Supported by
Special review in association with Urbos URBAN DESIGN ENVIRONMENTALLY SUSTAINABLE
★★ Urbos responds to the highest eco-design requirements, WINNER integrated in the arquitechtonic environment, Manufacturer of the Year maintaining a high level of performance
www.caf.net
247-250_TAUT1406_CAF Advertorial.indd 4 13/05/2014 10:27 ‘LIGHT RAIL IS A SUCCESS STORY IN THE UK THAT NEEDS TO BE REPLICATED IN MORE CITIES’ “Light rail doesn’t always get the attention and recognition it deserves in this country,” UK Minister of State for Transport Baroness Susan Kramer told her audience at the Light Rail Awards in London on October 1. “So I’m delighted to be part of these awards, which truly recognise your hard work and achievements over the last 12 months.” Baroness Kramer argued that “there is a lot to celebrate in light rail” – with passengers and vehicle miles both having reached points higher than at any previous time in the modern era. Referring to extensions in Birmingham and Nottingham, improvements in Manchester – and the long-awaited opening of the new line in Edinburgh – the UK minister argued: “We want to see that success replicated in more cities.” However, the Liberal Democrat BBC news anchor and journalist Nicholas Owen reprised his role as Master of Ceremonies minister also repeated a Government for the eighth time at the Honourable Artillery Company on Wednesday 1 October. contention that ways of reducing project People from eight different countries organisations working within the UK, costs must be found. “It is vital that we gathered in the UK capital for the 2014 this year’s event saw Keolis KDR Gold all work together – planners, promoters, Light Rail Awards, which this year had Coast win recognition for the new Gold authorities, manufacturers – to find the 14 different categories – including three Coast Light Rail project in Queensland savings and efficiencies needed so light new ones – and more category sponsors (Australia) that opened in July; while the rail can compete with other modes,” and industry support than ever before. USA’s DART Airport Line Partnership Baroness Kramer told the assembled Neither was it just the attendance list was recognised for its engineering international gathering of around that had an international element. achievement in creating a link to the 240 guests. Alongside a number of awards for world’s third-biggest airport, Dallas-Fort Worth International in Texas. “It is vital that we work together – planners, The 2014 Light Rail Awards once again took place in the historic promoters, authorities, manufacturers – surroundings of the Honourable Artillery Company headquarters in to find the savings and efficiencies needed central London; next year’s event is to so light rail can compete with other modes.” be held on 8 October 2015.
Guests at the 2014 Light Rail Awards had the opportunity to share innovation and Baroness Kramer made her first address to networking time with industry colleagues from around the world. the Light Rail Awards as UK Transport Minister.
LIGHT RAIL AWARDS 2014 / 3 BEST CUSTOMER INITIATIVE Sponsored by
WINNER NOTTINGHAM EXPRESS TRANSIT Take just a moment to think what a ticket has been in the past – a simple printed piece of paper allowing you to travel from ‘A to B’. That’s been true at Nottingham Express Transit too – but NET now sees a ticket as being much more than that. And it feels that its move to buy-before-you-board ticketing will change the way the people of Nottingham use and interact with their light rail system. The result is off-tram ticketing with new machines on stops, and also the introduction to the system of the Mango smartcard. Money saved through the new system is planned to be reinvested into the network. However while the targeted benefits of the new system are clear, the introduction of more choice, new technology and systems had the potential to cause initial confusion, inconvenience and frustration among those who matter most, the passengers. ensured that people who are potentially to the travelling public,” acknowledged NET recognised this, and decided the unsure have been fully supported the judges. “The way that Nottingham solution was to take a proactive and during what has been a period of Express Transit has delivered this customer-focused approach – through significant change. project – and in the middle of major the creation of a team of ‘ambassadors “The move to off-tram ticketing is a system expansion – is admirable.” of change’. These ambassadors are first and requires a huge feat in driving The award was presented by Danny there to help customers and have change and communicating that change Fox of North Star Consultancy.
HIGHLY COMMENDED HIGHLY COMMENDED SERCO DOCKLANDS STAGECOACH SUPERTRAM
In 2012-13 Serco Docklands was receiving 86%-87% in TfL’s How do you engage children in the safety message? Customer Satisfaction Survey – but it wanted more. The aim Stagecoach Supertram’s answer is the ‘supersafe’ initiative, was 90% for the Docklands Light Railway by the end of 2014. assisted by the system’s own hero, ‘Supertram Man’. An initiative was developed to deliver higher levels of Supertram Man has been here, there and everywhere, engagement, encouraging feedback, and linking that feedback spreading the safety message in a memorable campaign that with ongoing improvement. The result was the You said, we is clear and simple for all customers and communicates with did campaign. You can now hardly use the DLR without being more vulnerable passengers, such as children and the elderly. aware of the campaign – not least through the You said, we did Now a well-known character in his own right, Supertram Man posters on stations. is one initiative that has really captured the imagination.
