AN INDEPENDENT VOICE FOR RAIL USERS No 131 £2 April 2012

Spain’s new high speed

rail station: Pages 2 & 10 Picture: FOSTER + PARTNERS Page one picture LOCAL ACTION Our cover picture is another at the station entrance and Picture: CSR example of high speed rail has a network of pedestrian Yorkshire spreading across Europe. routes leading to the station By Chris Hyomes It shows how the new station where there will also be a [email protected] bus interchange. for Ourense in north-west n n Electrification bonanza Spain will look. “We are delighted to have Railfuture Yorkshire is London-based Foster been selected for our delighted with the go-ahead + Partners are part of a integrated design and look for electrification of the consortium which won an forward to working with Manchester-Leeds-York line over international competition to the city of Ourense as the the Pennines via Stalybridge, design the station. project develops,” said Nigel Huddersfield and Dewsbury. Dancey of Foster + Partners. There have been worries, The design incorporates a Toxic policy on lorries however, about what will happen new park – partly built over The 90-mile long double- to the existing stopping services the tracks – for the Galician track route, incorporating Rail freight use has been going to take thousands more long-dis- and the future of services city which is surrounded 50 miles of new line, from up in recent years, in line with tance lorry journeys off the road. ‘300 mph plus’ Sword from York to Scarborough, by mountains and has a Ourense to La Coruna cost recent official policy and -over “Mega-trucks are 50% longer Middlesbrough and Newcastle This is China’s latest high current crop of high speed which currently depend on population of 100,000. £2.7 billion and opened in whelming public opinion. and a third heavier than existing speed train, operated by the trains, like the CRH380A which December. through trains from Liverpool The park will join two parts But the Government has recently HGVs.” train maker CSR. was developed by CSR. The and Manchester. Transport Minister Theresa Villiers has told of the city which have been Ourense is about the same been backsliding in its support CRH380A set a world record MP Tom Blenkinsop (Lab, Middlesbrough South and East for rail freight and getting back The train is actually a separated by the existing size as Cambridge but it is Good news cutting-edge research project, of 300 mph in trials between Cleveland) that she has asked Network Rail to establish the in bed with the road lobby. Beijing and Shanghai in railway. unlikely that Cambridge will n A four-mile disused freight and will become a mobile test cost and whether there is a business case for electrification December 2010. be getting a high speed rail It has already axed freight facili- line between Newton Abbot and platform for new techniques. from Northallerton to Middlesbrough. High speed AVE platforms ties grants in England which The new “Sword” test train has are situated above the line in the immediate future. Heathfield has been reopened for It is aimed at “perfecting” n n Vital to invest in local rail, MPs agree helped to transfer freight from a weekly train to transport tim- six power coaches, and uses existing rail track. Maybe one day an HS3 will road to rail and delivered over- China’s high speed technology carbon fibre, magnesium alloy Two local MPs have been to see for themselves the working allow Cambridge to be part ber from Teignmouth, Devon to so it can build its own trains in The roof canopies provide whelming economic and envi- Wrexham, north Wales. and new sound-insulating conditions along the Penistone rail line. Jason McCartney shade at times and also of the European high speed ronmental benefits. future but also to export them, materials, It was shown to the (Con, Colne Valley) and Simon Reevell (Con, Dewsbury) rail network. Patrick Hallgate from Network maybe even to Britain. public in Qingdao. were invited by the Huddersfield, Penistone and Sheffield reflect daylight on to the Now the Scottish Government Rail said: “Without the railway, The project is supported by Rail Users’ Association. Peter Marshall, chairman of the platforms. The park starts More information: Page 10 has followed suit and slashed the anticipated growth in freight CSR has already supplied association, said: “Both MPs were amazed at how busy the the grants by more than half. traffic over the next 30 years the Chinese government 278 high speed trains to the trains were.” Mr McCartney said: “It is vital to invest in local The Rail Freight Group said that would mean an extra 1.5 million and several universities and Chinese network but hopes rail services as the roads get busier and I hope that I can help railwatch ISSN 0267-5943 www.railwatch.org.uk the Scottish grants should be lorry journeys on Britain’s roads institutes and is also aimed to apply for more than 100 in my role as vice-chairman of the Northern Rail All Party increased to seven times their each year.” at developing safer ways to technical patents as a result of Parliamentary Group.” is edited by Robert Stevens, John Stanford and Ray King “pitifully small” current level. go even faster than China’s work on the Sword. 4 Christchurch Square, London E9 7HU Tel 020 8985 8548 “Each freight train can take Just to meet expected demand n n Rundown station may be restored to its former glory [email protected] about 60 lorries off the roads and The first volume of Passengers Once [email protected] [email protected] they would have to be increased Railfuture Yorkshire welcomes the news that Wakefield by shifting traffic from already More by Terry Gough deals with Southern Kirkgate station, which former transport secretary Lord Printed by Print-Out, High Street, Histon, Cambridge CB4 4JD by 10 times. congested roads to rail will bring England. The 128-page book features Adonis called “one of the worst in Britain”, is to benefit from Tel 01223 232709 A bogus 10-year “trial” began in greater future benefits.” 120 locations and costs £19.99. ISBN January of 60ft (18.55m) lorries. extra funding for its refurbishment. Network Rail has pledged Railfuture members receive ­Railwatch free n Supermarket company Asda 978-1-85794-356-6 an additional £1.5 million to be spent on the “The Government justified Non-members can subscribe by sending £8 (cheque payable to has agreed to use rail freight Railfuture’s book Britain’s Growing grade II-listed building and is working with Groundwork allowing longer HGVs on our Railfuture) to: Alan Cocker, 11 Franklin Road, Ipswich, Suffolk IP3 9DX from Southampton to Cleveland Railway gave details of reopened lines Wakefield, whose executive director Ken Taylor said there roads by misleading MPs and in north east England to reduce and stations over the past 50 years was a commitment to bring the station back to its former For the next issue, to be published in July, copy must distorting the safety analysis,” glory and the improvements would be a catalyst for the Copy deadlines: its carbon dioxide emissions by but now this series of books is being be emailed to [email protected] by 7 May. Paper copy can be sent said Philippa Edmunds, manager regeneration of the entire Kirkgate area. 60%. Freightliner will run extra published by Silver Link Publishing of the Freight on Rail ­campaign. to 4 Christchurch Square, London E9 7HU but will need to be earlier. trains to remove 10,000 lorry dealing with the rail reopenings area by Other campaigners are also tell- miles. area. Advertising: Full page: £190. Half page: £95. Quarter page: £45. Small n ads: 30p per word. Free to members. ing the Government in no uncer- Eurotunnel’s subsidiary Euro- tain terms that 25-metre mega- porte Channel has been given IN BRIEF + IN BRIEF + IN BRIEF + IN BRIEF + IN BRIEF + IN BRIEF + IN BRIEF + IN BRIEF + IN BRIEF + IN BRIEF + IN BRIEF trucks weighing up to 60 tonnes permission to run its trains over is independent and voluntary. It is the campaigning Railfuture should not be allowed in Britain. the 70 miles of track between the name of the Railway ­Development Society Ltd, a not-for-profit company Rail cam- 50% pay cut. The company, once Railfuture, 10 Bellamy Avenue, reduced noise and lower costs. Channel Tunnel and London. David Bill MBE limited by guarantee. Registered in England and Wales No 5011634. The European Commission is paigner David Bill received an part of General Motors, is now Hartcliffe, Bristol BS13 0HW. It is supported by the Swedish It means that European gauge ­Registered Office: 24 Chedworth Place, Tattingstone, Suffolk IP9 2ND. proposing changes that would MBE for services to local govern- owned by Caterpillar. Please cut the stamps from their ­government. allow mega-truck traffic between freight trains will be able to run ment in the New Year honours envelopes leaving a quarter of an through to Barking. Eurotun- Rail- Most train oper- Bruce Williamson, 29 Granby Hill, consenting countries. list. Mr Bill, 67, is a member of Railfuture bequest inch margin of paper around the Boxing Day Media enquiries nel is also seeking permission to future member Martin Conway ators failed to provide any kind Clifton, Bristol BS8 4LT. Tel: 0117 9272954 Mobile: 07759 557389 The current UK limits for lorries Railfuture’s network develop- stamp and the post mark. run its class 92 locomotives on Cook of London, who died in of service on Boxing Day 2011. Email: [email protected] are 16.5 metres and 44 tonnes, ment committee but is also a Lib- French lines and beyond. 