Signalling – competition review hits market reality
◾ ETCS focused
◾ Siemens the dominant player
◾ Limited new entrants available to challenge incumbents
◾ Hitachi sweeps up alternative potential ETCS suppliers
DfT outlines future role for operators
■ First PSC tendered next year – let in 2024
■ Includes responsibility for train procurement
Siemens challenges HS2 train contract award
▄ Preferred Joint Venture bid failed on technical assessment
▄ Injunction sought to halt ministerial approval
▄ Third legal challenge after CAF and Talgo
ELECTRIFICATION U-TURN - Taken to task on central direction
■ Centralisation deprecated all round
■ Industry proposes turnkey contracts
■ Informed sources put me straight
WIGAN – BOLTON ELECTRIFICATION - Business case trumps high cost
■ Six route miles tops GWEP unit costs
■ 17 bridges highlights civils cost challenge
■ National Electrification Efficiency Panel in challenge mode
GOVERNMENT RAISES TRAIN AIR QUALITY CONCERNS
■ RSSB research highlights complex problem
■ Hitachi bi-modes and Voyagers the worst offenders
■ More trains to be monitored
■ Swift action promised
RESERVATIONS - Walk-on versus ambiance
■ Inter-city operators under fire
■ LNER running dual system
Seeking the cure for cracks
DfT goes legal as Hitachi 800 Series saga continues
ROGER FORD
Williams-Shapps Plan: creating the new model railway
ROGER FORD CONTINUES HIS ANALYSIS OF THE WILLIAMS-SHAPPS PLAN
■ DfT developing ‘operating model’
■ Transition Team in action
■ Timelines emerging