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Author Topic: Bristol connections: Metro, Bus Rapid Transit, PTE, ITA and local councils - discussion  (Read 283794 times)
paul7575
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« Reply #90 on: July 09, 2012, 21:28:18 »

I expect Ms Greening's forthcoming announcement (see http://www.firstgreatwestern.info/coffeeshop/index.php?topic=10987.msg114060#msg114060) will also tie in with Network Rail's shortly announced projects to be funded in Control Period 5, 2014-2019.

It's the other way round I think.  DfT» (Department for Transport - about) will announce the projects it wishes to be funded, and the funds available for them.  ORR» (Office of Rail and Road formerly Office of Rail Regulation - about) then decide if the funds are adequate for NR» (Network Rail - home page) to do what DfT wants.  If you read the Express's article in woody's post right through, you can see they aren't referring just to an electrification announcement, as the headline suggests, but to the whole CP5 (Control Period 5 - the five year period between 2014 and 2019) HLOS (High Level Output Specification).

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TonyK
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« Reply #91 on: July 09, 2012, 23:17:43 »

I expect Ms Greening's forthcoming announcement (see http://www.firstgreatwestern.info/coffeeshop/index.php?topic=10987.msg114060#msg114060) will also tie in with Network Rail's shortly announced projects to be funded in Control Period 5, 2014-2019.

It's the other way round I think.  DfT» (Department for Transport - about) will announce the projects it wishes to be funded, and the funds available for them.  ORR» (Office of Rail and Road formerly Office of Rail Regulation - about) then decide if the funds are adequate for NR» (Network Rail - home page) to do what DfT wants.  If you read the Express's article in woody's post right through, you can see they aren't referring just to an electrification announcement, as the headline suggests, but to the whole CP5 (Control Period 5 - the five year period between 2014 and 2019) HLOS (High Level Output Specification).

Paul

Too right! There will be some serious horse trading going on behind the scenes, and some political scores to be dealt with, too. Bristol went for the Mayor, so needs to be shown it was worth it, but the purse strings can't be loosened too much. Though it may help that Theresa Villiers MP (Member of Parliament), Minister with responsibility for Rail Strategy is an alumnus (or is it alumna for a lady?) of Bristol University, so will have experienced the problems of getting around at first hand. But the coalition looks to be entering a new, darker, phase. Yet the Prime Minister was here extolling the virtues of the Enterpise Zone last year, and has been followed by a phalanx of junior ministers promising goodies.

If my auntie had nuts, she'd be my uncle. Time will tell.
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chuffed
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« Reply #92 on: July 16, 2012, 11:48:20 »

Perhaps you should now change  your name to Four Track Soon!!
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TheLastMinute
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« Reply #93 on: July 16, 2012, 12:56:39 »

Yes, lots of good news across GW (Great Western) land in the HLOS (High Level Output Specification) statement released today, including the quadrupling of Filton Bank and the redevelopment of Bristol Temple Meads, including opening up the old train shed. Have a look at the thread in Looking Forward thread.

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TLM
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TonyK
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« Reply #94 on: July 16, 2012, 15:06:24 »

Perhaps you should now change  your name to Four Track Soon!!

It's that, or drop the exclamation mark. I shall mark the event somehow.
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TonyK
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« Reply #95 on: July 16, 2012, 18:41:19 »

From Campaign for Bristol Metro

Quote
Four track for Filton Bank? That^s a yes
Posted on July 16, 2012  by commsofficer

A corporate sweat broke out on the forehead of the four authorities when dawn broke this morning, as we waited nervously to see if the government had funded our four tracks to Filton Bank.

And then Rail Minister Theresa Villiers swept into Temple Meads (looking a lot calmer than us) to confirm that four-track from Temple Meads to Filton Bank will go ahead.

Anyway, it^s all down to you again, wonderful public who like trains. Four track is the crucial bit of the jigsaw that we have to put in place to get Greater Bristol Metro Rail to work. So many, many thanks to the hundreds of you who wrote special letters to the ministers about it. Half-hourly trains in Bristol and the region, a new line to Portishead, and all those re-opened stations can actually happen.