2010, left Railfuture £4,853 in his You can ask friends and rela- Elsewhere in Europe, it is a busy but the Government recently eral Democrat Leicestershire and tives to help too. Please ensure £21 per year. Family: £21 plus £2 for each will. day for rail travel. Membership approved a 10-year trial of 18.5 Hinckley councillor. that you include Railfuture in the extra person. Pensioners, students and unemployed: £14. User groups, Bad news metre lorries. address so Stephen can allocate community and parish councils: Please apply for rates. Born in Sheringham, he is a keen Good response Railfuture Clean the capital The Campaigners argue that once The Government has allowed supporter of the North Norfolk directors were delighted with the the correct funds to Railfuture. Campaign for Clean Air in Lon- If you would like to join Railfuture, European mega-trucks are the road lobby to get away with please contact David Harby, 6 Carral Close, Lincoln LN5 9BD Railway and the Norfolk Orbital response to the members’ ques- don has called on the capital’s allowed to travel between a massive highway robbery by Appleby and Email: [email protected] Railway project: www.norfolk- tionnaire which was distributed Settle at risk mayoral candidates to commit to member states, large UK haul- fixing the Euro vignette charge Settle on the famous Settle-Carl- Renewals and other membership queries: Lloyd Butler, 24 Chedworth orbital-railway.co.uk with the December edition of reducing emissions, which regu- age companies will claim they for foreign lorries using Brit- isle line are just two of the station Place, Tattingstone, Suffolk IP9 2ND. Email: [email protected] Railwatch. larly exceed European guide- are unfairly disadvantaged and ish roads at only £10 per day. A Industry plan Railfuture’s ticket offices that the McNulty lines. 38-tonne lorry does 10,000 times The comments from members Board elections held annually. Nomination forms can pressurise the Government to Chris Page submitted our 15-page are currently being analysed report recommends for closure. The campaign says London’s Elections more damage than the average be obtained from: allow them to operate 25-metre response in January to Network and more details will be avail- dirty air is the biggest public car per mile travelled. Lorries Returning Officer, PO Box 7690, Hinckley LE10 9WJ. 60-tonne vehicles on UK roads. Rail’s draft initial industry plan. able when the next Railwatch is Green train project Train health crisis for decades. www. should be charged based on their ­ You can also download a form from Ms Edmunds said: “Allowing published. builder Bombardier launched cleanairinlondon.org/ www.railfuture.org.uk/tiki-index.php?page=Elections mega-trucks will lead to more mileage, and enough to match Factory shut EMD, the mak- a green train of the future proj- road fatalities, more congestion the damage they do. ers of Britain’s class 66 freight Stamps for charity Help ect in January to make rail even Moscow rail uplift There Who’s Who: Many other useful contact details can be found and more pollution and will be Currently the subsidy paid to rail locomotives, closed its factory in raise money for Railfuture by more environmentally friendly, was a 21% increase in passengers on the Railfuture website www.railfuture.org.uk disastrous for the rail freight transport is a tiny fraction of that Ontario, Canada, and sacked 665 sending your used postage combining higher speeds, using trains to get to Moscow’s industry, which has the potential enjoyed by road freight. workers who refused to accept a stamps to Stamps for Charity, lower energy consumption, airports in 2011. 2 railwatch april 2012 www.railfuture.org.uk ◆◆◆◆ You can buy our book Britain’s Growing Railway online at www.railfuture.org.uk railwatch april 2012 3 Thinking big will lead to bigger dividends for us all LOCAL ACTION By Ian Brown the other end of the scale, where [email protected] Ian Brown North West retired as total modernisation has taken As my family sat down to over- By Arthur Thomson managing place in the form of attractive indulge in our Christmas turkey, [email protected] director of stations, improved frequency of my thoughts turned to Sir Roy London Rail service and half-decent cleaned- n n Police appeal to rail users McNulty’s report and his idea up trains, the relative result has

TfL in 2010 KING Picture: RAY for a rail delivery group, tasked British Transport Police has and was been dramatic. to cut costs. asked for help from the rail awarded a CBE for services The Association of Train Opera- user group STORM (Support Few turkeys would vote for to railways in the 2011 new tors has recently quoted spectac- The Oldham, Rochdale and Christmas, even though most year’s honours list. He has ular growth on several very local Manchester line) with an ongoing depend on Christmas for their recently joined the boards of lines over the 2007-2011 period, problem at bridge 40, east of existence. Mills Hill station near Middleton. Crossrail Ltd and Abellio UK citing 91% on Truro–Falmouth, The police have asked STORM Is it realistic to expect individual Ltd. Views expressed are his more than 90% on Bristol-Severn members to report any incidents, members of the rail delivery own. Beach and 86% on Derby-Mat- , possibly taking photos from group, formed from representa- lock. Doubling the business can the train if they see any sign of tives of passenger and freight there a “freezer” style structural be much better value in economic youths trespassing and throwing train operators and Network change just around the corner and social terms than ­simply stones. Railfuture members can Rail, to volunteer themselves as which would make RDG initia- reducing costs by 30%. contact British Transport Police sacrifices? tives misguided? Overall growth of passengers direct on 0800 405040. The McNulty report was pub- travelling into all our cities has n n We all have difficulty with the Good news on neglected stations lished in May last year. What notion of second time around in continued to the point where North Cheshire Rail Users Group has been campaigning for have we seen since? Well – not different circumstances. Yet we the pips are squeaking. Network years for action to be taken on the closed and boarded-up much. saw the death of the tramcar, and Rail’s rail utilisation strategy station buildings at both Frodsham and Helsby. The buildings Sir Roy’s report was not a pre- now 50 years later, the rebirth of approach of trying to squeeze have gradually deteriorated and been subjected to bouts of scriptive Beeching-style report. light rail worldwide, if a little more out of the system by put- vandalism since the 1990s without any staff to keep an eye on It was a careful analysis that delayed in the UK. ting in a minimum of new infra- them. The station master’s house at Frodsham has become structure has been a good tactical almost derelict and in danger of collapse. said that our railways are too Is the social railway in the same expensive. Many would accept category, and if so what questions approach for taking up the slack Now NCRUG is pleased that improvements are under way. LONDON POWER: The Docklands Light Railway has helped to fuel a property boom as well as his assessment if the inference is should we be trying to answer? after years of decline in rider- Customer information screens were installed at Frodsham that we can have more railways providing the transport infrastructure which