Tabitha J.’s Post

I wonder, why Metro Trains Melbourne trains are mostly disrupted, literally every other day (3-5 days of disruptions every week in some sections for some durations) even in recently completed big build lines. (Eg. Pakenham, Cranbourne lines). Unplanned disruptions due to person on track or police action in platforms are a top up. Weekend travel to city!, train disruptions are a common. Are these actually planned maintenance? Or planned cost reduction? Are there any mandates for the train services? Then 97-98% efficiency rate (advertised at flinders street) is calculated on what basis? #Metrotrains #Melbourne #traindisruptions #publictransport #unreliable #accountability #victoria

Transport - HS1 and HS2 Posted 300924-01 Tag #trains #highspeedrail #railways That would be nice. Standing on the platform at Birmingham New Street Station in Central Birmingham knowing I will be stepping off in Paris in exactly three hours. No changing train. All the mud they keep moving back and forth around Stoneleigh, Warwickshire and dropping on the A46 when I visit Kenilworth would then make at least some sense. Surely connecting the HS2 to the HS1 using rare things called tunnels under London makes loads of sense. Dropping me off in a field outside London where HS2 is currently planned to terminate never seemed a fit ending to such a huge upheaval after making such a huge investment. Sorry it’s a common and not a field. But then what do I know. Banno Copyright the Times Newspaper. Thunderer Article. By Tony Lodge. (300924) Note edited out from the article the listed benefits to those living in the South East to make it a Northern Centric article. Yes I defined Birmingham as being in the North rather than the Midlands. That’s a mapping defined by wealth rather than geography. Banno The decision the transport secretary, Louise Haigh, must take before Christmas — whether to connect High Speed 2 (HS2) to London’s Euston station — is surely a no-brainer. The mistakes that have beset the wider HS2 project are well documented like not calling at Heathrow. It is vital policymakers now focus on how to make the best of Britain’s fledgling experiment with high-speed rail, especially after the Conservatives axed the Birmingham to Manchester link last year. At present, it is planned for HS2 to connect Birmingham with Old Oak Common in west London, where a 14-platform interchange with the new Elizabeth Line, Great Western main line and London Underground is being built. It is crucial that a further 4.5-mile tunnel is also built to connect HS2 with London Euston to help to justify this long-neglected station’s redevelopment. But this will simply bring HS2’s trains to a buffer stop in the same way as HS1’s Channel tunnel trains terminate at St Pancras — only 600 metres away. The disconnect between HS1 and HS2 is the key missing link. It was in the original HS2 plan but was dropped ten years ago despite its ability to radically change the economics of high-speed rail in Britain. If the government says yes to tunnelling HS2 to Euston, it should have the foresight to tunnel slightly further and deliver the critical link to HS1. This would immediately improve the benefit-cost ratio of HS2, as international services could run direct between Birmingham, London and Europe, with a journey time for Birmingham to Paris of about three hours. A direct link is the only way to replace short-haul flights with high-speed trains and there is huge potential for fast rail freight. But without this game-changing connection, high-speed rail in Britain will remain fragmented and unable to deliver its true potential.

Great news for Queensland. Maximising accessibility is an ongoing process, one that is never really "complete". But it's really good to see that governments across Australia are investing in rail transport accessibility, including Queensland's entire fleet of new generation trains recently undergoing an accessibility upgrade. Some of the key changes included in the upgrade are: - More spacious toilets - An increased number of priority seats for those who need it most - Better signage, including tactile text and braille - Additional grab-rails and handrails - Other redesigned equipment for customers with limited dexterity Visual description: a new generation Queensland train approaching the tracks at sunset. #2024DisabilityEmpowerment #Queensland #TransportAccessibility

The number of hourly trains between Lichfield and Birmingham could double to pre-pandemic levels under plans for an upgrade to railways in the Midlands, which could see an additional five million seats on a major inter-city line.  As part of the Midlands Rail Hub – which will be delivered in phases from 2028 onwards – six trains per hour could run through the core of the Cross City Line, with four per hour starting at Lichfield Trent Valley and two per hour starting at Four Oaks. Rail services between Lichfield and Birmingham have halved since before the pandemic, with just two per hour currently running.