4 / LIGHT RAIL AWARDS 2014 with Alstom
Shaping the future of urban rail www.alstom.com/uk
Service Concept Operations Strategy Start Up and Implementation
northstarconsultancy.com
Dubai supplement 20pp.indd 2 05/11/2012 11:27 TECHNICAL INNOVATION OF THE YEAR Sponsored by WINNER DB REGIO TYNE & WEAR
The rule book is a vital piece of – with top-up training available if operating life – but it can be bulky required. Since the new system and unwieldy, especially when was introduced, DB Regio Tyne & amendments have to be made on Wear has been requested to attend a continuous basis. So can modern presentations around the country to technology come to the rescue? highlight its advantages to others. That was the thought facing DB Although initially used as a purely Regio Tyne & Wear – and the idea operational tool, this system also has was born of introducing e-reader the ability to distribute information devices for train crew. Instead of the such as corporate newsletters, printed modular rule book, electronic policies and procedures. copies could be downloaded. Other The judges described the system critical information is included, too. as a “great, simple and cost-effective WINNER Advantages include a simplified solution to a time-old problem, using distribution of safety critical off-the-shelf modern technology.” information, the availability of instant Indeed one judge described it as advice on faults and failures – and “so good, that we’re considering reducing the weight of drivers’ bags! implementing a similar system…” Drivers were supported by Alstom Customer Director Susan training from operations managers Evans presented the award.
HIGHLY COMMENDED BARNBROOK SYSTEMS The Barnbrook Systems ‘Blue Cube’ technology allows sensors to be sited on vehicles carrying passengers or freight; each sensor is light, robust and can be placed in very small and tight areas. The sensors can monitor things such as shock, vibration, pressure, temperature, current, switch operation and brake controller system operation. In an Awards in which Barnbrook was also recognised as Supplier of the Year under EUR10m, the judges gave this a ‘Highly Commended’. HIGHLY COMMENDED
HIGHLY COMMENDED MANUFACTURER OF THE YEAR BOMBARDIER WINNER CAF TRANSPORTATION This year has been significant for CAF, A previous multiple Light Rail Awards both in the UK and elsewhere – Urbos winner, Bombardier is still at the top of trams are now in revenue-earning its game, with a number of innovations service in Edinburgh, and the latest including the Bombardier Bodyguard, version of the vehicles is being delivered which deploys an airbag in the event to Midland Metro. of collisions with pedestrians. Also The Awards judges praised the new is the driver assistance system, company as “innovative, agile and client- which has near field monitoring with focused” and Centro – in receipt of the stereo camera technology to warn the Midland Metro trams – has described driver of obstacles. the manufacturer’s team as having With new “impressed the project team with their vehicles in service willingness to adapt and suggest changes could wish for, more space, better all around the that improve the ultimate product. communications, a smooth ride and a world, and many “It is a good sign of their commitment multimedia system. more significant to both the product and the customer “As a manufacturer we have found orders this year, that the word ‘contract’ has not come up them to be incredibly professional, Bombardier ran during the project, and the relationships committed, honest, flexible and CAF close and have been friendly and at the same time thoroughly deserving of this nomination was recognised incredibly professional. for this prestigious award.” as Highly “The outcome is a tram that is truly When such words come from your Commended by stunning with everything the passenger customer, it is praise indeed. the judges.
