Atoc proposes greater vertical integration


by Katie Silvester


The Association of Train Operators (Atoc) has put forward proposals to move towards vertical integration on some areas of the network. According to Atoc’s suggestions, Tocs would


begin by working more closely with Network Rail on their routes with a view to seeing the infrastructure operator split into separate regional businesses. It recommends that, on some routes, operators take responsibility for signalling and operations, leaving Network Rail to look after infrastructure work.


Station management would also be taken away from the infrastructure owner under the proposals, which acknowledge that different levels of vertical integration are possible and that some areas of the network would be more suited to it than others. Provision would be made for other passenger operators and freight companies needing to access the tracks ‘by keeping in place the existing UK regime governing third-party access’. Commenting on the document, Paul


Plummer, director of planning and development for Network Rail, said: ‘Much has been achieved


by the industry in its present form.’ He added: ‘But costs are too high and


although Network Rail is on course to have cut the cost of running the network by nearly 50 per cent by 2014, more can be done. Network Rail fully supports better alignment and co-operation between the company and train operators. ‘Effective partnership at a local level will


need changes from Network Rail, but also from operators, regulators and government. Change is needed and Network Rail will play its part in making it happen, while continuing to drive costs out of its business.’


News in brief Huskisson commemorated in Liverpool


Salford steps up Passengers say platforms are a step too far at Salford Central. The station was given a £5m new lease of life three years ago, but travellers face a stretch of up to two feet between their train step and the platform. Local authorities are to put pressure Network Rail and Northern Rail to fix it.


Trams ‘not damaged’


Wigan councillor Mark Aldred has demanded assurances from officials that Metrolink’s new £2m trams are not being damaged by Manchester’s old railway lines. Tram bosses deny the claims, but they admit that work is being carried out on the new trams ‘to harmonise the vehicle and track’.


EMT gets recycled bicycle units


East Midlands Trains has invested in cycle storage units made from 100 per cent recycled materials for several of its stations. A Streetpod, which is more secure than traditional cycle racks, was tested at EMT’s head office where thieves tried, but failed, to remove a bike from it. However cycles were stolen from other bike racks at the headquarters during the trial period.


and Manchester celebrations ‘The train naming was part of the celebrations to mark the 180th anniversary of Britain’s first “proper” railway’


Jo Kaye, route director for


Lee Wasnidge, an area director for Northern Rail, and Louise Ellman MP unveil the William Huskisson MP at Liverpool Lime Street


n


William Huskisson MP – the first high-profile person to be killed in a rail accident – was commemorated in September when a Northern Train was named after him. The train naming was part of the celebrations to mark the 180th anniversary of Britain’s first ‘proper’ railway, the Liverpool and Manchester Railway, organised by Northern Rail, Merseytravel, GMPTE and Network Rail. Louise Ellman, chair of the Transport Select Committee,


PAGE 10 OCTOBER 2010


unveiled the name plaque at Liverpool Lime Street as a tribute to the Liverpool MP. Huskisson died on the opening day of the railway when he wandered into the path of Stephenson’s Rocket and, hampered by a bad leg, was unable to move out of the way in time. Other events included a Huskisson plaque at Newton- le-Willows with a storyboard on the history of the station and the historical signification of the Liverpool and Manchester Railway, plus a rail exhibition at Edge Hill.


Network Rail, said: ‘The original memorial to Huskisson is still there alongside the railway line, but these days trains travel considerably faster than the sedate 20mph they did then. Consequently, you are unlikely to see it unless you know where and when to look.’ Councillor Keith Whitmore, chair of Greater Manchester Integrated Transport Authority’s (GMITA) Policy and Resources Committee, added: ‘The opening of the Liverpool and Manchester Railway was a seminal moment in this country’s history, linking two of our most important merchant cities. ‘It was an accomplishment later


repeated by the rest of the country and the rest of the world and marked the beginning of the Second Industrial Revolution. It is perhaps fitting that as we celebrate this anniversary, plans are under way to modernise this historic railway with proposals to electrify the line.’


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