Tag: Press Release

The press release issued by the Strategic Rail Authority on 8 October 2001.

The Strategic Rail Authority today welcomed the Government’s decisive action to establish that Railtrack could not continue to seek substantial additional state funding and to initiate a process of restructuring.

Chairman, Sir Alastair Morton, said:

“The rail industry needs restructuring, including the regulatory regimes. The SRA will evolve into a more appropriate role, and it must have the resources to be effective in that role.”

Mike Grant, Chief Executive, said:

“The SRA’s executive team will work closely with DTLR ministers and officials, the Office of the Rail Regulator, Railtrack’s administrators and the train operators for whom it is responsible. Together, we must take the network and its ability to serve passenger and freight users forward as strongly as possible in these difficult circumstances.”

The press release issued by the Strategic Rail Authority on 9 October 2001.

The Strategic Rail Authority (SRA) and Transport for London (TfL) have welcomed today’s decision from Secretary of State, Stephen Byers, to grant planning consent under the Transport and Works Act for a Southern extension to the East London Line (ELL).

The powers, granted to London Underground, pave the way for National Rail services to link the North London Line with the South London Line through the Brunel Thames Tunnel, via new and existing East London railway lines. The project forms a key part of the SRA and TfL’s ‘Orbirail’ strategy, which seeks to develop an orbital rail route providing metro-type services around London, incorporating the existing North, South and West London Lines.

Today’s announcement follows a public inquiry which reported to the Government in late 2000, and completes the planning powers necessary for the full East London Line Extension project to commence. Powers for the Northern extension were granted to London Underground in 1997.

The ELL Extension has been developed jointly by the SRA, TfL and London Underground. The SRA is leading the financing vehicle to deliver the extension; TfL has an interest in the development of new transport links in the Capital, and is developing plans for integrated transport interchanges at new stations on the Extension; London Underground holds the formal planning powers for the extension and is undertaking the first phase of construction work.

Mike Grant, Chief Executive of the SRA, said:

“Today marks an important step forward in improving transport links for Londoners. The East London Line Extension will enable fast, frequent and direct rail services around and across the Capital, integrating closely with the Underground and other transport networks. It will also play a significant role in the continuing regeneration of East London. We are looking forward to progressing this major project in partnership with TfL, London Underground and the local authorities.”

Bob Kiley, Commissioner of TfL, said:

“Today’s decision gives us the green light to start on this important project that will radically improve public transport links for many Londoners. The East London line extension is a vital part of TfL’s plans to provide a 21st century Metro service for London. We are taking the integrated approach to this major scheme that Londoners want to see, and I am looking forward to working with our partners to make the East London Line a success.”

Work is planned to take place in four distinct phases – the last of which is due for completion by the end of 2006 – and involves the construction of a brand new railway line along existing but disused railway alignments. The programme will include building or repairing a number of bridges, viaducts and flying junctions, constructing four new stations in Hackney and one in Lewisham, and modifying track and signalling on the present ELL.

The press release issued by the Strategic Rail Authority on 11 October 2001.

Champions of the integration of bike and rail travel were recognised at a ceremony at Marylebone Station in London today, receiving awards from Transport Minister the Rt. Hon. John Spellar MP.

The award scheme, ‘CycleMark’, is being sponsored in 2001 by the Strategic Rail Authority. It recognises those who have made a special effort to promote the integration of cycling and rail travel, and is administered by the Bikerail consultancy.

Winners were selected by an independent, expert panel, chaired by railways expert and keen cyclist, Christian Wolmar. They were:

• Best Operator – Anglia Railways
• Best Individual – Grace Nichols, SUSTRANS Scotland
• Best Station – March, Cambridgeshire (Central Trains)
• Best Whole Journey Experience – Country Lanes tour operator

A number of other companies and individuals were commended for their efforts.

Presenting the awards, John Spellar said:

“Traditionally, the railways and bicycles have not been good bedfellows. I am pleased to say that this is changing. This is attributable not just to centrally co-ordinated schemes, but equally to the independent initiative of train companies, local authorities, interest groups and, not least, individuals. The Government’s 10 Year Transport Plan lays out a strategy to achieve a major shift from car to public transport. Practical initiatives at railway stations for the use of bicycles are one of the ways in which this multi-modal travel can be achieved.”

