[sustran] Re: UK Funding switch from Light Rail to Busway

[Eric Bruun]

Normally, I just read and learn from this discussion group. But this is the second time in the recent past that I simply have to say something. 

The UK is a very special case. The Central Government's definition of what is good performance is not the same as in Europe or in North America. Because of the Private Finance Initiative, the rates of return required are higher than for public projects. Projects also might be based on the investors getting some of the fare revenue. The Croydon Tramlink in London would be considered a success elsewhere, but it is not a financial success for the private investors through no fault of their own. Transport for London sensibly is introducing Smart Cards with integrated fares, so that there are fewer fares collected than anticipated, but the investors are not being compensated for this change of plans. 

This experience is causing potential investors to be cautious. It is not helped by the fact that the Government doesn't allow coordination with bus networks so that there may be massive duplicative service.

The last two issues of Urban Transport International have had interesting articles about this. I would not rely only on the Government's viewpoint.

Eric Bruun



-----Original Message-----
From: Alan P Howes <alan at ourpeagreenboat.co.uk>
Sent: Apr 25, 2004 9:54 PM
To: sustran-discuss at list.jca.apc.org
Cc: Jerry Schneider <jbs at peak.org>
Subject: [sustran] UK Funding switch from Light Rail to Busway

That's two people now who have asked about the above.  Most of the
coverage I have seen of this is in the UK specialist magazines Local
Transport Today and Transit - neither of which publish on-line.
Though I will see if I can find an article to scan.

There's some fairly good coverage though, on the BBC website at
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/3651587.stm  Useful links to follow too.

Another source is the UK Department for Transport website.  It's big,
and I haven't yet found a definitive article.  But if you take a look
at - 
http://www.dft.gov.uk/pns/DisplayPN.cgi?pn_id=2003_0170
[UK DfT > Home > Local Transport > Local transport plan - process and
initiatives > Local transport capital settlements > Local transport
plans settlement - December 2003]
you will find details of DfT capital grants for local transport.  Lots
of busways - no trams!  If you dig around on the DfT site you might
find more.

Then, hot off the press (April 23rd) there is a report from the UK
National Audit Office at http://www.nao.org.uk/pn/03-04/0304518.htm

I haven't had time as yet to read the exec summary, let alone the full
report.  But basically it is pointing out the fact that tram schemes
in the UK have mostly fallen short of meeting planned performance, and
looks at why.

Regards, Alan
-- 
Alan P Howes, Perthshire, Scotland
alan at ourpeagreenboat.co.uk
http://www.users.zetnet.co.uk/alanhowes/  [Needs Updating!]