Court backs ORR on Heathrow TAC

This from the ORR...

Court upholds ORR decision on Crossrail charges

As the independent regulator for the UK’s railways, we have a statutory role in ensuring charges to run trains on relevant networks are underpinned by evidence and comply with legal requirements.

In May 2016, taking into account representations and evidence from affected parties, including considerable documentation and submissions from Heathrow Airport Limited (HAL), we decided HAL is not permitted to introduce all of its proposed new charges for train operators to use its track, which links Heathrow ‎Airport to the Great Western main line.‎

HAL launched a judicial review of our decision and after a three day hearing, the court has dismissed HAL’s application and upheld our decision. We welcome this judgment and we will now work with all the affected parties to enable Crossrail services to start running as scheduled into the airport.

Perhaps just as well. 

Not much point in being too greedy when you need your TfL friends to support your exciting expansion plans...

Eye signs legendary 'Chris Crossrail'

This from Chris Crossrail, Fleet Street's legendary 'burrower for news'...

Although now fully retired and resting I can't help but notice things are not quite so ahead of the game on Crossrail.

Little things.

The quarterly newsletter that used to boast of Stakhanovite targets being met, and even exceeded, is now a month overdue and the January edition was pretty lame.

Through the grimy windows of an HST yesterday I noted that track laying trains are still working the tunnels from Ladbroke Grove. As I understand the track has got to be in before other ancillary services can be fitted out this is beginning to look a bit tight.

My guess is that the project is not in real trouble but a lot of irreplaceable float time is being used up and the unions are on to this. Big 'productivity' deals are being negotiated at Liverpool Street etc... following the excellent lead of The Brothers at Paddington.

Perhaps Eye readers can burrow further? All submissions at the usual address (see right hand menu bar).