6 / LIGHT RAIL AWARDS 2014 SIGNIFICANT SAFETY INITIATIVE Sponsored by WINNER DB REGIO TYNE & WEAR
It seems obvious – and that perhaps helps a campaign by DB Regio Tyne & Wear to be effective. Concerned with the risk of incidents involving train doors, the operator of the UK's Tyne & Wear Metro turned to public relations company Gardiner Richardson to develop a satirical animation for online activity. This was designed to encourage passengers to pay more attention where previous tactics had failed. The animated video featuring characters killed or injured by train doors was entitled Use your Brain near a Train - but to enhance the animation further a montage of CCTV footage was compiled using footage of real incidents featuring passengers obstructing the train doors around the network. This was then uploaded onto YouTube and highlighted on social media channels. on- and off-line media – posters, public Four weeks after the campaign awareness announcements on online was launched Use your Brain near a ‘viral’ animations – to great effect to Train had received over 50 500 hits on address a very real problem.” YouTube and the number of views for The award was presented to the team the CCTV had reached over 7500. from DB Regio Tyne & Wear by David The judges described this as “an Hand, Divisional Director and Practice example of an operator thinking in the Leader, Light Rail Transit from Mott modern age, using a variety of both MacDonald. Tyne & Wear of DB Regio Courtesy
HIGHLY COMMENDED HIGHLY COMMENDED FIRST TRAM OPERATIONS MPT (GRADIENT PROTECTION SYSTEM) The ‘Smith System’ for driver improvement has existed for a long time on the roads. It was founded in 1952 as a ‘hands on’ training method. Tramways often operate on much However, much of what it teaches is transferrable to rail – particularly a system steeper alignments than railways – running by ‘line of sight’. Classroom tuition and literature is backed up by applying and on the UK's Manchester Metrolink principles in the vocational environment – such as promoting spatial awareness so system that can mean gradients of up to the driver can create a ‘safety zone’ around the vehicle. 1:16. That brings particular challenges, In 2013 First Tram Operations sent team members to become accredited ‘Smith including the safe use of plant around System’ trainers. These trained and assessed all Tramlink drivers within four months, work sites. implementing a three-month check and updating the programme for new entrants. Working with partners across the operational and safety spectrum as well as key suppliers and service providers, MPT, the consortium responsible for delivering Metrolink expansion, developed a dedicated safe system of work, categorising lines based on their individual characteristics. This involved developing schematics, task briefs and warning signage, as well as control measures such as creating exclusion zones and use of rail head slippers to ‘chock’ vehicles. The new procedures have been deemed so succesful that they have been developed as best practice across the network.
LIGHT RAIL AWARDS 2014 / 7 *Trademark(s) of Bombardier Inc. or its subsidiaries. of Bombardier *Trademark(s)
©DLR
INNOVATIVE TRAMS AND LIGHT RAIL VEHICLES FOR THE UK
The BOMBARDIER* FLEXITY* family encompasses the industry’s most comprehensive portfolio of tram ©TfGM, Lesley Chalmers and light rail solutions, ranging from 100% low-floor trams to high-capacity light rail vehicles as well as dual-mode solutions. In the UK, operators in Blackpool, London and Manchester have opted for trams and light rail vehicles from the market leader.
The FLEXITY 2 trams, which have been in successful revenue service in Blackpool since April 2012, incorporate the ‘best of the best’, bringing the outstanding, proven features of Bombardier trams into one vehicle. In Manchester, tram operator, Transport for Greater Manchester has ordered 120 FLEXITY SWIFT light rail vehicles to date, which significantly ease congestion in the busy Greater Manchester city centre. In London, the Croydon Tramlink System operates 24 FLEXITY Swift light rail vehicles on its 28-km network. And linking the centre of London with the eastern Docklands area, the Docklands Light Railway operates 94 Bombardier-built vehicles proving enormously popular and reliable during the London Olympics 2012.
www.bombardier.com
*Trademark(s) of Bombardier Inc. or its subsidiaries.
Mott MacDonald 2014 Supplier of the Year
Mott MacDonald is extremely proud to receive the 2014 Supplier of the Year (over €10M) award. We thank our many clients from across the LRT sector for their support. This is the fifth successive year that we have won a major award at this prestigious event, cementing our reputation as a leader in the field. Midland Metro, UK
Light rail and urban transport – Mott MacDonald has the experience, skills and imagination to help deliver attractive, successful and sustainable projects worldwide.
