Issue 78 of Passenger Transport is published on March 7. Contents include:
LEAD STORY
DfT lined up to lose rail franchising and projects
In-depth review of Department for Transport’s Rail Group finds severe weaknesses and supports creation of arms-length Rail Delivery Authority
NEWS:
DfT to increase pay to support recruitment
With only three out of 30 vacant franchising posts filled, the Department for Transport has been cleared to offer higher pay in order to recruit talent
Finch rules out short term fix to bus profits
National Express Group’s UK Bus profit margin fell to 11.4% in 2013, but chief executive Dean Finch won’t resort to fare increases and service cuts
Group targets new markets
National Express is bidding for contracts in the USA, Europe, Morocco and the Middle East
Franchise for Welsh long-distance buses?
Now that all five TrawsCymru bus services are non-commercial, a proposal has been made to tender them as a single franchise. Rhodri Clark reports
Rail may get new funds to improve resilience
With Network Rail now estimating the cost of recent storm damage on the rail network at £170m, studies have been commissioned into resilience
Alliance consults on East Coast proposals
Arriva’s open access operator to consult on plans for new links
TfGM explores SQP options
Planned scheme aims to secure benefits from £122m bus improvements in Greater Manchester
First concedes defeat at Stagecoach incursion
First Scotland East has announced that it is to scrap services between Queensferry and Edinburgh after Stagecoach launches competing route
Injunction sees Arriva return to airport route
Greenline 757 service resumes operations from Luton Airport
ENVIRONMENT:
ScotRail scoops green award for sustainability
Rail Business Awards success for Energy Reduction Strategy
TECHNOLOGY
East Coast sets out to renew Wi-Fi system
Icomera to deliver more robust on-train internet access
NXWM signs comms deal
National Express West Midlands renews deal with Arqiva for communications networks
Operators told to grasp technology’s potential
UITP secretary general Alain Flausch tells transport operators to look to online retailers and the automotive sector to cater to growing expectations
Payment technologies increase convenience
New technology is giving passengers real choice for payment
INSIDE TRACK: Financial results
Thamesdown stays in the red as revenue falls
Pension settlement reduces ongoing burden but trading remains tough
TransPennine profits hit as subsidy slashed
Franchise extension deal sees First/Keolis joint venture’s profits fall, despite 7% revenue increase
INSIDE TRACK: Market Monitor
Rail growth accelerates again during Autumn
Growth is powered by London & South East, which sees 5.7% increase in passenger journeys in October-December, but intercity demand recovers
TRAVEL TEST:
Why does sorry seem to be the hardest word?
Alex Warner witnesses a series of customer service own goals on his way to watch a football match in Liverpool, travelling by train, bus and taxi
COMMENT
Nick Richardson: Is there a future for buses on periphery?
Reduced funding for local bus services have seen peripheral bus services withdrawn, but have we considered the consequences?
Great Minster Grumbles: We’re resurrecting OPRAF and SRA
Our Whitehall insider imagines what’s going on inside the minds of the mandarins at Great Minster House, home of the DfT
SPECIAL REPORT: Giles Fearnley
Moving in the right direction
After three years in charge of First’s UK bus business, Giles Fearnley is able to demonstrate success
SPECIAL REPORT: Sir Peter Hendy
Selling transport – to the world
Sir Peter Hendy on his role as president of UITP, the international association of public transport
CAREERS
Brits sought for Euro prizes
Organisers of the Talent in Mobility Awards are now seeking entries from across Europe
RECRUITMENT
Managing Director, West Yorkshire – FirstGroup
Business Managers, South Yorkshire and West Yorkshire – FirstGroup
General Manager – London United
Private Hire Manager – London United
Engineering Director – Stagecoach North East
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