SPOTLIGHTS

Transport for the North

Transport for the North is the country’s first Sub-national Transport Body, formed to transform the transport system across the North of England, providing the infrastructure needed to drive economic growth

Transport for the North became England’s first Sub-national Transport Body in April 2018, bringing together the North’s 20 Local Transport Authorities and eleven Local Enterprise Partnerships to enable the North to speak with one voice on the transport infrastructure investment needed to drive transformational growth and rebalance the UK economy.

Strategic Rail

The Strategic Rail programme is key to ensuring the synergies between the North’s classic rail network, the Northern Powerhouse Rail programme, together with HS2 Phase 2b and Transpennine Route Upgrade (TRU), through the Integrated Rail Programme (IRP), are fully optimised.

In operational terms, the programme partners with the Department for Transport in overseeing and managing the region’s biggest rail operators – Northern Trains Limited and TransPennine Express. The Rail North Partnership, informed by the advice and guidance of the Rail North Committee and the Department for Transport, oversees and manages the performance and delivery targets of these operators and works to ensure they are both fit for purpose and future-proofed.

In 2020, with the outbreak of the Coronavirus pandemic, the above work took on a special significance as both regional and national government effectively took control of the operators to ensure they could both meet national needs in providing essential transport links and have some protection against the economic effects of the pandemic. Rail recovery continues to be a key focus for the programme.

The Northern and TransPennine Express rail services run through 25 local authority areas, including the 20 authorities that sit on the Partnership Board of Transport for the North. They engage regularly with representatives from all 25 authorities through our Rail Officer Reference Group.

Northern Powerhouse Rail

Northern Powerhouse Rail is a major strategic rail programme that will deliver radical improvements to train service frequencies and journey times, to better connect the key economic areas in the North of England. Delivered over a phased 30-year period, the programme will transform eastwest rail travel across the region to enhance connectivity, capacity and reliability.

By linking the east and west of the North, as well as linking with HS2, Northern Powerhouse Rail will deliver vastly improved regional rail connections, providing modern, high-speed, low-carbon services which will improve the passenger experience, and encourage a modal shift from cars to trains, contributing greatly to the decarbonisation agenda.

Northern Powerhouse Rail will also release capacity in the existing rail network, supporting improvements in the local and freight services on which much of the region depends, as well as improving connectivity to international gateways including Manchester Airport. The programme will connect the major urban centres of the North, and under-served communities, to generate opportunity, attract investment, create jobs and move the North towards a more integrated economy that will ‘level-up’ the region and boost UK productivity The North’s economy will flourish with proper investment. Regional strengths in advanced manufacturing and research have already attracted investment from Boeing in Sheffield and Siemens in Goole, while recent announcements of the new UK Infrastructure Bank in Leeds and ‘Treasury North’ in Darlington, as well as the announcement of three freeports in the region in the 2021 budget, show confidence and ambition for the North. To maximise and expand upon this ambition, the North’s creaking rail infrastructure must be improved.

Ultimately, Northern Powerhouse Rail - delivered in full alongside HS2 and the Transpennine Route Upgrade – will define the North’s economic prosperity for the rest of this century, boosting jobs and growth, while also playing a significant role in reducing carbon emissions in the region and delivering tangible transformational benefits to people and business. Transport for the North (TfN) and Department for Transport (DfT), working with delivery partners Network Rail and HS2 Ltd, has carried out substantial work to develop options in each NPR corridor. New lines and significant improvements to existing lines would free up capacity and reduce disruption, enabling more services on local lines, increasing opportunities for both workers and consumers.

‘TfN continues to use its evidencebased approach to make the case for strategic transport improvements across the whole of the North.

Martin Tugwell, Chief Executive of Transport for the North

Stay in touch

Transport for the North produces a regular podcast on all things transport and the Northern Powerhouse, covering topics such as devolution, levelling up, economic growth, productivity, investment and more. It is available via the TfN website and on Spotify and Soundcloud. The All Points North e-newsletter highlights the top stories each week – sign up via the TfN website.

