RPA Tenders Structural surveys for LUAS A1 Citywest/Saggart branch

 

The long-awaited building of the spur from the LUAS Red Line, linking the existing line to Citywest and Saggart is coming closer, with the announcment by the Railway Procurement Agency (RPA) that they are seeking qualified consultants to perform structural survey work on properties bordering the new line.

The go ahead to construct the line depends on the finalising of a Railway Order, but work such as the surveying can go ahead in the meantime, and starting this process now will reduce the pre-construction wait after the order is granted.

Full details of the RPA tender are below.

 

Title:	Luas A1_170 Structural Condition Surveys
Published by:	Railway Procurement Agency
Publication Date:	24/10/2008
Application Deadline:	07/11/2008
Notice Deadline Date:	07/11/2008
Notice Deadline Time:	12:00
Notice Type:	Tender
Has Documents:	Yes
Abstract:	RPA now seeks the services of an experienced structural engineering consultant to carry out structural condition surveys of buildings and structures along the Luas line A1 boundary. Line A1 is a 4.2 km proposed spur to the existing Luas Red Line currently operating between Tallaght and Connolly Station. RPA completed its pre-application consultations with An Bord Pleanála in August 2007 in relation to the proposed line and has submitted a Railway Order Application in December 2007. Following the display period of the draft Railway Order Application, an Oral Hearing was held on the 11 March 2008 in An Bord Pleanála Offices, Marlborough Street and was concluded in one day. The Railway Order, if granted by An Bord Pleanála, will provide the powers necessary to construct, operate and maintain the line, subject to funding confirmation. Luas Line A1 is the first RPA project for which a Railway Order will be sought under the new statutory framework introduced by the Planning and Development (Strategic Infrastructure) Act 2006 It is RPA’s intention to ensure that all existing buildings / structures and boundaries that may be affected by the Light Rail Works are protected from damage due to these Works. In order to determine the condition of existing buildings / structures and boundaries a condition survey will be carried out along the length of the line. RPA now seeks the services of an experienced structural engineering consultant to carry out these structural condition surveys.

Wright ready for Eclipse 2 launch

The Northern Irish based bus builder Wrightbus is getting ready to launch the Eclipse 2, the latest version of its best-selling single-deck city bus model.

(LtoR) – Sam McLaren, Wrightbus Commercial Director: Neil Renilson, Chief Executive of Transport Edinburgh and Mark Nodder Wright Group Managing Director view the new Wrightbus Eclipse 2 prior to its debut at Euro Bus Expo 2008.

PRESS RELEASE

Neil Renilson, Chief Executive of Transport Edinburgh, visited the Wrightbus production facility at Ballymena today (Tuesday 21st October) to get a special preview of the new-look Wrightbus Eclipse 2 Single Deck bus.

The Eclipse 2 – featuring new styling and a host of other refinements – is the successor to what has become one of the leading single deck buses in the British Isles. Ten of these new-styled vehicles are currently in the final stages of production for Lothian Buses as part of an order for a total of 60 vehicles placed by the Edinburgh-based bus operator last year.

All ten of the new Wrightbus Eclipse 2 single deck buses have been built on Volvo B7RLE Euro 5 chassis and have been specified with 38 Lazzerini Practico seats, have a facility for a wheelchair including an electronic ramp and also feature a seven camera LOOK CCTV system.

The new single deck buses are an integral part of Lothian Buses’ on-going fleet renewal process, aimed at improving the city’s public transport services and making it completely wheelchair accessible by 2010. Once deliveries are completed, Wrightbus will have supplied Lothian with nearly 300 vehicles in over four years, and will account for almost a third of the entire Lothian fleet.

Speaking during his visit, Neil Renilson said “I am delighted today to get a first look at the new Eclipse 2, with the Eclipse 1 already a familiar sight on a number of Edinburgh key bus routes. The new styling and specification enhancements to the Eclipse 2 further add to its excellent reputation with passengers and drivers alike and are very much in line with our strategy of having one of the most modern fleets in operation anywhere in Britain today.”

Welcoming the Lothian Buses CEO to the Ballymena facility, Wright Group Managing Director Mark Nodder said, “We are thrilled that Neil has been able to take time out of his busy schedule to pay us a visit. Since placing their first order with us some four years ago, Lothian Buses has become an important and much valued customer of Wrightbus and I am delighted that Lothian will be first to take delivery of this new generation of Eclipse product.”

