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

[Jonathan E. D. Richmond]

On what basis would the Croydon Tramlink be considered "a success." I
believe we must systematically weight the alternatives before we can
define success.

Have you seen my article on "A Whole-System Approach? (review of US light
rail and critique of evaluation methods) --Jonathan


On Sun, 25 Apr 2004, Eric Bruun wrote:

>
> 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!]
>
>

-----

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