Nottingham Express Transit, UK WWW.MOTTMAC.COM
Bergen Light Rail Extension, Norway ★★WINNER
TAUT2014_KB.indd 1 10/10/2014 11:04:47 OUTSTANDING ENGINEERING ACHIEVEMENT Sponsored by
JOINT WINNER JOINT WINNER DALLAS AREA RAPID TRANSIT NOTTINGHAM EXPRESS TRANSIT
This project is all about As part of the collaborative partnership. On 18 August, approach, DFW Airport Dallas Area Rapid Transit station was built by the opened its DFW Airport airport and features design station, meaning that the elements that mark it USA’s longest LRT system both as a part of the DART is now linked to the world’s rail system but also as a third-busiest airport – Dallas- component of the airport. Fort Worth International. Completion of the rail With the completion of the connection helps put Dallas USD430m extension project, on more equal footing with the third segment of the cities like Atlanta, and ahead Orange line, DART grew to of other places that that 145km (90 miles) and 62 are major competitors for stations. What’s more, it’s corporate relocations. been brought about early. DART Gary Thomas, One of the venture’s President/Executive Director hallmarks was collaboration told TAUT: "DART is honoured between DART and DFW to be included in such Airport – two major regional prestigious international A 3000-tonne bridge now The three new bridges entities that both receive company. The opening of DFW spans Nottingham’s main replicate those that once sat federal funding. Thanks Airport Station will solidify the line station, and from next in the same locations and in part to this pioneering North Texas area as a global year will carry trams out to carried the Great Central partnership, the project was destination. This award is a Nottingham Express Transit’s Railway; some of the old completed under budget and recognition of that as well new lines to Wilford and to foundations are even being opened four months earlier as an acknowledgement of Beeston and Chilwell. reused. The bridge’s name is than originally planned. the hard work done by DART, The bridges in all span seven a mark of the link between The airport line project DFW Airport and its partners." platforms and two roads, Nottingham and its twin, was delivered using the The award was presented to in total form the Karlsruhe Karlsruhe in Germany. design-build model – and by Hans Rudolf Feuz, Vice Friendship Bridge. The judges described prime contractor Kiewit, President and Head of LRV In a complex operation, time-lapse video of the Stacy and Witbeck, Reyes, Product Sales, Marketing engineers took several weeks bridge slide as “just Parsons was incentivised to & Bids for Bombardier to progressively slide a 104m astonishing,” and said it innovate to rein in costs. Transportation. section of bridge across showed “how this new bridge the station. The station and was slid into place over a live adjacent roads stayed open railway and open roads using while the main section of the a mixture of innovative and bridge was pushed 100m very simple techniques – this across the live railway, at up is the epitome of what this to 10m per night. new category is all about.”
HIGHLY COMMENDED METROLINK AIRPORT LINE It will open by the end of 2014… over a year ahead of schedule: the Manchester Airport line. Described by Transport for Greater Manchester and MPact- Thales as the “most challenging Metrolink extension to date” it has both segregated and street running, 28 road junctions and five major structures – as well as a site of special biological importance. Metrolink Director Peter Cushing collected the award.
LIGHT RAIL AWARDS 2014 / 9 An array of gold and silver sparkles on the awards table.
Above: The Stagecoach Supertram team makes a glamorous entrance at the Champagne reception.
Below: Attendees of the Light Rail Awards on the Serco Docklands table get into the celebratory Above: Judge Paul Dawkins and award spirit of the night. sponsor Danny Fox, North Star.
Left: Antonio Campos, Western European Director, CAF.
Above: Rob Whyte, Chris Deas, Susan Evans, and Michael Anderson all celebrated Nottingham's successes. Below: Baroness Kramer and LRTA Vice Chairman Paul Rowen.
Above: Champagne reception sponsors, CAF, seated for the Awards dinner.
10 / LIGHT RAIL AWARDS 2014 Above: Members of the Centro team.
Left: Baroness Kramer, Howard Johnston, Publisher of TAUT, and UKTram Chairman Geoff Inskip.
Right: The NET tram bot smiles on a rare night out.
Above: Headline sponsors First Tram Operations. Above: MPT celebrates a scoop of Highly Commended awards.
LIGHT RAIL AWARDS 2014 / 11 LRA2013
SUPPLIER OF THE YEAR UNDER EUR10m Sponsored by WINNER BARNBROOK SYSTEMS The judges had praise for this UK south coast-based family business that supplies a wide range of products including electromechanical and solid state relays, contactors, circuit breakers, fire suppression actuators, data monitoring systems and braking controller systems. Products are manufactured in-house not only for rail applications – but also aircraft, defence, and other commercial applications. Barnbrook Systems' customers include Alstom, Bombardier, Nexus, Stagecoach and other well-known players in the transport industry. Barnbrook Systems takes an enlightened approach, operating a youth training programme that works with schools and colleges, and supporting programmes at both Southampton University and CEMAST, the south coast technology and innovation college. The company operates from an environmentally-friendly area in Fareham, Hampshire. Its approach seems to be paying off – and Barnbrook was also recognised in Technical Innovation of the Year category. The judges said of Barnbrook that the firm is “a family-run business that solves critical issues for the industry, with a good track record of innovative solutions.” The award was presented by Alistair Gordon, Chief Executive Officer of Keolis UK, and collected by Andrew Barnett on behalf of Barnbrook Systems.