A Wrightbus Eclipse 2 Single Deck bus destined for service with Lothian Buses will be one of three vehicles to be exhibited by the Wright Group at next month’s Euro Expo Show 2008 in Birmingham.

Evening Buses Withdrawn from Belfield

Route 10 at UCD Belfield

 

Dublin Bus has curtailed services on routes 3 and 10 to avoid serving the Belfield campus of University College Dublin after 8.30pm, according to this report on the RTE News website.

The withdrawal of services followed reports of unruly behaviour, mobbing of buses and an alleged attack on an inspector.

 

LUAS Point Extension Shots

A few pictures showing the progress of works on the LUAS tramway extension to Dublin’s Docklands and Point Depot / O2.

This work seems as if it has been going on forever, and yet wseems far less advanced than that on the Cherrywood extension, which was a much later and longer addition to the network.

All pictures taken Sunday 19th October 2008 – click on any picture for a larger version.

Tracklaying at Mayor St / Castleforbes crossing, looking east towards Point Village

Looking west from Castleforbes, towards Spencer Dock

Looking east along Mayor Street, towards Spencer Dock

Mayor Street looking west towards IFSC

Based on the fact that trackbed construction is not complete, or even started in some areas, I would suggest it was be late in 2009 or into 2010 before services commence on this line extension.

Belfield morning shots

Some shots taken at the main bus station at UCD Belfield in the morning peak, Friday 17th October 2008.

All photos can be seen fullsize by clicking on them

Bus Eireann Scania/Irizar SC263

AV25 has arrived in as a 70B

Route 17 is still Olympian operated. RV443 is seen heading for Blackrock

AV43 has arrived into Belfield as a euro-duty 25X

. . . and departs for town as a 46A

AV303 on duty 10/10 with another 10 behind it. Note the contrasting James Bond ads.

Minister Dempsey on 2009 Transport Spending

Transport Minister Noel Dempsey (photo: AllAboutBuses.com)

GOVERNMENT PRESS RELEASE

Ministers announce €3.6 billion for Transport (Budget 2009)

• €1.27 billion on improved Public Transport
• €2.1 billion on National, Regional and Local Roads
• €40 million on Road Safety
• €35m for Aviation Sector and development of Regional Airports
• €48 million for improved activities of Coast Guard and Maritime Safety

Ireland’s Minister for Transport, Noel Dempsey TD, today outlined plans for a €3.6 billion investment package in transport for the coming year following the publication of Budget 2009.

Speaking today Minister Dempsey said; “The €3.6 billion in this year’s transport budget underlines the Government’s continued commitment to investing in key transport infrastructure projects. A word class transport infrastructure is critical to our economy’s competitiveness. This funding will allow me to continue rolling out Transport 21 projects such as Metro North and the new Dart Interconnector, both of which will provide the backbone of an integrated public transport system for Dublin.

With this funding I aim to progress a variety of Transport 21 projects particularly in the area of public transport. Next year I also intend to continue rolling out our major interurban motorways which are now nearing completion.”

Speaking today, Minister of State at the Department of Transport Mr. Noel Ahern TD said; “A total of almost €40 million is being provided by this Government for road safety initiatives in 2009. This level of funding for the Road Safety Authority and the Medical Bureau of Road Safety will solidify the key role these organisations play in implementing the Road Safety Strategy. During the period 1997-2007 for example, we have seen deaths of our roads drop by 30% so this funding will help to augment this welcome downward trend.

The allocation of €48 million to maritime transport and safety will allow us to improve and modernise the Irish Coast Guard and continue to invest in maritime safety.”

The main transport programmes that Budget ‘09 provides for are as follows:

Public Transport – €1.27 billion

This will enable progress on a wide range of projects, including:

• Luas extensions to Cherrywood, Docklands and Citywest;
• Planning and enabling works on Metro North;
• Planning works for the DART Interconnector.
• Improved bus priority measures in Dublin and the regional cities;
• The completion of the Middleton rail line
• Phase 1 of the Western Rail Corridor from Ennis to Athenry;
• The construction of the Kildare Route project
• Phase 1 of the Navan rail line;
• The continuation of Iarnród Éireann’s railway safety programme;
• The start of the Dublin city centre rail re-signalling programme;
• Continued roll-out of new railcars on the intercity routes;

Other notable projects that will be continued into 2009 are:

• The Rural Transport Programme (now operating in every county and will provide more than million passenger journeys in 2009)
• The Green Schools Programme (targeting 140,000 school kids by providing walking/cycling/public transport alternatives to get to school).

