April 2012: Contents
Feature headlines
- Rail Professional interview: Alistair Gordon
Keolis is bidding for franchises on its own, after 15 years as a shareholder in other ventures. Its chief executive, Alistair Gordon, tells Paul Clifton why
- Fare game? Peak prices can’t rise
The delayed command paper containing the government’s response to the McNulty report has been released (see news story on opposite page and Wright Track, pages 18-19)…
- When words are not enough
The long-awaited command paper containing the government’s response to the McNulty report has been released. But, apart from stating the obvious and re-emphasising previous announcements, is there anything new? Robert Wright takes a closer look
- Contractual agreement
The final four contenders for the £1bn Crossrail rolling stock contract have been revealed: CAF, Siemens, Hitachi and Bombardier – the latter being the only company that would build its trains in the UK if it won the contract. Paul Clifton looks at the issues surrounding the bidding process
- Buffing up the buffet cars
First Great Western is refurbishing some redundant old buffet cars to ease the worst overcrowding on Britain’s railways. Paul Clifton joins commuters in the morning crush, then sees the carriages being refitted by Wabtec in Scotland
- Gateway takes shape
Currently one of the UK’s biggest city centre civil engineering projects, the Birmingham Gateway is a mammoth task. Contractors are busy redeveloping a major railway station while passengers continue to use it. Peter Plisner looks around
- Mind the skills gap
Recruitment of railway engineers needs to double over the next 20 years just to stand still. Gil Howarth explains how the National Skills Academy for Railway Engineering is tackling recruitment and training of technical staff
- Infrarail opens its doors for the ninth time
Rail infrastructure show expected to draw 5,000 visitors to NEC
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