So there we are: Four Track. Now!

In other news:

Bristol Evening Post have given details of reactions around the area:
Quote
TRANSPORT ministers have given the green light for a package of long-awaited rail improvements ^ the first step in making the dream of a Bristol Metro possible.

Government minister Theresa Villiers unveiled a series of improvements for the rail network around Temple Meads on a visit to the city.
 ​

 Transport minister Theresa Villiers at Temple Meads


Yesterday's announcement, part of a multi-billion-pound package of improvements nationwide, means two extra lines of track will be opened between Temple Meads and Filton.

The move means that a huge bottle-neck will be eased, opening the way up for increased services in and out of Bristol's main station.

There are also plans to reopen the old Digby Wyatt sheds at the side of the station ^ creating two new platforms in the process.

Network Rail, the firm which operates Temple Meads, has announced it wants to create a new main entrance at the station, opening into a main concourse which would run under the existing platforms.

Ms Villiers said: "This announcement is really great news for Bristol. Improving our transport system is a key part of the Government's strategy.

"We think it is vital for the region's economy that we have a transport system that works and is affordable."

The minister also confirmed that Bristol will get a direct rail link to Heathrow Airport, which will see current journey times cut by 30 minutes.

The line between the city centre and Filton was reduced from four to two tracks in the early 1980s, preventing more trains from being run and causing delays due to congestion. The widening of the track is seen as crucial for the half-hourly services to all local stations that are proposed under the Metro scheme.

A spokesman for the pressure group Friends of Suburban Bristol Railways said: "This is fantastic news. This piece of vital investment will enable half-hourly services to all local stations ^ the Greater Bristol Metro ^ something FOSBR (Friends of Suburban Bristol Railways) has been campaigning for, for many years."

"We are delighted, because it will make an integrated transport system possible. When the extra tracks are laid and new services running, the train will become even more convenient for local and longer distance journeys.

"This is a victory for local campaigners, our local politicians and the public, who have lobbied long and hard for a half-hourly service."

Patrick Hallgate, who is in charge of Network Rail in the South West, said: "We are excited by these Government announcements to add to the already massive investment programme on the Western route.

"Temple Meads station is at the heart of the new Enterprise Zone and these improvements are vital in terms of opening up the city.

"The station is no longer fit for purpose and what we are trying to do is create a station suited to the needs of Bristol as it is today.

"We had suspected that these items would be included in the new investment programme but it is good to see the Government's commitment to these schemes."

The business community also welcomed the announcement.

Phil Smith, managing director of Business West, which represents the area's companies, said: "This is great news for the South West.

"Our recent survey of businesses across the West of England area found that traffic congestion was the most significant disadvantage for businesses located in the sub-region.

"Business supports the Government's strategy to provide long-term strategic investment to improve transport infrastructure, rather than simply looking at short-term fixes. We will continue to push for a modern and efficient rail system that supports growth and improves competitiveness."

James Durie, Director of Bristol Chamber of Commerce, said he was particularly pleased with the latest news.

He said: "Rail is one element of our transport infrastructure that our members constantly tell us that they want improved.

"It is fantastic news that the Secretary of State wishes the industry to undertake work to expand the capacity of the railway serving passengers to and from Bristol. "Increasing route capacity into Bristol from Filton Abbey Wood and increasing station capacity at Bristol Temple Meads by bringing back into railway use the historic station building, will be a big boost for business in this region."

Transport Secretary Justine Greening also announced yesterday that the full details of the next Great Western rail franchise will be made public by the end of the week.

All seems rather upbeat to me!
« Last Edit: July 17, 2012, 10:19:50 by Four Track, Now! » Logged

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JayMac
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« Reply #96 on: July 16, 2012, 19:16:40 »

It's that, or drop the exclamation mark. I shall mark the event somehow.