KEY PERSONNEL Chair: Lord Patrick McLoughlin Chief Executive: Martin Tugwell Director of Business Capabilities: Dawn Madin Interim Finance Director: Paul Kelly Strategic Rail Director: David Hoggarth Interim Strategy and Programme Director: Tim Foster Major Roads Director: Peter Molyneux

CONTACT INFORMATION Address: 2nd Floor, 4 Piccadilly Place, Manchester M1 3BN Tel: 0161 244 0888 Email: info@transportforthenorth.com Visit: www.transportforthenorth.com

Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA)

Formed on 1 April 2011, the Greater Manchester Combined Authority is run jointly by the leaders of the ten councils and the Mayor of Greater Manchester

Over the last decade several devolution agreements have been signed between Government and the GMCA. These agreements brought new powers and responsibilities to the region, including transport. To deliver these devolution agreements, it was decided that Greater Manchester should have an elected Mayor to act as a directly elected point of accountability for the GMCA.

The GMCA is both a political entity and an organisation in its own right. The political part of GMCA provides direction, governance, and oversight of the work they do on behalf of the city region for our residents and businesses. GMCA as an organisation translates that political direction into action through teams of dedicated experts across a range of functions and services.

As a political entity, GMCA comprises the ten local authorities that make up the city region. The Authority is Chaired by the Mayor, Andy Burnham and is led by the Chief Executive, Eamonn Boylan. Functional executive bodies, such as Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM), are responsible for the delivery of services with the Transport for Greater Manchester Committee (TfGMC) and its sub committees managing the TfGM and creating the transport policy on behalf of the GMCA, however some decisions still require approval by the GMCA. TfGM delivers the GMCA’s transport policies, by coordinating transport networks across the region, deciding where to invest transport funding, and owning and running the Metrolink tram service. TfGM is a key partner in Rail North and Transport for the North.

The GMCA gives local people more control over issues that affect their area. It means the region speaks with one voice and can make a strong case for resources and investment. There corporate objectives include: 1. Deliver core and devolved services for the public. 2. Secure, and manage, funding and investment at Greater Manchester level for agreed activity. 3. Work with the ten local authorities in

Greater Manchester to drive collective activity that puts Greater Manchester at the forefront of tackling social, economic, and environmental issues. 4. Ensure Greater Manchester is speaking with one voice – developing, leading and implementing our evidence-based strategies, building our networks and partnerships and influencing policy.

GMCA coordinates transport services through the public body Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM).

Greater Manchester Transport Strategy 2040

Greater Manchester Transport Strategy 2040 sets out Greater Manchester’s longterm ambition for transport. The vision is for Greater Manchester to have ‘Worldclass connections that support long-term sustainable economic growth and access to opportunity for all’. It sets out a strong commitment to provide a transport system which: supports sustainable economic growth and the efficient and effective movement of people and goods; improves the quality of life for all by being integrated, affordable and reliable; protects the environment and supports our target to be net zero carbon by 2038 as well as improving air quality; and capitalises on new technology and innovation.

The Five-Year Transport Delivery Plan provides the detail of the schemes to be delivered to support progress towards the longer-term ambitions and targets. As additional funding is secured in the future, subsequent updates of the Delivery Plan will identify the schemes that provide the detail for the broad interventions identified in the 2040 Transport Strategy document.

Transport for Greater Manchester

Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) is the local government body responsible for delivering Greater Manchester’s transport strategy and commitments. TfGM implements the decisions made by GMCA and the Greater Manchester Transport Committee GMTC to improve transport services and facilities in Greater Manchester. TfGM owns Metrolink – the UK’s largest light rail network – and plan for its future, including the new Trafford Park line.

