DfT establish new strategy group

The Department for Transport has established a new strategy group to look at the best way to increase transport capacity on the national transport networks in the South West region. The new group, chaired by Lord Adonis, is been established in response to the recommendations of the Eddington study which identified inter-urban connectivity as one of three investment priorities. The new group, which will include senior representatives of the Highways Agency, Network Rail and the Treasury, has been asked to focus on how to make better use of the existing inter-urban rail network (e.g. selective extension of electrification) and on the feasibility of new rail lines in the region, including high-speed routes.

ORR rejects Kemble to Swindon redoubling again

The Office of Rail Regulation (ORR) has issued the final determination for spending by Network Rail over the next five-year control period commencing on 1 April 2009. The ORR has again rejected the proposal by Network Rail to redouble the single line between Kemble and Swindon at a cost of thirty-two million pounds – the ORR states that ‘we will not fund infrastructure projects whose primary benefit is to improve capacity or performance beyond the levels explicitly specified in the HLOS (High Level Output Specification)’.

Cornwall studies youth concession

Young people in Cornwall could be given free or reduced price travel on local buses in the county. Cornwall County Council has commissioned consultants to examine a range of options for a concessionary travel scheme for residents aged nineteen or less – the consultants will study a range of eligibility issues and whether the concession should be free travel, travel at a reduced price or an advance payment for a fixed time period. The study will also consider whether any concessionary travel scheme for young people should be extended to rail services within the county.

DfT to consult on eligible of bus services for concessionary scheme

The Department for Transport has commenced a consultation with stakeholders to obtain feedback on a number of issues relating to the eligibility of local bus services for use by holders of concessionary passes – the consultation, which runs until 23 January 2009, can be viewed at:- ‘www.dft.gov.uk/consultations/open/busconcession/’.

First Great Western commences train refurbishment project

First Great Western has commenced a train refurbishment programme for the eight class 143 ‘Pacer’ units – the refurbishment work will be undertaken by Wabtec Rail at their facility at Eastleigh, Hampshire.

Swindon terminal opens

The Swindon rail freight terminal has opened – twenty-three thousand cars will be transported a year from the new terminal to the Honda logistics centre in Ghent, Belgium on two trains every week, each carrying over two hundred vehicles.

Successful private prosecution

A man has been sentenced to four years in jail for attacking two First Great Western employees at Plymouth railway station, in a private prosecution brought by the train operating company – the Crown Prosecution Service had declined to pursue the case.

And finally,

A dedicated bus lane and a bus stop have been provided as part of a new Tesco store development at Braunton, North Devon – the bus lane and bus stop are currently not used as no local bus services have yet been diverted to serve the new store.