SUPPLIER OF THE YEAR OVER EUR10m Sponsored by WINNER MOTT MACDONALD HIGHLY COMMENDED Adding to a string of successes at the Light Manchester, including on securing Transport MPT Rail Awards in previous years – and over 500 and Works Act powers for the Second City awards won in total over the last six years Crossing, and with Transport for London Comprising Laing O’Rourke, – consultancy Mott MacDonald offers a ‘one- on Tramlink. There have also been many Volker Rail and Thales, stop shop’ that can give advice on all aspects others from Canada to Australia, Denmark to the MPT consortium has of light rail, from initial concept and business Belgium, and the Netherlands to Norway. been key to the successful cases, through design and procurement to The testimonials speak for themselves, continuing expansion of implementation, operations and maintenance. and the judges emphasised that Mott Manchester Metrolink, In the last 12 months Mott MacDonald MacDonald’s “reputation is without which is now the UK’s has been working on a large number of question. Their approach is methodical and biggest light rail system. projects, including in the UK with Centro on professional across a range of disciplines – A successful relationship extension of Midland Metro and procurement and across the world.” with other Metrolink of new vehicles, Nottingham City Council on The award was presented by Alistair partners including Transport NET Phase Two, with Transport for Greater Gordon, Chief Executive Officer of Keolis UK. for Greater Manchester and Parsons Brinckerhoff has resulted not only in extensions to MPT’s contracts as system expansion has continued, but also in the successful delivery of those major projects to grow the network size. It’s been an innovative partnership too – with the introduction of a range of new methods such as modular construction techniques for stop infrastructure.
XX12 / /LIGHT DECEMBER RAIL AWARDS 2013 www.tramnews.net 2014 . www.lrta.org
PROJECT OF THE YEAR PROJECT OF THE YEAR UNDER EUR50m OVER EUR50m WINNER CENTRO WINNER KEOLIS KDR GOLD COAST
The project by Centro – the West Midlands Passenger Gold Coast in Queensland is one of the fastest growing Transport Executive – to procure a new fleet of trams for cities in Australia as well as a major tourist destination. Midland Metro’s line 1 and the city centre extension has In 2031 the population is expected to have exploded to included all that is best in such a scheme, with delivery of 789 000 – a massive increase on the 514 000 people that the new trams on time and at cost. lived there in 2011. Introducing a sustainable network Innovations within the project to obtain CAF Urbos was considered a vital step in order to cope with rising trams have significantly aided the successful outcome, transport demand. and wherever possible best practice learned from previous Part of the answer has been light rail – with the creation similar projects has been taken into account; there has of a 13km (eight-mile) line from Broadbeach to Griffith also been a rigorous process of ‘lessons learnt’ to inform University. The opening day was 20 July 2014. future projects. Some 80 000 passengers used the new light rail line – The judges said that the project “is not just about known as ‘The G’ – on the first day, and more than half a bringing in a new fleet, but also about solving problems million in the first month. Informal surveys have suggested that will benefit the whole industry. that around 25% of road traffic has moved to public “Proactive solutions such as having a project manager transport, with light rail considered a major contributor. based with the manufacturer in Spain have allowed any The Awards judges concluded: “Changing perceptions issues to be resolved more quickly, as well as showing of public transport in a very car-based society, this project cost benefits.” has shown the way forward for light rail ‘down under’. The judges’ also commented: “What’s great about With the awarding of the 2018 Commonwealth Games, this entry is a clear demonstration that what’s been this system will hopefully grow and grow, and details experienced will be shared with the rest of the UK light like the provision of surfboard racks really show that rail industry – and that includes hints on saving money the project team has taken the passenger’s needs and creating time efficiencies.” into account.”
HIGHLY COMMENDED HIGHLY COMMENDED METROLINK - ROCHDALE EXTENSION METROLINK – OLDHAM EXTENSION
Manchester Metrolink was It’s not often that light rail praised by the judges for lines open months early, but bringing trams back to Rochdale in Oldham that’s exactly what after more than 80 years. happened. Transport for Greater This will reinvigorate the Manchester is delivering a town and bring growth and programme to triple the size of connectivity to thousands. Metrolink, and part of this was A partnership between the 2.4km (1.5-mile) Oldham Transport for Greater town centre extension that Manchester, MPact-Thales, opened in January 2014. Metrolink RATP Dev, Thales The route takes Metrolink and Parsons Brinckerhoff, the into the heart of the town centre line will form a key part of the and has acted as a catalyst for transformation of this town. regeneration in key locations.