allowed Canary Wharf to grow into a world financial ship. It will not work for growth Question 1 The market? and Helsby by Arriva Trains Wales which means that there as long as costs can be cut. centre. Our picture shows a DLR train crossing Limehouse Basin, re-using a grade II listed after the slack has been taken up, are now screens at every station between Llandudno and viaduct designed by Robert Stephenson and originally built for the London & Blackwall Railway unless considered on a whole line However, it is possible that unit The peak post-war journey figure Manchester. Network Rail is also renovating the station upgrade basis. This includes the costs will not be reduced, with was in 1957 with 1,101 million master’s house on Frodsham station and NCRUG has been journeys on the network. recession! Has anybody noticed? plus investment in areas of pas- infrastructure, a new approach to told the building will be brought back to its original condition, the result that the rural railway is Well yes. The passengers have. senger concern, such as security. By 1963, the year of the Beeching signalling, and new trains. Look respecting its Grade II listed status. The aim is to find a new the most likely to be earmarked The trains are packed. Thameslink and Crossrail will tenant which should be easier once the building is restored. for further surgery. report, this had declined to 938 what West Yorkshire passenger million and continued to decline For the industry to distort the deliver on a similar huge scale. transport executive did with the NCRUG volunteers plan to renovate the former booking No one seems to asking: Is there picture by including empty Here again it is a total upgrade, Leeds, Bradford, Skipton, Ilkley office at Helsby station, subject to Network Rail approval. another way? steadily, only partly on account of closures, to 702 million in counter-peak trains in reports providing massively increased routes or the West Midlands with The idea stemmed from last year’s ACoRP “Adopt a Station” will not convince passengers that capacity through new infrastruc- the Cross-city line. They were seminar in Liverpool. Planning authorities will be consulted to Is the RDG trying to get con- 1976. This was serious structural sensus on a solution to the right their trains are not overcrowded. ture, new signalling and loads of both a great success.

maintain its Grade II listed status requirements. decline. Picture: NETWORK RAIL question? This reveals a structural market new trains, that tips the balance n n Teacher uses local knowledge to produce rail guide Then demand for rail travel Question 4 Another way? Back in the 1850s, the law in Bos- failure to invest for growth. The in terms of value for money. Cost control is important and A “window-gazer” guide to the Leeds- seemed to level out with an abso- train operators find it difficult ton, USA, allowed bars to charge lute worst year in 1982 with 630 Try making a business case for should not be forgotten. How- Morecambe line is beginning to appear at three times more for a cold drink to justify investment with short railway stations and tourist information million journeys. Thameslink or Crossrail based ever it is value that counts. than a warm one. franchises. The rolling stock leas- on unstaffed halts with an hourly Remember the ice harvesting. centres. The guide describes the attractive With economic growth and motor ing companies, set up to take Pacer! scenery on show as trains cross the Pennines This promoted the growth of ice car saturation, this all started to such risk, are reluctant as well, We are currently fixated on ice and Aire and Lune valleys on route to the coast “harvesting” from frozen lakes, change, gradually at first. In the because the Government speci- Question 3 Only London? harvesting while we should at Morecambe. The guide, which contains a and eventually an efficient and 1990s journeys went up from 810 fies the service. Well London had a “client” in the really be inventing the rail equiv- short history of the rail line, was written by sophisticated distribution sys- million in 1990 to 931 million form of an elected mayor, and a alent of the freezer. Question 2 Investment? Gerald Townson, pictured with the poster and tem delivered ice to virtually in 1999, a 15% increase over 10 client organisation in the form guide, who was born in Bentham and has now retired there. I have successfully made the case CYBER CITY: The bright new This would allow us to pursue every house. years but perhaps not particu- of TfL. Interestingly, although other scenarios which will lead He travelled the line for more than 50 years when he was a for investment on a number of Overground railway services transport does not seem to reg- mathematics teacher and adviser to examination boards. The Then in 1876, someone invented larly noticeable against the back- to growth. occasions, with the Docklands the new silicon industries ister on the national government guide was designed by Wendy Smith, also of Bentham. 20,000 the freezer. ground of decline. Currently we are trying to Light Railway, the London Over- of Shoreditch and links agenda like health and educa- copies of the guide have been printed with funding help You could say that something It was not enough to be factored answer the wrong question. ground and Crossrail sponsor- south London to traditional tion, it is important on the local from Northern Rail, the Leeds-Morecambe Community Rail similar happened when Beech- into the BR privatisation process What about planning for a future ship. But the system makes it dif- business in the City agenda. Partnership, and the Lancaster and Skipton Rail User Group. ing judged that the rural branch in the 1990s which was therefore ficult to prepare a business case. using a total system approach? The guide complements a poster campaign at principal line was outmoded compared based on provision for a static Making the case to develop a rail to it. I appreciate that govern- The aggregate of this is that it What is the relative value of Northern stations which describes the line as “one of the with the motor car. No amount market. service depends on addressing ments have lost the plot on envi- matters a lot on the national constrained growth with a 30% most glorious train journeys in Britain”. Gerald and Wendy of efficiency could alter this Passenger numbers, however, transport issues of course, but ronmental issues, but even here agenda although its voice could, cost reduction versus doubling were also involved in the design of the poster. It is hoped ­situation. took off in the 2000s. By 2003 pas- what can tip the balance is social rail scores because cities are back at times, be fragmented. that the poster and guide will encourage more passengers to the business with cost-effective The Beeching Report was deliv- senger journeys on the network inclusion, and the ability to get to in fashion and cities should be Augmenting the responsibilities investment in selective infra- travel on this scenic route and visit the towns, villages and ered on 27 March 1963, 48 years passed the 1,000 million journey local attractions described. jobs to sustain both a city and the made more liveable in and easier of the passenger transport execu- structure, new control systems before McNulty. mark. It was a level not seen economy. to get to. tives in our cities in the Midlands and higher capacity trains – both n n Local action needed to tackle rail overcrowding Interestingly, Beeching came half since 1961 and was approaching If this wider context is taken into The DLR repaid expectations and the North to include heavy diesel and electric? Careful use Rail minister Theresa Villiers urged local councils in January way through the line closure the pre-motor car boom figures. by delivering a 500% increase in as well as light rail would pro- of capital investment is critical, to bid for funding to improve services on the Clitheroe, account, investment in infra- period. Closures had started in By 2010-11, with steady year structure projects to provide journeys from 1996. vide a similar focus on the poten- with the additional benefit of Blackburn, Bolton line to Manchester to combat chronic 1950, while the first year with no on year increases, 1,354 million tial for rail. stimulating the economy. overcrowding. She was responding to appeals from local MPs rail service capacity has a huge The London Overground has Jack Straw and Jake Berry. Mr Straw wants the track doubled