Chris Austin, SRA Executive Director for External Relations, said:

“Balancing the needs of a wide variety of user groups requires innovative ideas and determination. Today’s winners have shown particular effort and initiative in meeting the needs of cyclists as passengers, who are increasing in number on the railways for leisure, business and commuting. With initiatives like CycleMark, and teamwork with cycling groups, the SRA is progressively achieving a major advance in provision of facilities for bike users.”

Adrian Shooter – Managing Director of Chiltern Railways, the hosts at Marylebone – said:

“As a previous winner of the CycleMark Award, Chiltern Railways is delighted to host today’s event. On behalf of all train operators, I can confirm that the industry recognises the importance of good facilities for cyclists on our trains and stations. Initiatives by Chiltern Railways include sturdy cycle racks; security patrolled cycle parks and a specially designed area for the secure transportation of cycles on our new Clubman trains.”

CycleMark 2001 Awards

BEST INDIVIDUAL

Winner: Grace Nichol, SUSTRANS Scotland – Based in Edinburgh, Grace has put in a special effort to encourage bike-rail integration across Scotland, in particular focussing on facilities at smaller stations, and encouraging the sensible location of bike racks and improved staff training to assist cyclists.

Commended: Jonathan Denby, Corporate Affairs Director, Anglia Trains – Jonathan has gone beyond the call of duty in facilitating the needs of cyclists on Anglia’s network. Nominated by a representative of the region’s Rail Passenger Committee, he is widely recognised as someone who takes an extremely positive attitude to cyclists, acting as a strong advocate of bike-rail integration.

Commended: Kelsham Hannah, Station Agent, Llandrindod Station – Kelsham is highly knowledgeable on bike-rail arrangements in general, particular with regard to the nearby National Cycle Museum. He is frequently observed providing assistance to passengers with bikes.

BEST OPERATOR

Winner: Anglia Railways – The company has shown continued commitment to cyclists over a number of years. Its record began with modifying trains to carry bikes; offering cheaper bike fares on local lines; and launching the innovative cycle rescue scheme – a form of breakdown assistance for cyclists, free to cycle ticket holders. It has continued the momentum, becoming the first train company to work with the Rail Passengers Council to install cycle parking at all of its stations.

Commended: Cardiff Railways – Staff on Cardiff Railways have been consistently helpful to cyclists. The company has worked with the Brecon Beacons park authorities and other organisations to encourage cycle usage, and permits bikes to be carried on its services outside peak times at no additional charge.

BEST STATION

Winner: March, Cambridgeshire – This is a model station, which works in partnership with Central Trains, Railtrack, Cambridgeshire County Council and SUSTRANS. Well thought-out infrastructure improvements have been implemented, including a new link from the station to national cycle route No. 63 (March to Wisbech) and twenty new cycle stands adjacent to the platform and the station entrance. A new disabled ramp allows passengers to comfortably wheel their bikes into the station.

Commended: Bristol Temple Meads – A new dedicated cycle bridge has been erected at the station, and bike racks have been located conveniently next to the main platform. These measures have significantly enhanced facilities for cyclists.

BEST WHOLE JOURNEY EXPERIENCE

Winner: Country Lanes – This Hampshire-based tour operator has shown great enterprise in promoting cycling holidays in the New Forest, Cotswolds, and Lake District that integrate seamlessly with train services – as well as airlines. The staff have shown great business sense and a successful marketing strategy: an example to others of just what can be achieved in creating environmentally-friendly, profitable businesses.

The press release issued by the Strategic Rail Authority on 24 October 2001.

Welcoming Richard Bowker’s appointment as the new Chairman of the Strategic Rail Authority,

Sir Alastair Morton said:

“I welcome the news that Richard Bowker is succeeding me as Chairman of the SRA. These are challenging times.”

Mike Grant, the SRA’s Chief Executive said:

“I know Richard well and look forward to working with him on the challenges that lie ahead both for the SRA and the rail industry as a whole. His commercial experience within the industry will be very valuable as the much needed industry restructuring takes shape.

