This from The Hoots-mon...
According to the BBC on HS2:
"Can a railway be worth £121m per mile?"
Mere bagatelle!
Consider the triumph that is the Edinburgh tram system. £1billion for 8 miles = £125m per mile.
So. Time for a new unit of HS2 cost: for each 'Edinburgh Mile' you get £4m change.
Bargain!
This from Leo Pink...
According to the Thamelink, Southern and Great Northern invitation to tender:
Publicity
The outcome of a rail franchise competition is of national significance within the United Kingdom and is likely to attract public and media attention. Bidders shall not and shall ensure that their Representatives, Affiliates and their Affiliates’ Representatives shall not (i) issue any press notice, press release or statement in relation to the franchise letting process or their Bid without the prior written consent of the Secretary of State; or (ii) use media or communication channels in a way that might reflect adversely and unfairly on the industry, its participants or the integrity or outcome of the competition.
Quite so.
On no account should the integrity of the DfT be questioned, no matter what the outcome of the competition.
Good to see lessons from the West Coast fiasco have been well and truly learned in Marsham Street!
This from The 10 Cities...
Eye favourite Beardie Branson hosted two weekends of parties this month - to thank Virgin Trains' employees for hitting record satisfaction scores of 92%!
To enable onboard staff to share in the celebrations, without impacting on customers, a number of office managers volunteered to help aboard trains.
Alas!
The RMT responded by balloting for industrial action over managers doing members' jobs!
Railways - dontcha love 'em?
Good news for fans of the crumbled edge of quality!
According to the Yorkshire Post...
CHANNEL Tunnel high-speed train company Eurostar is bidding to
operate a key rail route which runs between London and Scotland via
Yorkshire.
Eurostar is launching a joint bid with French company Keolis to run the East Coast line.
No doubt Eurostar's high quality rolling stock (sic) will convince the DfT that the company should also be entrusted with the UK's premier InterCity route?
UPDATE: This from Entraineur Rugby...
I must take issue with your shabby-chic vision of a Eurostar-run East Coast service.
They
are quite clear in the Yorkshire Post article that they are only
looking for a minority stake.
Surely they won't be in charge of the
trains?
Probably just the website.
As a service to the industry Eye thought it timely to revisit the Laidlaw Inquiry findings into the ICWC debacle:
Deficiencies in organisational structure and resourcing
7.15 The Inquiry team has considered the organisational changes at the DfT in early 2011 and the impact of multiple changes in leadership and the significant reduction in resources at the DfT over the relevant period. I consider that these organisational changes and resourcing constraints contributed to the flaws in the ICWC franchise process and adversely impacted the DfT’s effectiveness in identifying and/or resolving those flaws. Specifically, I would draw out the following material points in this regard:
7.15.1 until late 2010 the DfT’s activities in relation to refranchising were organised under a single Director-General (“DG”) (refer to Appendix G for details). From late 2010, a client provider relationship, effectively a partial matrix structure, was put in place, with full implementation of the organisational redesign completed in May 2011. This resulted in rail franchising responsibilities within the DfT being split across three DGs (as illustrated in Appendix G). As a result, there was no single accountable lead within the DfT for rail refranchising as a whole;
Matrix management structures? Treat with caution!
Eye was lamenting the silence from Andrew Adonis earlier this week, when Ed Balls put the boot into HS2.
Where was Lord Adonis, our very own High Speed Evangelist?
Now the truth can be told!
Pictured on Brighton seafront...
So farewell to both Doug and Clinton Leeks.
Today's announcement is perhaps a tacit admission that HS2 was losing both the PR battle
and political consensus.
Happily, David Higgins appointment appears to be playing well...
Sir David Higgins to become new chair of HS2. A huge boost to HS2. Brilliant infra manager - Olympics, Network Rail, etc
— Andrew Adonis (@Andrew_Adonis) September 25, 2013
David Higgins will give HS2 the experienced leadership this vital project needs. Labour will bring Network Rail and HS2 together in 2015.
— Labour Transport (@labourtransport) September 25, 2013
Great news that former CEO of the Olympics Delivery Authority and @NetworkRail David Higgins is to become new chairman of HS2
— Danny Alexander (@dannyalexander) September 25, 2013
Huge statement of intent by #HS2 appointing Sir David Higgins
— Tom Edwards (@BBCTomEdwards) September 25, 2013
Congratulations to David Higgins on his appointment to HS2, a vital project for rail freight growth.
— Rail Freight Group (@RailFreightUK) September 25, 2013
Good to see David Higgins join HS2 After Doug O's great work to get it rolling, he's the man to get the project built http://t.co/crbb0ZRcZ5
— Antony Oliver NCE (@antonyolivernce) September 25, 2013
No surprise that David Higgins is joining #HS2 but it is the politics, not the engineering or finance, that will determine its future
— Christian Wolmar (@christianwolmar) September 25, 2013
This from HS2 and Network Rail...
