Julian Nassar

Network Rail’s Wales and Western region has developed a new type of sleeper with environmental benefits. The region worked with Network Rail’s Technical Authority, responsible for safety and engineering, to create ‘hedgehog’ sleepers – so nicknamed because the ends look like hedgehogs nesting under the rail. The sleepers contain 90 per cent less embedded carbon than wooden models and 78 per cent less than those made from concrete. As part of Network Rail’s sustainability strategy, research found that sleepers account for 30 per cent of the carbon embedded within railway infrastructure. #railnews #railways #ukrail #rail 

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We're proud to contribute to the launch of High Speed Rail Group’s latest report: Driving Investment in Rail Infrastructure. This report highlights the critical role private sector investment can play in transforming the UK’s rail network, ensuring timely, sustainable, and cost-effective solutions to meet the growing demand for rail connectivity. With public finances under pressure and major projects being scaled back, the report calls for greater collaboration between the public and private sectors to deliver essential infrastructure that connects communities and drives economic growth. At Amey, we’re committed to innovative partnerships that deliver robust rail systems. By supporting this report, we aim to foster an environment where private capital and long-term strategies can enhance rail infrastructure across the UK. More here: https://lnkd.in/eyHm4Km3 #RailInvestment #Infrastructure #HighSpeedRail

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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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DfT achieved ‘very little’ on rail reform with Great British Railways role unclear, PAC reports The Department for Transport (DfT), United Kingdom) has “has achieved very little” in its efforts to bring in #rail reform, with Great British Railways’ responsibilities remaining unclear and #taxpayers losing out, according to the Public Accounts Committee. The House of Commons cross-party #parliamentary group has released its latest report into the long-awaited transformation of the #UK’s #railways, taking the #DfT to task for its lack of urgency and progress in the six years since it identified the need for rail reform. Additionally, the #PAC has “yet to see convincing evidence that this #reform programme will turn out to be any different” from other rail reviews that have taken place in the last 20 years. The PAC has urged that DfT to set out a plan for “how and when it will successfully deliver the reforms that are urgently needed in the rail sector” as soon as possible in the new Parliament. This will be contingent on the next government wanting to continue with rail reform, which is likely. The #Labour Party released its strategy for rail in April and it does not stray too far from the #Conservatives’ plan, with the central idea of creating an integrated rail body – known as Great British Railways (#GBR) – being a common factor. However, the PAC contests that, even after six years of work on overhauling the UK’s railways, the DfT “has failed to resolve the fundamental disagreements and clarify key aspects of reform”. Disagreements still persist with HM Treasury and other stakeholders, while “unresolved issues remain regarding the extent of GBR’s role and responsibilities including the level of independence and ability it will have to be a ‘guiding mind’ for the railways”. The DfT must therefore “urgently resolve disagreements ahead of taking forward reform in the next Parliament”, according to the PAC.

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Great British Railways’ long-term business plan must be informed by five-year funding cycles Great British Railways’ (GBR) long-term business plan must be informed by short-term funding settlements because a long-term operational funding commitment “wouldn’t be realistic” according to Network Rail chiefs. GBR is the working name for the integrated rail body (IRB) that will be created when the Rail Reform Bill becomes law. This will bring the UK’s railway infrastructure and services together under one “guiding mind” that is expected create efficiencies and smoother operating of the railway network. The Rail Reform Bill is currently in draft and undergoing pre-legislative scrutiny by the House of Commons transport select committee, which took oral evidence from Network Rail chief executive and GBR Transition Team lead Andrew Haines and Network Rail chair Peter, Lord Hendy of Richmond Hill on Wednesday 22 May. A main topic of discussion was the business plan that the #IRB will be required to produce when it is officially formed. The Bill does not stipulate any timeframes or consultations for the production of the #businessplan and leaves wiggle room for the IRB to change it after publication, so the interviewees were asked if this was the right approach. Hendy it’s “very helpful” that the direction to create a business plan is “generalised” as this will allow the people who draw it up to interpret what it needs to contain. “You would want to see a long-term plan [with] the budget and business plan on the short-term basis being an interpretation of that,” he added. This would have to “meet the bottom line for the railway in profit and loss terms, which is demanded by government”. Haines commented that the Department for Transport (DfT), United Kingdom has asked his team to develop a long-term strategic plan that looks 20 to 30 years ahead, but this does not set out funding requirements. “I would love to say that there was a cheque from the Treasury for 10 to 15 years, but it’s not credible to think that you’re going to get that level of certainty for your operating expenditure,” he said. “it doesn’t suit anyone to be tied to a funding stream for 10 to 15 years, which then can’t accommodate shocks or changes.” In the following session of the transport select committee, rail minister Huw Merriman and DfT director general for rail services Alex Hynes were asked for their thoughts on the requirements for a GBR business plan and what form it might take. Merriman said it would work similarly to the current Network Rail control periods. “The plan is initially determined as to how the high-level output specifications – the statement of funds availability – will be operating. Then that plan is put forward,” Merriman said. “In that regard, I think it actually works rather well.” He continued: “I think the thing I’d be keen to ensure is we don’t have a sort of lag as one five-year period ends and another one starts; we’ve heard about those before.

