Tom Norris

Please can people write and say they want the railway reopening? It is a shared access of former Bedford and Wellingborough lines. Ironically the Bedford-Northampton rail idea is in their proposed Local Plan. Left hand not know what right hand is doing?! Please remember my new email is [email protected] https://lnkd.in/eyEAQsmV Please write and object to this encroachment on a double track railway corridor denying Northampton ability for direct rails to Bedford/Brighton and all in between and also direct Northampton-Bedford-Cambridge rails too. It is cynical and draconian. Yes, we need development, yes we need housing and brownfield, but to block a rail access when the rail alternative is crying out to rebalance gridlocked congestion and harmful pollution, seems very short sighted. Likewise, we do need Northampton-Market Harborough (N2MHY). Please join us and work with us to keep these options open. See https://lnkd.in/e_ZnExm7 #rail #reopenings #railways #transport #dft #networkrail #northampton #planning #aspiration #development #impact #congestion #pollution #people #communities #landuse #balance

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I was recently given the opportunity to share my thoughts and ideas with the publication, Rail Director. Opportunities like this give me the chance to refocus on what it is PPWD do and how we do it; why we do what we do and how we can share our learning. Have a read here and let me know what resonates with you. For those that have know me for some time, how have we developed? For those who I am yet to meet, what are your initial thoughts? https://lnkd.in/e-FvJXAV #compassionatesafety #safetyculture #safetyleadership

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re: https://lnkd.in/ez-cCa_8 This is welcome news and Scotland can lead-on in the local rail solution and reopening enterprise! England needs to catch up and Wales needs to think outside the Cardiff bubble, so stereotypical and PC, when the rest of Wales Rails seem relatively neglected? Any reopening of Dumfries-Stranraer must include: 1. Reopening of the Kirkcudbright branch with shared use of deep sea port (part of which is used by the Royal Navy) - to bring freight into Northern England via contra flow capacity to optimise paths and free up the Southampton-Manchester corridors for more and other freight won to rail/expansion. 2. A west to north curve Stranraer end for direct running to Cairnryan and the Ayrshire Coast. 3. Castle Douglas and Newton Stewart are principal towns which could benefit from the railway rebuild as well as winning people and goods off the busy A75 corridor. There is currently no rail competition. 4. Dumfries end we need north and south curves with the main line for direct running to Glasgow and Edinburgh respectively and south to Carlisle and beyond. Could someone write to Dumfries and Galloway County Council as an opening starter and get a statement of their view, which can inform our assessment of what more needs doing/lobbying. The success of Borders shows what may be done and achieved. If you want more and better, then join BRTA as a member: https://lnkd.in/dhC42vZ and volunteer time and talent to make it so please = the only was to achieve more and better x nationwide. Key qualities are reliability and basic honesty and a willingness to compromise and be part of a team. https://lnkd.in/eCjr8tuV As BRTA expands, we near a steady stream of new members and volunteers working together as a team. Please join and/or donate to our work and aid the expansion of local rails x nationwide for more modal shift, modal choices and connectivity. https://lnkd.in/dhC42vZ #rail #railways #transport #scotland #freight #sustainability #regeneration #landuse #competition #networkrail

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Source apportionment analysis for London’s bus fleet: The Transport for London (TfL) red-liveried bus fleet are part of the city's identity, but were a key area for improvement in the Mayor of London's 2018 Environment Strategy. Southwark Borough Council commissioned CERC consultants to assess the contribution of bus emissions to total pollutant concentrations in Southwark. Using the ADMS-Urban model and emissions inventory tool EMIT, we created air quality maps of the borough for nitrogen dioxide and particulates, based on all emissions and then on bus emissions only. We also modelled pollutant concentrations at a large set of roadside receptors along Southwark's bus routes. We took traffic data from the London Atmospheric Emissions Inventory, using EMIT to create a traffic scenario including only buses. The figure shows source apportionment results for NOx, with concentrations due to bus emissions shown as a proportion of the concentration from all emissions sources. At locations where the modelled annual average NO2 objective is exceeded, buses may contribute to less than 10% of the total NOx, as seen along Old Kent Road. In contrast, at Elephant Square and St. George's Circus, buses can be responsible for over 40% of total NOx. This highlights key areas where improving bus infrastructure would result in tangible improvements to air quality.

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New £3m support programmes for West Midlands mobility businesses 🛴🪙 Two new support programmes have been launched by Business Growth West Midlands (BGWM) to accelerate the growth of some of the region’s brightest businesses and to help others move into new transport markets. Businesses can now apply to join the High Growth Accelerator and Supply Chain Transition Programme, which are fully funded for businesses thanks to Commonwealth Games legacy money set aside to drive economic growth. The Supply Chain Transition Programme will help small and medium-sized enterprises diversify their customer base by winning new orders in three growing areas of the economy – aerospace, very light rail and light electric vehicles, and micromobility such as e-scooters and cargo bikes. Up to 160 businesses will benefit from workshops, intensive one-to-one coaching, peer-to-peer support, and meet-the-buyer events. Continue reading... https://lnkd.in/dwYV7DRp #finance #funding #investing #programme #support #millions #opportunity #technology #innovation #travel #businessnews #businessintelligence