closures was 1974. journeys were taken, higher than payback. Europe’s largest infra- registered a 50% increase in jour- Transport for Greater Manchester Where this has been tried, in but Network Rail said a more cost-effective solution could be There is an obvious danger that ever recorded, just beating the structure project was justified neys each year since Transport has taken up the mantle in pro- London and elsewhere, better to provide a longer passing loop at Darwen and an increase failure to implement McNulty 1945 wartime peak and the 1957 on this basis. It is Crossrail. The for London took it over in 2007 moting the Manchester “Hub” value to more people, users and in line speed at Turton. Ms Villiers said it was possible for a will lead to a Beeching-style post-war peak. scheme has been subject to more and invested over £1 billion in for example. Here, like London, non users, has been obtained by scheme to be implemented by late 2016. The track between series of closures, particularly The most recent eight-year financial scrutiny than any rail it. These figures are extreme but the biggest benefits come from investing in the whole route with Blackburn and Bolton was singled in the 1960s. in areas remote from Westmin- period saw a 30% increase. The scheme on the planet, yet two they do illustrate the results of the full project, although the a particular economic, social ster. So what question should latest records show growth of successive British governments full line upgrades, infrastructure, Government currently prefers or integrated transport growth we really be trying to address? Is 7.6% from 2010 to 2011 ­– in a have re-affirmed commitment better signalling and new trains to announce it in instalments. At objective in mind. 4 railwatch april 2012 www.railfuture.org.uk ◆◆◆◆ Turkey will start work this year on a high speed line from Bilecik to Bursa railwatch april 2012 5 At last, East West Rail looks likely LOCAL ACTION LOCAL ACTION After years of campaigning, it expected work to begin and be Wales looks as if the East West Rail proj- completed. Severnside ect might finally become reality. By Rowland Pittard [email protected] Ms Villiers replied: “Work on the By Nigel Bray Several issues remain to be east west rail link requires prior [email protected] n n Train driver praised after level crossing crash with lorry resolved but a route from Oxford agreement of an appropriate n n A two-car diesel train to Bedford could be recreated local contribution to the cost of Short trains challenged was involved in a level from a combination of moth- the project and confirmation of a One of the main challenges for crossing crash, 14 miles balled and existing lines, and satisfactory business case. the British rail network is meeting west of Carmarthen, begin operating by 2017. the demand for medium-distance while working a Milford “If this is concluded in July 2012 ALDERSON Picture: JERRY Picture: RAIB travel, Railfuture vice president Haven to Manchester Uncertainty remains about how as currently envisaged, the East East West Rail would proceed West Rail Consortium proposes Chris Irwin told members at service in December. The a branch meeting in Bath in Coradia train, built by from Bedford to East Anglia. planning work to commence immediately, with physical work December. He warned that using Alstom in Birmingham, Three main hurdles remain: The up paths with short trains was stayed on the track but Government needs to approve commencing in 2015 or earlier, not the answer. Chris, who chairs the cab was extensively the business case, local authori- and completion in 2017.” TravelWatch South West, gave damaged when it hit a ties need to come up with some The consortium was expected to a very stimulating presentation lorry loaded with hay on funding – and there will be a provide an update of the situ- JANUARY 2012: An excursion train traverses Bletchley flyover on the McNulty report which the Llanboidy half-barrier crossing, a mile west of Whitland. need for planning orders to ation at the OBRAC AGM on 6 which is expected to be a key point for East West Rail. There claimed that British trains are Five of the 60 passengers received minor injuries. The Arriva authorise the works. March. could be a station on the viaduct with access to the main less heavily loaded than those on Trains Wales driver was congratulated for reducing speed station platforms at Bletchley below. the Continent, although the very and warning passengers of the impending impact. The train Hopes were raised when the The AGM was being held in Mil- large numbers of passengers travelling by train to the city’s had been going at 68 mph but had slowed to 41 mph after the Chancellor of the Exchequer ton Keynes where the first meet- Christmas Market that day would disagree! The McNulty emergency brake was applied. Inquiries by the Rail Accident announced in his autumn state- ing, funded by Railfuture, was example of a service pattern, but September to discuss EWR after the Department for Transport is Railfuture met Dr Huppert. She report noted that French Railways generally operate at a Investigation Branch are continuing. The crossing had ment that the western section of held in 1987. lower frequency and higher capacity than UK train operators. featured in a TV safety campaign last year. East West Rail would be given studying additional services. also met MPs and the consortium East West Rail could be running n n n n New station backs up extra trains initiative at Fishguard the go-ahead subject to certain Local rail users in Bicester and in March 2011. Richard Fuller Rail important for core transport strategy by 2017, making it one of the (Con, Bedford) is a member of Passenger numbers are growing on the additional services local funding sources being iden- few major railway reopenings in Bedford are concerned that Ever- The public examination of Bath & North East Somerset tified and committed by July green 3 and EWR could change the all-party group which sup- provided from Fishguard and funded by the Welsh Assembly England since the 1960s Beeching ports East West Rail. Mr Fuller Council’s core strategy was being held in January, where Government. Now preparatory work, including trackwork 2012. era of line closures. services to small stations such as Railfuture was represented. Our response to the consultation Islip. highlighted the line’s potential to in 2011 emphasised the need to safeguard the disused and site clearance, is under way to reinstate Fishguard and The Chancellor approved the In August, Oxford Economics improve the economic prospects Goodwick, closed in 1964, that will be more convenient than allocation of £270 million fund- showed that East West Rail con- BAM Nuttall have been awarded Radstock-Frome line, protection of sites for stations at of Bedford and create jobs. Bathampton and Saltford, reinstatement of the former the Harbour station to the residents of the two communities. ing provided the East West necting Oxford and Aylesbury the £190 million contract for the Ben Gummer (Con, Ipswich) Midland route into Bath and use of rail transport where The new station, which was expected to reopen last month, Rail Consortium can confirm with Milton Keynes and Bed- Evergreen 3 construction work will also clear the way for better bus links from other North pointed out that EWR would possible for mineral traffic. We had argued that Bath attracts the business case and identify and await final approval and Pembrokeshire communities. ford could generate more than enhance the economy. more long-distance visitors than most cities of its size and local contributions from busi- £38 million a year for the UK planning to be completed before n n Rail-bus link withdrawn construction can begin. Peter Aldous (Con, Waveney) therefore needed more railway routes, instead of the busway nesses, local authorities, or other ­economy. which was to have been built on part of the Midland trackbed The rail-bus link between Maesteg and Caerau (at the top ­organisations. It is estimated that this may take saw the advantage of EWR as a and was essentially for local travel. Following a change in Evergreen 3 means of avoiding the need to of the Llynfi Valley) was withdrawn on 14 January. The link If the funding is agreed, Network a year and construction a fur- its political complexion last May, the council removed the service was well used and carried 180 passengers on the travel on the congested main line Rail will work in conjunction The