14 / LIGHT RAIL AWARDS 2014 OPERATOR OF THE YEAR MOST IMPROVED SYSTEM WINNER WINNER NATIONAL EXPRESS MIDLAND METRO MANCHESTER METROLINK
Since September 2001 National Express Midland Metro Patronage has grown by 50% in three years, complaints has consistently exceeded the high levels of performance have fallen from one every 1259 journeys to one every required of the company in the Concession Agreement 4518 journeys, 98.6% of mileage is being operated – and Performance Requirements, but this past year has all this is against a background of disruption caused by delivered an astounding level of service in difficult massive expansion. operating conditions. Transport for Greater Manchester and its operator Midland Metro has embarked on expansion – starting Metrolink RATP Dev have together taken a holistic with an extension from Snow Hill to New Street station in approach to the operation of what is now the UK’s biggest Birmingham – that has also included the procurement of a tramway – and it seems to be paying off. new fleet of trams, necessitating doubling the size of the Vehicle reliability has improved, largely due to the maintenance depot. The fleet, whilst delivering such a high introduction of new trams: the original T68 fleet managed level of service, also requires high levels of maintenance. 5000 miles (8000km) between failures at best. With the For much of this year there have been severe constraints M5000 vehicles, that figure is now peaking at 28 000 miles within the depot due to ongoing works. However, apart (45 000km)– and the target is 30 000 miles (48 300km). from the obvious signs of growth and work around the A new control room is now running, efforts have been depot the passenger would not have noticed any difference made in terms of communications with users through to their service, and the impact is now tangible as new and things like Twitter, and extensions to the system as part spacious trams are delivered. of the GBP1.5bn expansion programme are being delivered This has only been achieved by close working between ahead of schedule. the sponsor and project team, and the operator team “In the first year of this category, there could be only one coming up with innovative solutions. winner,” the judges said. The awards judges were impressed: “Midland Metro is “The scale of Metrolink’s ambition, the sheer amount bringing in a new fleet, a bigger depot and extensions in a of growth over the past 12 months – plus approvals for confined space at the same time, yet the operator still the future – are a fine demonstration of what momentum runs a superb service.” can do.”
HIGHLY COMMENDED METROLINK RATP DEV HIGHLY COMMENDED NET It is a complex system, After a significant decline and it’s undergoing a rapid in passenger figures in expansion that has already 2012-13 (although revenue turned it into the UK’s stayed at around the same biggest tram network: level), Nottingham Express Manchester Metrolink. Transit has bounced back During this, operator magnificently over the last 12 Metrolink RATP Dev has months – and all in the midst continued to transport of a major construction and 29m+ passengers each year renewal programme. across Greater Manchester. The Phase Two extensions Judges admitted that are nearing completion, and choosing between the top two the judges were impressed candidates for this award was with the progress and a “close call” since both are development that will create operating in tough conditions. a ‘new’ tramway in 2015.
LIGHT RAIL AWARDS 2014 / 15 EMPLOYEE/TEAM OF THE YEAR Sponsored by
WINNER BLACKPOOL TRANSPORT SERVICES Not so long ago, the words ‘Blackpool Tramway’ summoned an image of an old system that, while quirky and much loved, was maybe past its best. Now the picture is of successful modern light rail, after a rejuvenation that has given it a complete makeover – while leaving some space for tramway tradition. The Lancashire system has come top in key categories in the UK’s first Tram Passenger Survey – satisfaction with tram staff, value for money, punctuality, service information and cleanliness all put this line out in front. If a sign of satisfaction is patronage, then that is working too: passenger numbers have risen from 3.2 million in the year before the ‘old’ tramway closed, to 4.5 million today. In that time, staff members have had to adjust from working on the decidedly aged technology of traditional trams such as Balloons, to start-of-the-art light rail vehicles; Blackpool was the global launch customer for Bombardier’s Flexity 2. Blackpool Transport says it prides “Running a system that mixes 80-year old trams itself in what it believes is one of the and the latest state-of-the-art Flexity 2 vehicles most highly skilled teams in the country – 51 drivers have completed a level 2 is no mean feat…” diploma in rail services (tram/light rail vehicle driving); 45 of the team have customer service certificate, while feat in itself,” the impressed judges completed a level 2 NVQ diploma in another 15 were to follow; ten said, “but coming top in the recent customer services; and people had received Welcome to Passenger Focus Tram Passenger seven have completed a level three Excellence awards. Survey shows the commitment this NVQ in customer service. At the time the “Running a system that mixes team has to excellent customer service.” Light Rail Awards entry was submitted, 80-year-old trams and the latest The award was presented by six people had received the World Host start-of-the-art Flexity 2s is no mean Howard Johnston, TAUT Publisher.