KEY PERSONNEL Mayor: Andy Burnham Chief Executive: Eamonn Boylan Head of Communications: Sarah Keaveny

CONTACT INFORMATION Address: Tootal Buildings, 56 Oxford Street, Manchester M1 6EU Tel: 0161 778 7000 Email: enquiries@greatermanchester-ca.gov.uk Visit: www.greatermanchester-ca.gov.uk

West Midlands Combined Authority

Led by the Mayor of the West Midlands, the WMCA brings together 18 local councils and three Local Enterprise Partnerships to oversee the transfer of powers and funding from Whitehall to the West Midlands

The authority consists of 18 local authorities and four Local Enterprise Partnerships (LEPs) working together to move powers from Whitehall to the West Midlands and its locally elected politicians. It includes the seven metropolitan West Midlands councils (constituent authorities), ten non-constituent authorities/councils and one observer council, as well as the Mayor of the West Midlands.

The transport arm of the WMCA is Transport for West Midlands (TfWM) which coordinates investment to improve the region’s transport infrastructure and create a fully integrated, safe and secure network. It is also responsible for assessing and planning for the region’s future transport needs so the network can meet the demands of businesses and a growing population. The expansion of the Midland Metro tram system is just one of the many projects that TfWM is delivering to help meet those future needs. Where they are adding: • Up to 50 extra trams. • New control, communications and passenger information systems. • An upgraded depot, control room and maintenance.

Midlands Rail Hub

The Midlands Rail Hub is a £2 billion package of improvements to transform east-west rail connections. The project was awarded £20 million in the March 2020 Budget to develop the scheme to outline business case. The plans outline a programme of new and upgraded infrastructure that will be implemented in phases between now and 2033. It will strengthen rail links between Leicester, Nottingham, Coventry, Derby, Hereford and Worcester, improve services to Wales and the South West and allow more people to access HS2.

HS2 Connectivity Package investment

a £4.4 billion HS2 Growth Strategy to make the most of HS2 arriving in the West Midlands. As part of this Growth Strategy there is a Local Connectivity Package of 20 transport schemes to effectively ‘plugin’ the two new HS2 stations to local transport network.

These schemes include the transformational East-West Metro with tram extensions to Dudley/ Brierley Hill and through East Birmingham to North Solihull and the HS2 Interchange station.

West Midlands Rail Executive

The region is looking to reverse some the Beeching cuts by reopening rail lines to passenger services for the first time in decades. These include the Camp Hill line serving suburbs in South Birmingham and the line between Walsall and Wolverhampton. University station in Edgbaston, is undergoing major redevelopment with new station buildings, bridges and platforms to accommodate the 3.5 million passenger journeys it sees every year. Doubling the capacity of what is already considered one of the busiest railway stations in the country will provide huge safety benefits, improve customer experience, and enable the station to meet future demand, whilst also contributing to tackling the climate emergency. Local rail services are co-managed by the West Midlands Rail Executive (WMRE) – a partnership of 16 local transport authorities – and the Department for Transport under the West Midlands franchise. Services are run by West Midlands Trains (a joint venture between Abellio, East Japan Railway Company and Mitsui) but branded West Midlands Railway.

Levelling Up Growth Prospectus

The blueprint setting out what is needed to level up the region was launched by the West Midlands Combined Authority in October 2022. The Levelling Up Growth Prospectus sets out how the West Midlands Combined Authority is working as a region to tackle the various challenges they face, and how they aim to fire up the regional economy by driving forward a new, green industrial revolution while attracting major private sector investment.

The prospectus looks at ways to expand its existing levelling up programme with: • More flexible funding to build affordable, zero carbon homes and unlock stalled investment through new

Investment Zones. • New ways to encourage people onto public transport through mobility credit schemes, new e-mobility powers, and a dynamic role in Great British Railways • Powers to help key growth sectors for the region flourish and drive innovation in low carbon businesses such as electric car manufacturing; battery production; low carbon, modular homes; and utilities such as wind and solar power. • Greater control and influence over investment into the region’s energy system so it is more resilient to price hike shocks and able to speed up the decarbonisation of infrastructure and industry.

The Levelling Up Growth Prospectus serves as long term vision for the West Midlands.