Roads – €2.1 billion

Key national routes will be progressed as planned, specifically:

• The major inter urban motorway connecting Dublin with Waterford
• The major inter urban motorway connecting Dublin with Galway
• The major inter urban motorway connecting Dublin with Limerick
• The major inter urban motorway connecting Dublin with Cork
• A dual carriageway road within Northern Ireland transforming access to the North West of the Island.
• The Atlantic Road corridor
• The M50 upgrade will be completed.

Over €600 million is being made available to local authorities throughout the country for the upgrade and maintenance of regional and local roads.

Road Safety – €40 million

This funding will be aimed at maintaining the downward trend in road deaths. Deaths on Irish roads have dropped by 30 per cent in the period from 1997 to 2007.

Maritime Transport and Safety – €48 million

This allocation will allow us to improve and modernise the Irish Coast Guard and maritime safety to meet the needs of a 21^st century maritime nation.

Regional Airports/Aviation Sector – € 35 million

The Department has made provisions to meet contractual commitments on the various regional airport projects and our share of the cost of the City of Derry Airport development.

Budget 2009 – Transport Spending

Figures released by the irish Government relating to transport spending in 2009.

TRANSPORT

Gross Expenditure for the Department of Transport in 2009 is €3,613 million, a decrease of €160 million (€6 million Current and €154 million Capital) relative to the 2008 forecast outturn. The key policy measures and adjustments associated with these resources in 2009 and later years are as follows:-

PUBLIC TRANSPORT

· capital expenditure of over €900 million is allocated to fund public transport infrastructure. This is about €70 million less than the amount made available in 2008, but it is sufficient for progress on a wide range of projects, including:

- Luas extensions to Cherrywood, Docklands and Citywest

- improved bus priority measures in Dublin and the regional cities

- the completion of the Midleton rail line and phase 1 of the Western Rail Corridor from Ennis to Athenry

- the construction of the Kildare Route project and phase 1 of the Navan rail line

- the continuation of Iarnród Éireann’s railway safety programme

- the start of the Dublin city centre rail re-signalling programme

- continued roll-out of new railcars on the intercity routes

- planning and enabling works on Metro North, and

- planning works for the DART Interconnector;

· in addition, €338 million of current expenditure is provided for the operation of public transport services throughout the country. This is €6 million more than the 2008 provision.

ROADS

· capital expenditure of over €1.4 billion is being made available to the National Roads Authority. This allocation is €157 million less than in 2008, and while progress on some projects will necessarily have to slow down, key national routes will be delivered as planned, specifically:

- the major inter urban roads connecting Dublin with the regional cities of Waterford, Galway, Limerick and Cork by end-2010;

- the M50 upgrade;

there will also be progress on other key national routes, including the Atlantic Road

Corridor;

· over €600 million is being made available to local authorities throughout the country for the upgrade and maintenance of regional and local roads;

· capital expenditure of €10 million is provided for additional carbon reduction measures to target climate change initiatives in the transport sector;

· as a start to the Government’s commitment to part-fund a dual carriageway road within Northern Ireland transforming access to the North West of the island, a capital provision of €13.5 million is being made available in 2009 towards the planning works for this project;

OTHER

· provision for Regional Airports is reduced by €13 million to €11 million in 2009. Annual provision for capital investment in the regional airports is decided according to estimates of likely drawdowns in the year for specific projects. This can vary from year to year;

· overall, the reduced capital allocation for transport will require some rescheduling of projects. Such decisions will be taken by the Department of Transport and its agencies on a project-by-project basis, taking account of their assessment of priorities within the revised expenditure envelope;

· the impact of the reduced current allocation is being spread across a number of areas and principally involves reduced expenditure on road maintenance.

Minister disputes Patton Flyer claims

Comments in Dail by Transport Minister claim operator applied for licence in 2007, not 2006

Patton Flyer links Dalkey to Dublin Airport

Further interesting information has emerged in the long-running saga of the Patton Flyer coach service in Dublin, which the Department of Transport says is being run without a licence.

The service, which links Dalkey and Blackrock to Dublin Airport via the Eastlink and the Port Tunnel runs hourly and is seen to be carrying healthy loadings. DoT officials say they reported the operator to the Gardai in August 2007 for operating without a licence, though what action has been taken as a result is unclear.

Back in March, we reported on claims that a very long delay in dealing with a licence application had forced the coach company to start the service without a licence. According to the operator, they had submitted an application in 2006, without reply.