HIGHLY COMMENDED DAVE MORAN, METROLINK RATP DEV
“He is an exceptional driver whose standard of driving and customer care far exceeds what is expected. Nothing is too much trouble for Dave and he is totally dedicated to the job.” The words of Chris Allen, Driver Manager at Metrolink RATP Dev about Dave Moran, who joined the Greater Manchester system as a driver in November 2010. Yet Dave’s praises are not only sung by Metrolink’s management – feedback including Tweets from customers show just how much his efforts are appreciated. This driver’s remarkable commitments go further than just the job too – he has also raised more than GBP17 000 (EUR22 000) for Kidscan, a children’s cancer charity. In his own words, Dave Moran said: “I’ve always been taught that a smile goes a long way… I feel I have a responsibility in my role to deliver a good experience to my customers and that starts with a smile.”
16 / LIGHT RAIL AWARDS 2014 THE INTERNATIONAL LIGHT RAIL MAGAZINE
THE INTERNATIONAL LIGHT RAIL MAGAZINE THE INTERNATIONAL LIGHT RAIL MAGAZINE THE INTERNATIONAL LIGHT RAIL MAGAZINE
www.lrta.org www.lrta.org www.tramnews.net www.tramnews.net www.lrta.org www.tramnews.net 2014 N O. 916 JUNE 2014 NO. 918 APRIL DECEMBER 2013 N O. 912 ALGERIA: LRT’S ROLE IN TRAM TRAIN: CREATINGGROUND BREAKING RESHAPING A NATION MULTI MODAL MODELSTRANSIT IN TEL AVIV
On the up: Worldwide tram market review US unveils USD302bn transport bill Search is on for London’s new Tube Light Rail Awards 2013: Special Review Moscow’s rst PESAFoxtrot arrives ISSN 1460-8324
£4.10 0 4 Sydney doubles CAF tram order Le Havre Brussels Bursa opens city centre tramline Reconnecting a Metro development 9 771460 832036 plans examined diverse community Siemens’ vision of the future metro Case studies from Germany, France andKaliningrad the UK Fast potential?
10/03/2014 13:49 £3.80 Russian city halting Linking high-speed TAUT1404 Cover.indd 1 Alstom takeover ontramway the horizon? decline rail to urban transit Edinburgh Trams launch date given Elections dampenTAUT1312 French Cover.indd 1 tram plans ISSN 1460-8324 05/11/2013 14:16 £4.10 Paris T5 & T7 Melbourne 06 Two very different Rebuilding a complex forms of light rail tram interchange 9 771460 832036
225_TAUT1406 Cover v2.indd 1 13/05/2014 12:14 NEW WEBSITE COMING SOON! London
UndergroUndUndergro THE INTERNATIONAL LIGHT RAIL MAGAZINE UK: Future prospects Und RE-FUELLING THE UK’S 150 years and moving forward LIGHT RAIL REVOLUTION www.lrta.org www.tramnews.net
MAY 2014 N O. 917 TRAMS HELP COMBAT EUROPE’S POLLUTION
A lull has followed a promising The world’s oldest street-running electric tramway in Blackpool has undergone a comprehensive early start, but taking modernisation programme and now features state-of-the-art Bombardier Flexity 2 trams. inspiration from other countries Neil Pulling Such a ‘light rail revolution’ would and industries, the UK is on transform travel in the nation’s towns the cusp of a new wave of LRT and cities, solving many urban transport ThEE UK iNiN 20002000 problems and filling the transport gap development, argue Bob Collis, between over-stretched bus and conventional At the turn of the 21st Century, there were seven light rail and tramway schemes in England: Mike Grimsey and Tim Strong rail services. At the time, there were seven light rail and tramway systems in operation > Blackpool Tramway from the Transport Research in England (see panel, right). > Tyne and Wear Metro Laboratory, and Paul Griffiths, Within a few years the ‘revolution’ had > Docklands Light Railway made an impact and several new LRT schemes > Manchester Metrolink Centro Programme Director. had reached a stage where construction > Sheffield Supertram might not be far away. These included > Birmingham’s Midland Metro the Nottingham Express Transit, Leeds > Croydon Tramlink ver a decade ago, the UK Supertram, Bristol & South Gloucestershire Government issued a ten-year City Link, Liverpool’s Merseytram and (in plan for transport 1 Making the case for city circulator loops that included Scotland) Edinburgh Tram schemes. The problems begin an aim to double the use of Other rapid transit projects of various Unfortunately, the light rail revolution CTA crash operator “dozed o ” light rail in major cities and soon started to falter and many of these conurbationsO in England by 2010. forms were soon under consideration for urban centres and conurbations such as schemes fell away due to planning, political This would be achieved through the or funding difficulties. In 2004, the National Turkey: New lines and new LRVs building of up to 25 new rapid transit lines, Northampton, Rugby, South Hampshire, Cheltenham, Stratford-upon-Avon, Audit Office (NAO) 2 stated that the existing and was seen as a major step towards the Cardiff and Staffordshire. In London, systems in Sheffield, Birmingham and integration of the UK’s transport system; Croydon had generated far fewer passenger St Petersburg to privatise tram eet? it would have the advantages of tackling the West London Tram, East London, ISSN 1460-8324 Greenwich Waterfront, Uxbridge Road trips than had been expected, and that £4.10 congestion and pollution as well as Manchester’s Metrolink was running at a loss, 0 5 encouraging wider travel choices. and Cross River Transit schemes were also under consideration. although this was disputed at the time and Brazil New Orleans is certainly not the case now. Furthermore, The road to recovery 9 771460 832036 204 / may 2014 www.tramnews.net Transit for the World . www.lrta.org Cup and beyond – and future growth
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Tramways & Urban Transitcelebrates the development and significance of the world's most iconic transport system – and examines its exciting plans for the future.