KEY PERSONNEL Chief Executive Officer: Laura Shoaf Director of Programme Development: Sandeep Shingadia Director of Rail: Malcolm Holmes Director of Policy, Strategy and Innovation: Mike Waters Director of Communications: Siobhan Bassford Director of Operations: Clare Boden-Hatton

CONTACT INFORMATION Address: 16 Summer Lane, Birmingham, West Midlands B19 3SD Tel: 0121 200 2787 Email: customer.services@tfwm.org.uk Visit: www.wmca.org.uk

London TravelWatch

London TravelWatch is the official watchdog organisation representing the interests of transport users in and around the nation’s capital since July 2000

London TravelWatch was set up by Parliament to be the official voice of London’s travelling public. Funded by the London Assembly and accountable to it via the Assembly’s Transport Committee, the watchdog represents users of the national rail network in London and the surrounding commuter belt and international rail passengers using Eurostar. It also represents all those who use buses, the Underground, Docklands Light Railway (DLR), dial-a-ride, trams, taxis, cable cars and river transport, as well as cyclists, motorcyclists, pedestrians and other users of London’s principal road network.

The watchdog aims to secure a better journey experience for everyone travelling in and around London: commuters, leisure travellers, visitors and tourists however they travel. Its multimodal remit reflects the way most people use transport in London – making active choices between modes and interchanging from one mode to another in the course of a typical journey.

London TravelWatch carries out a variety of activities, including: • Commissioning and carrying out research, evaluating and interpreting the research carried out by others, to ensure that its work is based on the best possible evidence. • Investigating complaints that people have been unable to resolve with service providers. • Reviewing over enquiries from transport users, taking up cases with the operator when the original response the complainant had received was unsatisfactory. • Monitoring trends in service quality as part of an intelligence-led approach. • Regularly meeting with and seeking to influence the relevant parts of the transport industry on all issues which affect the travelling public. • Working with a wide range of public interest organisations, user groups and research bodies to ensure it keeps up to date with passenger experiences and concerns. • Speaking for the travelling public in discussions with opinion formers and decision makers at all levels, including the Mayor of London, the London

Assembly, the Government, Parliament, and local councils.

In 2021, London TravelWatch brought TfL and the rail industry together to improve cooperation on data sharing, which has led to better information being given to transport users about the busyness of services.

At the start of the pandemic in 2020, TfL removed the facility to pay by cash at over 200 Underground, DLR and Overground stations across the capital on a temporary basis and later in 2020, they proposed to extend this to cover all their stations in London. London TravelWatch research showed the significant impact withdrawing cash would have on passengers, especially those on low incomes, children or the 260,000 adults in London without a bank account. London TravelWatch’s investigation showed that some stations don’t have a Ticket Stop, usually a newsagent or convenience store, nearby, meaning that it would have been harder to top up an Oyster card with cash.

On 21 June 2021, Transport for London Commissioner Andy Byford confirmed that the ability to pay by cash will start to be reinstated at all of the Underground, Overground and DLR stations where it was removed at the start of the pandemic.

London TravelWatch also has a statutory role to assess the impact and make recommendations if proposals are made for the closure of a railway line or a station (or station facilities) within the London railway area.

London TravelWatch keeps its work priorities under review by means of a simple set of criteria. These criteria are similar to those used by other consumer protection and enforcement bodies and allow London TravelWatch to plan and coordinate its activity with other consumer bodies and the London Assembly.

London TravelWatch Board meetings are open to the public, details are available on its website.

Surveys and commentary

London TravelWatch will routinely carry out surveys and publish commentary on London transport developments. In 2022, London TravelWatch discovered that 13 per cent of rail passengers said the quality of information around strikes from train companies has got worse this year. With a spokesperson saying: ‘There is a real danger that people become desensitised to news about train strikes and they zone out just at the mention of them.’

