The Transport Update explores the major developments relevant to the transport industry.
HS2
Search underway for company to build HS2 trains
The DfT issued the PIN on 20 January for up to 60 high specification trains that can travel around 225mph. The contract will be awarded in 2019 and is worth £2.75 billion.
Rail franchises
New West Coast Partnership rail franchise
The government has released further details of a new rail franchise, which will combine the existing Inter City West Coast services with the development and introduction of services on High Speed 2.
The new franchise will deliver services on the West Coast Main Line from 2019 as well as designing and then running the initial high speed services from 2026.
Wales and Borders rail franchise: Third Report of Session 2016-17
The above report calls on the government to end underdevelopment in the Welsh rail network and suggests taking steps to secure modern rolling stock and replacing some of the oldest train carriages in the UK.
House of Commons, Welsh Affairs Committee, 20 January 2017
Rail regulation
ORR opens consultation on track access charges
The ORR’s current consultation on changes to charges and contractual incentives sets out proposals for changes to the structure of charges that Network Rail levies for using the network and the contractual incentives on the infrastructure manager and train operators. This forms part of PR18, which will play an important role in determining what Network Rail should deliver in control period 6. ORR would welcome views on this consultation by 9 March and is also holding two stakeholder events (in London and Glasgow) in February.
Guidance on The Railways (Access, Management and Licensing of Railway Undertakings) Regulations 2016
The ORR published their conclusion to the consultation and the final guidance document on 21 December 2016. The final guidance summarises the provisions of the 2016 Access and Management Regulations, and explains the rights and responsibilities of service providers and railway undertakings with regards to access and charging. It also sets out ORR’s interpretation of key provisions, and the process for submission and consideration of appeals.
Transport for London
Sadiq Khan’s fares “freeze” fails commuters – and will still hit Tube investment hard
Article in City AM by the Conservative group leader of the London Assembly, discussing the 1.9% increase in the cost of a travelcard.
Drones
Drones update: Government consultation on new market for drones in the UK
On 21 December 2016 the Government published its consultation on the Safe Use of Drones in the UK, containing various proposals to develop the UK's policy and regulatory framework.
Roads
Government allocates £1.2 billion roads funding to councils
The funding is to improve roads, cut congestion and journey times, and tackle potholes.
Buses
Bus Services Bill: summary information
The Government has updated its summary information on the Bus Services Bill, which is currently awaiting its second reading in the House of Commons.
The summary information includes:
- an overview of the practical application of the Bill
- briefing about the proposed changes and potential passenger benefits
- policy scoping notes to inform discussion of the regulation making powers at committee stage in the House of Lords
East Coast Buses/First Scotland East merger inquiry
The CMA investigated and cleared the completed acquisition by East Coast Buses Limited of the east coast operations of First Scotland East Limited.
Manchester Metrolink
Addleshaw Goddard advises Keolis and Amey on Manchester Metrolink contract
Addleshaw Goddard has advised a joint venture between Keolis and Amey on the contract to operate and maintain Greater Manchester's Metrolink – the UK's largest light rail network with 37 million passengers using it each year.
Logistics
New logistics report: How soon is now?
Our report, How soon is now? gathers the views of leading investors, developers, occupiers and operators and sets out policy recommendations on how the logistics sector should respond to the current challenges and opportunities.
Unlocking Growth in the North
New transport report: Unlocking Growth in the North
Addleshaw Goddard have joined forces with Atkins and Grant Thornton to develop a report which calls for the existing roadmap towards transport devolution to be strengthened and expedited. It follows a series of dinners across the North with over 100 businesses.
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