profits up https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/2833/8-4-patronage-growth-drives-brighton-profits-up

Brighton & Hove, one of Britain’s best performing bus companies returned to double digit profit margins in the 52 weeks ended June 30 2007, thanks largely to year-on-year patronage growth of 8.4%, according to its annual accounts. The 270-vehicle company operates a network of local and inter-urban services in and around its home city, and spreading as far as Lewes, Eastbourne and Tunbridge Wells. The company, a subsidiary of the Go Ahead since 1993, expanded in 2005 when it acquired

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Business Monitor Fri, 6 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT 2833
Fuel cost is high but is that our biggest problem? https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/2828/fuel-cost-is-high-but-is-that-our-biggest-problem-

I have to admit to not being Germaine Greer’s greatest fan, yet last week I found myself excitingly applauding her. I was listening to Any Questions on the radio. Inevitably, and rightly, the first question was about knife crime, but then came one about fuel prices and what should be done about it. Whilst the other panel members, the politicians, answered with foreboding about the future and how difficult it all is, and how OPEC must be pressed into producing more oil, Germaine went st

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Ben Colson Fri, 6 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT 2828
Fuel for thought https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/2821/fuel-for-thought This week saw the closure of the government’s consultation on its plans to reform the Bus Service Operators’ Grant, formerly known as Fuel Duty Rebate. The deadline for submissions passed amid stories of the impact that increased fuel costs are having on public transport operators. It’s tough out there and it’s getting tougher. Bus companies up and down the country are going to have to raise their fares to absorb the impact of higher fuel costs. Any changes to the £

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Opinion Fri, 6 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT 2821
Merseyrail calls cost estimates a disgrace https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/2792/merseyrail-calls-cost-estimates--a-disgrace-

Merseyrail has criticised cost indications by Network Rail for extensions to its network, as “beyond comprehension” in the approach to Merseyside’s Route Utilisation Strategy. Commenting on his priorities for the RUS, Merseyrail’s managing director Bart Schmeink told Transit:  “Basically a very high-level theme in the RUS is stations, stations, stations. Liverpool Lime Street,  James street, Liverpool Central, Moorfields: the stations on the loop are pr

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Rail News Fri, 6 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT 2792
Colson calls for 100% fuel duty rebate level https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/2788/colson-calls-for-100-fuel-duty-rebate-level Norfolk Green managing director Ben Colson has warned that his company needs an additional 2,000 passengers every day in order to maintain his company’s current financial position in the face of spiraling oil prices. In response he has called on the government to raise bus operators Bus Service Operator’s Grant to 100% of fuel duty. “A 100% duty back on fuel would help us sustain our position, but rather than giving back they want to take more away at a difficult time,”&n

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In brief Fri, 6 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT 2788
Boost for Supertram profits as patronage grows again https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/2751/boost-for-supertram-profits-as-patronage-grows-again

STAGECOACH subsidiary South?Yorkshire Supertram recorded increased operating and pre-tax profits in the year to April 30 2007, according to its annual accounts - thanks to further growth in patronage of almost 7%. The company has held the franchise from?South Yorkshire PTE to run the system since 1997. Over the ten years, the business has been transformed from a substantial loss-maker into the current profitable business. Turnover was 13.4% up to £12.6m, whilst costs rose by 13%.

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Business Monitor Fri, 6 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT 2751
First Glasgow raises fares as fuel costs bite https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/2719/first-glasgow-raises-fares-as-fuel-costs-bite First’s Glasgow bus business has announced that it is to increase bus fares due to increasing costs, including fuel, just weeks after it released an agreement with the Competition Commission not to raise fares higher than the retail price index. The cost of an adult single fare will increase from between 80p and £2.80 to between 85p and £3.10. Child fares will also increase along with day and season tickets.

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In brief Fri, 6 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT 2719
Winterton announces 42m upgrade for Bristols bus network https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/2699/winterton-announces-42m-upgrade-for-bristol-s-bus-network Transport minister Rosie Winterton has announced her approval of a £42m funding package of improvements to Bristol’s bus network. Ten key bus corridors and over 70 routes around Bristol, North Somerset, South Gloucestershire and Bath & North East Somerset will be modernised. The upgrades will include new, more comfortable low-floor and low-emission vehicles, dedicated bus lanes and improved traffic signals for buses on the roads to create faster journeys. Passengers will also

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Bus News Fri, 6 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT 2699
First Groups turnover hits 47bn https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/2696/first-group-s-turnover-hits-4-7bn

First Group chief executive Moir Lockhead hailed the group’s “best ever” set of full year financial results last week. The FTSE 100 bus and train operator achieved increased turnover and profits across all of its core businesses. The Aberdeen-based group generated operating profits of £267.5m (2008: £203.6m) on turnover of £4.7bn (2008: £3.7bn) in the year to March 21, 2008. The results from First’s UK bus division were especially encouraging

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Rail News Fri, 6 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT 2696
Fuel woes hit smaller bus operators https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/2716/fuel-woes-hit-smaller-bus-operators Independent bus operators are fighting for survival after the sharpest monthly increase in diesel prices in a decade. Larger operators have hedged fuel supply against soaring oil prices. However, smaller bus operators pay higher prices with each diesel delivery. Arwyn Davies, of Wrexham-based GHA Coaches, said yesterday he paid £1.25 a litre for 36,000 litres of diesel on Wednesday. “It’s horrendous. The profit margin is going,” he said. “We’ve put our