East West project is likely ther year so that services may busway from the Bath Transportation Package and some last day. The link bus also made an extra journey on the last to be linked to Chiltern Rail- commence in 2014. The work into London. very pro-rail comments have been made by Councillor Roger day to Tondu to meet a late running train that was turned with the consortium to deliver the scheme. ways’ plans to run services to will be undertaken in phases George Freeman (Con, Mid Symonds, the Cabinet member for transport. round short of its destination. This back-up facility will not be Oxford from London Maryle- so that access to the Ministry of Norfolk) and Chloe Smith (Con, available in the future. Bus company First Cymru will provide Plans to restore the line from n n Rail speed a bonus for public transport users bone via Bicester which it calls Defence site at Bicester and the Norwich North) both stressed a replacement facility using its existing Caerau-Maesteg Oxford to Milton Keynes and Evergreen 3. stone depot at Water Eaton can the importance of EWR reaching The Gloucester, Cheltenham and service but it does not give a direct link to the rail station. Bedford, together with a rail link The public inquiry into Ever- be maintained. Norwich. Tewkesbury Joint Core Strategy n n Trains will supply new wood-burn power plant from Milton Keynes to Ayles- makes a number of projections bury and High Wycombe, were green 3 involved 33 days in The Department for Transport Brandon Lewis (Con, Great Yar- Planning permission has been granted for a wood-burning public hearings of evidence. The had already agreed to fund work for population growth in the identified in the Chancellor’s mouth) was keen to see regenera- three districts and suggests locations for additional housing. power plant in the Llynfi Valley – on the site of the old inspector recommended that at Wolvercot Tunnel so that it tion on the back of EWR. coal-fired power station at Llangynwyd – which will receive ­statement. It makes no specific comments about railways, although Chiltern Railways should not get is future-proofed for possible imported woodchip from Latvia via Newport Docks in five Transport minister Theresa Vil- permission because of bat roosts Enterprise partnerships its maps include the main lines and the Gloucestershire weekly 800 tonne trains. Railfuture has suggested that the W12 container freight traffic and Warwickshire Railway. The branch responded to the liers said planning work could in Wolvercot Tunnel in Oxford. ­electrification. Local Enterprise Partnerships, new siding facility could be combined with a crossing loop to start this year, followed by build- introduced by the coalition Gov- strategy’s theme, Making the best use of infrastructure, by Since then, the Government has enable a half-hourly passenger train service to Maesteg. ing work in 2015. Railfuture has always held up ernment, are expected to play a pointing out that many local journeys are faster with a rail said it is “minded” to approve n n Improvements to Cambrian line but not for steam East West Rail as a test case. It key role in planning transport element than if made entirely by bus. Taking up its own call She confirmed the position when the scheme if Chiltern and Natu- should be a simple rail reopen- for “joint funding of transport infrastructure”, we suggested Extensive engineering work took place in January to bring infrastructure like EWR. she met local MPs, the consor- ral England reach agreement on ing, because the track or track- that the option of additional housing at Churchdown up to standard the redoubled section of line between tium and councillors at Bices- mitigation measures for the bats The Oxfordshire LEP (Adrian strengthened the case for reopening the station there. We Welshpool and Newtown. The summer steam service between bed is all there but the railways’ ter Town station in December. in Wolvercot Tunnel and mea- complex structure has until now Shooter is vice chair) has iden- also asked the councils to press for improved train services Machynlleth and Pwllheli will not run for a second summer She also noted the potential for tified the EWR as an essential at Gloucester and Ashchurch, together with improvements to as Network Rail has not provided the necessary signalling sures to relocate a colony of great prevented the reopening. regional services along the route. crested newts. It is understood piece of infrastructure and has Cheltenham station. equipment, so West Coast Railways continues to be paid been pressing the case. compensation. There is considerable concern in Newtown John Elvin represented Railfu- that Chiltern Railways is close to To the East n n Minister and MP hopeful over Portishead reopening over the withdrawal of the bus links to the rail station and the ture and the Oxon and Bicester resolving the bats issue. South East Midlands LEP which The Department for Transport is Hopes for reopening the unsuitable nature of the replacement footpaths. Rail Action Group at the meet- It has set up an innovative light- working with the consortium to includes Milton Keynes has also ing. Consortium chairman Neil adopted EWR as a priority. Portishead line have been n n Sail Rail given a boost ing system to alert the bats when identify a route east of Bedford. boosted by a meeting Gibson said members were Following Railfuture’s meeting with a train is approaching and allow MPs are committed to the com- The chair of the Greater Cam- between Dr Liam Fox, MP for Stena Line at Holyhead and suggestions encouraged by Ms Villiers’ visit them to get into a safe roosting plete East West Rail scheme. Iain bridgeshire LEP has urged sup- North Somerset and Transport to Arriva Trains Wales, an improved and said: “We have a very strong position. Stewart (Con, Milton Keynes port for EWR. Bucks has yet to Minister Norman Baker, left. publicity campaign has been launched. Sail Rail is now a business case, but there is still If the Government gives South) and Dr Julian Huppert finalise an LEP but Bucks Busi- According to the Western distinct part of ATW’s website and banners and posters have much work to do before final approval, 12 months of design (Lib Dem, Cambridge) sup- ness First has expressed support. Daily Press for 19 December been provided at major stations. approval.” work on Chiltern’s Evergreen port creating a link to the exist- 2011, the Government’s policy n n Cheap fares extended in West Wales East West Rail has been a long- 3 scheme can go ahead, at the ing rail network serving Cam- Local Transport Plan support of giving greater priority to held aspiration of several same time as design work for bridgeshire, Norfolk and Suffolk. All relevant county and unitary capital projects has pushed Advance purchase fares were introduced in January from medium-sized schemes like West Wales stations to Cardiff and beyond. In Pembrokeshire, ­Railfuture branches as well as East West Rail. The political process came to a councils are supportive of EWR Railfuture nationally. and have included it in their Portishead further up the a railcard is available for local journeys. A key issue is how passenger ser- head last year when Mr Stew- queue for funding. Dr Fox North Oxfordshire Tory MP Tony vices using the new lines will be art formed an all-party group of Local Transport Plans. was reported as saying there www.railfuturewales.org.uk Baldry (who has campaigned for franchised but Chiltern Railways MPs and peers to support EWR Railfuture will be encouraging was now a realistic chance of 27 years for reopening) asked Ms is expected to bid. The consor- and get a Commmons debate. them to stay on board what looks work starting before 2015. Villiers in Parliament when she tium business case proposed one Ms Villiers visited Cambridge in like a ­winner. 6 railwatch april 2012 www.railfuture.org.uk ◆◆◆◆ Someone is killed or seriously injured every six seconds on the world’s roads railwatch april 2012 7 Your letters