Now recent comments on the record of the Dail (Irish parliment) by Transport Minister Noel Dempsey seem to dispute this version of events, as according to the Minister the operator only applied for the licence in early 2007.

Below is the full text of the minister’s Dail response when questioned.

Apart from the date of the application, this answer is interesting in that it confirms that the reason for the licence not being granted is, as long suspected, the prior application for a licence by Aircoach, whose Greystone to Dublin Airport service only meets the Patton Flyer along part of the route.

 23. Deputy Seán Barrett asked the Minister for Transport  if he will grant a licence to a bus service (details supplied) to operate a scheduled bus service between Dalkey and intermediary points such as Glasthule, Dún Laoghaire and Monkstown with Dublin Airport which are not served by an alternative bus operator; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32450/08]

Minister for Transport (Deputy Noel Dempsey): My Department received an application on the 20 February 2007 from the operator to whom the Deputy refers, for a licence to operate bus passenger services between Dalkey and Dublin Airport. At that time, my Department had on hands a prior application for bus services on a similar route, and in accordance with administrative procedures, applications were dealt with in date order. That prior application was finalised in December 2007 and a licence has issued to that operator for the provision of bus passenger services between Greystones and Dublin Airport.

In the case of the service referred to by the Deputy, on the 16 July 2007 my Department was made aware that the operator concerned had commenced the operation of an unlicensed bus passenger service between Dalkey and Dublin Airport. My Department immediately contacted that company and advised that failure to cease the operation of the service in respect of which a licence had not been issued under the Road Transport Act 1932, is an offence under section 7 of that Act. It is also a prerequisite before the making of an offer of a licence that in accordance with road traffic and safety legislation the applicant provides my Department with Garda approvals for all proposed bus stops along the route and holds a Road Passenger transport Operations Licence.

While there is a strong passenger demand for a service between Dalkey and Dublin Airport, my Department would only be prepared to make an offer of a licence to Patton Flyer if that company demonstrates that it would be prepared to operate in conformity with the law.

World Debut for Wright’s Hybrid Streetcar

WORLDWIDE DEBUT FOR NORTHERN IRISH BUILT STREETCAR RTV

Wright Streetcar RTV (Wrightbus)

 

 

 

 

StreetCar RTV – new generation of Rapid Transit Vehicle from the Wright Group, makes its worldwide debut at the APTA Expo 2008 in San Diego California this week (5th – 8th October), in association with technology partner the ISE Corporation.

Exhibited in the stunning new livery of the “ACE Downtown Connector”, the 62ft (18.7m) long, 30 tonne GVW articulated Rapid Transit Vehicle (RTV) is the first of 50 such vehicles that have been commissioned by the Regional Transportation Commission (RTC) of Southern Nevada.

Wright Group’s StreetCar RTV is at the heart of a whole new initiative to attract existing commuters away from their cars, as well as provide fast and efficient transit for the high numbers of tourists who visit Las Vegas and the surrounding area. The ACE Downtown Connector rapid transit project is the first phase in an overall project to eventually provide a high speed transit connection from downtown Las Vegas, through the resort corridor.

A centrepiece worthy of any integrated Rapid Transit system, StreetCar RTV successfully transfers the key attributes and technologies of a light rail service onto the road. It has a distinctive light rail-like appearance, with a slanted front windscreen and large, seamless windows giving it a sleek, modern design. With three wide doorways facilitating easy access for all users, StreetCar RTV offers low floor boarding and level floors throughout for efficient passenger flow.

Powered by a state-of-the-art Hybrid Electric Drive System developed in conjunction with the ISE Corporation and Siemens, StreetCar RTV is the first Series Hybrid-configured articulated vehicle in the US, providing a highly fuel-efficient mode of transport with exceptionally low environmental impact.

StreetCar RTV is a development of the StreetCar concept successfully launched in the UK in 2005, with a specification customised to RTC of Southern Nevada’s exacting requirements. As such, it is unlike any other bus in operation. With a modular chassis, the Siemens (ISE) Electric Hybrid Drive System is based on a Cummins ISL engine and features water-cooled Nickel Metal Hydride batteries and also incorporates for the very first time in transit buses, highly efficient permanent magnetic technology which creates a highly efficient motor.

Incorporating a Carrier Avantac all-electric, modular air conditioning system, Streetcar RTV has an innovative vehicle packaging and layout, featuring three wide doors which allow unimpeded boarding and alighting, a sealed driver’s compartment, integrated telematics and Real Time Passenger Information (RTPI), WiFi as well as ambient lighting. Further innovations include two wheelchair positions, one of which is rearward facing in full compliance of legislation and three interior bike racks – improving the both the exterior aesthetics and aerodynamics of the vehicle.