A celebratory tipple in the nearest pub to the location of the four-tracking perhaps?
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TonyK
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« Reply #97 on: July 16, 2012, 21:16:50 »

Not to be ruled out, by any means! Although, whilst I am not a man of temperance, I don't think I have been in any of the closest boozers. With the sole exception of the Coach and Horses in Stapleton Road, that is, and the Farm if that is close enough to count. Cheers!  Grin - Four Pints Now!
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JayMac
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« Reply #98 on: July 16, 2012, 21:25:15 »

Coach and Horses? Lawks. I'd avoid that place at all costs.

What about 'The Sugar Loaf' out the 'back' of Stapleton Road station on St Mark's Road. Much more agreeable boozer.
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TonyK
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« Reply #99 on: July 16, 2012, 22:03:49 »

Strangely, I work close to there occasionally, and was due to accompany a colleague to there one recent Friday luncheon. Fate, alas, intervened, so I have yet to make my debut. My colleague recommends it, so next time I get thirsty...
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JaminBob
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« Reply #100 on: August 02, 2012, 19:13:49 »

There is a different map here: http://travelwest.info/sites/default/files/12.%20Greater%20Bristol%20Metro%20Map%20March%202012.pdf which is a little more detailed.

An hourly service to Henbury seems like a missed opportunity.

My own un-informed personal opinion would be to close Severn Beach and run those trains around the loop to Parkway, and perhaps Yate where they could terminate.
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JayMac
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« Reply #101 on: August 02, 2012, 19:29:41 »

My own un-informed personal opinion would be to close Severn Beach and run those trains around the loop to Parkway, and perhaps Yate where they could terminate.

The 113,000 annual passengers at Severn Beach may disagree with you. A near, four-fold increase over the last 10 years. The bus services in Severn Beach are inadequate and none go direct to Avonmouth/Clifton/City Centre. Those passengers would be greatly socially disadvantaged.
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ellendune
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« Reply #102 on: August 02, 2012, 21:11:19 »

There is a different map here: http://travelwest.info/sites/default/files/12.%20Greater%20Bristol%20Metro%20Map%20March%202012.pdf which is a little more detailed.

An hourly service to Henbury seems like a missed opportunity.

My own un-informed personal opinion would be to close Severn Beach and run those trains around the loop to Parkway, and perhaps Yate where they could terminate.

Why does there seem to be a  reverse at Filton Abbey Wood?
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TonyK
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« Reply #103 on: August 05, 2012, 18:30:18 »

The 113,000 annual passengers at Severn Beach may disagree with you. A near, four-fold increase over the last 10 years. The bus services in Severn Beach are inadequate and none go direct to Avonmouth/Clifton/City Centre. Those passengers would be greatly socially disadvantaged.

Some of them already are, imho.


Why does there seem to be a  reverse at Filton Abbey Wood?

Just the way the map is drawn, possibly as an acknowledgement that the MoD building is a major stop from any direction. There certainly isn't a turn to the east there, or my daughter would have to move her desk.

(PS - I added a comma, to celebrate the good news. I am the master of understatement)
« Last Edit: August 05, 2012, 18:35:57 by Four Track, Now! » Logged

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JaminBob
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« Reply #104 on: August 14, 2012, 12:07:02 »

The 113,000 annual passengers at Severn Beach may disagree with you. A near, four-fold increase over the last 10 years. The bus services in Severn Beach are inadequate and none go direct to Avonmouth/Clifton/City Centre. Those passengers would be greatly socially disadvantaged.

Some of them already are, imho.


Why does there seem to be a  reverse at Filton Abbey Wood?

Just the way the map is drawn, possibly as an acknowledgement that the MoD building is a major stop from any direction. There certainly isn't a turn to the east there, or my daughter would have to move her desk.

(PS - I added a comma, to celebrate the good news. I am the master of understatement)

Yes i think its just a graphical thing.

113,000 is about 300 a day. Surely a properly timed frequent bus with links to Avonmouth, P&R (Park and Ride) and the mass of employers currently not served by anything would be cheaper than maintaining the branch and benefit more people.

But i do see your point, ideally, both would be served.
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