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https://lnkd.in/emCcb6_n This is *exactly* the kind of forward-thinking strategy that is required for #Manchester and the wider #NorthernPowerhouse. We need a long-term vision with key milestones and requirements. Andrew Dixon is absolutely on the mark here, especially in regard to Piccadilly requiring a new through-station for NPR. Whilst the government has committed to a route via #ManchesterAirport, personally I don't see that materialising until and unless #HS2 to Manchester is re-instated to make the business case stack up. Without that such a route won't get off the starting blocks as no business case has been developed with HS2 removed from scope. As long as a new route through Manchester is provided, and an underground through-station at #ManchesterPiccadilly, everything should be up for re-consideration, including the demands of one-seat-rides to the airport. If trains run every 5mins from Piccadilly (which only takes 15-20mins) a direct connection shouldn't be a requirement. People should be able to treat the rail system as a network, not a set of individual point-point lines. This is the case in #London as well as most major cities and agglomerations in continental Europe. Manchester should be no different. #Rail

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The British Regional Transport Association (BRTA), a voluntary association seeking more, better and affordable public transport. Local rail solutions and local reopenings and select pieces of new-build as well are main focuses. We have a nationwide vision and aspiration. We are always seeking champions, promoters, voluntary speakers at meetings and network accordingly for progressing things. We support the following for the West Midlands: 1. Orbital rail links with parkway stations for London, Birmningham and Manchester to enable more and better without clustering on core radial main lines. 2. Stratford upon Avon - Long Marston for second Oxford-Birmingham route and also a south to west curve onto the Cotswold Line to bring Evesham and link arcingly to Worcester from eastern Birmingham in wrap around terms. Useful for freight by rail and growth and commuting patterning. 3. Rugby-Leicester needs a new-build rail link serving Lutterworth (growth area) and Magna Park, one of the biggest industrial parks in Europe without a rail access. Potential is there, if not re-railed focuses into and out of Birmingham which congests roads and rails more. Capacity is needed, on the back of restoring some missing gaps in the network. 4. A study for Bridgnorth to Shrewsbury 'new-build' for western flank of Birmingham orbital rail using Severn Valley Railway. Surely an arrangement for paths could be done if a through route were feasibly to be recovered? 5. Rebuild a new Stratford upon Avon-Cheltenham rail link. Lickey Incline south of Birmingham is inadequjate for long, heavy freight rains, but apart from more roads (bad), it is all there is currently. Stratford upon Avon-Cheltenham would give more capacity, gentler gradients and enable more by rail spread and scope. It needs studying, solutions ot problems resolved and cross-border working. Too many places are taking insular and parochial outlooks, when we need more than ever a nationwide and regional vision starting at the grassroots upwards and outwards.

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Transport for Wales has released figures showing rail performance improvements since the start of this year (2024). Since January 2024, over 80 per cent 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 per cent of rail services. Cancellations across the network for 2024 have also stayed below the annual average 5 per cent target. #railnews #railways #ukrail #rail 

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It's fascinating to see PPPs for complex railway schemes come round once again, as before under a Labour government. That's not to say that PPPs can't work in rail. They've been successful in Canada, France and even the UK (HS1, Northern Line trains). But there is vast scope for them to go wrong. I hope the protagonists read the NAO report on the collapse on Metronet (2009): https://lnkd.in/e4FtJqCb The state can borrow more cheaply than the private sector. Unless there's an efficiency gain to offset this (the opposite of what happened on the LU PPP) it is not worth doing. Euston HS2 has all the same precursors of disaster: multiple agencies; complexity; possibly naive politicians; politically variable scope. I hope I'm wrong because I'd like to have another pint at the Exmouth Arms, without being surrounded by hoardings, before I die. Meanwhile FWIW I wrote a somewhat shorter albeit less authoritative piece on the subject in 2021: The Collapse of the London Underground PPP: What Can We Learn From It? https://lnkd.in/eAakdeUV

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Today's rail headlines - #InTheNews: Rail and Urban Transport Review, the way in which rail schemes are financially assessed could change, the 2874 Trust awarded grant, and the famous Stourbridge Junction station cat. Listen here: #UKrail #railways #headlines

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Fresh out of the oven!!! How can we practically improve mental wellbeing in rail? What are the key ingredients that move us in the right direction? What are the practicalities of driving change? Working with three rail organisations, this is what we explored in a three year project. Find out more about it here:

