Christian Wolmar - Academia.edu (original) (raw)
Papers by Christian Wolmar
Transport for London (TfL) was created four years ago as part of the new devolved government in L... more Transport for London (TfL) was created four years ago as part of the new devolved government in London. Increased funding through the government's spending review in 2000 gave an opportunity to make improvements, which has been quickly grasped. In a city like London, where dependence on public transport is high, this has been an important change that follows decades of underinvestment. TfL remains heavily reliant on government grants, as do transport authorities across the country, and there is no indication yet that funding will be increased. As a result, the outcome of the government's spending and rail reviews will have far-reaching implications for TfL's ability to deliver transport improvements. This supplement was written to encourage debate about the challenges London's transport system faces. This also has parallels up and down the country and there is much that can be learnt from shared experiences. This document contains articles as follows: Overworked and underpaid, about London's public transport system; Keep on moving, which discusses traffic congestion; Stealing the show, about public buses; Nothing's too good for ordinary people; How to bridge the funding gap, on transport finances; An interview with Tony McNulty, the minister for transport; A unique urban experiment, about the congestion charge; Growth with greenery; and When business wants to pay up, on transport policy.
A further title in the DRUGS series, looking at the history of drugs in sport, exposing the perso... more A further title in the DRUGS series, looking at the history of drugs in sport, exposing the personalities and scandals that have tarnished the once healthy image. Illustrated with colour and black and white photographs.
Dorling Kindersley eBooks, 2014
This is a fascinating journey through the history of railways. From the early steam trains to the... more This is a fascinating journey through the history of railways. From the early steam trains to the high-speed bullet trains of today, The Iron Road tells the hidden stories of railway history- the inspired engineering, blood, sweat and tears that went into the construction of the railways. Uncover the compelling tales of bold vision, invention and error, and social change behind the history of trains and railways, with famous railways such as the Transsiberian fully explored. Learn how the great railway pioneers such as George Stephenson produced the ideas and feats of engineering that created the railways and changed the world. Each exciting moment of railway history is captured, contextualised and enhanced by superb illustrations. Trains and railways of the past like the romantic Orient Express are brought to life through amazing eyewitness accounts, allowing you to see the railways through the eyes of people who were there at the time. Written by Christian Wolmar, an award-winning writer and broadcaster, The Iron Road is an exciting trip through the history of trains for any railway enthusiast.
Like women’s issues, gay rights was not on the Left’s early agenda when they took control of the ... more Like women’s issues, gay rights was not on the Left’s early agenda when they took control of the first wave of Labour councils. Indeed the more establishment figures on the soft Left, such as David Blunkett and Margaret Hodge have always treated the issue with circumspection, cautious that a high profile might undermine support from the traditional working-class communities, while sections of Militant and the ‘workerist Left’ have positively espoused the hostility and prejudice which they assume the ‘working class’ would feel. Several factors led to a growing concern by the new Left with lesbian and gay rights. First, there was a wider concern for civil liberties and equal rights, aimed at tackling discrimination. Second, feminists were challenging assumptions about the ‘normal’ family and proposing changes in service provision which reflected the needs of a diverse range of household types, including single parents, single people and extended families. Trying to meet the needs of lesbians and gay men was necessary to reverse past exclusion and, it was argued, councils should cease to regard any household structure as normal, or to enforce conformity to any particular lifestyle. At the same time, sections of the Left believed that a new politics could only be constructed by abandoning a simple reliance on the traditional working class, and constructing instead a ‘rainbow alliance’ of oppressed groups, which would also include women, blacks, young single people — and lesbians and gays — groups which, added together, would form a majority for socialism.
When Mrs Thatcher won the 1979 general election, a power struggle with town halls was inevitable.... more When Mrs Thatcher won the 1979 general election, a power struggle with town halls was inevitable. Like other Prime Ministers, her instincts were essentially centralist. She had a longstanding distrust of Labour local government stemming from her days as Education Secretary in the 1970–4 Heath government. This was reinforced in the late 1970s when she saw the potential of urban councils to grow into power bases of municipal socialism, determined to thwart the assumed supremacy of the Westminster mandate.