A special review from
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TAUT ADVERT.indd 1 14/10/2014 11:00 Join the professionals Parsons Brinckerhoff is looking for leading engineers, VISION OF THE YEAR Sponsored by exceptional project managers and talented rail designers. WINNER UKTRAM HIGHLY COMMENDED NOTTINGHAM EXPRESS TRANSIT
The judges felt that Nottingham Express Transit’s move to off-tram ticketing, having previously been an operation with conductors, merited being highly commended. Join the team that is delivering a professional engineering Moving ticketing off the vehicles came with introducing the Mango service in rail, metro and light rail throughout the world. smartcard – previously only used by Visit pbworld.com/people_careers. Trent Barton buses – to NET as well. When the UK Government paper Green out of this project some truly exciting Its introduction at NET brings an Light for Light Rail called on the industry innovation will emerge. easier way to travel, saving time, to bring down its costs in line with the What’s more, in partnership with hassle, and potentially money off findings of the earlier National Audit Future Railways, UKTram has procured the standard fare. Office report, industry body UKTram six redundant trams – and these are An took on the challenge. to become a new test fleet for the UK integral Among other things, and working industry, working at a dedicated test site part of in partnership with the agencies the at Long Marston, Warwickshire. the Transport Strategy Board and Future “With such limited resources,” the move to Railways, UKTram embarked on two judges said, “the progress that UKTram purchase visionary schemes that have come to has made in getting the industry behind tickets pre- Global consultants | Designers | Engineers | Programme managers fruition over the last 12 months. Having it and driving innovation in such a short boarding is Visit www.pbworld.com to view our global capabilities. secured funding from the TSB, UKTram space of time through clever partnerships enhanced advertised a competition for Low Impact and a number of visionary schemes, monitoring Light Rail. Fifteen of the initial 40 entries make this a worthy winner.” of CCTV on have been taken through to the next The award was presented by Steve board and stage – and UKTram is confident that Reynolds of Parsons Brinckerhoff. at stations. JUDGES’ SPECIAL AWARD WINNER SUE BRUCE AND LESLEY HINDS
The Edinburgh Tramway has come in for its share of criticism for its delayed and over-budget delivery of a shortened route, but when things go wrong, somebody has to grab hold of projects if they are to be brought to fruition. In Edinburgh, those people included the city’s Transport Convener Lesley Hinds and Chief Executive Sue Bruce, who threw themselves at the challenge of getting the project back on track and delivering it after things had gone awry. The judges praised the winners for having coming into “one of the most high- profile, for all the wrong reasons, and toughest tramway projects late in the game and, through strong leadership, turning it around – and into a success.”
SPECIAL MENTION BRIAN LOMAS, LIGHT RAIL TRANSIT ASSOCIATION Every organisation needs people to keep the show on the road, and the Light Rail Transit Association is no different. Brian Lomas was introduced as “a modest figure, he never seeks credit for what he does. Yet he has arguably done as much for keeping the world updated on UK progress as anyone for the last two decades, working tirelessly – and on a volunteer basis, too.” The judges recognised his contribution to the LRTA’s campaigning ambitions, and as “the backbone of many of the LRTA’s functions for many years” steering Development Group meetings and maintaining its website and online shop.
18 / LIGHT RAIL AWARDS 2014
PB Advert-TAUT 2014 v2.indd 1 13/10/2014 17:20:03 Join the professionals Parsons Brinckerhoff is looking for leading engineers, exceptional project managers and talented rail designers.
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