NEW CHAIR OF HS2 ANNOUNCED
Doug Oakervee has announced today that he will be standing down as Chairman of HS2 Ltd at the end of the year.
His successor has been announced as current Network Rail Chief Executive Sir David Higgins, who will join HS2 Ltd on 1st January 2014 on a part time basis before taking up the post full time from March.
Doug Oakervee a distinguished civil engineer and former Chairman of Crossrail Ltd took up the post of HS2 Ltd Chairman in April 2012. He has overseen the development of the detailed proposals for the new High Speed 2 line and laid a firm foundation for the delivery of the largest rail project seen in the UK in more than 100 years.
Secretary of State for Transport Patrick McLoughlin said:
“The fantastic work that Doug Oakervee has delivered as Chairman of HS2 Ltd is testament to the experience and expertise that he brought to this role.
“His energy and professionalism have ensured that the detailed proposals for Phase 1 of the country’s first high speed line north of London will be introduced to Parliament on schedule later this year.
“The appointment of Sir David Higgins to replace Doug Oakervee ensures that we will continue to have leaders at the heart of HS2 who have a track record of delivery. His experience at both Network Rail and as Chief Executive of the Olympic Delivery Authority – where he oversaw construction of the magnificent Olympic Park, a legacy which will be enjoyed by generations - will be essential to ensure we deliver HS2 on time and on budget.”
Mr Oakervee will remain in post to oversee the introduction of the Government’s Hybrid Bill before the end of this year. The Bill will secure Parliamentary approval for Phase 1 of the 350 mile route between London and Birmingham, allowing work to start in 2017 and freeing-up essential capacity for passengers and freight across the rail network.
HS2 Ltd Chairman Doug Oakervee said:
“I believe HS2 is vital to the growth of the UK economy and will deliver the capacity our rail network sorely needs. Sir David is the right man to continue the delivery of this project. I am delighted at his appointment and am confident that alongside Alison Munro our Chief Executive he will continue to drive the scheme forward.
“I am proud of all that I have achieved, particularly that we will be bringing the Hybrid Bill to Parliament by the end of the year, after which I will be standing down. I am pleased to have been able to play a key role in delivering this project which will serve the country for many generations to come.”
Chief Executive of Network Rail Sir David Higgins said:
“I am delighted to be taking up this role. Working at Network Rail I know the challenge we have ahead with capacity on the railways – they are real and we need to take action now. I also know the significant benefits that improved journey times between our northern cities will bring not just to the north, but the UK economy as a whole.
“HS2 is the right solution. It is vital for both passengers and the economy and will put the UK in a different league in terms of infrastructure. My first priority will be to rigorously scrutinise costs to ensure they remain under control.
“HS2 presents a strategic opportunity for this country and I am determined to make sure we take it by delivering a railway that will allow business and communities to prosper in the long term.”
Chief Executive of HS2 Ltd Alison Munro said:
"Doug Oakervee has been an inspirational Chairman who brought industry knowledge and a proven track record of delivering large, complex rail projects to his tenure at HS2 Ltd.
"In David Higgins HS2 Ltd has secured a proven leader with drive, passion and experience.
"Our new Chairman will bring with him a fantastic track record of delivery thanks to the success of the London Olympic Games. My team and I look forward to working with him as we move into the next chapter of delivering this vital project."
ENDS
About time and quite right too!
So. This is Ed Miliband's big idea!
"The next Labour government will freeze gas and
electricity prices until the start of 2017.
"The companies won't like it because it will cost
them money. But they have been overcharging people for too long because of a
market that doesn't work. It is time to reset the market."
Quite so.
However, Energy UK has responded by saying “Freezing the bills may be superficially
attractive, but it will also freeze the money to build and renew power
stations, freeze the jobs and livelihoods of the 600,000 plus people dependent
on the energy industry and make the prospect of energy shortages a reality,
pushing up the prices for everyone."
Just what we need with an expanding electrified network.
Time to dust off plans for new build DMU fleets.
Cynics might be tempted to suggest that Ed Balls wobble on HS2 is a smoke-screen for the non-debate of the year.
According to LabourList Maria the Eagle was forced to shelve a debate on rail renationalisation.
Good news for 'thinly capitalised equity profiteers' everywhere.
Instead, the Shadow Secretary of State has renewed her calls for DOR to be allowed to bid for the East Coast franchise and for rail services to be provided on a not for profit basis.
One owner group is clearly taking this to heart and has shipped its entire European management team to an away-day jolly in Majorca!
All right for some.
But who could this generous owner be?
Eye just hopes they all arriva home safely.
This from Jeanne d'Arc de Triomphe...
Attendees at Thursday's National Rail Awards were treated to a scoop in the event programme!
This from the Vice Marshall...
A
small presentational error at Thursday's Greengauge 21 HS2 conference in
Birmingham, when the Scottish Transport Minister was the speaker following Sir
Richard Lees, leader of Manchester City Council.
