01.08.15
Getting the job done
Source: RTM Aug/Sep 15
Welcome to another edition of RTM, packed with project updates, interviews, analysis and comment.
Our last issue went to press just after the ‘pause’ of electrification projects and the shake-up at the top of Network Rail, so that has had some time to bed in now. We still await the series of reviews promised by the government then.
But there are plenty of projects well underway or nearing completion unaffected by those reviews, many of which we cover within these pages. Projects include the Birmingham New Street rebuild, Stafford resignalling, Farnworth Tunnel re-boring, Winchburgh Tunnel track laying, the Oxford Parkway to Chiltern Main Line link, Hitachi Rail Europe’s Doncaster IEP depot, and Network Rail’s Sentinel scheme.
We also talk to the leading figures behind traffic management for Thameslink, pay a visit to the new National Training Academy for Rail in Northampton, and get the latest on the converted D-Trains from Vivarail.
As always, it’d be great to get your feedback on any of these articles. Drop us a line at: [email protected]
Entries have also been starting to come in for the next UK Rail Industry Awards, organised by RTM. Our independent and high-profile judging panel are itching to get started once the deadline for entries passes in October, and I’d urge you to get your entries in early if you haven’t already. There are 23 categories and should be something for everyone.
The actual ceremony is on 11 February 2016 at Battersea Evolution in central London. If this next event is anything like the previous two, attendees are in for a fantastic evening. You’ll find an entry guide explaining more about the Awards and how to enter as a special supplement inside this edition.
Also coming soon is our TransCityRail North black tie dinner in Manchester on 12 November, bringing together businesses, government and the UK rail industry for an exclusive event to discuss rail connectivity across the north of England and integration with HS2.
The event will feature keynote talks by Network Rail strategy and planning director for the north, Jo Kaye, and HS2 chief executive Simon Kirby, plus a Q&A panel with senior figures from across the industry: Northern Rail MD Alex Hynes, Atkins Transportation group MD Philip Hoare, Transport for Greater Manchester head of rail Amanda White, and Hitachi Rail Systems global CEO Alistair Dormer. The two keynote speakers will also join the panel. You can find out more about the event, including how to attend, on the inside back page of this edition. Tickets are going fast!