Miles Ashley

'Do we really value our passgengers?'. This is the question asked by our RSSB colleague, Anup Chalisey, in this feature in Rail Business Daily. Read more here https://brnw.ch/21wO02c

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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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Today was an impromptu #VideoBlog (Vlog) day........ I spent a couple of hours this afternoon with our Network Rail 'Wales and Borders' #IntelligentInfrastructure team in Cardiff. And it was high time that the #SelfieStick and #WirelessMicrophones were put into action! We remotely monitor thousands of railway assets across our railway: Switch & Crossing layouts, track circuits, axle counters, power systems, air conditioning, coolers, points heating, flood risk sites, drainage systems, security systems, cables, track geometry, earthworks, structures and more....... Why do we do this? To keep the railway safer, more predictable, more reliable and to better understand our assets in order to optimise our asset inspection, maintenance and renewals programmes. It was good to meet the team, to chat through the progress being made, to see the latest assets being monitored and to talk through our next trials and future ideas. Nicola, our #ReliabilityImprovementSpecialist lead, and I decided to do an impromptu Video Blog and nailed it in a single take. Thanks to Nicola Morgan and the team for the visit today! Cheers Nick. PS: I have now completed the upload of my whole back catalogue of video blogs (100s of them) here: https://lnkd.in/eXaxy2Hh #RailwayFamily #IntelligentInfrastructure #ReliableRailway #TrackWorkerSafety #PredictAndPrevent #RiskBasedMaintenance #TheNicolaAndNickShow #OneTakeWonders #NetworkRailNick #LifeIsBetterInOrange

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Today's rail headlines - #InTheNews: Open access operators, Network Rail frameworks for the delivery of capital works in the North West & Central Region, Transport for Wales timetable, and Baildon landslip work. Listen here: #UKrail #railways #headlines

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re: https://lnkd.in/ewBQtqfs This report shows a shortfall in transport infrastructure spending and we should take note that across the board infrastructure is coming up the agenda of what is fundamental to civilised existence (water for example) but environmentally, land use wise and that of cutting emissions, it is more and better rail infrastructure where the deficit is felt. Modal shift in many cases cannot happen without reopening programmes of real local lines and associated infrastructure projects to enable small to large modal shift transfer of freight and people travel patterns from road to rail. In Bedford, it is East-West Rail which dominates, but is sluggish in progress regarding accessing Bedford and notions of rails to the East which needs proper leadership with a discernment and based on sound local knowledge. BRTA has said what it feels is best, we have offered to look at maps of Bedford Midland layout and discuss what could be rearranged to enable a twin bay additional infrastructure for Oxford-Cambridge passenger operations and two twin track access to existing Midland Main Line slows for freight. Ford End Road Bridge may be listed, but is a problem for enabling optimum rail redesign and 8 coach platforms for example. In our view, the station booking hall should go back to the old station site, looking down Midland Road towards the town centre, not an urban Parkway design, in the middle facing a housing estate! Likewise, we want attention for Stations North of Bedford, and a way forward may be to direct Thameslink trains to serve Corby and focus EMR trains on a seamless Bedford-Leicester electric fast and slow service, windowing reopening of local stations and a shuttle to link into principal main line stations feeding to and from accordingly. Should one have 2-3 changes to get to Sheffield or Leeds from the Midland Main Line? We don't think that is optimising infrastructure! So, we keep on, and lack of like the Northampton-Market Harborough deficit, should be being led on by paid, professional agencies and lead organisations from councils to government, with public input on how it may work, not NIMBYISM verus dire need. The stalemate cannot go on. So, head-in-sand is to reject local rail solutions like East-West Rail, but it has been handled badly, too remotely and East of Bedford via St John's should be the prescription with councils and leaders all on board. Get to link with ECML at Tempsford area first, then yes, the new ECML-Cambridge alignment, due to extensive blockages of the old varsity route from Sandy to Trumpington, is the way it has to be. The roads are being dualled, development is happening, so prudence calls for rail alternatives surely? That is where, of whatever shade, a new government will need to make a priority now, not 10 years time! https://lnkd.in/dhC42vZ

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The Railway Industry Association (RIA) just asked 5 things of the next government, through its 2024 manifesto. They are: 👉   Publish a long-term rail strategy 👉   Deliver on railway industry reform 👉   Accelerate new train orders and low carbon network upgrades 👉   Support a sustainable supply chain 👉   Leverage private investment Not that I am biased (with WCL being predominantly a rail focused company), and as a bit of a soapbox moment, but we fundamentally agree with this 5-point plan. Passenger numbers are estimated to potentially double by 2050, and passenger growth is already approaching 100% of pre-Covid levels. We need to boost capacity, cut carbon, increase resilience all at the same time, and all at a manageable cost in a tough economic climate. It’s clear we need a new and improved strategy and approach to manage this. Effectively boosting rail capacity will pay dividends, supporting a brighter economic future for the UK. Just as importantly, it will better connect people to their communities, essential services, and wider society. What does this mean in practice? From the WCL perspective, it means long term thinking. It means joined up strategy that is fed as much by bottom-up, local investment decisions as top-down national planning. It means effective delivery of even more major transformational works, made possible by a rich and growing community of domestic rail industry experts. WCL Rail is ready to play its part in this change. #rail #railreform #SupplyChain #NetZero #UKgovernment

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Today's rail headlines - #InTheNews: Impact of the cut of the Restoring Your Railway fund, All-Island Strategic Rail Review, works to upgrade a North London Underground station have been put on hold, and c2c (Trenitalia c2c Ltd) Secure Station Scheme. Listen here: #UKrail #railways #headlines