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Bus News Fri, 6 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT 2716
stockwatch First Groups annual results fail to impress the City https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/2748/stockwatch-first-group-s-annual-results-fail-to-impress-the-city Sadly after an optimistic period last time around, this time we return to a fortnight where there was little good news for our portfolio of transport stocks. Despite a robust set of results from First they didn’t exactly set the City on fire. The Aberdeen-based group was down 3.6% on a fortnight earlier, closing at 562p. With some fairly optimistic targets to hit at its rail franchises, in particular at First Capital Connect, perhaps the City could  be getting a little concerned ab

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Business Comment Fri, 6 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT 2748
Fuel prices cause for increasing concern say bus and rail firms https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/2783/fuel-prices-cause-for-increasing-concern-say-bus-and-rail-firms

The sudden and erratic changes in world oil prices could force public transport operators to take a gamble on when to sign new fuel hedging deals. Most bus services are covered by deals which guarantee the fuel price for an agreed period, regardless of fluctuations in the oil market. However, as crude oil prices exceeded $130 a barrel recently, managers were pondering whether to go for their next deals now or hope that prices will drop before their current deals expire. Prime minister Gordon

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Lead Story Fri, 6 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT 2783
Newbury Buses ponders fare rises https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/2789/newbury-buses-ponders-fare-rises Reading Transport chief executive James Freeman has begun reviewing fares at its Newbury Buses subsidiary in the face of increasing fuel prices that have increased the financial pressure on some of its services in West Berkshire. Freeman said: “We have initiated discussions with West Berkshire Council as we operate tendered bus routes. With the booming price of fuel we need to reconsider the economics and get as much as we can out of the same amount of money.”

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In brief Fri, 6 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT 2789
Rotala narrows annual losses as it benefits from acquisition activity https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/2810/rotala-narrows-annual-losses-as-it-benefits-from-acquisition-activity Rotala has announced end of year financial results that reveal turnover at the AIM-listed transport investment group has increased by 20% to £19.4m. It has also narrowed its full-year pre-tax loss on a “near break even performance” in the second half of the year, with a loss of just £37,000. The group reported that pre-tax losses in the year to November 30 2007 narrowed to £1.1m from £2.8m a year earlier. Chairman John Gunn said in a statement he looked &ld

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Bus News Fri, 6 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT 2810
Money makes the bus industrys world go around but help is needed to control costs https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/2827/money-makes-the-bus-industry-s-world-go-around-but-help-is-needed-to-control-costs

Recent issues of Transit have not made cheerful reading for the bus industry. The debacle of the concessionary fares scheme in England, reports of resulting service cuts as hard pressed local authorities struggle to manage their transport budgets. Then there’s the problem of rising fuel costs, continuing wage inflation and falling budgets for supported services. All this saps morale, wastes scarce management time and destabilises services for passengers. Infact, what the industry nee

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Other Columnist Fri, 6 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT 2827
stockwatch National Express and Stagecoach pull ahead https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/2832/stockwatch-national-express-and-stagecoach-pull-ahead It was yet again a mixed week on the stockmarket for our portfolio of transport shares, with winners and losers in seemingly equal measure. Both First and Go Ahead slipped back to close down 5% and 4% respectively. This was despite Go Ahead gaining a particularly positive brokers note from Deutsche Bank and rumours around the City that the Newcastle-based group was poised to make a bid for rail freight operator Freightliner. Never the less the group still closed down at 1,521p. Arriva was

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Business Comment Fri, 6 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT 2832
TPE margins dip despite 19% patronage growth https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/2835/tpe-margins-dip-despite-19-patronage-growth

TRAIN operator First/Keolis TransPennine recorded increased operating and pre-tax profits in the year to March 31 2007, but traded at slightly reduced margins, according to its annual accounts. The company operates a network of services linking Newcastle, Middlesbrough and the Yorkshire coast with Leeds, Manchester and Liverpool, as well as providing services between Manchester Airport and Cumbria. Services from the airport to Blackpool were added in 2006 and northwards to Scotland in Decemb

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Business Monitor Fri, 6 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT 2835
Stronger bus business helps fuel profit growth at First https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/373/stronger-bus-business-helps-fuel-profit-growth-at-first

first group last week announced half-year operating profits of £103m. The figure, up more than £10m on the same period of 2006, was boosted by the continued recovery in profits at the Aberdeen-based group’s UK bus division. The group’s 9,000-vehicle UK bus business saw revenue rise by 3.5% to £540.1m in the six months to September 30, 2007 (2006: £521.9m), helped by a 1.2% increase in passenger volumes. Operating profit increased by 20.5% to £47.6m (2

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Bus News Fri, 16 Nov 2007 00:00:00 GMT 373
Eurostar UK celebrates but losses mount as real yields fall by 22% since 1996 https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/372/eurostar-uk-celebrates-but-losses-mount-as-real-yields-fall-by-22-since-1996 EUROSTAR UK, the company which operates the British end of the international passenger rail services through the Channel tunnel, recorded increased operating and pre-tax losses during the year to December 31 2006, according to its annual accounts. The company is a subsidiary of London and Continental?Railways, the business which has built the Channel Tunnel?Rail Link (now known as High Speed 1), which opened for passenger service earlier this week . Turnover during the year rose by 6.1%