“I would like to thank Sir Alastair Morton, without whose vision and energetic efforts the creation of the SRA earlier this year would not have been possible.

“A great deal has been achieved under his Chairmanship to equip the Authority for the vast range of duties and responsibilities it faces going forward.”

The press release issued by the Strategic Rail Authority on 25 October 2001.

The Strategic Rail Authority today published a notice containing the draft of an enforcement order, as well as details of a proposed penalty, to be made against Arriva Trains Northern Limited (ATN). This follows extensive service disruption in recent months on the wide ranging North of England operation. Around 1000 trains a week have regularly been cancelled over the May to September period this year.

The SRA will consider any representations which are made during the 26 day consultation period, which starts today, on the proposed enforcement order and penalty. The SRA proposes to levy a penalty of £2 million in relation to ATN’s cancelled trains in respect of the period from May to August and to make the proposed order in respect of train cancellations during September / October so as to ensure that ATN recruits and trains sufficient drivers to enable it to provide its timetabled services. In the event that the order, when made, is breached, ATN will be required to pay an amount of £5,000 per driver per calendar month below the agreed target. The SRA expects that the penalty and the enforcement order will be imposed on ATN in late November.

SRA Chief Executive Mike Grant said,

“Passengers on this intensive regional network have suffered an unacceptable level of cancellations in recent months. ATN has until 19 November to convince me that it is operating, and will continue to operate, a proper service. If performance does not improve, the company faces the possibility of further serious sanctions including, ultimately, franchise termination”.

ATN and other interested parties can make representations to the SRA about the proposed enforcement order and penalty, by 19 November 2001. The SRA will require Arriva Trains Northern to display copies of the order at every station that it serves.

Separate from today’s enforcement order, the SRA and PTEs have agreed a service mitigation plan with the company. This permits ATN to remove temporarily an average of 1000 services per week (Mon-Sat) with effect from 29 October 2001 to 24 February 2002. During these 4 months, ATN will be required to operate and publicise details of substitute bus services in the areas of the network affected.

In return for this permission, Arriva Trains Northern must fund passenger benefits to the value of £250,000 per four week Period for the duration of the plan. The service reduction has been permitted for this limited period to provide passengers with greater certainty about which services will be operating, and to enable focus on recruitment and training of drivers.

The press release issued by the Strategic Rail Authority on 26 November 2001.

The Strategic Rail Authority (SRA) and BAA plc have today agreed to commission feasibility work aimed at upgrading the West Anglia railway link from Liverpool Street to Stansted Airport and Cambridge to accommodate expected future airport and domestic passenger growth.

The work, which BAA is supporting to the tune of £500,000 will initially consider infrastructure requirements beyond the signal renewal work already underway in light of potential demand for the Stansted Express and commuter services and the impact of the development of Stratford and the Channel Tunnel rail link.

Mike Grant, the SRA’s Chief Executive, welcomed today’s announcement:

“Rail Links to airports form an important part of the SRA’s future strategy for the railways.

“The Stansted Express has been successful, with an increase in services in recent years to cope with a marked modal shift from road to rail.

“BAA’s involvement in developing the West Anglia line is most welcome. We have a common aim to further improve services for all users of this route, whose success is closely linked to that of Stansted Airport where ambitious extension plans are being pursued. There is still a long way to go to identify the right enhancement and secure funding but this is a useful first step.”

BAA Stansted Managing Director, John Stent, said:

“BAA is delighted to be working with the SRA on this important study. We have lodged a planning application to grow Stansted to about twenty five million passengers a year. The study sees how we can improve service standards for everyone in the coming years and also looks longer term to ensure that capacity will be in place should the full potential of Stansted’s existing runway ever be realised.

This may be a one off opportunity to enhance the capacity of the line because Railtrack are undertaking substantial maintenance work on it, and it should not be missed. We are playing our part in supporting the SRA. We have earmarked a further £1.5 million toward the completion of the future design if we find there is a viable enhancement scheme. We have also indicated our willingness to fund, on a commercial basis, airport related elements including a second tunnel if and when that proves necessary.”