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Big news in the transport sector today as Transport Secretary Louise Haigh MP unveils a package of measures to empower local leaders to take control of their bus services. This policy appears to have benefitted #London and #Manchester - and buses are the most commonly used form of public transport in the UK - so is this a welcome development? #buses #transport #sustainability https://lnkd.in/eD39NnEa

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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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HS2 unable to confirm level boarding accessibility at £1.6bn Old Oak Common station HS2 (High Speed Two) Ltd cannot guarantee there will be #levelboarding for #conventional rail and Elizabeth line services at its £1.67bn Old Oak Common station in west London, which #accessibility campaigners have deemed “scandalous”. Level boarding is an #accessibilityrequirement that ensures that the height of train floors is the same as that at station platforms so that people in wheelchairs and with other disabilities can enter and exit carriages. A spotlight was shone on the lack of level boarding and the general inaccessibility of UK stations when #Paralympian and member of the House of Lords Tanni Grey-Thompson was forced to crawl off a train at King’s Cross. In her reaction to the Grey-Thompson incident, Transport for All head of policy, public affairs and campaigns Emma Vogelmann highlighted that “#inaccessible stations are still being #built, including some of the biggest ones on the #HS2 route”. #NCE put Vogelmann’s concerns about the inaccessibility of HS2’s stations to the company and it effectively confirmed that level boarding is not currently part of its designs for access between non-HS2 trains and platforms at Old Oak Common. The under construction £1.67bn “super hub” will be a key interchange between HS2 services and trains for people heading into central London or Heathrow Airport. It will have six HS2 platforms a further eight for conventional rail services, #HeathrowExpress and the #Elizabethline. An HS2 spokesperson said: “HS2 is constructing the platforms for the conventional rail lines through the station to Network Rail standards. “This includes all platforms that will be served by GWR (Great Western Railway), Elizabeth Line and Heathrow Express services, which all have different floor heights. “Our designers are progressing a feasibility study with Department for Transport and Network Rail that will assess options to achieve level boarding for Elizabeth Line services at Old Oak Common Station which, is influenced by many factors.” The spokesperson pointed out that “all three stations [Heathrow Express, Elizabeth line, conventional rail] will be step free with level access from street to seat on HS2 services. “The same would have applied to Euston, including a major upgrade of the tube station to make that fully accessible before the last government decided to pause the project.” The #DfT declined to comment. Full Article: https://lnkd.in/erVthY_T

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Network Rail has released new figures that underline its ongoing support for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The infrastructure manager has revealed that approximately 3,000 SMEs have benefitted from £1.29 billion worth of business in the last financial year (23/24). Now in Control Period 7 (CP7), it has published its SME strategy (2024-29), which it says reaffirms its commitment to build on the progress made in the past five years. It added that there is renewed focus on enhancing transparency and visibility of opportunities with Network Rail and the supply chain. #railnews #railways #ukrail #rail 