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Business Monitor Fri, 16 Nov 2007 00:00:00 GMT 372
Transdev improves Bournemouth figures but the business stays firmly in the red https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/371/transdev-improves-bournemouth-figures-but-the-business-stays-firmly-in-the-red BOURNEMOUTH Transport, the ex-municipal operator which was acquired by Transdev in 2005, reduced its operating and pre-tax losses during the year to  December 31 2006, according to its annual accounts. The company, which trades as Yellow Buses, operates around 120 vehicles on local bus services in and around its home town. The business has faced competition with Go Ahead subsidiary Wilts &?Dorset on the key Bournemouth-Christchurch corridor since 2004. The local authority’s de

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Business Monitor Fri, 16 Nov 2007 00:00:00 GMT 371
stockwatch Firsts results dont set the market alight https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/370/stockwatch-first-s-results-don-t-set-the-market-alight After much positive news in the last Stockwatch period, this time the share prices of each of the ‘Big Five’ slipped back significantly, with only our two Alternative Investment Market-listed groups making any sort of progress. No doubt much of this is down to continuing financial jitters around the world and investors are being cautious as a result. Indeed, it was a sorry fortnight for Stagecoach. Despite celebrating the launch of its new East Midlands rail franchise later on in

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Stockwatch Fri, 16 Nov 2007 00:00:00 GMT 370
Free travel is a millstone for bus operators https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/366/free-travel-is-a-millstone-for-bus-operators

“Let’s not worry about oil [prices], let’s worry about where the government is ripping us off.” I can hear some senior industry insiders already saying “Oh no, what’s his rant about this time?” No rant, they were the carefully chosen words of Michael O’Leary of Ryanair being interviewed on Radio 4’s Today programme on the morning of Guy Fawkes Night. Explosive stuff! What he said made sense as, at the present time, the cost of tighter regulat

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Ben Colson Fri, 16 Nov 2007 00:00:00 GMT 366
CPT welcomes government pledge to increase fuel duty rebate rates https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/357/cpt-welcomes-government-pledge-to-increase-fuel-duty-rebate-rates

THE CONFEDERATION of Passenger Transport has welcomed the government’s announcement that the rate of Bus Service Operators’ Grant (BSOG)?in England is to be increased to match the increase in fuel duty that was introduced at the start of October. Simon Posner, chief executive of the bus industry trade association, said that CPT had been in close discussions with ministers in recent months highlighting the need to increase BSOG in order to keep the cost of fares affordable for

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Bus News Fri, 16 Nov 2007 00:00:00 GMT 357
Contributions of local businesses vital for funding light rail schemes https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/344/contributions-of-local-businesses-vital-for-funding-light-rail-schemes The role of financial contributions from the private sector and local businesses is key to securing funding for tram and light rail schemes, according to speakers at last week’s Transit-sponsored conference Light Rail 07: Civilised Urban Transit. Mary Bonar, chair of the Light Rapid Transit Forum  commended the fact that new funding streams are available: “The willingness to use a whole range of methods not just one.” She cited Crossrail as a good example of this: &ldq

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Bus News Fri, 16 Nov 2007 00:00:00 GMT 344
Government woeful on delivering light rail schemes says LRTAs president https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/342/government-woeful-on-delivering-light-rail-schemes--says-lrta-s-president woeful was the word used to describe the government’s performance on light rail over the last seven years, at last week’s light rail conference in the London’s Docklands. At the Transit-sponsored conference Light Rail 07: Civilised Urban Transit, president of the Light Rail Transit Association, Mike Parker, bemoaned the lack of progress made by government since the Ten Year Transport Plan of 2000’s pledge of delivering 25 new light rail schemes proposed. Parker also ex

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Light Rail/Tram News Lead Story Fri, 16 Nov 2007 00:00:00 GMT 342
First poised to enter FTSE 100 https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/305/first-poised-to-enter-ftse-100

first Group is set to become the only UK passenger transport group to be included in the Financial Time Stock Exchange list of the UK’s 100 biggest companies. The Aberdeen-based group’s share price has leapt by almost 40% over the past two months, a period that has seen the completion of the transformational acquisition of US bus group Laidlaw. First is now the FTSE’s 87th largest in terms of stock-market value, and the group’s promotion to the elite FTSE 100 now appea

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Bus News Fri, 16 Nov 2007 00:00:00 GMT 305
Business stumps up Crossrail cash but questions still remain https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/95/business-stumps-up-crossrail-cash--but-questions-still-remain

The long awaited Crossrail scheme took a major step forward this week after private sector beneficiaries agreed to contribute more than £1bn towards the £16bn east-west London rail link. The City of London Corporation, Canary Wharf and BAA are each understood to be willing to donate hundreds of millions of pounds to finally get the scheme off the drawing board. However, the exact nature of their contributions still remains unclear. Recent progress follows pressure from prime mini

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Lead Story Sat, 3 Nov 2007 00:00:00 GMT 95
Stagecoachs luxury bus service to offer railway-style guarantees https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/233/stagecoach-s-luxury-bus-service-to-offer-railway-style-guarantees

STAGECOACH HAS launched a new premium bus service concept that will make extensive use of rail industry-style performance statistics and customer service pledges in an effort to woo car users onto its network. The £2m trial of the concept, marketed under a new ‘Goldline’ brand, was launched this week by the group in Perth. There are plans to roll the new product out to key locations across the UK if it proves a success. Passengers using the Goldline service will benefit f