Notes to Editors

1. The West Anglia route is heavily congested, and demand for services is expected to increase still further in the future, with projected increases coming from both airport and commuting services. The SRA’s West Anglia Route Modernisation Enhancements (WARM(E), project is designed to provide significant capacity and other performance improvements on this route.

2. The SRA has contracted £1 million with Railtrack for initial design and costing on certain options for WARM(E), and for provision to be made for possible enhancement as renewals are carried out. The work programme covers a number of enhancement options, including:

• Additional tracks between Tottenham Hale – Brimsdown
• Additional platforms at Liverpool Street
• Additional capacity at Cambridge Station
• Line speed and other performance improvements
• Development of services to Stratford

The press release issued by the Strategic Rail Authority on 28 November 2001.

Sir Alastair Morton announced today that he will relinquish the chair of the Strategic Rail Authority this Friday, 30 November to enable Richard Bowker to succeed him on 1 December.

He said:

“I want to facilitate Richard’s arrival now he is available. I am pleased he is succeeding me and I wish him every success in a task that will not be easy. He knows the industry and has the talent and energy the situation demands. He will need, however, to get ministers and officials to back off and let the SRA raise its game and do its job.

“Most of our rail problems are structural and deep-seated. We have scarcely begun to reverse the legacy of decades of under-investment, and short-term remedies will achieve little. My vision of the future and my strategic recommendations are on Stephen Byers’ desk, not in the draft Strategic Plan awaiting Richard Bowker. That has been prepared by the SRA as Ministers wished – to fit within the resources available from the Government’s 10 Year Plan. At intervals since 7 June, but particularly since 7 October, I have advised Stephen Byers to restructure both Railtrack and the overall regulatory system, and then the public funding of a public service that can only be delivered adequately if an SRA-led government policy attracts private sector capital and management into partnership with it.

“I leave to Richard the tasks of reconciling structure to reality, resources to needs and, more immediately, of imparting direction and urgency to the restructuring and remanaging of Railtrack. That ought to be the major justification for and consequence of government pushing it into administration. Little of long-term structural significance has happened there in nearly two months since 7 October. The industry is drifting.

“I did not take this job as a career move after the successful completion of the Channel Tunnel, but to help improve an essential public service. I thank all those who have helped and advised me, particularly Mike Grant who has proved a tirelessly efficient guardian of the public interest at its interface with the private sector. There are many good people in and near the railway industry working hard to deliver what people want and need, but they are as frustrated as I am by its structure and by short-term responses to its long-term needs. No strategy will succeed unless it first deals with those fundamentals. I wish Richard Bowker luck, health and strength in addressing them.”

The press release issued by the Strategic Rail Authority on 29 November 2001.

The Strategic Rail Authority today responded to Transport for London’s call for a new ‘Transit Authority. The SRA is already working closely with TfL to plan rail services in London, and has established a joint company – Cross London Rail Links Ltd – to take forward major projects.

The SRA does not believe that a Transit Authority for London, as outlined by TfL, is necessary, but does support closer integration and joint planning of the surface, Underground, light rail and bus systems. The Authority believes that rail planning for the national rail network in and around London should be undertaken strategically in the interests of passengers and freight customers as a whole, rather than being determined by political boundaries.

Speaking at a conference on Rail in London today, SRA Chief Executive, Mike Grant said:

“London is at the heart of the national rail network. London’s railways are not a Transit network, but a mixed use network for freight, local, regional, long distance and international passenger services. London’s rail routes connect Scotland, the North of England and the Midlands with the Channel Tunnel and the major ports.

“London’s ‘travel to work area’ extends well beyond the GLA boundary, which excludes key centres such as Watford, Gatwick Airport and Basildon, and the boundary itself has little relevance to passengers.

“The creation of a Transit Authority would require legislation and would involve delay and added complexity. I sense that passengers and London’s businesses want us to deliver improvements sooner rather than later – and to do more besides. I do not think they want to wait for yet more regulatory change, particularly when so much can be achieved through working together and making sensible use of the existing structure. We have to provide a better service to London’s passengers through collaborative working between SRA and TfL. We should focus on delivery, and not add to the uncertainty and risk by further changes in structure and regulation within London.”