This chapter and the following two examine the municipal Left’s initiatives on equal opportunitie... more This chapter and the following two examine the municipal Left’s initiatives on equal opportunities for blacks, women and gays and lesbians. The roots of these initiatives lay very much outside the traditional Labour movement, stemming from the single issue campaigns and community action of the 1970s. Disenchanted with the limitations of this kind of pressure group politics, and growing weary of internal splits, many of the activists joined the Labour party and attempted to broaden its concerns away from traditional issues. Some became councillors themselves. So, gradually, these new concerns crept onto the political agenda.
It was inevitable that the new Left councils should find themselves locked into conflict with a r... more It was inevitable that the new Left councils should find themselves locked into conflict with a radical Conservative government. Councils determined to redistribute local resources, to experiment with new approaches to collective provision and local planning and to act as a platform for socialist alternatives were bound to draw Tory fire. Left councils were seen as a direct challenge by a centralising government intent on reducing local power and public spending.
The paper sets out to question the existence of Railtrack and its present and future role. The pu... more The paper sets out to question the existence of Railtrack and its present and future role. The purpose of Railtrack, created in 1994, is to control, maintain and enhance the UK rail network, which is split into seven zones. A problem concerning Railtrack is that it is seen as an organisation without a definable product. Although one of its functions is to sell train paths, there is little incentive as prices are fixed by the Rail Regulator and supply cannot be boosted except through Government subsidy of long-term enhancements. It is suggested that restructuring is necessary under a three-step approach starting with a simplification of the structure, then a reform in a merger of the Rail Regulator and the Strategic Rail Authority, followed by refranchising to give operators more track responsibility. It is argued that Railtrack cannot remain in its present unsustainable form and that debate is required for the industry to decide what form the organisation should take.
... The rail franchises need renewing, but it would be better to wait a year while developing som... more ... The rail franchises need renewing, but it would be better to wait a year while developing some concept of what railways will need to provide. Files: ITRD. ... Subject Areas: Administration and Management; Planning and Forecasting; Policy; Public Transportation; Railroads. ...
IntechOpen eBooks, Sep 22, 2021
Proceedings of the Institution of Civil Engineers, Nov 1, 1997
SUBTITLE: CHRISTIAN WOLMAR'S 'MAD' RAILWAY COLUMN IN THE INDEPENDENT ON SUNDAY, WHICH... more SUBTITLE: CHRISTIAN WOLMAR'S 'MAD' RAILWAY COLUMN IN THE INDEPENDENT ON SUNDAY, WHICH HAS IDENTIFIED SOME OF THE BIZARRE EFFECTS OF THE GOVERNMENT'S RAIL PRIVATISATION POLICY, HAS JUST BEEN PUBLISHED IN BOOK FORM BY IAN ALLAN -- AS A TASTER, WE PUBLISH HERE AN EXCERPT FROM THE INTRODUCTION, PLUS A CHAPTER FROM THE BOOK.
bridges – to the tune of billions of dollars. Sadik-Kahn did not accomplish this on her own, and ... more bridges – to the tune of billions of dollars. Sadik-Kahn did not accomplish this on her own, and she is quick to recognise the myriad staff, confidants, and advocates who guided her and helped her fulfil the Mayor’s vision. A tireless cheerleader for data and analysis, she was clear that they could not have accomplished nearly as much without the evidence that things were working – or insight into how to fix things that were off-track. Hers is a story of creativity, perseverance, and smart and deliberate planning writ large on the tableau of New York City. Ultimately, for the newer planner or engineer, this book explains transportation problems through accessible language and real, recent examples. For more seasoned professionals, it is a reminder to dig in and fight for a better future, supported by data and bolstered by the innovative and thoughtful work of Sadik-Kahn and her NYCDOT team, as well as other forward-thinking cities around the globe. As she concludes, “(i)f you can remake it here (in NYC), you can remake it anywhere” (p 294).