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Bus News Lead Story Fri, 2 Nov 2007 00:00:00 GMT 233
Scholey commits First to Manchester and reaffirms plans for partnership https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/242/scholey-commits-first-to-manchester-and-reaffirms-plans-for-partnership FIRST MANCHESTER’S recently appointed managing director, Andy Scholey, has reaffirmed the group’s commitment to working with stakeholders at a series of meetings in the city last month. Scholey used the opportunity of the company’s attendance at a meeting of the Greater Manchester Passenger Transport Authority to update the members on the successes of a range of current agreements, and the real benefits that customers are enjoying as a direct consequence. Following the GM

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Bus News Fri, 2 Nov 2007 00:00:00 GMT 242
Welsh concessionary fare payments rise 29% https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/245/welsh-concessionary-fare-payments-rise-29- Payments to bus operators for each free concessionary passenger increased by 29% in just two years in one area of Wales, prompting a call for the funding formula to be reviewed. Figures published this week by Conwy County Borough Council show that operators were reimbursed 87p per passenger in 2004-05, £1.02 in 2005-06 and £1.12 in 2006-07. From 2004-05 to 2006-07, the increase was 29%. The total paid by the council increased by 44% in the same period, as more journeys were mad

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Bus News Fri, 2 Nov 2007 00:00:00 GMT 245
Network Rail urges government to increase order for new trains https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/247/network-rail-urges-government-to-increase-order-for-new-trains

Network Rail has told the government that it will have to increase the number of new carriages it has promised train operators by 15-25%, and warned that the new punctuality target set by the Department for Transport cannot be met without additional investment. In its first strategic business plan, Network Rail estimated that by 2014, 1,500-1,600 more carriages are required in England and Wales, compared to the 1,300 promised by the DfT in this summer’s Sustainable Railway white paper.

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Rail News Fri, 2 Nov 2007 00:00:00 GMT 247
Cross-Forth ferry link could run without subsidy after three years https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/259/cross-forth-ferry-link-could-run-without-subsidy-after-three-years

Stagecoach believes that it has established a clear business case for launching a permanent cross-Forth hovercraft service, which could operate without subsidy after three years. The Perth-based group has unveiled a four-part masterplan to exploit the potential of the Forth estuary, identifying a preferred link between Kirkcaldy and Leith. Stagecoach announced its proposals following analysis of the results of a two-week Forthfast trial operation in July 2007. The company, which used

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Lead Story Fri, 2 Nov 2007 00:00:00 GMT 259
Pacer replacement on the cards if new European grants go ahead https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/272/pacer-replacement-on-the-cards-if-new-european-grants-go-ahead

pacer replacement could be brought forward if new guidelines allow European grants to be spent on trains. The European Commission’s recent green paper on Urban Transport emphasised “the need to replace quickly an ageing rolling stock in the interest of reliability, safety and improved interoperability.” Deprived areas receiving EU Cohesion Fund grants include Merseyside, South Yorkshire and most of Wales. Serco/NedRailways is discussing accelerated Pacer replacement wit

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Rail News Fri, 2 Nov 2007 00:00:00 GMT 272
Rail capacity needed in South London says Watchdog https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/273/rail-capacity-needed-in-south-london--says-watchdog Rail capacity is desperately needed in south and south east London, according to watchdog London Travelwatch, in response to Network Rail’s South London Route Utilisation Strategy. Chairman Brian Cooke said   “These routes should have at least six trains per hour from early in the morning until late at night, including on Sundays. A more frequent train service is needed in the peak, as well as investment in tracks and signals. It is also essential that the central Londo

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Rail News Fri, 2 Nov 2007 00:00:00 GMT 273
Souter goes for gold in quest for bus growth https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/286/souter-goes-for-gold-in-quest-for-bus-growth

It was in October 2000 that Stagecoach set up a pilot Kick Start project in the group’s home town of Perth. It  introduced enhancements on route 7, connecting suburbs of Scone and Hillend with Perth’s city centre, for which traditionally there would have been no business case. This pilot saw the group double the frequency of the route, introduce low floor buses, simplify fares and put in place a comprehensive marketing strategy that included the first use by the group of its now

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News Extra Fri, 2 Nov 2007 00:00:00 GMT 286
stockwatch Go Aheads AGM statement puts it ahead https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/294/stockwatch-go-ahead-s-agm-statement-puts-it-ahead Bumper passenger growth at its south east rail franchises and growing volumes at its bus business sparked a fairly substantial increase in Newcastle-based Go Ahead’s share price in the current Stockwatch period. Much of the good news was announced at Go Ahead Annual General Meeting held on October 25, where group chairman Sir Patrick Brown told shareholders that the group’s overall trading for the first quarter has been strong and in line with management’s expectations.

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Stockwatch Fri, 2 Nov 2007 00:00:00 GMT 294
60% profit increase for Blackpool as buses take the strain of declining tram market https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/295/60-profit-increase-for-blackpool-as-buses-take-the-strain-of-declining-tram-market LANCASHIRE operator Blackpool Transport Services recorded a 60% increase in operating and pre-tax profits in the 53 weeks ended April 1 2007, according to its annual report. The company, which operates a network of local bus services throughout the Fylde Coast and runs the famous tramway, remains in local council ownership, and indeed brought the former Fylde Transport operations back into the public sector when it bought that company from its management buyout team in the early 1990s. Tur