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I wish to say that I am saddened by the inadequately funded Local Rail Reopenings Fund and its withdrawal.  We need more modal- shift back to rail in this country for many good reasons.  We need local-based rail reopenings to enable more by rail. For that to happen, we need a pro-active vision and plan for protecting select former rail routes and ensuring all tiers of government are doing just that, not the hotch-potch of aspirations and blue-sky thinking, whilst Rome burns with blockages at the local planning level. New towns are all very well, but without new and accessible rail infrastructure (we think of growing Brackley without a rail link) but also this planning application as an example: https://lnkd.in/eyEAQsmV  It potentially impinges on the former shared access route into Northampton from both the Bedford and Wellingborough corridors. Space must be for adequate clearances and minimising vibrations and noise impact on development, enabling 25KV electrification and ensuring the rails can be put back.  This is far from the case and in the example of Northampton-Market Harborough, despite a Network Rail Study done in 2020, we only got to see it due to 2 FOI applications and even then redacted. We need Local Government on board with us, but somehow that does not seem to be the case. Northampton says it wants to link with the forth-coming East-West Rail, but that is only a change at Bletchley, Cambridge and Bedford-wise, direct rails for passenger (Thameslink) and freight, makes more sense direct to Bedford.  On East-West Rail, we object to the proposed Northern Route E as hilly, not fit for purpose and in our view, it would be far better for the old route, 'east and of Bedford via St Johns' to be looked at for reopening which is shorter, flat and direct to either north or south of Station Road, Tempsford with physical rail linkages for North-South to/from East West Oxford Arc Corridors interaction for passenger and freight usage/market potential. If you wish to meet with a delegation, I am happy to discuss and explore.  I have been campaigning since 1985 on these related issues and believe the whole country, the issues, models and challenges replicate, due to a lack of joined-up and through thinking of procedures. We make high-sided fences and barriers demanding studies, costs which rule out lay people and yet, if Government were to for environmental, land use, efficiency and other benefits select a move towards more by rail and follow-on from such a modal shift policy, engagement could align and plan-implement more to achieve this.  Haverhill is an example of a new town, no rail/closure coinciding and that is a missed opportunity and repeats across the country.  I appeal for you to look at these things again and work constructively with us. Thank you. #rail #railways #transport #northampton #bedford #cambridge #oxford #modalchoice #modalshift #policy #landuse #stewardship #local #dft #networkrail

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Thanks to #LocalTransportToday magazine for spreading the news about our electric vehicle car clubs in their latest edition. Providing pay-per-use car sharing schemes give people a chance to try an EV, perhaps for the first time, and to have access to a zero emissions car they might otherwise not be able to afford. They make it possible for people to consider giving up their own cars or second cars, and to make a more conscious decision about every journey they make. https://lnkd.in/eQ9X8Zr9

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How can electric bus fleets energise the UK's cities? ⚡   Find our more in our report into the economic, environmental and community benefits of bus fleet electrification. The report outlines the case for making the switch to electric and the key policy reforms that are needed to give certainty to the sector. Key to this report are our customers, with McGill's Bus Group in Glasgow, National Express Bus in Coventry and Oxford Bus Company providing prime examples of successful bus fleet electrification.     "As we charge towards a future powered by clean energy, we need a plan for electric buses. This report can serve as a catalyst for collaboration and innovation, helping policymakers, industry leaders and communities work together towards a cleaner and more cost-effective transport system." - Steven Meersman, Zenobē Founder Director. Read the report through the link in the comments. #electricbuses #betterbuses #COP29 #emobility

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⚡ Empowering the Future of Electric Bus Fleets in the UK! ⚡ #Zerova is proud to support our customer, Zenobē, as they drive the electrification of bus fleets across the UK, with Zerova chargers powering key fleets like McGill's Bus Group in Glasgow, National Express Bus in Coventry, and Oxford Bus Company. This new report highlights the vast economic, environmental, and community benefits that electric bus fleets bring to UK cities, showcasing the impact of this shift on urban sustainability. Together, we’re committed to a cleaner, more efficient future for transportation. Read the report to learn more about the roadmap to sustainable, electric public transit. #ZerovaUSA #Zenobē #ElectricBuses #BetterBuses #EMobility #SustainableTransport #EVCharging #EVcharger

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The King’s Speech today underlines the importance of the rail sector to our new government’s plans. No less than three seperate pieces of legislation to deliver the reform the industry so badly needs and also to address the bottleneck that exists between Crewe and Manchester on the network. As an industry and supply chain we should get behind these changes to make the railway best placed to deliver the needs of passengers and freight customers.

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Its good to receive a mention from Bus-News in relation to my question on the commercially sensitive challenges on making occupancy data available to passengers. Why is live occupancy data useful to autistic passenger especially? - If your bus is full (or has a few seats left), its sometimes better to wait for the bus behind (often almost empty when bunched up). This can save the passenger from being unexpected overstimulation. - When its very busy, its sometimes better to be picked up by a family member or a taxi, than to panic in a crowded bus. - It potentially allows for a more even passenger load between buses which reduces the numbers of passengers standing. This also makes braking easier for the driver. - It pre warns that your favourite seat may not be available before the bus arrives. - If a football match or a major event is on (and you didn't know about it), this system warns that the bus is more crowded than usual. - This can also warn as to how busy the service may be later (by seeing the buses in front). This is especially important as many autistic passengers have often needed to 'break their journey', but single/return bus fares don't allow a passenger to break without paying again, unlike flexible rail tickets. Its great to see operators such as First Bus making this data available. I have some good examples of Live Occupancy in the comments.

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