Commenting on the return of the night tube earlier in 2022, London TravelWatch Chief Executive Emma Gibson said: ‘Our recent personal security research showed that the later in the day it is, the less safe people feel. Frequent and reliable public transport is critical if people are to feel safe travelling after dark, particularly women and girls, older and disabled people and people of colour. So its good news that the Night Tube is returning on the Jubilee Line. Not everyone can afford a taxi or Uber when they need to get home late at night.’

KEY PERSONNEL Chair: Arthur Leathley Deputy Chair and Chair of the Policy Committee: Alan Benson MBE Chief Executive: Joanna Davidson Head of Communications: David Murdoch Head of Casework: Susan James Head of Campaigns and Advocacy: Alex Smith

CONTACT INFORMATION Correspondence address: London TravelWatch PO Box 5594 Southend on Sea SS1 9PZ Tel: 020 3176 2999 Email: info@londontravelwatch.org.uk Visit: www.londontravelwatch.org.uk

Transport Focus

Transport Focus is an independent watchdog tasked with getting the the best deal for passengers

With a strong emphasis on evidence-based campaigning and research, Transport Focus ensures that it knows what is happening on the ground. It uses its knowledge to influence decisions on behalf of passengers to secure improvements and make a difference.

Transport Focus is the voice of transport users. It carries out research on transport user experiences and needs for the future. This includes the large scale National Rail Passenger Survey where over 50,000 rail passengers give their views on rail journeys twice a year.

Transport Focus also carries out weekly surveys, obtaining the views of approximately 500 rail passengers each week. Passengers rate how satisfied they were with their overall journey and a range of aspects including the punctuality of their service, the value for money of their ticket and a number of Covid-related measures.

Structure

Transport Focus is an executive nondepartmental public body, sponsored by the Department for Transport. It is run by a management team and led by a Board of non-executive directors. It has existed in one form or another since 1947. It was formed by the Transport Act as the Central Transport Consultative Committee (CTCC) plus a network of regional Transport Users’ Consultative Committees. Over the years it has changed its name as it took on responsibility for bus, coach and tram passengers, and then road users.

Transport Focus makes major decisions at Board meetings, held in public four times per year. Decisions are also made at monthly management team meetings.

Transport Focus can have up to 14 Board members. The Scottish Government, Welsh Government and the Greater London Authority each appoint a member to the Board. The remaining appointments are made by the Secretary of State for Transport. Recruitment to the Board is based on merit. Appointments are regulated by The Office of the Commissioner for Public Appointments.

KEY PERSONNEL Chair: Nigel Stevens Chief Executive: Anthony Smith Director: David Sidebottom

CONTACT INFORMATION Address: Albany House 86 Petty France, London SW1H 9EA Tel: 0300 123 0860 Email: info@transportfocus.org.uk Visit: www.transportfocus.org.uk

WEDGE GROUP GALVANIZING

Your Galvanizing Partner

RISQS approved, Wedge Group Galvanizing is the UK’s largest galvanizing organisation. With 14 plants across the UK we offer a national service, processing steel from a 1.5mm washer to 29m beam. Our plants are designed and equipped to set industry-leading standards for sustainability and low environmental impact.

E: info@wggltd.co.uk T: 01902 601944 www.wedgegalv.co.uk

ISO 9001

Quality Management

TFC Showcases Supply Chain Solutions at Advanced Engineering

Between November 2 and 3, TFC, an AFC Industries company, will be exhibiting technical products and supply chain solutions at this year’s Advanced Engineering show. At the NEC in Birmingham, TFC can be found on stand G146, where it will be highlighting the benefits of its customisable vendor managed inventory (VMI) solutions, which improve manufacturers’ ability to manage inventory, while improving production efficiency. The team will also present a range of specialist Smalley and ARaymond products. To register for the event, click here.

Throughout the event, the TFC team will be on hand to provide insight into the benefits of VMI solutions, which include quality assurance and smart stock control. As part of this supply chain management service, the TFC team can create a tailored solution that solves production line inventory challenges, reduces in-house costs and streamlines operations.