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Business Monitor Fri, 2 Nov 2007 00:00:00 GMT 295
Fourth loss in five years at c2c Rail as track access charges virtually doubled https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/296/fourth-loss-in-five-years-at-c2c-rail-as-track-access-charges-virtually-doubled TRAIN operator c2c Rail, operator of the London Tilbury and Southend passenger franchise, recorded its fourth operating and pre-tax loss in five years during the year to December 31 2006, according to its annual accounts. The franchise covers the operation of suburban rail services on the route from London’s Fenchurch Street station through the east London and Essex areas, serving Barking, Dagenham, Upminster, Grays, Tilbury,  Basildon and Southend. The franchise was originally awa

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Business Monitor Fri, 2 Nov 2007 00:00:00 GMT 296
Its time to design the next generation of rail projects https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/222/it-s-time-to-design-the-next-generation-of-rail-projects

When the government published its rail white paper this summer, it was billed as a 30-year plan. But on closer inspection it was nothing of the sort. A detailed five-year investment programme interspersed with some rather vague musings on the longer term would probably be a more accurate description. In some respects it would be entirely understandable if the rail industry was not overly concerned about the lack of long term detail. After all, the white paper’s £10bn, five-year in

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News Extra Fri, 19 Oct 2007 00:00:00 GMT 222
21st Century device to cut fuel costs https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/208/21st-century-device-to-cut-fuel-costs CCTV?AND?telematics specialist 21st?Century used last week’s Coach & Bus Live show at the Birmingham NEC to unveil a new driver monitoring product that it claims can reduce vehicle fuel consumption by up to 30%. The ECOManager system provides a real time LED display for drivers that provides instant feedback on their driving style, allowing them to drive more efficiently. The system also features reporting software that provides bus managers with a traffic light reporting system of

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Bus News Fri, 19 Oct 2007 00:00:00 GMT 208
Crossrail has been given the green light but the debate has not been halted https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/229/crossrail-has-been-given-the-green-light-but-the-debate-has-not-been-halted IF you thought the debate about the Crossrail scheme would end as soon as the funding package was agreed you were wrong. It looks set to continue right through the construction of the scheme and up to its opening in 2017, and beyond. Whatever side you are on it seems that everyone agrees about the need for a central tunnel between Canary Wharf and Paddington, it’s just a question about what you use it for. It’s a long time until 2017 and priorities might change. One thing that is

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Business Monitor Fri, 19 Oct 2007 00:00:00 GMT 229
Stockwatch Tellings Golden Miller benefits from OFJ Connections buy https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/230/stockwatch-tellings-golden-miller-benefits-from-ofj-connections-buy After a succession of Stockwatch periods with little good news for our portfolio of transport stocks, there is some good news this time, with all making progress and performing ahead of the FTSE250 average. Ahead is Stagecoach which saw its shares grow by 6% over the fortnight to close at 245p. Although following the market trend for much of the period, the group’s shares began to outperform towards the end of the fortnight. It was also a good two weeks for First. No doubt still bene

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Stockwatch Fri, 19 Oct 2007 00:00:00 GMT 230
Margins at Travel West Midlands fall again as profit levels halve in five years https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/231/margins-at-travel-west-midlands-fall-again-as-profit-levels-halve-in-five-years BRITAIN’s largest single bus company,  Travel West?Midlands (TWM), saw its profit levels fall again during the year to December 31 2006, according to the company’s annual accounts. The company, which is the principal bus operating subsidiary of National?Express Group (NEG), operates some 1,700 vehicles on an intensive network of local bus services throughout the West?Midlands. The former PTA-owned company was acquired by?NEG in 1995 from its management and employee buyout tea

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Business Monitor Fri, 19 Oct 2007 00:00:00 GMT 231
Profits up for bus and rail at Go Ahead but aviation losses wipe out the gains https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/232/profits-up-for-bus-and-rail-at-go-ahead-but-aviation-losses-wipe-out-the-gains Bus and train operator Go Ahead Group recorded improved operating and pre-tax profits in the 52 weeks ended June 30 2007, according to its annual report. However, margins were slightly down on last year as a result of losses incurred in the group’s aviation division. The company owns extensive bus operations in London, Sussex,?Oxfordshire, West?Midlands and the north east, with a total fleet of around 3,500.  In partnership with Anglo-French group Keolis, the group also runs the So

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Stockwatch Fri, 19 Oct 2007 00:00:00 GMT 232
Winsor held gun to Darlings head and defied bid to oust him https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/183/winsor-held-gun-to-darling-s-head-and-defied-bid-to-oust-him

Tom Winsor effectively held a gun to Alistair Darling’s head to ensure the government would not abolish independent rail regulation either during Railtrack’s administration or the 2004 rail review. The revelations are contained in a letter which former rail regulator Winsor left for the new ORR Board on his departure from office. In the document released under the Freedom of Information Act, Winsor tells the ORR board that he used considerable “leverage” to force then

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Rail News Lead Story Fri, 19 Oct 2007 00:00:00 GMT 183
Joint venture with property company to redevelop stations https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/182/joint-venture-with-property-company-to-redevelop-stations Network Rail is planning to form a joint venture partnership with a property company to redevelop stations and other sites in the south east. The £500m plans are expected to release funding for improved station facilities and new infrastructure through realising the value of undeveloped land around stations. Network Rail will work with train operating companies, to maximise benefits for passengers from the new facilities. The eight sites initially earmarked for development ar

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Rail News Fri, 19 Oct 2007 00:00:00 GMT 182
Western authorities submit STA strategy https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/180/western-authorities-submit-sta-strategy The next step towards a Strategic Transport Authority in the West of England has been taken with the submission of a strategy document mapping out plans to improve the region’s transport links, to the Department for Transport. Proposals in ‘Our Future Transport’, by Bristol, Bath, North East Somerset, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire authorities include new bus rapid transit routes with segregated lanes, extra carriages on existing and additional rail services, and bett

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Bus News Fri, 19 Oct 2007 00:00:00 GMT 180
Stagecoach received 77m BSOG from DfT https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/178/stagecoach-received-77m-bsog-from-dft Stagecoach received £77m from the government in Bus Service Operators Grant in 2006/07. It is very rare for BSOG payments to individual groups and companies to be made publicly available, but the Stagecoach figures were published by the Department for Transport in response to a Freedom of Information Act request. The DfT also said that £164m was paid to Stagecoach under rail franchise agreements during the year.

