Alstom Derby produces last train
The threatened Alstom train building works in Derby is set to complete its last train tomorrow, and managing director Nick Crossfield has warned that little progress has been made during talks with government ministers about the future of the plant. However, rail minister Huw Merriman published a list of four potential rolling stock contracts last month, one of which could be awarded in December.
Avanti performance
A meeting of the Transport for the North Board in Leeds today is expected to approve a Strategic Transport Plan for the north of England which could boost region’s economy by £118 billion by 2050. As well as longer term plans, the meeting will discuss ‘more immediate’ priorities, including the performance of Avanti West Coast and how it could be improved. Members will also consider the implications of the draft Rail Reform Bill, which was published a month ago.
New station, new tram lines
Transport for Greater Manchester has submitted a business case for a new station at Golborne in the borough of Wigan to the Government, which would need an investment of £31.8 million. Proposals have also been unveiled to extend the Metrolink tram network to Stockport, Middleton, Heywood, Bolton and the Atom Valley regeneration zone. Mayor Andy Burnham said a decision could be made this summer, and that work is under way on preparing a ‘watertight’ business case.