M621 in Leeds £50M improvement scheme progresses towards completion Upgrades to a key section of the #M621 motorway in Leeds have been completed as part of a £50M, two-year improvement project under main contractor Keltbray. The M621 motorway, is a 12 km loop of motorway in West Yorkshire, England that takes traffic into central Leeds between the M1 and M62 motorways. The improvement scheme is designed to ease #congestion and bolster the local and #regionaleconomy by improving access to #Leeds city centre and surrounding areas. National Highways has been carrying out upgrades on the M621 between junctions 1 (Beeston) and 7 (Stourton). The purpose of the work is to ease congestion at key locations along the M621, providing a better, safer, experience for motorists and more reliable journeys. Upgrades included additional lanes at Junction 3, improved #traffic flow between Junctions 1 and 3, and the installation of advanced technology such as overhead #electronicsigns, #roadsidesignals, #emergencyphones, and #CCTVsystems. The enhancements include the introduction of average speed enforcement cameras to maintain a 50mph speed limit and minimise #collision risks. Work on the M621 began in 2022 with the appointment of Keltbray as contractor. Key improvements entailing closures, included that of the Junction 2a exit slip (Cemetery Road), began in mid-2023. This closure was aimed at decreasing the volume of commuter traffic on local roads in Hunslet and Beeston. For the latest phase of the scheme, work will continue on the Junction 2 (Elland Road) roundabout, where additional lanes and new traffic signals are being installed. Despite the completion of main #carriageway works, #contractors will remain on site until the New Year to finish these ancillary tasks and minor adjustments. #NationalHighways confirmed that there would continue to be occasional overnight lane closures over the coming weeks as minor remedial works are completed. National Highways project manager Chris Ward said: "For two years, we have been working with our partners and communities to make journeys in and through Leeds safer and reduce congestion on this route, and we’re delighted that the M621 works are now almost complete." Ward said: "We believe these improvements will not only be good news for drivers but also boost the local and regional economy as we’ve improved the way people and businesses access Leeds city centre and the surrounding area. The overarching goal of the M621 project is to create a safer, more reliable motorway that supports the city's growth plans by easing movement within the city and reducing the risk of slow-speed collisions. Full Article: https://lnkd.in/eF2-5qb8

For my Waterford connections - today's news that the planned shuttle bus across the new Suir bridge has been scrapped by the North Quays developer is quite simply outrageous. This shuttle bus was planned as an integral element of the mobility hub on the North Quays, which will house a new bus and train station, as well as connecting the New Ross and Waterford-Dungarvan greenways. But without the shuttle, pedestrians will have to cross the 207m span bridge in all weathers. The decision by the developers to cancel the shuttle service is completely unacceptable. The people of Waterford have been badly let down. Questions should be asked of Waterford City and County Council about why this shuttle service was not pinned down contractually and how the developer can get away with just cancelling it with a stroke of a pen. It seems that the developers of the North Quays project get all the benefits of a public transport hub without having to contribute financially to making it fully accessible to the city of Waterford. The loss of the shuttle will directly impact on public transport users, especially those with disabilities or infirmities of any kind. It will also have an impact on the usage of the mobility hub, as public transport is now further away for the majority of public transport users. Funding for this project was secured on the basis that it would reduce emissions and provide a realistic alternative to the private car. But that is not what the people of Waterford are getting. This will be a priority issue for me as a Waterford TD. I will campaign to secure the necessary backing from the National Transport Authority (NTA) to reinstate the shuttle service or provide an alternative service such as an automated tram. It is absolutely essential that this bridge works to connect the North Quays with the rest of the city. If the bridge and mobility hub do not attract footfall as planned, the economic benefits of the North Quays project will simply not be realised. #Waterford #NationalTransportAuthority #SustainableMobility https://lnkd.in/da45KW4s

All clear for take off?: Feltham/Heathrow rail air links Feltham station in southwest London is an underused option for some of those 200,000+ passengers travelling to and from Heathrow airport every day. The airport is well served with rail links from central London, but less so from other directions – hence the Heathrow Southern Rail project among others. I live in Wandsworth, Southwest London. A good route, that avoids going on the noisy, hot and at times crowded Northern Line to get on the Elizabeth line, is to catch a train from Clapham Junction to Feltham (about an 18-minute journey) then the 285 or 490 bus to the airport. Been doing it for years and it’s a reliable journey. The problem is very few people know about it! This is despite is being inaugurated nearly quarter of a century ago as an ‘official’ rail air link. A few months ago, I got caught out as I left Feltham station to find the 285 bus had disappeared. As part of the redevelopment around the station, including removing the level crossing, the bus stop had moved to the nearby road bridge. While this makes for speedier journeys for bus passengers, I found the signs confusing. So, as part of the work of the Heathrow Area Transport Forum which I chair we convened a site visit. Transport for London, Hounslow Council and Heathrow took part, and we were guided round by Manoj Bhardwaj and Philip Sears at South Western Railway who run the station. Feltham is a surprisingly complex station with three exits, local and Heathrow buses and is very busy at times. So, getting the signs right for everyone is not easy. The buses are not very visible from the station, so signs are important. And just to really confuse things a private bus for a local business park also operates from the station forecourt. Basically, it all needs a bit of attention. Journey planners show quite different and sometimes unhelpful things, like a one-hour journey time to Heathrow whereas buses take about 20 minutes. The link does not appear on the TfL Tube and Rail services map but does appear on the South Western Railway maps and engineering works posters! In short, the signs on the station need a refresh to guide people towards the right exits and buses if this link is to work properly. So, we are looking at getting better information into journey planners. Plus, SWR has reviewed the signs and will come forward with some ideas for improvements. As air passenger numbers to rise, one in two of each extra passenger arrives in a vehicle – either a taxi or their own car. So, providing better information about more sustainable choices that are already there, as well as developing new connections, is in everyone’s interest.