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Bus News Fri, 19 Oct 2007 00:00:00 GMT 178
Multi-million pound plan to transform Baths transport is welcomed by First https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/172/multi-million-pound-plan-to-transform-bath-s-transport-is-welcomed-by-first

 FIRST HAS welcomed plans to invest £54m in a package of transport improvements for the historic city of Bath. Bath & North East Somerset Council last week announced that its Bath Transportation Package Bid, a major scheme to transform public transport in the city, has been awarded ‘programme entry’ status from the government. Included in the plans are proposals for greater bus priority, the upgrade of 10 key bus corridors to showcase standard and a Bus Rapid Tr

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Bus News Lead Story Fri, 19 Oct 2007 00:00:00 GMT 172
Manchesters roads are amongst slowest in Europe https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/164/manchester-s-roads-are-amongst-slowest-in-europe research released this week has revealed that Manchester’s roads, with an average speed of 17.4mph, are the fourth slowest in Europe, behind only London, Berlin and Warsaw. The findings from road analysis website Keepmoving.co.uk will not surprise the city’s bus operators, who claim that falling traffic speeds have increased their operating costs, forcing up fares and resulting in some services being withdrawn. Roger Jones, chairman of Greater Manchester PTA, said that the fi

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Lead Story Fri, 19 Oct 2007 00:00:00 GMT 164
Fuel efficient research needed to beat $200 oil barrel threat https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/147/fuel-efficient-research-needed-to-beat-200-oil-barrel-threat Fuel and energy costs have been a problem for all transport operators in recent years, ever since the start of Middle East turmoil at the start of the decade. That coupled with explosive economic growth, fuelled by the tiger economies of India and China, have seen the price of oil reach $100 a barrel. But lets look to the future for one second. Last week at CPT?Scotland’s annual conference in Gleneagles, Will Whitehorn, Virgin Group’s chief strategist and more popularly known as S

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Business Comment Lead Story Fri, 5 Oct 2007 00:00:00 GMT 147
Business stumps up Crossrail cash but questions still remain https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/98/business-stumps-up-crossrail-cash--but-questions-still-remain

The long awaited Crossrail scheme took a major step forward this week after private sector beneficiaries agreed to contribute more than £1bn towards the £16bn east-west London rail link. The City of London Corporation, Canary Wharf and BAA are each understood to be willing to donate hundreds of millions of pounds to finally get the scheme off the drawing board. However, the exact nature of their contributions still remains unclear. Recent progress follows pressure from prime mi

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Rail News Lead Story Fri, 5 Oct 2007 00:00:00 GMT 98
Gordons giveaway https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/138/gordon-s-giveaway Having already introduced free travel for pensioners and disabled people in England, it would appear that Gordon Brown is feeling generous again. The prime minister is now giving serious consideration to extending free bus travel to young people. At present the plan is limited to Greater Manchester, where a controversial congestion charging scheme is planned, but if it proves to be popular Gordon will surely look at extending it elsewhere. Especially with a general election looming. The idea

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Opinion Fri, 5 Oct 2007 00:00:00 GMT 138
Lack of DfT enthusiasm over electrification could change and time is a great healer https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/149/lack-of-dft-enthusiasm-over-electrification-could-change-and-time-is-a-great-healer Scottish transport minister Stewart Stevenson’s announcement of the plan to electrify the Glasgow-Edinburgh network has emphasised again the advantages of being Scottish when it comes to funding. By contrast, the DfT was keen to play down the journey time and capacity benefits the Scots believe electrification will bring and was even sceptical of the environmental benefits in briefings on this summer’s 30-year rail white paper. The DfT may for now be right to be unenthusiastic

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Business Comment Fri, 5 Oct 2007 00:00:00 GMT 149
Another loss for NEGs rail division as Midland Main Line slips into the red https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/152/another-loss-for-neg-s-rail-division-as-midland-main-line-slips-into-the-red INTERCITY train operator Midland Main Line recorded an operating and pre-tax loss before exceptional property profits in the year to December 31 2005, according to the company’s annual accounts. The company, owned by National?Express Group, operates long distance inter-urban train services from London’s St Pancras station to the East Midlands and South Yorkshire, serving Derby, Leicester, Nottingham and Sheffield.  NEG acquired the ten year franchise to operate the route

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Business Monitor Fri, 5 Oct 2007 00:00:00 GMT 152
Cost rises dent margins at London United but profit levels kept in double digits https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/151/cost-rises-dent-margins-at-london-united-but-profit-levels-kept-in-double-digits BUS service contractor London United recorded reduced operating and pre-tax profits during the year to November 10 2006, according to the company’s annual  accounts. Increases in materials costs and pension contributions were particularly strong during the year. The company, which forms the core of French group Transdev’s UK business, operates some 660 vehicles on local bus services in London, radiating from the centre into the western and south west suburbs. The company was