Transport for London (TfL) was created four years ago as part of the new devolved government in L... more Transport for London (TfL) was created four years ago as part of the new devolved government in London. Increased funding through the government's spending review in 2000 gave an opportunity to make improvements, which has been quickly grasped. In a city like London, where dependence on public transport is high, this has been an important change that follows decades of underinvestment. TfL remains heavily reliant on government grants, as do transport authorities across the country, and there is no indication yet that funding will be increased. As a result, the outcome of the government's spending and rail reviews will have far-reaching implications for TfL's ability to deliver transport improvements. This supplement was written to encourage debate about the challenges London's transport system faces. This also has parallels up and down the country and there is much that can be learnt from shared experiences. This document contains articles as follows: Overworked and underpaid, about London's public transport system; Keep on moving, which discusses traffic congestion; Stealing the show, about public buses; Nothing's too good for ordinary people; How to bridge the funding gap, on transport finances; An interview with Tony McNulty, the minister for transport; A unique urban experiment, about the congestion charge; Growth with greenery; and When business wants to pay up, on transport policy.
A further title in the DRUGS series, looking at the history of drugs in sport, exposing the perso... more A further title in the DRUGS series, looking at the history of drugs in sport, exposing the personalities and scandals that have tarnished the once healthy image. Illustrated with colour and black and white photographs.
Dorling Kindersley eBooks, 2014
This is a fascinating journey through the history of railways. From the early steam trains to the... more This is a fascinating journey through the history of railways. From the early steam trains to the high-speed bullet trains of today, The Iron Road tells the hidden stories of railway history- the inspired engineering, blood, sweat and tears that went into the construction of the railways. Uncover the compelling tales of bold vision, invention and error, and social change behind the history of trains and railways, with famous railways such as the Transsiberian fully explored. Learn how the great railway pioneers such as George Stephenson produced the ideas and feats of engineering that created the railways and changed the world. Each exciting moment of railway history is captured, contextualised and enhanced by superb illustrations. Trains and railways of the past like the romantic Orient Express are brought to life through amazing eyewitness accounts, allowing you to see the railways through the eyes of people who were there at the time. Written by Christian Wolmar, an award-winning writer and broadcaster, The Iron Road is an exciting trip through the history of trains for any railway enthusiast.
Like women’s issues, gay rights was not on the Left’s early agenda when they took control of the ... more Like women’s issues, gay rights was not on the Left’s early agenda when they took control of the first wave of Labour councils. Indeed the more establishment figures on the soft Left, such as David Blunkett and Margaret Hodge have always treated the issue with circumspection, cautious that a high profile might undermine support from the traditional working-class communities, while sections of Militant and the ‘workerist Left’ have positively espoused the hostility and prejudice which they assume the ‘working class’ would feel. Several factors led to a growing concern by the new Left with lesbian and gay rights. First, there was a wider concern for civil liberties and equal rights, aimed at tackling discrimination. Second, feminists were challenging assumptions about the ‘normal’ family and proposing changes in service provision which reflected the needs of a diverse range of household types, including single parents, single people and extended families. Trying to meet the needs of lesbians and gay men was necessary to reverse past exclusion and, it was argued, councils should cease to regard any household structure as normal, or to enforce conformity to any particular lifestyle. At the same time, sections of the Left believed that a new politics could only be constructed by abandoning a simple reliance on the traditional working class, and constructing instead a ‘rainbow alliance’ of oppressed groups, which would also include women, blacks, young single people — and lesbians and gays — groups which, added together, would form a majority for socialism.
When Mrs Thatcher won the 1979 general election, a power struggle with town halls was inevitable.... more When Mrs Thatcher won the 1979 general election, a power struggle with town halls was inevitable. Like other Prime Ministers, her instincts were essentially centralist. She had a longstanding distrust of Labour local government stemming from her days as Education Secretary in the 1970–4 Heath government. This was reinforced in the late 1970s when she saw the potential of urban councils to grow into power bases of municipal socialism, determined to thwart the assumed supremacy of the Westminster mandate.