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C-Roads has published its road-map for C-ITS services. If you are interested in which services are deployed or which services are in preparation, have a look at the document. You will recognise that C-ITS is much more than supporting individual vehicles. C-ITS supports public transport as well as emergency services and is prepared to support CCAM. #croads #cits #itsdirective

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The rail sector has specific difficulties when it comes to estimating and reporting social value. 🚆 That’s why Loop, together with the RSSB, developed the Rail Social Value Tool – the only custom-built social value tool for the rail sector. The tool has been designed to give you the best possible view of your social impact - and this guide is here to help you understand the social value landscape. Download for free today: 👉 https://lnkd.in/eA_4bGzC #SocialValue #Rail #SocialImpact

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This report looks excellent and timely. "Throughout this work, Arup found the most opportunity for acceleration, cost reduction and improved outcomes was identified during the first 10% of a project’s lifecycle. These early-stages offer the most opportunity to drive Greener, Faster, Cheaper delivery. Ensuring the initial stages of project planning are robust and innovative, sets the foundation for success. Defining and driving programmes based on operational outcomes, not just the asset, leads to greater buy-in and support." As Prof. Bent Flyvbjerg says the key to getting big things done is "think slow, act fast" Great work Arup and Cath Leech! #megaprojects

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There was some good news in the budget for major infrastructure In particular was a clear commitment to the delivery of one of the most crucial pieces of infrastructure in this country, the critical strategic link that is East West Rail

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Sheffield’s new Aurora trains to London. Starting next year, #Sheffield will see the new Hitachi #Aurora trains taking over from the 20 year old Meridian fleet on Sheffield’s #London train service. East Midlands Railway have produced a video showing the design of the new fleet. The link to it is here: 👇 https://lnkd.in/ekatStGp If you do not want to watch all 13 minutes, then let me help you by focusing in on 2 key issues that have come my way time and time again on Linked In: 1) WIFI and phone connectivity. Starting 6 mins 30 seconds in, is a 2 minute piece on connectivity. Things will be better than the old fleet. Why better and not brilliant? My understanding is that the on train WIFI kit searches for the best phone signal but still has to be in range of a mast. That is challenging on occasions, as the Midland Main Line is not built on a billiard table. Until Network Rail or someone else installs lineside telecoms technology for passenger use, there will still be dead spots. 2) Seats The Aurora is a Hitachi product but 3 metres per coach shorter than the other Hitachi IETs out there already because of the length of the platforms at St Pancras International. A major complaint from regular users has been the seat comfort on the Hitachi trains. EMR have put a lot of effort into the seats for their new Aurora trains. There is a section in the video from 8 mins 30 seconds about the design and comfort. Having tried them, I found them comfortable. Sheffield Chamber of Commerce Sheffield City Council Sheffield Hallam University The University of Sheffield Irwin Mitchell CMS UK Tom Hunt Tom Finnegan-Smith South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority Alex Forrest Rachel Sprigg Melanie Corcoran Oliver Coppard George Selby Laura Etheridge Will Rogers Kate Josephs CB Tracy Viner Sam Chapman William Stewart Louisa Harrison-Walker #sheffieldissuper #sheffieldtransport #sheffieldbusiness #sheffieldrail Hitachi Rail Rachel Turner

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I've said it before and I'll say it again... WE HAVE A CHOICE - >>> wait around for a "Long Term Strategy for Rail" to materialise, OR >>> muck on and make the most of the tools we already have! WHY? 1. RTS already exists! 2. RTS is being refreshed for 2024 (& every 5 years) 3. RTS is a key pillar of a future overarching rail long-term strategy anyway! WATCH THIS SPACE for 5 RTS launches during 2024. Click the link to learn more!

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The challenge of talent retention in the Rail Industry is an ongoing discussion. Are we doing enough to attract, develop, and retain talent? From engaging school leavers to nurturing future leaders, it's vital to address every stage of the career lifecycle. Let's drive change and improvement together! Moderator: Professor Richard Jones, Strategic Development Partner, BCRRE, University of Birmingham Panellists: - Nasir Khan MBE, Principle at HKA Construction, Chair (Liability Panel) of the Construction Industry Council - Robert Forde ChPP, Director of Strategy and Skills at Global Centre Of Rail Excellence - Nina Lockwood CEO of Intuitive Talent Solutions - Neil Robertson Chief Executive of the National Skills Academy for Rail (NSAR) - Dr Holly Foss, Senior Lecturer in Railway Systems Education & Director of Education at Birmingham Centre for Railway Research and Education (BCRRE) #RailIndustry #TalentRetention #CareerDevelopment #LeadershipDevelopment

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The rail industry must change the way it works together so it is better able to meet the challenges of climate change and deliver the safe, punctual and reliable railway that passengers and freight expect and deserve. So emphasised John Larkinson, Office of Rail and Road (ORR) Chief Executive, addressing members of the industry today. #railnews #railways #ukrail #rail 

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Today's rail headlines - #InTheNews: Report into stranded passengers on trains, wait to find out future for Portishead railway station plans, potential locations for GBR HQ, and first birthday for Thanet Parkway station. Listen here: #UKrail #railways #headlines

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Transport for Wales (TfW) has completed its future timetable review following a change in rail travel demands post-COVID. Following a comprehensive review of current rail demand and predicted future growth, TfW has developed a new long-term strategy to better align with the new travel habits and requirements of customers, whilst becoming a truly multimodal operator. As a result of the review some rail routes will see more services and longer trains with more seats, particularly during seasonal peaks. Other routes will see slightly different calling patterns better targeted to current needs. 

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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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