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Business Monitor Fri, 5 Oct 2007 00:00:00 GMT 151
stockwatch Laidlaw deal and analyst support sees First ahead https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/150/stockwatch-laidlaw-deal-and-analyst-support-sees-first-ahead Well it was another mixed fortnight for our portfolio of transport stocks, with gains and losses in equal proportion. Stepping ahead was First which saw its stock price rally thanks to some positive support from the City’s analyst community and the news that it had completed its acquisition of North American transport group and Greyhound-owner Laidlaw. It’s shares climbed 7.8% over the period to close at 702p. Our only other winner this time is Arriva which had a rollercoaster

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Stockwatch Fri, 5 Oct 2007 00:00:00 GMT 150
Arrivas operation of previously tendered service forces up subsidy https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/136/arriva-s-operation-of-previously-tendered-service-forces-up-subsidy Arriva’s decision to operate some Sunday services commercially after losing the Flintshire County Council contract for them, has in fact made them pay a higher subsidy. Earlier this year the council awarded another operator the contract for Sunday services 3 and 4, between Mold and Chester. Arriva responded by registering most 4 services between Mold and Chester commercially. The council then had to retender the 3 and some service 4 workings, awarding GHA Coaches the contract. Arriva

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Regular News Fri, 5 Oct 2007 00:00:00 GMT 136
Cardiff Bus unveils new 25m bus fleet https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/135/cardiff-bus-unveils-new-2-5m-bus-fleet

Council-owned bus operator Cardiff Bus  has launched its new fleet of 15 Scania Omnicity buses, six of which will be used on its newly branded Capital City Green route linking the city centre with Thornhill via Llanishen. The remainder of the vehicles from the £2.5 million order will be used on three city routes, and all feature an enhanced internal specification based on that devised for its bendy bus fleet launched 18 months ago. Features include full air conditioning, a passenge

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Regular News Fri, 5 Oct 2007 00:00:00 GMT 135
Cardiff Bus reports robust profit growth https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/112/cardiff-bus-reports-robust-profit-growth Council-owned bus operator Cardiff Bus has reported robust profits for the last year despite high levels of investment. The announcement comes just weeks after Cardiff Council announced it was considering the sale of a 40% stake in the business (Transit September 21). The figures show that turnover for the year was £28.4m, up from £26.2m a year earlier, with profits after tax of £1.2m, up from £145,000 in 2006. Investment in vehicles and other assets increased to reach

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Bus News Fri, 5 Oct 2007 00:00:00 GMT 112
Transport operators should get ready for $200 dollar a barrel oil says Virgin exec https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/99/transport-operators-should-get-ready-for-200-dollar-a-barrel-oil--says-virgin-exec

TRANSPORT OPERATORS can expect to be soon paying $200 for a barrel of oil and, as a result, will have to look at using new technology, such as carbon composites, to improve fuel efficiency of their vehicles. That was the message of Virgin Group strategist Will Whitehorn to the assembled operators and local authority representatives at CPT Scotland’s annual conference at Gleneagles. “We are fundamentally now in a world where oil won’t get any cheaper,” said Whiteho

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Regular News Fri, 5 Oct 2007 00:00:00 GMT 99
New 15m bus fleet backs Manchester transport strategy https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/38/new-15m-bus-fleet-backs-manchester-transport-strategy

Stagecoach this week announced a massive £15m investment in a fleet of new buses as it endorsed Greater Manchester’s bid for £3bn from the Government’s Transport Innovation Fund to support its transport strategy for the region, which includes congestion charging. It marks a progression from the situation two years ago when Stagecoach took out advertisements in the Manchester Evening News accusing the Greater Manchester PTA of “failing” bus users with it lac

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Bus News Fri, 21 Sep 2007 00:00:00 GMT 38
Pension costs are a ticking timebomb for rail firms https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/47/pension-costs-are-a-ticking-timebomb-for-rail-firms As always it was interesting to read about our group in Chris Cheek’s Business Monitor (Transit August 24). His final comment that life for us remaining independents does not seem to get easier or more profitable is only partly true, as I am pretty confident that he will be able to report on better results for EYMS in 2007. And even if life does not get easier, it sure gets more interesting - but often more frustrating! In the interests of accuracy however, can I correct him on three po

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Letters to the Editor Fri, 21 Sep 2007 00:00:00 GMT 47
Business Monitor https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/66/business-monitor CITY of Oxford Motor Services (COMS), the Go Ahead Group-owned bus and coach operator, recorded much improved operating profit in the year to July 1 2006, according to its annual accounts. The company operates some 150 vehicles on local bus and park and ride services in and around Oxford, with Espress and Airline-branded express coach services running to London Victoria  and Heathrow/Gatwick airports respectively. The business, which trades as the Oxford Bus Company, continues to expe

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Business Monitor Fri, 21 Sep 2007 00:00:00 GMT 66
Stockwatch City fears see little progress for transport stocks https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/65/stockwatch-city-fears-see-little-progress-for-transport-stocks After good news in the last edition of Stockwatch for our portfolio of transport stocks, we see a contrast this time, with only marginal growth in value in three of our stocks and some severe losses elsewhere. Of the ‘Big Five’, Stagecoach was the one ahead this time, but only just. The Perth-based group’s shares grew by only 1.94% to close at 236.75p. This was just ahead of Arriva which only climbed by 0.13% despite a healthy set of interim results in the period and a flurr