The press release issued by the Strategic Rail Authority on 3 December 2001.

Richard Bowker today takes up his post as the new Chairman of the Strategic Rail Authority. He takes over from Sir Alastair Morton, who led the organisation in shadow form from April 1999, and chaired the SRA from its formal establishment in February this year.

On taking up his responsibilities, Richard Bowker said:

“I take over today against a backdrop of a railway that has lost both confidence in itself and the confidence of those who rely upon it to deliver service every day. In particular the present uncertainty over the future of Railtrack requires to be resolved as quickly as possible. My focus will therefore be two fold. First, to restore stability, as well as the confidence that we can, as an industry, deliver the basics safely and effectively, day in, day out. Second, and in parallel, design and implement a vision for the railway that we all want and deserve.

“The Strategic Plan is the starting point of this process. It is well advanced and requires just a little more work to refine it and underwrite its delivery, as well as incorporate my views and aspirations for the railway of the future. It will be published on 14th January 2002. A New Year signifying a new beginning.

“We have first to recognise that the railways of this country exist primarily to serve the needs of passengers and freight users and it is our job at the SRA to show strong leadership and direction in delivering this. It is also essential that we demonstrate an early start to the huge task ahead and I shall be announcing a number of ‘quick wins’, all designed to make the railway deliver more effectively, over the next few weeks and months.

“Tomorrow, I can announce a first step along that road, when, with the Scottish Transport Minister, Wendy Alexander, I shall be starting work on a new rail link for Edinburgh, designed to relieve traffic congestion.

“On Thursday, with the Secretary of State and the Mayor, we will be starting work on the extension of the East London Line.

We shall shortly set out how we intend to take forward the refranchising programme.

“My messages for the four key groups of railway stakeholders are:

For passengers and freight customers – your interests lie at the heart of all we do. It will take time for all the improvements to come through, but we are determined to deliver them. Where we can bring in some ‘quick wins’ to help you, we shall do so.

For local, regional and national government – we are determined to deliver what we have promised – a bigger, better, safer railway capable of playing a larger role in meeting local, regional, national and international transport needs. Our commitment is to the whole of Great Britain, although our responsibility is to say where the priorities should be at any one time.

For the rail industry – the opportunities are huge, and after so many setbacks, this may be our last chance to seize them. We want industry partners with the vision and the willingness to be long term players, and we recognise the need for investors and risk takers to be appropriately rewarded.

For rail staff – I really respect the resilience and dedication of so many who have worked to provide services under difficult conditions. Your role in delivering the new railway is essential, and investment in people has got to go along with investment in new infrastructure or equipment.

“I have taken this job because I passionately believe in the role the railway can and must play in delivering an effective national transport infrastructure. I believe we can rise to the challenge but the atmosphere of division, argument and blame which has characterised relationships in the railway in recent times must be consigned to the history books. Leadership and partnership are the keys. The SRA will take up the leadership challenge, all of us involved in the railways must focus on working to the same common objective. It can be done and I believe we are up to the challenge. The journey back begins in earnest today”.

Notes to Editors:

Biographical Details

Richard Bowker is 35. He joined London Underground Ltd as a graduate finance trainee in 1989. He qualified as a Chartered Management Accountant in 1993.

He moved to financial consultant Babcock and Brown Ltd in 1996 and was seconded to Virgin Rail Group in 1997. In 1999 he helped set up Quasar Associated Ltd, a small asset and project finance advisory business specialising in rail industry commercial and financing work.

Since September 2000 Mr Bowker has been Commercial Director for the Virgin Group of Companies, with specific responsibility for the transport sector of the Group, notably Virgin Rail Group, of which he was Co-Chairman.

Terms of Appointment

Mr Bowker’s appointment as SRA Chairman will be for 5 years. It will be a full time appointment. His basic salary has been agreed as £250,000 per annum with pension and potential for a performance bonus of up to £50,000.

Strategic Rail Authority

The Strategic Rail Authority is a non-departmental public body, established under the Transport Act 2000. It is responsible for:

• Promoting the use of the railway network for the carriage of passengers and goods;
• Securing the development of the railway network; and
• Contributing to the development of an integrated system of transport for passengers and goods.