allow me to add some further with cramped claustrophobic, at the expense of other rail thoughts? I sometimes wonder uncomfortable Pendolinos for projects. This is possible without if anyone has actually read the the next 30 years at least! needing to reinvent HS2. I would consultative document issued by The antis insist it can all be politely suggest that Mike and the Department for Transport. solved with a few extra coaches the committee adopt a position For reasons of space I quote just and a flyover at Ledburn, but it true to Railfuture’s railway three random items from that is the extra services we need on development principles without document: the southern West Coast main worrying too much if not every member is yet convinced of the Picture: PETER ODELL ‘On the basis of HS2 Ltd’s line to the South coast, East Anglia, the west of England, merits of HS2. analysis, the Government Dan Harvey announced in October 2010 South Yorkshire, the North East, and direct services to Scotland, Green Park, Bath that it favours a Y-shaped [email protected] core high speed rail network, Liverpool and anywhere north East Coast the Midlands and South, which linking London to Birmingham, of Crewe, none of which are Walk-on justice consist of a lot more than just Manchester and Leeds, with possible at the moment because It seems to be assumed that London and Birmingham? additional stations serving South of lack of capacity. I agree with Shadow Transport “of course” a high speed May I suggest a campaign Yorkshire and the East Midlands. A new line is needed, and it Minister Lilian Greenwood north-south railway line should for feeder routes which would This network would also include should be part of the European that “we should not be taxing take the West Coast route via not be built to full high speed links to HS1 and Heathrow. high speed network. people off the railway”(Railwatch Carlisle to Scotland. But there standards but which would carry “It is particularly important Michael Weinberg, Giffard Park, 130). Alas, today’s emphasis is no “of course” about it. Traffic high speed trains? While using to note that such a network Milton Keynes MK14 5QL on pre-booked tickets using analysis shows that the route much of existing routes they would not only deliver capacity [email protected] the internet and credit cards is should be along the East Coast. would have some new sections, improvements for those people Editors’ comment: We discouraging “those without an The North East is a slightly possibly high speed, which travelling on the new lines understand Lloyd was alternative means of transport”. more important traffic objective would be aimed at bypassing themselves. For example, on the criticising the overall process Such people are less likely to go than Scotland. It exchanges key bottlenecks, and also London-West Midlands corridor, of high speed rail planning in online or use cards for making 7,7303,00 passengers/year with catering for other needs like a new high speed line would Britain rather than the detailed payments. the rest of the country, against freight. release capacity on the West plans arrived at by HS2 Ltd. I think there should always be Scotland’s 6,641,000 journeys/ Here are five possible routes, Coast main line for additional a proportion of low cost fares year. Within Scotland, 3,116,000 all serving the central hub near passenger services to towns Rail for the future made available for those wanting (46%) of these come from Birmingham. and cities such as Northampton, While I sympathise with Mike to buy their ticket on the day and Edinburgh against 1,624,000 Coventry, Rugby, and Milton from the station booking office. STOP: A steam excursion is halted in the South African bush after steel sleepers were stolen 1. Birmingham to Plymouth Crowhurst and Railfuture (24%) from Glasgow. Keynes, or for the increased committee members who are We do not expect users of buses which would take over the long use of the West Coast main line to decide their journeys well in More Scots want to go to the distance functions of Cross attempting to find a stance on Special train halted after thieves steal rail line east side than the west side for CrossCountry services or high speed rail acceptable to all advance, while car drivers have Country, and have connections for services on other east-west the freedom to fill up their tanks Theft from railways to fuel a criminal scrap concrete. These can be seen in the photos of England. 2,340,000 go to for South Wales. members, Railfuture needs to the North East and Yorkshire routes. get to grips with this important and go wherever they please. market has caused massive delays and awaiting installation. 2. Birmingham to Bournemouth and the Humber region while “Connections to the West Coast issue.The high speed rail debate Restrictions on cheap fares are expense in Britain. Copper and other electrical “The locomotive came to rest on already (as above), and forming part 1,615,000 go the North West. and East Coast main lines has many aspects but for helping to kill rail travel as we cabling particularly have been targeted. loosened ties and some of the sleepers were of a strategy for freight to always knew it. Only 1,658,000 (25%) go to would enable through-running Railfuture it comes down to this: But in South Africa thieves ripped up the rail lying nearby in the bush obviously waiting Southampton. Tim Mickleburgh, Boulevard London. high speed rail services to 1) Why would an organisation track to steal the metal sleepers beneath. to be loaded,” he said. “We were keeping a 3. Birmingham to Ipswich via Avenue, Grimsby DN31 2JP My figures come from the Office continue to other destinations which calls itself Railfuture not keen eye open for sleeper theft and speed Northampton, Bedford and [email protected] The discovery was made when a steam of Rail Regulation’s yearbook. including Liverpool, Newcastle, support high speed rail? was down to about 10 mph. Our approach had Cambridge (which would also excursion on 25 November 2011 travelled from They are derived from ticket Glasgow and Edinburgh via the obviously disturbed someone busy stealing be served by east-west trains conventional network. 2) Why would it ignore the Another way Hermanstad to Cullinan, at the end of a lightly steel sleepers.” sales (not turnstile clicks) extensive studies already used six-mile long branch off an electrified from Oxford, etc, and freight for Network Rail’s London & The train reversed to the main line junction at and therefore record origin “Integration with the classic undertaken by professionals main line. Felixstowe. network: This would enable South East rail utilisation study Rayton and returned empty to the Friends of and destination and ignore examining the options for high 4. Birmingham to Lincoln high speed lines to serve more rejected the Brighton main line The class 24 steam loco had to grind to an the Rail, Pretoria base at Hermanstad. Transnet intermediate stations. Return speed rail in Britain? journeys are treated as two serving East Midlands Airport, destinations, spreading the 2 proposal but did not come emergency halt. Passengers had to walk into Freight Rail has relaid the line and the Friends’ single journeys. Nottingham and an interchange benefits of high speed rail more I worry that too much time is up with any solutions. The Cullinan and were taken home by bus. operations continue normally. with the East Coast main line, being spent trying to find a study identifies potential for two The West Coast route has two widely.” Volunteer driver Peter Odell had been warned In Britain several people have been jailed after possibly at Newark Northgate. solution that suits everyone. In additional paths through the significant obstacles, Shap The above seems to answer that there had previously been metal theft a spate of cable thefts and the Government is doing so officers have embarked East Croydon bottleneck, but and Beattock, which will be 5. Birmingham to Shrewsbury Lloyd Butler’s criticism about along the line so was keeping a careful look- changing the law so all scrap metal sales are on the ambitious but ultimately plans to use them to provide expensive to overcome. On the via Wolverhampton, with it being “totally isolated” from out. A programme is now in place by Transnet recorded and the dealers can be prosecuted fruitless task of attempting to additional capacity at Tattenham east side Berwick will have to be connections for Mid Wales. traditional lines. Freight Rail to replace all steel sleepers with for accepting stolen material. devise a better HS2 package Corner and Caterham by on a loop off the main line. The This would make high speed rail Others want a “debate” about than Arup, Atkins, Greengauge separating some of these only natural but not very difficult a truly national network. the route and environmental and all those experts with the services which currently join at Tattenham Corner and Epsom many libraries have copies. will be donated to charity. I am obstacle