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Stockwatch Fri, 21 Sep 2007 00:00:00 GMT 65
Commission calls for reform of BSOG grant https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/41/commission-calls-for-reform-of-bsog-grant The Commission for Integrated Transport has used environmental concerns to revive its argument for reforming the Bus Service Operators Grant so that operators are paid a subsidy per passenger rather than a flat 80% fuel duty rebate. The grant is worth £360m a year to the bus industry. CfIT’s case has previously been rejected by the government because of the effect it could have on the viability of lightly-used rural bus services. However, the government’s transport advisor

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Regular News Fri, 21 Sep 2007 00:00:00 GMT 41
Developer contributions to the Edinburgh tram to be extended https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/424/developer-contributions-to-the-edinburgh-tram-to-be-extended EDINBURGH CITY Council has announced that it is to extend the deadline for its controversial Tram Developer Contribution Policy beyond the introduction date of the city’s planned tram network, to a time that will be decided by the council’s planning committee at a future date. The Scottish Executive has committed £500m to the scheme but has publicly said it will be contribute no more in the future. Edinburgh City Council is expected to contribute £45m to the project,

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Light Rail/Tram News Lead Story Fri, 7 Sep 2007 00:00:00 GMT 424
50m channelled into phase one of Metro reinvigoration https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/423/-50m-channelled-into-phase-one-of-metro-reinvigoration over £50M will be invested in the reinvigoration of the Metro light rail system over the next two years, the Tyne and Wear PTA announced last week. The investment represents phase one of the PTA and local PTE Nexus’ plans to modernise the Tyne and Wear Metro in a £600m programme over 20 years. Bernard Garner, director general of Nexus, said: “Metro is performing at record levels for punctuality, and passenger numbers are growing towards 39 million. “We are

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Light Rail/Tram News Fri, 7 Sep 2007 00:00:00 GMT 423
First Capital Connect steps up on crime https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/392/first-capital-connect-steps-up-on-crime First Capital Connect has joined forces with British Transport Police to provide customers using its stations with crime prevention advice. The third in a series of crime prevention days was held at the end of  August. Crime prevention manager, Tony Holland said: “The crime prevention day is just one of the measures First Capital Connect is putting in place to make its stations and trains more secure.”  An annual investment of nearly £1m will go on measures such a

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Regular News Fri, 7 Sep 2007 00:00:00 GMT 392
Search is on for new Metrolink tram team https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/420/search-is-on-for-new-metrolink-tram-team Greater Manchester Passenger Transport Executive has started a nationwide search for a new team to oversee the expansion of its Metrolink light rail network.  GMPTE, who are investing over £600m on the expansion, are searching for 20 new employees during the first stage of recruitment. It has also begun the process of selecting a major construction company to build the new Metrolink lines. They last month appointed Parsons Brinckerhoff as their delivery partner for the project.

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Light Rail/Tram News Fri, 7 Sep 2007 00:00:00 GMT 420
SWT invests 200k on Isle of Wight station refurbishments https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/410/swt-invests-200k-on-isle-of-wight-station-refurbishments A £200,000 investment has been promised to various station improvements on Isle of Wight, by Stagecoach, as part of its commitments under the South Western rail franchise which the line falls under. The stations will be repainted in the heritage colours of green and cream to enhance the line’s status as a community railway. Work began last week and is due to be completed at the end of this November. New seats will also be installed at all stations and shelters will be repl

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Rail News Fri, 7 Sep 2007 00:00:00 GMT 410
EYMS Group sees margins drop as losses at Finglands and Whittle drain EYMS profits https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/517/eyms-group-sees-margins--as-losses-at-finglands-and-whittle-drain-eyms-profits THE?HULL-based bus operating group EMYS saw cuts of more than one fifth in operating and pre-tax profits in the year to December 31 2006, according to the company’s annual accounts.   The group operates some 370 vehicles on local bus services and coaching work through three subsidiaries, East Yorkshire, Manchester-based Finglands and the long-established Midlands independent Whittle. Turnover during the year grew by 1.8% to reach a total of £35.7m, whilst operating c

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Business Monitor Fri, 24 Aug 2007 00:00:00 GMT 517
Ambitious projections for passenger revenue and Network Rails spending https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/511/ambitious-projections-for-passenger-revenue-and-network-rail-s-spending The table below provides an analysis of the rail industry’s finances during the next five-year control period, as envisaged in the Department for Transport’s High Level Output Statement, but with inflation stripped out. This is then compared with estimates by consultants TAS for the same headings in 2005/06. A number of fascinating things arise from this analysis, not least the growth expected in the different types of income and expenditure. The first is that passenger reve

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Regular Feature Fri, 24 Aug 2007 00:00:00 GMT 511
LUL delivers first operating profit for eight years despite 73m cut in revenue grant https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/518/lul-delivers-first-operating-profit-for-eight-years-despite-73m-cut-in-revenue-grant LONDON Underground, the TfL subsidiary which operates the capital’s tube network, returned its first operating profit since 1999, according to its annual accounts for the year to March 31 2007. The small surplus was generated after patronage on the system reached a new record high, and came despite a £73m reduction in subsidy. Turnover was 2.8% higher at £2,111.8m, whilst the growth in operating costs was restricted to 0.5%, taking the total to £2,102.6m. The resulting

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Business Monitor Fri, 24 Aug 2007 00:00:00 GMT 518