Plans for a new office, security and small passenger handling building for Blackpool Airport have been submitted to Fylde Council! The new offices would be built immediately behind the current buildings at the entrance to the airport off Squires Gate Lane. The plans are part of Blackpool Council and Blackpool Airport’s strategy to rebuild old airport infrastructure to make the airport more commercially successful and create new jobs on the Fylde Coast. Cllr Mark Smith, Blackpool Council’s Cabinet Member for Levelling Up (Place), at Blackpool Council said: “We’re working hard to make sure that we can support an airport that is commercially successful and a leading transport hub, and one that drives the growth of our Enterprise Zone. “These plans would give the airport more scope to attract new business and customers, which is crucial to its success. In turn, it allows us to nurture the growth of the airport, while also releasing unneeded land for high end data centre companies to invest in Silicon Sands and create well paid jobs for local people." Learn more: https://bit.ly/3WC0Gho #BlackpoolMakesItWork #Blackpool #regeneration #airport

https://lnkd.in/eW4n5_YH 1. This line has been deprived of upgrades and investment as per the Cambrian Network. 2. It could do more if upgraded with double track and through originating journeys starting like Swansea to Shrewbury and maybe onwards to Manchester Airport? 3. There is a feeling that The Welsh Assembly is Cardiff centric. Understandable from an electoral point of view, but other places suffer like #Swansea by capacity into #Cardiff and outwards - better rail links and options are needed. Upgrading Heart of Wales line to a modern operational standard, means faster speeds/consistency and a diversity of all stopping trains and faster semi-fast principal end-to-end operations and routing freight too/looking at local sourced freight potential and not container views only, but smaller loads like post, parcels and pallets for example and designing rolling stock to do it all/be more versatile/bikes, prams, buggies and more! 4. Do stations need upgrade - parking, coffee shops, post offices, utilising space and buildings, toilets, hotels for visitorship? It needs looking at study, scope and on-the-ground. Maybe also a study of a Mid Wales rail link like Carmarthen - Aberystwyth (new build with modifications) to enable West Wales to be doing more business and also a link between Cambrian and Builth Wells with curves to link the lines for diverse audiences and better access. Cost? Yes, so build the coalitions and treat it like Cardiff Metro and realise unless a positive way forward can be hatched, models and grades of ideas can be adapted, closure could be a cost-laden result. However, you have to see going forward with rail means less traffic on roads, less road upgrades (intrusion/land take), better preservation of rural tranquility and a more versatile balance? How much of West Wales can sustain an all-year-round rail-based access hotel accommodation? Self catering, camping or top notch fine, but family hotel access seems lacking, has #Barmouth got a hotel still? Is there a new-flow opportunity there? Access and timings are critical, but rail offers more than roads, but price and accessibility have to be balanced. https://lnkd.in/e9-a_N8F What you can do: 1. Write to ylour MP in support of what we are saying: https://lnkd.in/eNuaGKcq 2. Email the 'Cardiff Centric' Welsh Assembly: https://lnkd.in/ecWqNiCt 3. Join BRTA: https://lnkd.in/eqzqWzfu Should they meet at llandudno and Machynlleth to get a better appreciation?! Contact: [email protected] to help us. #wales #railways #stations

South Yorkshire's Forgotten Railway Station South Yorkshire has lost a few useful railway stations over the past 40 years. Probably most significant was Wadsley Bridge, which was so useful for delivering football supporters to Hillsborough Stadium but Attercliffe Road and Brightside also bit the dust. Looking around South Yorkshire now, it is Thorne South which causes the most concern. With a rail service every 2 hours generally, stretched to every 3 hours in the middle of the day, the Doncaster to Scunthorpe train really has been slashed to below what could really be described as a service. Perhaps we should not complain too much, as the Thorne South train was fully replaced by a bus for a period after Covid. At least it now has a train again. Actually, yes, we should complain! To be meaningful, a train service must be at least hourly and right across Northern's network, we have services reduced to 1 or 2 trains per day or worse - Heysham Port, Leeds to Goole, Stockport to Stalybridge, the Brigg Line and a number of others. Too easy to focus on exciting projects like re-opening the line to Blyth and Ashington in Northumberland [which is important], when reinstatement and development of some decimated local services elsewhere, could well produce as good a return. Trouble is, we all know spending money on something new gets much much better publicity for those in charge. However, when all the infrastructure is already there, it is much much cheaper to provide a full service. Thorne South's timetable from this past Friday and the rail map of South Yorkshire stations from Travel South Yorkshire showing the local rail stations is here, courtesy of the excellent Real Time Trains [www.realtimetrains.co.uk]: 👇 https://lnkd.in/eudugQNr Thorne South apart, most stations benefit from at least an hourly service, except when Northern's struggle with trains and crews at their Sheffield depot, which does not seem to be getting any better, with numerous daily cancellations. We are not hearing enough about the Northern failings and I hope the matter is being addressed behind the scenes by politicians with the operator's management team. South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority Tim Taylor Pat Beijer Melanie Corcoran Doncaster Council Doncaster Chamber Business Doncaster Oliver Coppard Sheffield Chamber of Commerce Barnsley & Rotherham Chamber of Commerce Sheffield City Council #southyorkshire #sheffieldbusiness #sheffieldrail #sheffieldissuper #doncasterisgreat #doncasterrail #doncasterbusiness #doncastertransport