is Penmanshiel. Simon Norton, Hertford Street, concerns. Heaven knows we time and money to look at these Downs stations to create a loop However, I have uploaded the keen to publicise the unsung Cambridge CB4 3AG Purley. However, the capacity To reach Scotland via the North have had enough “debates”. things properly. required at Tattenham Corner line from the two branches and following five books so that achievements of BR, and seeing [email protected] Let’s get on and build it! East is the natural and business- Any high speed rail route will and Caterham could be provided using different approach routes. they are available as e-books so many myths exposed. like way to go. This would make these two Even after the umpteenth be controversial, Swapping the another way, by building a one for Kindle readers: Blueprints I believe that many readers Michael Bell, Forest Hall, HS2 day dreamers debate, the line chosen would additional paths available for the for Bankruptcy, Square Deal Chilterns for the M1 corridor mile long shallow tunnel linking would like to see some of Newcastle upon Tyne NE12 8AR need another debate about that, Brighton Main Line. Denied, The Railway Closure As you print several letters in means building through people’s the books’ contents widely [email protected] and so on ad infinitum. homes instead of countryside. Chris Page, Clara Vale, Thibet Controversy, Britain’s Railways response to my original letter Road, Sandhurst GU47 9AR disseminated among those who expressing disappointment Of course all this plays into While I understand some Send your - the Reality and Railway Links to HS2 [email protected] Conversion - the impractical support railways. following the high-speed antis’ hands. There is enough Railfuture members oppose high opposition already without speed rail, we might reasonably ­letters to: dream. My object is to get I would be grateful for Railfuture There appears to be widespread rail conference, including a The Editors, 4 Christchurch Rail books agreement that HS2 should go two-page spread explaining Railfuture adding to it. ask why they are members of a Square, London E9 7HU the contents to a new wider members’ help in finding key pro-rail organisation. ahead on the Y proposal, and Railfuture’s stance, which Railfuture can daydream about Email: [email protected] From time to time I have been audience. I am not looking for words to promote the books on financial gain. Any royalties the internet. people from Scotland and north incidentally should surely have all the different routes HS2 could Railfuture can have a vital role Railwatch also welcomes asked if I have any copies of east England are busy lobbying been produced a long time ago have taken, and meanwhile ensuring Government high ­articles and pictures my books. I have not, apart Ted Gibbins, 11 Bedford Grove, for further extensions to serve after canvassing opinion from those of us who want to travel speed rail proposals are thought Please use email if possible from Railway Conversion - the More letters: Page 18 Alsager, Cheshire ST7 2SR their areas. But what about all members, I hope you will by rail will have to put up through and do not go ahead impractical dream, although [email protected] 8 railwatch april 2012 www.railfuture.org.uk ◆◆◆◆ The Israeli government has approved a new 200 mile railway from Eilat to Tel Aviv railwatch april 2012 9 Picture: FOSTER + PARTNERS

The trains Gijon Now Britain sets out plans for high speed network La Coruna Oviedo Bilbao Irun Despite objections, Transport plained about the line’s effect. worth of economic benefit. It will tion at Curzon Street to a rebuilt Santiago Secretary Justine Greening an- HS2 runs through 13 miles of take an estimated 9 million jour- Euston station. An interchange in Spain Leon Vitoria nounced on 10 January 2012 that the Chilterns Area of Outstand- neys off the road network and station will be built at Old Oak Ourense Burgos Vigo Britain is to build a national high ing Natural Beauty but fresh cut up to 4.5 million air journeys Common in West London, pro- This picture shows another view Huesca Figueras of the planned Ourense station speed rail network which should mitigation measures mean that each year. viding direct connections via featured on the front cover. Existing be operating by 2026. less than two miles will be at or Double decker trains could be in- Crossrail to the central London Zaragoza tracks can be seen at the lower level She went to St Pancras station above surface level. troduced to run on the HS2 net- and Docklands, to the South Valladolid West and Wales via the Great while the new high speed trains Barcelona in London, terminus of Britain’s The second phase will see lines work and would be compatible Western main line and to Heath- use the upper platforms. The roof Tarragona only current high speed line, to built from Birmingham to Leeds with HS1 and the Channel Tun- canopies provide shade and also announce that a Y-shaped net- and Manchester by 2033. A for- nel, while services using both row via Heathrow Express. MADRID Chamartin work will link London to Bir- mal consultation on second HS2 and existing rail lines will A second interchange station will reflect daylight on to the platforms. MADRID Atocha Designed for eventual operation mingham, Leeds, Manchester, phase routes will begin in early use standard-size non-double be constructed where the route at up to 215 mph, the Ourense- Castellon Sheffield and the East Midlands. 2014 with a final route chosen by decker high speed trains. passes the National Exhibition the end of 2014. Centre and Birmingham Airport, La Coruna route has opened as a Toledo New 250 mph trains will be able Ms Greening said: “A new high traditional Spanish 5’ 6” wide gauge Valencia to travel on to the existing West The first phase of HS2 will in- speed rail network will help cre- close to Junction 6 of the M42. line, with journey times halved Coast and East Coast main lines clude a connection to HS1 and ate jobs, growth and prosperity A direct link to HS1 will be pro- from 2 hours 15 mins. Conversion Albacete to serve passengers beyond the thus to Europe via the Channel for the entire country. This is a vided in tunnel from Old Oak to standard European (and British) HS2 network in Edinburgh, Glas- Tunnel. On completion of HS2 truly British network that will Common to the existing North Alicante gow, Newcastle, Durham, York, the network will include a direct serve far more than the cities di- London line, from where exist- gauge is expected when the high link to Heathrow Airport. speed line from Madrid to Ourense is Darlington, Liverpool, Preston, rectly on the line. HS2 is our gen- ing infrastructure can be used Murcia completed towards the end of 2015. Cordoba Jaen Wigan and Lancaster. HS2 is designed to relieve con- eration’s investment in Britain to reach the HS1 line north of St and our children.” The new route has already reduced The network will be built in gestion on existing inter-city rail Pancras. Sevilla Granada routes as well as roads and air The Government estimates the the fastest journey time between In service two phases. The first will see Phase 2 will see the new high Madrid and La Coruna from 7 hours construction of HS2, a new 140- routes. cost of the complete Y shaped speed line running on to Man- Under construction mile line between London and The Government said the high network at £32 billion and ex- chester and separately to Leeds. 38 mins to 6 hours 40 mins. Thirty Malaga Almeria minutes will be be cut from the Cadiz Projected Birmingham by 2026. Details of speed line is expected to deliver pects it to generate benefits of HS2 Ltd is currently engaged in timings when Spanish national In partial service the route were published by the £6.2 billion more in economic £47 billion and fare revenues of detailed planning work for op- operator RENFE introduces class Department for Transport with benefits than a line running at up to £34 billion over a 60-year tions for these routes, including 730 gauge-changing electro-diesel 79 miles of the 140-mile line run- conventional speed. period. stations in the East Midlands and trainsets to the route later this year. FAR AHEAD: The developing high speed network in Spain ning in tunnels or cuttings. This For every £1 spent on the project, Phase 1 of HS2 will run from a South Yorkshire, as well as for a is a concession to MPs who com- HS2 will produce £1.80 to £2.50 new Birmingham city centre sta- spur link to Heathrow.

