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devolution

Manchester has been favoured by the government, with transport plans including a Metrolink extension to Stockport and new tram stops. Longer two-car trams to reduce the double-heading of the ‘M5000’ Bombardier/Alstom units has also been suggested locally. In such a formation, Metrolink Trams 3046 and 3047 cross the River Irwell on August 11 2004, approaching Radcliffe with a Bury to Altrincham service. TOM MCATEE.

Comment

How far will money for trams go?

Mayors were celebrating windfalls in the Chancellor’s announcement of cash for local transport schemes. Yet the new money won’t go far, says Howard Johnston.

Industry views 8 Jul

Full devolution of rail could see more integrated transport, similar to that of Transport for London, with rail, trams, buses and metro systems consolidated under an individual region's control. A Northern Line train approaches Waterloo station on June 1 2022. JACK BOSKETT.

Comment

Analysis: The vision from devolution is not yet in focus

Before last July’s General Election, we devised a seven-point manifesto for Britain’s railways. Richard Wilcock considers the progress on devolution.

Industry views 2 Apr

Two areas in England that already have devolution are Greater Manchester and the West Midlands. On December 30 2024, 323206 (formerly named Barnt Green) waits at Manchester Piccadilly with the 2006 service to Crewe. Despite its West Midlands livery, the ‘323’ is actually in the service of Northern, being one of 17 such cascaded away from the Midlands in 2023-24. TOM MCATEE.

Feature

Rail devolution… and integration

The English Devolution White Paper and the government’s rail reform consultation are together proposing a major shift of power from central to local government.

Policy 2 Apr

Comment

Guest Comment: Rail devolution under GBR

Will there be local control or a guiding mind, asks Rail Partners Chief Executive Andy Bagnall.

Industry views 12 Mar

Metrolink Manchester Trafford Centre

News

New Devolution Framework unveiled could help Mayors control rail services

The Government has outlined further plans for devolution for English regions as Deputy Prime Minister Angela Raynor released its English Devolution White Paper on December 16.

Department for Transport 17 Dec

Early signs suggest a better working relationship between new Transport Secretary Louise Haigh and Mayor of London Sadiq Khan. The two discuss plans at the official opening of Siemens’ £200 million train manufacturing facility at Goole in October. ALAMY.

Feature

Rail devolution: sidelined, delayed or arriving soon?

Transport for London has long wanted to take over more of the capital’s suburban rail network, but how would that fit in with central rail policy? By Tom Edwards

Policy 15 Nov

Merseyrail has introduced a new fleet of Class 777 electric multiple units, and Mayor Steve Rotheram also wants more services to improve connections across the Liverpool City Region. Merseyrail 777037 arrives at Blundellsands & Crosby station on July 17 with the 1212 Southport to Hunts Cross service. PAUL BIGGS.

Feature

Devolution revolution signals a change in how services are run

The new government wants to give Metro Mayors and their Combined Authorities more powers and a bigger say in how local rail services are run.

Policy 13 Nov

Liverpool Street February 2024. ALAMY

Feature

The changing role of our railway stations

Innovations to improve Britain’s stations often meet stumbling blocks in the form of red tape. Peter Plisner investigates.

Stations 28 Aug

News

TfN urges commitment to further devolution

A national approach to railways “must not be a missed opportunity for further devolution”, says Transport for the North’s Interim Chief Executive Tim Wood.

20 Jun

News

Transport for the North urges increased devolution

The Williams-Shapps Plan for Rail presents an opportunity for increased devolution and local oversight of train services and infrastructure

29 May

News

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: Shadow Transport Secretary Jim McMahon talks to RAIL

JIM MCMAHON tells RICHARD CLINNICK how he plans to tackle the issues facing the rail industry from the Labour front benches

6 Jul

News

Devolution key to regional stimulus - Armitt

The issues affecting Transport for London do not dissuade National Infrastructure Commission Chairman's views on devolving powers to Mayors

28 May

News

Burnham delivers rallying cry for local powers and funding

Mayor for Greater Manchester goes into detail regarding plans for GM Rail.

20 Nov

News

Simpson fears threat to freight from potential for ‘bad devolution’

"The point is that there’s good and there’s bad devolution" - Maggie Simpson

19 Nov

News

EXCLUSIVE: West Midlands stakes a claim for Nottingham traffic

West Midlands Rail eyes part of CrossCountry contract

28 Feb

Comment

RAIL 826: Franchising must now evolve

RAIL 826: Franchising must now evolve - Regional devolution and Brexit demand an urgent rethink

Editor's comment 10 May

News

“I sense real change at the moment”

Network Rail’s London North Western Route Managing Director MARTIN FROBISHER talks on NR’s devolution strategy

8 Apr

News

The tide is turning at Network Rail

Chief Executive MARK CARNE tells NIGEL HARRIS how he will lead the biggest shake-up of NR since its birth in 2002

25 Feb

News

First view of livery for West Midlands franchise

West Midlands Rail has launched the livery for the West Midlands franchise that begins in October.

1 Feb

Southern 455819 at Clapham Junction. RICHARD CLINNICK.

News

Mayor of London presents business case for TfL taking on new routes

Devolving inner-suburban services to TfL would deliver the equivalent of £4.30 for every £1 spent says business case submitted by Sadiq Khan.

25 Oct

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DB Cargo UK 66139 shunts wagons at Cemex's Dallam Freight Depot, Warrington. DAVID STUBBINGS.

16 DB Cargo UK drivers switching to rival

DB Cargo UK 11 Jul

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