This chapter and the following two examine the municipal Left’s initiatives on equal opportunitie... more This chapter and the following two examine the municipal Left’s initiatives on equal opportunities for blacks, women and gays and lesbians. The roots of these initiatives lay very much outside the traditional Labour movement, stemming from the single issue campaigns and community action of the 1970s. Disenchanted with the limitations of this kind of pressure group politics, and growing weary of internal splits, many of the activists joined the Labour party and attempted to broaden its concerns away from traditional issues. Some became councillors themselves. So, gradually, these new concerns crept onto the political agenda.
It was inevitable that the new Left councils should find themselves locked into conflict with a r... more It was inevitable that the new Left councils should find themselves locked into conflict with a radical Conservative government. Councils determined to redistribute local resources, to experiment with new approaches to collective provision and local planning and to act as a platform for socialist alternatives were bound to draw Tory fire. Left councils were seen as a direct challenge by a centralising government intent on reducing local power and public spending.
The paper sets out to question the existence of Railtrack and its present and future role. The pu... more The paper sets out to question the existence of Railtrack and its present and future role. The purpose of Railtrack, created in 1994, is to control, maintain and enhance the UK rail network, which is split into seven zones. A problem concerning Railtrack is that it is seen as an organisation without a definable product. Although one of its functions is to sell train paths, there is little incentive as prices are fixed by the Rail Regulator and supply cannot be boosted except through Government subsidy of long-term enhancements. It is suggested that restructuring is necessary under a three-step approach starting with a simplification of the structure, then a reform in a merger of the Rail Regulator and the Strategic Rail Authority, followed by refranchising to give operators more track responsibility. It is argued that Railtrack cannot remain in its present unsustainable form and that debate is required for the industry to decide what form the organisation should take.
... The rail franchises need renewing, but it would be better to wait a year while developing som... more ... The rail franchises need renewing, but it would be better to wait a year while developing some concept of what railways will need to provide. Files: ITRD. ... Subject Areas: Administration and Management; Planning and Forecasting; Policy; Public Transportation; Railroads. ...
IntechOpen eBooks, Sep 22, 2021
Proceedings of the Institution of Civil Engineers, Nov 1, 1997
SUBTITLE: CHRISTIAN WOLMAR'S 'MAD' RAILWAY COLUMN IN THE INDEPENDENT ON SUNDAY, WHICH... more SUBTITLE: CHRISTIAN WOLMAR'S 'MAD' RAILWAY COLUMN IN THE INDEPENDENT ON SUNDAY, WHICH HAS IDENTIFIED SOME OF THE BIZARRE EFFECTS OF THE GOVERNMENT'S RAIL PRIVATISATION POLICY, HAS JUST BEEN PUBLISHED IN BOOK FORM BY IAN ALLAN -- AS A TASTER, WE PUBLISH HERE AN EXCERPT FROM THE INTRODUCTION, PLUS A CHAPTER FROM THE BOOK.
bridges – to the tune of billions of dollars. Sadik-Kahn did not accomplish this on her own, and ... more bridges – to the tune of billions of dollars. Sadik-Kahn did not accomplish this on her own, and she is quick to recognise the myriad staff, confidants, and advocates who guided her and helped her fulfil the Mayor’s vision. A tireless cheerleader for data and analysis, she was clear that they could not have accomplished nearly as much without the evidence that things were working – or insight into how to fix things that were off-track. Hers is a story of creativity, perseverance, and smart and deliberate planning writ large on the tableau of New York City. Ultimately, for the newer planner or engineer, this book explains transportation problems through accessible language and real, recent examples. For more seasoned professionals, it is a reminder to dig in and fight for a better future, supported by data and bolstered by the innovative and thoughtful work of Sadik-Kahn and her NYCDOT team, as well as other forward-thinking cities around the globe. As she concludes, “(i)f you can remake it here (in NYC), you can remake it anywhere” (p 294).