George B Gray, A.A.E, M.IMI, EngTech, IOSH.

In the rail industry safety always comes first. The latest edition of Rail Director has some excellent articles to keep you up to date and learn from what other are doing. Enjoy

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Let's talk about potential new ways of recruiting, selecting, testing and training our train drivers. It is a debate the industry needs to have to make sure we are always raising our safety and quality game and always giving these critical staff the very best support. Maybe the old way is the best way, but we shouldn't be frightened to ask the question and challenge ourselves because some don't want change. If we don't have the honest discussion and challenge about what we are doing today, how can we as industry leaders, key stakeholders and statutory directors know we are doing as well as we could be? I think there are better, more effective and efficient ways to do it which can improve the availability, confidence and competence of train drivers across the UK. And I know others agree. If you are interested in the discussion or finding out how we can help you, get in touch. [email protected] Check out page 44 in this months Rail Director too. https://lnkd.in/evPwbgTA

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Half a billion-pound investment in electric buses 🪙🚌 Plymouth, the Isle of Wight and Gloucestershire are to benefit from a £500 million investment by bus operator The Go-Ahead Group to decarbonise its fleet. Up to 500 UK manufacturing jobs are set to be supported as the bus operator announces it will build a new dedicated manufacturing line and partnership with Northern Ireland-based bus manufacturer Wrightbus. The investment is set to fund the manufacturing of up to 1,200 new zero emission buses over the next three years. Built for operator Go Ahead, this investment will accelerate the transition to greener buses across the country. On top of directly supporting 500 manufacturing jobs, the £500 million investment for Wrightbus will also support an additional 2,000 jobs across the wider UK supply chain by 2026. Continue reading... https://lnkd.in/evDA9eNP #finance #investing #travel #sustainability #EV #automotive #glosnews #gloshour #businessnews #businessintelligence

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The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) has published new inspection manuals for both #hgv and #psv that will take effect from 1 June 2024. The manuals detail the inspection processes and standards for bus, coach, lorry, trailer and other HGV #MOTs and are a must read for anyone responsible for the maintenance of these categories of vehicle. Also, remember that the changes to paper #MOT pass certificates are now in effect (see my previous blog below). HGV Inspection Manual: https://lnkd.in/ecr4FzPH PSV Inspection Manual: https://lnkd.in/ev5zN7e3 #compliance #vehiclemaintenance #coach #bus #lorry #roadsafety #annualtest #dvsa #inspectionmanual

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A reminder that the updated Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) inspection manuals for both #hgv and #psv take effect from Saturday (1 June 2024). Make sure your engineering staff and maintenance providers are working from the updated documents from Saturday onwards. Links to the updated manuals are below ⬇️ #roadtransport #commercialroadtransport #compliance #vehiclemaintenance

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🚆 Latest rail figures reveal Transport for Wales performance improvements in 2024 Since January 2024, over 80% of TfW trains have arrived on time or within 3 minutes of their scheduled arrival, with most recent statistics for March indicating that this has now risen to 85% of rail services.

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As Alastair Dalton reports, it is a disappointing, but not entirely unexpected end, to the Peak Fares Suspension trial. There are many reasons for the failure as highlighted in the article, some of which were outwith the control of Scotrail and Transport Scotland. And we can debate about whether such a relatively simply approach was every going to work, but the key question is, where to do go from here if we are going to make any significant progress towards the net zero targets? It is now time to take a serious look at how we price for public transport, as indicated by Iain Docherty, and more importantly what other means to do we use to encourage the switch to public transport. A well thought out and impactful marketing campaign is a definite, but do we now need to now tackle the "carrot" and "stick" approach once and for all. Pricing is never going to be acceptable on it's own, unless it is directly linked to an simply change in behaviour (we all remember the impact of the 5p charge for a carrier bag). Speak to the younger generation about how they are influenced and they will tell you that "rewarding them for making the right choice" works both economically and psychologically. So let's follow the lead of so many other sectors and introduce a comprehensive loyalty scheme that works for all. Yes it will be difficult due to the complexity of the transport operating structure, but if the right people get together to lead the way then the technology already exists to deliver it. But we need to start the discussion with a clear message of why it will work, rather than the easy to create list of problems. I would love to think that in the next few years we get something in place, but I fear that bureaucracy and silo-thinking mentality will prevent it from happening.