 

Room for three bikes (Wightbus)

 

The safety and security of the StreetCar RTV’s 104 passengers at maximum capacity (44 seated) is enhanced by a Panic button, with live video feed from CCTV cameras capable of being relayed both back to its operational base as well as the Local Police Department.

Speaking at the launch of the StreetCar RTV at San Diego, the Wright Group Managing Director Mark Nodder said, “Each element of the StreetCar RTV has been designed and engineered to set new standards in public transit. Taking a radically different and totally innovative approach to every aspect of the mode, it has challenged every aspect of the traditional concept of the bus.”

He added, “From its hybrid propulsion system, dramatic exterior styling, total rethinking of the driver’s workspace and the redefinition of the passenger experience, StreetCar has redefined the category from BRT – Bus Rapid Transit to RTV – Rapid Transit Vehicle”.

The first of a $55m contract for 50 vehicles for RTC of Southern Nevada’s ACE Downtown Connector system, StreetCar RTV is built at the Wright Group’s Ballymena production facility in Northern Ireland. As with all Wright Group products, StreetCar RTV has undergone an extensive programme of testing and proving to ensure that it can withstand the rigorous daily demands in even the most extreme operating environment or conditions. It is fully supported by the Wright Group’s Customcare organisation, which provides parts and technical support wherever a vehicle may be in operation.

Chief Executive of the ISE Corporation Rick Sander commented, “We are proud to play an integral part in this ground breaking project, which has seen many US corporations such as ourselves develop and apply innovative technologies to provide a whole new concept in passenger travel. As leaders in our field, we firmly believe that hybrid fuel system technology has huge potential in many market sectors in this country and beyond, now that it is a proven economic proposition.”

2009/10 Dublin bus fleet renewal tender

 

Dublin Bus: single-decks in the firing line for 2009/10 replacement

Dublin Bus (Bus Atha Cliath) has tendered for its fleet replacement requirements for the years 2009/2010, and for the first time in 8 years is looking to purchase single-deck buses as well as double-decks.

The company,  operates around 1,170 buses in the greater Dublin Area (GDA) of which all but 74 are double-deck.  No new single-decks have been purchased since 2001.

The fleet replacement tender for 2009/10 (see notice below) calls for up to 200 standard two-axle double-deck buses, up to 100 tree-axle double-deck buses, and up to 50 standard two-axle single-deck midibuses.  The numbers specified do not indicate the total size of the eventual order, which based on past orders is likely to be closer to 100-150 buses in total.

This tender would be for vehicles to be delivered at the end of 2009 and into 2010.

An existing order for 150 double-deck buses for delivery starting this month is already in build at two manufacturers as follows:

50 x Volvo B9TL Wight Eclipse Gemini D/D  (WR1-50)  – first of these off production line and delivery to commence shortly.

50 x Volvo B9TL ADL Enviro 400 D/D (EV51-100) – in production, delivery to commence late october

50 x ADL Enviro 400 Integral D/D (unclassified as yet)  – delivery spring 2009.

Of the 778 double-deck buses put into service in the past 8 years, all but 10 have been on Volvo chassis.

The existing 74-strong single-deck fleet are all Volvo based, with 4 VL-class Volvo B10L Ultras dating from 1997/8,  50 remaining out of a batch of 52 Volvo B6RLE/Wright midibuses from 1999-2001, and 20 Volvo B7L/Wright articulated buses delivered in 2000 and put into service in 2001.

The company has experienced problems with the 52-strong B6RLE midibus fleet, 3 of which have been destroyed by self-ignited fires in the pas few years, and may be looking to replace these buses from 2010 onwards.

The tender is open until November 3rd, and contract awards are not expected to be published intil next year.

 

Title:	Supply and Maintenance of Buses
Published by:	Dublin Bus / Bus Atha Cliath
Publication Date:	03/10/2008
Application Deadline:
Notice Deadline Date:	03/11/2008
Notice Deadline Time:	12:00
Notice Type:	Tender
Has Documents:	Yes
Abstract:	This contract is for the supply of up to 200 standard twin-axle double deck buses and up to 100 tri-axle double deck buses and up to 50 single deck twin axle midibuses.For each category of vehicle quotations will be required for supply only, and as an option tenderers may also quote for supply together with planned maintenance of the vehicles for periods of 3 and 5 years. CPV: 34121100, 34121000, 50113000.