01.12.15
Getting on with the job
Source: RTM Dec/Jan 16
The RTM team is looking forward to welcoming you to the third edition of the UK Rail Industry Awards, coming up on 11 February.
Some truly excellent projects, people and technology have been shortlisted, many of which have been covered in the pages of RTM over the past year or so. You can see the full shortlist and read more details at www.ukria.com If you still do not have your ticket booked to attend on the night, then act fast – give us a call on 0161 833 6320 or get in touch via that website.
I have a feeling that some of the projects we cover in this edition might yet find themselves shortlisted for the 2017 Awards. There’s some excellent work going on out there, despite the rain, rising passenger numbers and the uncertainty thrown up by the various reviews, re-scopings and reassessments.
Another important theme in this edition is the vital (and growing) role of women in our industry. Change is clearly happening, both at the top and on the frontline. My colleague Luana Salles talks to some of the women helping shape the Northern Powerhouse on pages 78-81, for example, while TfL has acted to end the ignominious and unsafe use of ‘unisex’ PPE that is, in reality, anything but (see page 28). We also hear from Network Rail on page 29 about its recruitment priorities for the year ahead and the rest of the control period, including on equality and diversity issues.
The image on the front cover of this edition comes from TfL’s new ‘Design Idiom’, which we look at in detail from pages 60-63. Anyone who uses the Underground, or other parts of the TfL estate, should expect to see these design principles become reality over the coming years.
The key is balancing heritage with function. Nobody, including TfL, wants bland stations or to strip them of their architectural inheritance. But at the same time, improving internal features to help passengers navigate them, feel safe and comfortable – that’s got to be a good thing.
PS – As RTM was going to press, we were still awaiting publication of the refreshed Enhancements Delivery Plan for CP5, in the wake of the Hendy Review. It should make for very interesting reading and is due imminently, so keep an eye on the RTM website for full coverage.