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For the rail industry, the travelling public and freight, rail reform is one of the top priorities a new government. Read the Railway Industry Association recommendations to the next government.

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BAHAAA!!!! This roadmap (of which you are seeing here only 1 of 7 parts describes WHY driver training is failing miserably. I just had to tell the course we have no constructive alignment as we have some unit standards and that's where the pathway for us stops. It shows us how our PTEs are failing the industry and why I need to look toward MITO to get unit standards applied for through them in courses I have written. It all makes sense now and this needs re-implementing if not through Te Pukenga, someone has to step up and ensure the pathway is adhered to. The problem with streetalk is it's NOT on the pathway, unsure about the AA DDC I think some US are in it BUT it has never, as far as I understand applied for its own US number to be absorbed into the NZQA system to be delivered by qualified and experienced professionals. I am interested in finding out more about the early street talk as a court program and bringing back the NZ cert (light) training for learner to restricted licensing and to be delivered in a blended environment - so no, instructors don't miss out on work its just done a bit differently and many other things can be covered - not just an insane 'drive around the block for a licence'. As far as the commercial truck courses go, they are NOT qualifications per see.. that was designed as an assessment of a bigger course and calling a driver 'qualified' after doing such a small amount of work with next to no drive time - dangerous. Cant just learn it all, on the job. If you're a bus driver you need the licensing plus the course, a truck driver licensing plus the requisite course for the vehicle type you are driving.. sure, can licence first but before a driver becomes operational in their setting (ie bus or even horsetruck) they need the accompanying course. These courses don't have to be 'hard' but they need to be informative and that's why I opt for the blended approach. I hope this is of some value to someone out there. Our industry training is in crisis!

Unbelievable to have the second Site Vehicle Competence Assessment (SVCA©)(On-Road) category approved as a regulated vocational qualification (VQ) by SQA – Scottish Qualifications Authority in less than 12 months. Utilising both the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) accredited MixerSURE© and TipperSURE© training, we now have VQs designed to assess the skills, knowledge, and ability of drum and volumetric mixer drivers and rigid and articulated tipper drivers. Months of innovation, dedication, and collaboration to transform competence solutions via regulated qualifications for the minerals and construction logistics sectors. 18 months ago, in an article for Driving for Better Business, I mentioned the aim was to raise the bar and deliver what is critical for safe, professional driving across these sectors. These groundbreaking qualifications demonstrate that drivers are trained and competent in the vehicles they drive and operate through standardisation. Solutions are offered that meet the industry's demands. They can be delivered either in-company using your own staff or commercially without just being another 'driving assessment'. You can read the article here: https://lnkd.in/eXZV5TPR Improving industry road safety statistics through driver competence is critical and the proactive approach the industry needs through disruptive innovation and challenging the status quo. Department for Transport (DfT), United Kingdom Health and Safety Executive HS2 (High Speed Two) Ltd CLOCS National Highways Parliamentary Advisory Council for Transport Safety FORS - Fleet Operator Recognition Scheme Mission Zero® Mineral Products Association BRITISH AGGREGATES ASSOCIATION This is UK Concrete Metropolitan Police Breedon Group plc Tarmac Heidelberg Materials UK Cemex Aggregate Industries UK CRH Holcim TVS Interfleet Bay-Lynx Manufacturing UK Ltd Lindsey Logico EMPI Awards Transport for London Loveday Phil Chaz Aggregates Business Magazine Concrete Connect The QMJ Group | Quarrying, Construction, Recycling & Dimensional Stone Events & Publications Commercial Motor Will Peter Bill Louise Kate

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Another great article on our Rail Centre of Excellence at HMP Highpoint. This is the work that gets me out of bed in the morning, and this is just the beginning! Please get in touch if you want to know more. https://lnkd.in/eNjiuwxa