Attendees can see a range of Smalley retaining rings that reliably and efficiently secure applications, including the new Smalley Revolox™ self-locking retaining ring designed for applications with high rotational speeds. In addition, visitors can learn more about Smalley wave springs, and how they save up to 50 per cent axial space compared with traditional coil springs.

Zonegreen Points Bournemouth Depot to Safer Future

A South Western Railway maintenance depot in Bournemouth, which is key to the smooth running of London area train services has improved its safety controls, thanks to Zonegreen.

The Sheffield-based rail safety specialist has undertaken a complete overhaul of its Points Converter system at the facility, ensuring it benefits from the latest technology.

Points Converters automate manual points, allowing them to be operated remotely to protect workers from potential handling injuries. They were initially installed at the Bournemouth depot in 2013, as part of a major project to create the UK rail industry’s first dedicated paint facility. They have now been replaced with Zonegreen’s mark two system, offering improved safety and efficiency.

The Points Converters at Bournemouth are attached to existing hand points on the approach to the paint shed. They are operated from a control panel inside the facility, which now offers positive feedback to indicate that the points have been switched successfully. The panel has also been integrated with existing warning beacons to alert staff that the road is open for train movements.

Christian Fletcher, Zonegreen’s Technical Director, said: ‘Four-car trains move in and out of Bournemouth’s paint shed regularly, so safety is paramount in such a busy location. We were really pleased to be invited back by SWR to overhaul the existing converter system and equip the depot with our most sophisticated Points Converters yet. Our technology not only protects staff from injuries related to handling points, but also increases the ease of operations, eliminating many stops and starts.’

Some traditional hand points require up to 103kg of force to operate, posing a significant risk of musculoskeletal injuries. They can also be situated on uneven terrain or close to a third rail, increasing the dangers associated with manual operation.

‘Four-car trains move in and out of Bournemouth’s paint shed regularly, so safety is paramount in such a busy location.’

(left to right) Alisha Heddon, Rail Consultant, Chantelle Morris, Rail Consultant, Jordan Ives-Stanbra, Associate Rail Director, Josh Haggart, Director of Rail, Rachel Young, Director, Andrew Mackay, Founder & MD, Mykell Beal, Rail Consultant, Lauren Marsh, Rail Resourcer, Ryan Dawson, Senior Rail Consultant.

Specialist recruiter Coleman James grows rail team

Specialist Recruiter Coleman James continues to accelerate its growth in the Rail sector, amidst a series of new appointments to its Rail division.

Arcadis announces three senior Sustainability hires

Jane Boyle has joined as Sustainability Advisory practice lead in the UK & Ireland, while Michelle Bachir has joined in the same role in North America. Kealy Herman joins as Global Technical Director for Net Zero Strategy, residing in the United States.

Skanska UK appoints Head of Occupational Health and Wellbeing

Megan Taylor joins Skanska UK from British Transport Police where she was Deputy Director of Safety, Health and Wellbeing. She has previously held senior health and wellbeing roles at Network Rail, LNER, Virgin Trains and Southern Railways.

Flowbird announce their new CEO

Frédéric Beylier is Flowbird Group’s new CEO.

New Chief Financial Officer (CFO) joins Skanska UK’s Executive Management Team

Meliha Duymaz has joined Skanska UK as Chief Financial Officer and Executive Vice President. Meliha is an established finance leader with a breadth of experience across services, operations and major construction projects and will report to President and CEO, Gregor Craig.

Appointment drives development of risk model

Laura Reardon has joined the Light Rail Safety and Standards Board as Head of Safety Risk Management and will also be responsible for working closely with individual networks on the administration, development and implementation of their own models, as well as the national project.

Rail Forum welcomes new Communications, Policy and Public Affairs Manager

Jemma Smalls has joined the Rail Forum as Communications, Policy and Public Affairs Manager. Jemma is a familiar face to many, having began her career in rail as an undergraduate intern with the Rail Forum in 2018.