Government and European Union Deliver Funds

Ambitious improvements have now been given the green light at Rotherham railway station following the agreement of a £7.6m financial package from the Government and European Union. The finance can now be administered in delivering the huge revamp for the tired 1980’s buildings and exterior facilities including roads and platforms.

Managing the development, the South Yorkshire Passenger Transport Executive can now transform the railway station up to the standards of neighbouring stations such as Barnsley, Doncaster and Sheffield.

As part of the development Rotherham railway station will also include a new railway station building, ticket office, passenger lounge for commuters, a shop, toilet facilities, improved security systems with CCTV, and new passenger information facilities.

The funding will also be put to good use on the exterior of the station which is set to get an upgraded station approach road with disabled parking improvements along with more secure and effective facilities for local cyclists.

The railway platforms themselves are likely to be upgraded with better coverage facilities and accessibility ramps for disabled travellers. The South Yorkshire Passenger Transport Executive are now hoping the upgraded railway station will not only set new standards for station improvements but continue deliver a first class rail experience for its commuters and visitors.

Published by – Arbil Rail, industry leaders for the hire and sales of quality rail equipment, parts and rail services

Safety Has to be Addressed in the Rail Industry

Following the release of horrifying footage of a near miss at a Welsh rail crossing Network Rail and other safety campaigners have called for more attention to be given to the issue of safety at rail crossings across the UK, in particular in the rural sectors where track security is more easy to abuse and ignore.

The CCTV security footage released to the media yesterday was filmed at Llangadog railway station in Wales and highlights the moment when a family car jumps the crossing and drive across the rail track at the very moment a passenger train passes through. The train only misses the motor vehicle by inches as it swerves in front of the train. Whe looking at the footage it is difficult to comprehend how the train actually misses the vehicle at all.

More horrifying is the fact the man driving the motor car also had his wife and young child in the car with him, the consequences of which are difficult to imagine. Fortunately in this instance everyone, including all the passengers on the train at the time of the incident escaped without injury or indeed any idea what had happened.

Network Rail and the rail industry in general are deeply concerned that health and safety and overall public perception to the dangers involved in the rail industry are being abused on such a scale despite years of publicity and education to the dangers involved. Figures revealed show there is now a 5 year high for incidents that have been reported on the UK’s rail crossings with over three thousand incidents reported in the previous twelve months alone. The shocking figures highlight that in 2008 fifteen people were actually killed and twenty vehicles were involved in crashes with trains at UK level crossings. Everyone involved are now reviewing what can be done to improve this alarming situation.

Published by – Arbil Rail, industry leaders in the hire and sales of quality rail equipment and parts for the rail industry

Job Cuts Spark Rows in the Rail Industry

Hampshire’s biggest commuter rail company has announced plans to cut another 180 jobs, on top of its previous announcement to cut 480 positions throughout the company. In the public announcement South West Trains revealed the employment cuts will include, management roles right across to ticket office staff and station staff.

As the largest service provider in Hampshire South West Trains deliver commuter rail services across the London area and throughout the South of England. They are reported to be imposing the cutbacks to lower costs but stress they are not making any cuts to the number of train drivers, station guards and essential rail maintenance levels. South West Trains are also keen to stress that they been be striving to deliver the local community with the same level and number of passenger services but the Rail, Maritime and Transport union is angry at South Wests move and are now calling on the Government to take action. The RMT are also confirmed that it is not ruling out a ballot for industrial action due to the sheer volume of job cuts involved.

The RMT wants answers to why profit generating train company can make over 600 jobs whilst at the same time raising it dividend payments by thirty three per cent.

Published by – Arbil Rail, industry leaders in the hire and sales of quality rail equipment, parts and rail services