Westminster and Brighton alight today with suggestions that Labour is wobbling on HS2
Shadow Chancellor Ed Balls said in his set piece conference speech:
"We continue to back the idea of a new north-south rail link.
"But under this government the HS2 project has been totally mismanaged and the costs have shot up to £50bn.
"David Cameron and George Osborne have made clear they will go full steam ahead with this project - no matter how much the costs spiral up and up. They seem willing to put their own pride and vanity above best value for money for the taxpayer.
"Labour will not take this irresponsible approach. So let me be clear, in tough times - when there is less money around and a big deficit to get down - there will be no blank cheque from me as a Labour Chancellor for this project or for any project.
"Because the question is - not just whether a new high-speed line is a good idea or a bad idea, but whether it is the best way to spend £50bn for the future of our country."
Andrew Adonis has mostly not been tweeting about HS2 today...
This from Tiny Sleigh...
The Fact Compiler's latest column in Passenger Transport published on the 13th September...
This from RSSB...
RSSB announces new Chief Executive
RSSB has announced that Chris Fenton, formerly Director of Marketing and Strategy at Amey, is to be its new Chief Executive. Chris will join the organisation on 6 January 2014 and will take over from Len Porter who retires at the end of March 2014 as Chief Executive of RSSB.
As a Managing Director at Amey, Chris re-established Amey’s Business Services activities as a profitable and key activity for the company before taking responsibility for the company’s interest in Tube Lines in a complex period of political change and economic challenge. Prior to that, he was Managing Director for the testing and inspection division of BSI, after an early international career in Courtaulds. Common to all his roles has been a desire to get the most from an organisation through clear strategic goals and building strong teams. He trained as a material scientist at Cambridge and has an MBA from Manchester Business School.
Chris is also a Non-Executive Director at the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority since March 2012 and sits on both their audit and remuneration committees.
Eye wishes Chris all the best in his new role. Len will be a hard act to follow...
Is Harriet Harman a regular user of First TransPennine Express?
Commenting on the Newsnight presenter's decision to sport a beard Harriet said: "Its fine for Jeremy Paxman to go grey and grow a beard but not for a woman."
This from the Manxman...
Spotted at Manchester Airport Station last week.
This from Old MacDonald...
This from Spreadbet...
This from 37025...
I took this picture yesterday morning on platform 1 at London Euston.
Good to see that the fightback for capacity injecting HS2 has begun!
So what picture did the BBC's website use to illustrate the story?
This via @SarahKnapton, assistant news editor at Her Majesty's Daily Telegraph.
This 2002 picture has been doing the rounds of Twitter over the last week, so it might as well appear on Eye!
It shows a man who tolerates no opposition to his dictatorial style and is utterly ruthless in pursuit of his objectives.
He is talking to President Assad.
The Fact Compiler's latest column in Passenger Transport published on the 30th August...
Good news for fans of plain English...
This gibberish from TSLG or FuTRO (nope, Eye neither)...
You're invited to FuTRO Monitor Jam (18th Sep 2013)
A big Eye welcome to Mark Carne, Network Rail's CEO designate!
This from Oliver Cromwell...
All
lights on Platform 3 at Peterborough station seem to be left on 24
hours a day.
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This from Keolis...
Keolis UK appoints first chief financial officer
UK public transport operator, Keolis UK, has appointed David Lowrie
as its new Chief Financial Officer, to support its growing presence in
the UK.
David moves into this newly created role with over 20 years of
commercial experience including several high profile posts within the
UK rail sector.
From an early career at KPMG and Powell Duffryn, he joined Prism
Rail PLC as Group Financial Controller. He has since held a number of
director level positions including Group Finance and Commercial
Development Director at the Grand Central Group.
Very good, carry on.
This from Citizen Smith...
...was this part of the grand plan or was it supposed to be in the right place first time round?
New track in place of old centre road for soon to be moved platform 7. I think.
Eye congratulates the Press Officer Scotland for First UK Bus!
Two suggestions.
In the first instance probably best not to send out a doco with tracked changes visible.
And secondly, don't then panic and send an email to all those you originally blind copied but this time listing all of them in the 'To' field.
This tends to show the extent of the original c0ck-up and more importantly adds to your discomfort...
No matter - we've all done it, once!
Of course everyone will 'ignore the last e-mail' and look forward to the 'statement' that 'will be issued by Chelsea... at 2p. today'.
Meanwhile, Eye hopes the communications around depot restructuring in the Midlands and South East are going to plan?
UPDATE: This from Nameless Bus Industry Journalist...
I received the said missive from First UK Bus, but noted that the actual media holding statement has just arrived from Chelsea at 15:13 rather than the promised '2p.'
Good to see First UK Bus are on top of punctuality!!
This from the Wicked Weaver...
Gateway to the National Forest (or so it says)?
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