The Electric Railway Society

Isle of Man to run extra trains in TT week

EXTRA trains could be run on both the steam railway and the Manx Electric Railway during this year's TT motorcycle races.  The idea was announced by Tourism and Leisure Minister Adrian Earnshaw at a launch event for the steam railway's summer season.

Mr Earnshaw revealed he was considering an idea to run extra trains, including an early morning service, on both the steam railway and the Manx Electric Railway during this year's centenary TT.

And he suggested this could be a trial to test out the feasibility of a year-round commuter service in the future.

He said: 'It's an embryo of a plan at the moment.

'I don't want to start any hares running but we are looking at the possibility. For the first time in 80 years it will be quicker to get from Ramsey to Douglas by tram during TT week!

'The MER and the steam line are heritage railways rather than passenger transport but it would be interesting test to see if there is any interest in putting on commuter trains.'

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Isle of Man plan to carry bikes on Manx Electric Railway

In an attempt to attract additional traffic to the Manx Electric Railway, a plan has been announced to modify some former freight vehicles to carry bicycles.  Visitors wishing to explore the Island's attractive by-ways by bike will be encouraged to take a Manx Electric service to a rural stop from where they can explore the remoter corners of the island.  It is hoped to start this service in May 2007.

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San Francisco Third Avenue light rail

The 5.1 mile Third Avenue light rail line in San Francisco was opened fully on 11th April 2007 (having been used at weekends only since early in the year). 

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Little Rock City Centre Tramway extension

The city centre circulator tramway in Little Rock, State capitol of Arkansas, was extended recently - opening on 18 January 2007.  The photograph is on the first day of service, at Power and Clinton.

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Metronet receives new London Victoria Line Stock

Metronet took delivery on 8th May 2007 of the first pre-production train for London's Victoria Line.   This will undergo 9 months of testing including running during the small hours.   A second pre-production train will arrive in 2008 and will be used in tests of the new control and signalling system.   For part of its test programme it will run in public service late in 2008.   Bombardier's Derby plant will supply 47 new trains that together with upgraded track and power supply systems, and a new control and signalling system will cut journey times by 16% and boost capacity by 17% before 2013.

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Manchester Metro Service Changes

Metrolink Track upgrades - Changes to services

Due to essential engineering work being carried out on the Metrolink line between Bury and Manchester, the line will be CLOSED on these days and trams will NOT run between Bury and Piccadilly Gardens.

- Sunday 20th May
- Sunday 27th May
- Monday 28th May

Trams will run as normal between
Piccadilly and Eccles
Piccadilly and Altrincham

A choice of replacement bus services will be available to passengers, providing the best possible level of service.

IMPORTANT

On 26th May and from 29th May to 20th June the Metrolink line between Bury and Whitefield will be CLOSED during the week, and at weekends from the 2nd June.

Please allow additional time for your journey.

Further information about the work is available at www.gmpte.com/metrolink or by calling 0161 228 7811.

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NZ Government goes for Auckland electrification

The New Zealand 2007 is funding significant improvements to the Auckland and Wellington rail passenger networks as part of the government's drive to put the economy on a sustainable footing.

"A world-class transport network is vital to meet our economic and environmental challenges and that's why Budget 2007 makes additional investment in the rail network a priority," said Finance Minister Michael Cullen. 

Transport Minister Annette King commented "We are supporting the electrification of Auckland's urban passenger network, and will provide funding for the necessary infrastructure assisted by revenue from a regional fuel tax.
The whole project will cost more than $1 billion, with the Auckland Regional Council being responsible for funding the electric trains". 

The council will be able to access funding for the project from the proposed regional fuel tax, and the government will raise infrastructure bonds to pay its share with the fuel tax servicing the interest costs. The aim is to have electrification completed by 2013. The government has investigated the possibility of having electric trains up and running for the Rugby World Cup in 2011, but this would risky and costly in terms of sourcing material for electrifying the system and buying rolling stock. To ensure there is a well-functioning public transport system in place in 2011, ARTA (Auckland Regional Transport Authority) will need to purchase additional interim carriage trains.

"We need to get electrification right for a first-class public transport network in Auckland. With trains moving at around 10 minute frequencies, electrification will mean faster, more reliable, cleaner, more comfortable and quieter services."

For Wellington commuters, the government is also providing new funding to replace worn out infrastructure, extend double tracking to Waikanae, and for enlarging tunnels on the Johnsonville line.

Budget 2007 provides $600 million over six years for the government's contribution to these urban rail development projects in Auckland and Wellington. It also provides an additional $50 million for general track improvements to the national rail network over 2008 to 2010.

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Nottingham Tram in Disabled Access dispute

A lobby group is demanding that a Nottingham tram station is moved, providing disabled access.  A spokesperson for the UK disabled People's Parliament said "there is no direct disabled access to or from the city's main railway station.  Here we are in the 21st century, a new transit is built from scratch -- and only able-bodied people can move directly between the railway and the system."  The group would like to see the light rail system extended 90 m south of the railway station with lifts provided to all platforms and to the car park.

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Last modified: 27-01-08