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As a passionate Railway Power Systems Engineer, if I say so myself 😅. Interesting article, particularly on the point of making the rolling stock suitable for the asset as opposed to the asset being primarily suitable for the rolling stock. Reducing electrical clearances will definitely result in less Civil works cost in urban areas and tunnels. Not sure if the statement about battery electric trains not being suitable for freight is correct. Topography and track alignment will play a critical role in assessing this. I don't understand why countries don't have railway transport programs and technology adaptation master plans that are regularly reviewed to ensure they are harmonized with the needs and trends of the time. The electricity utility industry is good at making 10 to 20 year plans which helps in keeping the industry stable. Cross industry learning could be beneficial. https://buff.ly/489Ye7a

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re: https://lnkd.in/gN3tJSe9 This effort to rouse a modicum of common sense here must be given support by all to have any chance. Consider the following: 1. The principle, it would link by rail, into one of the most tourist attractive places to visit in Wales and of international renown Caernarfon for example and 3 University sites, of which Lampeter is under threat, access and brown field demand being two, which rail could serve if the old route and station site is returned to railway use. 2. North Wales terminal Branch into Caernarfon and take on the constantly upgraded A487 trunk road and reduce more pressure on the A55. You get more roads and motorway designs if you do not restore or new-build a local rail alternative. 3. It would be new-build in some cases, so for example Aberystwyth, the old route went in from the north and reversed and had a circuitous route to the south, could a town bypass straight down be considered with an edge of town and Vale of Rheidol Railway with parking for multiple use access and help declutter Aberystwyth town centre? 4. Existing Cambrian lines have been subject to closures, pruning off feeder routes, beit Gobowen or Ruabon links, let alone Blaenau Ffestiniog to Bala! They have also been subject to decades of rationalisation, beit cutting out passing loops (capacity) and modernisation to automation brought savings, but little investment beyond newer trains but capacity on and off the rails is the key critical issue, as overcrowding and inability to see out of a window in a pleasant environment, means deterrent to potential would-be rail users, which in turn sends a negative downward spiral, when the line is brimming with beauty, potential and could be doing a lot more all-year-round trade in these days of 'get it right and demand and supply is the name of the game'. 5. Doing nothing is not an option. 6. Government has to decide which way to go, avoiding the fudge of 'all things to all people, but falling short of pleasing any but shareholders The Welsh Assembly needs a rota of places to meet like Cardiff, Machynlleth (Mid Wales) and North Wales (Llandudno) or 'profiteering going out of industries.' All tiers of governance and transport responsibility need to consult the public, come up with nurturing use and demand and service it. In Switzerland they have special wrap-around windows for some scenic railways and good seating for example, courting audiences to enjoy the railway travel experience. But small-loads of post, pallets and parcels for example, could also have designed-in to normal stock - bring back the modern equivalent of the Guard's Van vestibule for example. But hauled specials, seasonal steam, good, regular normal timetables, can all add up to making the most of an environmentally friendly asset.  7. Coming to Carmarthen - Bangor, yes £2 billion is not to be sneezed at, but would play out in rising usage and modal sustainability for decades if done.

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interested to know more about rail damages and how to repair ? have a look to the enclosed publication

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⚠️⌛Countdown to #RSW24.... just three weeks to go! Feature your plans for this year's Rail Safety Week on the 2024 'What's On' page, simply submit them via the quick and easy form on this webpage ➡️ https://lnkd.in/epcpZzZP And while you're there, why not check out what other organisations are doing and explore the events that are 'Open To All'. #BuildingSafetyTogether

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Gauging these days is very different to how it used to be, with a great deal of innovative technology available to minimise the wasted space between trains and the infrastructure and generate significant cost savings on route upgrade, electrification and vehicle introduction schemes. For those of you who aren't aware, D/Gauge does FREE 😀 gauging appreciation sessions covering modern gauging techniques. The sessions are fully CPD certified and, even if you know all there is to know about gauging, why not look at sending newer members of your engineering teams on one of these sessions?

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What do you think about the Department for Transport (DfT), United Kingdom proposed changes to Licensing Restrictions for Bus, Coach and LGV/HGVs? One key suggestion is to remove the 50km restriction on regular services for 18 to 20 year old bus and coach drivers. Have your say about the proposal here before 5th June: https://loom.ly/EHauBJE #PCV #PSV #HGV #LGV

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