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From highways to harbours, reduced emissions are improving air quality William Bonnell, Transport Systems Engineer, and Robin Koerner, Transport Systems Engineer at Energy Systems Catapult discuss the subject of air pollution and the work that is being done in the highways and harbours sectors to decarbonise fleets and ports and the impact that this is having. In the piece, they say: “We are moving in the right direction with air pollution emissions decreasing steadily in recent decades. A classic example of this is in transport with regulations on vehicle emissions and policies such as emission charges. More can – and should – be done to accelerate the reduction of emissions to safeguard lives. “An assessment of air quality provides another lens to examine the work that is ongoing to accelerate Net Zero energy innovation. Solving this problem requires us to think outside the box to tackle head-on emissions from hard-to-abate sectors: freight and maritime.” Read the full comment piece on the Transport + Energy website: https://lnkd.in/eiDe57DU Energy Systems Catapult , William Bonnell , Robin Körner , Joseph Price-Moore Paul Jordan , Richard Halsey , Laura Sandys CBE , Matthew Freeman , Richard Dobson , #transport #energy #airquality

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“This strategy is all about collaboration – industry taking action, sharing good quality data, and measuring progress.” RSSB explains more about the new Rail Health and Safety Strategy in the latest #RailDirector. Read the full article here: #UKrail #railways Nigel Wordsworth

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Today's rail headlines - #InTheNews: Network Rail denies recording passengers' emotions as part of AI cameras trial, Great Northern trains digital signalling, Amersham Station added to Local Heritage List, and The Big Rail Diversity Challenge. Listen here: #UKrail #railways #headlines

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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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As this article shows in fact trams are the most expensive way to decarbonise public transport in the UK. Relocating services and disruption to other vehicles makes them a poor replacement for buses. in fact the cheapest way is to reintroduce the trolley bus, the overhead wires are similar in cost and complexity but there is no need to dig up the street to lay thd track. The electric bus is cheaper to buy and if a battery bi mode it can run off the wires in low traffic areas and housing estates or areas of historic buildings where wiring is an intrusion. the trolley bus can negotiate temporary roadworks on battery and can be diverted easily, things the tram cannot do it needs Government to sort out the bus franchise system to allow local authorities to be able to install and run trolley bus systems rather than having to franchise the operation which largely prevents use of trolley bus systems in the UK.

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Network Rail High Speed, which operates and maintains the UK’s only high speed rail line, has demonstrated how it is paving the way on the digital transformation of British railways, following a successful proof of concept to test the capability of an AI digital twin model, originally conceived for the aerospace sector, on HS1 Ltd infrastructure that connects the UK to Europe. After identifying an opportunity to utilise artificial intelligence (AI) to assist in driving forward and developing the maintenance and renewals planning process in the High Speed 1 supply chain, the Network Rail High Speed team appointed business performance improvement firm, Hexagon Consultants Limited, and Aerogility, a specialist provider of AI-based digital solutions, to undertake the project: https://lnkd.in/eE482m7h #HS1 #highspeed #networkrail #news #PR #magazine #advertising #b2b #bannerads #magazine #newsletter #emailcampaigns #engineering #manufacturing #automation #digtalmarketingandadvertising 

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A-Z of Transport Economics: T for TAG This week’s edition is a bit of a love letter to TAG, the Department for Transport (DfT), United Kingdom's Transport Analysis Guidance. For appraisal practitioners in the UK, this is the first point of call for all things modelling and appraisal related (not forgetting that Wales and Scotland also have their own versions of appraisal guidance, WelTAG and STAG respectively). TAG contains a comprehensive set of ‘Units’, which are documents each focusing on a separate area of appraisal – e.g. unit A3 deals with environmental appraisal, A4-3 deals with place-based analysis and so on. These units tackle a given topic in depth, outlining how they should be approached when it comes to producing a transport appraisal. It was great to see updated modelling units released recently, developed by Arup along with partners from AECOM and Systra – especially the new Agent-Based Modelling Unit M5-4, an area that our City Modelling Lab has been championing for years. There are also a range of spreadsheets and workbooks intended to assist with estimating impacts – the TAG Data Book contains loads of information about things like values of time, vehicle occupancy, journey purpose and much more, whilst the Active Mode Appraisal Toolkit can be used to appraise active travel schemes. The DfT’s Transport Appraisal and Strategic Modelling division makes refinements over time to keep it up to date and ensure that it captures the latest findings and research. A welcome introduction in the past couple of years has been the TAG Conference (aka ‘TAG Fest’) which includes a range of presentations on topical issues and hopefully will have the same longevity as Glastonbury! TAG is available from here and is very near the top of my bookmarks bar! https://lnkd.in/eN6qfyuF #WeAreArup #TransportEconomicsAtoZ #transporteconomics #TAG #TPSE #transportanalysisguidance

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