n n The Channel Tunnel should be used ensure a better deal for passengers, border faced difficulties in obtaining some of the the majority of medium-distance passenger West Midlands will be at the centre of the jobs created. Five major UK airports will more effectively according to the European controls to be streamlined so that new technical equipment needed for new trains. transport can go by rail,” said deputy railway network,” said Transport Secretary be linked to Old Oak Common. Heathrow Union committee of the House of Lords. international services can be introduced, n n The wider benefits of high speed rail executive director Libor Lochman. Justine Greening. She said the 45-minute will be 11 minutes away, Birmingham The committee’s new report Tunnel Vision? and priority to be given to projects that were confirmed in a December study for n n Once HS2 is built, Birmingham Airport HS2 journey from Birmingham city centre 38 minutes, while Luton, Gatwick and Completing the European Rail Market focuses boost economic growth. You can download the International Union of Railways High is hoping to relieve pressure on Heathrow to London would be similar to many City Airport will be within 45 minutes. on how to unlock the tunnel’s full potential. the 55-page report from http://tinyurl. Speed Rail and Sustainability. Its carbon by doubling passenger numbers from journey times just getting around London. Councillor Mark Loveday said: “HS2 is The committee is calling for the terms of the com/75hp8ug the fastest way to deliver much needed footprint can be 14 times less than car the current nine million. Manchester and n n Treaty of Canterbury, the agreement that n n Deutsche Bahn announced in January travel and 15 times less than aviation. “The Leeds airports are also hoping to use high The HS2 station at Old Oak Common new homes, jobs and opportunities.” Half allowed the Channel Tunnel’s construction, that it was delaying plans to operate trains Transport White Paper proposed earlier speed rail to help them develop into hub will lead to swathes of derelict industrial of working age adults within 1.2 miles of to be reviewed, in order to allow British to London through the Channel Tunnel this year that the European high speed rail airports, spreading economic activity into land in one of London’s poorest areas Old Oak, are unemployed and parts of Old and French regulators to take more control. for three years. The new target date is network should triple in size by 2030 and the UK regions, following the example being regenerated, said Hammersmith Oak are in the bottom 1% of most deprived It wants access charges to be reduced to 2015. DB said train maker Siemens has be completed by 2050, to help ensure that set by Germany. “Birmingham and the and Fulham Council, and at least 20,000 areas nationally. 10 railwatch april 2012 www.railfuture.org.uk ◆◆◆◆ Moscow plans to build another 50 miles of metro over the next three years railwatch april 2012 11 Rail and sea to Ireland A better way forward LOCAL ACTION By Peter Walker LOCAL ACTION so passengers would not have to By David Berman ­society and to achieve our shared North East [email protected] get on and off different buses at [email protected] goals. Our regional branches London and South East Three Railfuture members met each terminal. By Peter Kenyon I am sometimes told that because are the backbone of the society with Jamie Christon, route direc- The Railfuture delegation also Railfuture is a voluntary cam- and the society’s most valuable By Roger Blake [email protected] [email protected] tor of Stena Line’s Holyhead- heard that a review of routes paigning organisation, we do not assets in a local area, but they n n More change on the way n n Ireland ferries at Holyhead in £5 a head shock for North East and sailing times was under way need to spend time on structure need clearer support and ade- November. Railfuture campaigners are preparing to respond to Network The branch was concerned to for 2013, though no details were and governance. quate funding from the society’s From a very informative meet- national structure. Rail’s final route utilisation study – the Network RUS read how Government investment forthcoming. Service re-timings But getting the basics right allows Alternative Solutions. Our branch will provide a contribution in transport infrastructure has ing, we found that increasing to enable day trips from Holy- us to campaign more effectively I do not want more central con- fuel costs had forced the winter to the national Railfuture response. We are also focusing on been skewed strongly in favour head to Dublin were being — and influence opinion. trol, but a redefinition of the the refranchising of Great Western and Essex Thameside withdrawal of services to Dun of London and the South East. considered. partnership which is currently for 15 years. Thameslink is to be let for seven years with The hard figures came from an Laoghaire although the services We want to avoid giving an inco- herent, disorganised message ill defined. We must empower atwo-year extension option. Potential bidders are already analysis by Cox and Schmuecker are expected to resume this April. Despite being commercial rivals, our branches and give them the approaching Railfuture with their ideas. Our time is limited at the Institute for Public Policy Stena and Irish Ferries did co- that would not be taken seriously Train operators do not normally and would prevent us being the support and tools for local cam- as the short list will be announced in May for GW, in June for Research North, in December. operate by carrying each other’s Essex Thameside. The short list for Thameslink will be known provide advance information to leading voice of reason in the rail paigning. Annual investment stands at £2,731 passengers if delayed incoming by October. Southern services are expected to be absorbed ferry operators about the likely campaigning world. Our specialist committee struc- per head for Londoners, £792 for trains caused intended sailings into Thameslink in 2015. those in the South East, while the number of SailRail passengers on ture also needs to be reviewed individual ferry journeys. Rail- to be missed. Once the Belfast- We also need to attract new mem- North East was granted a miserly £5 bers by showing exactly what we with a better definition of roles n n Electrification and more trains are needed per head for investment in transport future believes passengers and Liverpool (Birkenhead 12 Quays) and functions and better ways operators would benefit if this service had settled into its new stand for and how successful our Most of our region’s routes are electrified, but Railfuture is infrastructure. Lest this disparity be thought to reflect campaigning has been. of communicating with branches differences in economic achievement, the analysis also was rectified. routine, its route director would and members. keen to see electrification of Gospel Oak-Woodgrange Park, The present structure of the Rail- Ore-Ashford International, Uckfield-Hurst Green, and parts records that for each £1,000 of gross value added generated The Railfuture team was told aim to introduce SailRail on that The society needs to take advan- in 2009, London received £81 for transport infrastructure SailRail passengers would in service. way Development Society has of Redhill-Reading. We also want dirty diesels excluded from and the South East £38. In stark contrast, for every £1,000 of been in place since we became a tage of all the opportunities pre- London terminus stations by investing in electric power cars future be given the option of an Meanwhile, SailRail facilities sented by new technology to pro- for diesel trains. GVA generated in the North East, less than 50p is spent on overnight stay at Holyhead’s limited company eight years ago. transport infrastructure. Little wonder that Pacer trains seem continue to and from the Isle of duce materials for campaigning Much of our former structure n n Local involvement in franchises looks likely set to be with us for the foreseeable future! The findings of Travelodge. This would be espe- Man, Northern Ireland and the and recruitment, and we need to cially helpful to those travelling was adapted to suit the require- this analysis will form a firm base for future campaigning by Irish Republic. Prospective pas- equip our active members with In line with the Government’s “aspiration for from Dublin in the late evening. ments of the Companies Act but the branch and the North East transport activists’ round table. sengers are advised to refer to little else changed. the skills to use them. decentralisation”, the Department for Transport is indicating Because of the remoteness of that the Great Western franchise may be let, following the n n Police helicopter joins battle to halt cable theft the seat61.com website for more We also need to empower our ferry berths at Dublin Ferryport However, the board has now examples set by Merseyrail and London Overground, where details. decided that the time is right for local media representatives with Northumbria Police are to step up the use of their helicopter and Holyhead, Stena was con- the tools needed to make sure financial control, monitoring and management is devolved. support unit in the campaign to stop cable theft. All patrols sidering providing a road coach The Railfuture delegation com- an overhaul of the way the soci- With London Mayoral and Assembly elections in May, it ety is structured and functions, the Railfuture viewpoint receives returning to base will now fly over Metro lines, in addition to link from central Dublin to take prised Rowland Pittard from adequate local coverage. is understood that the Mayor is seeking a greater role for special action being taken when required. foot passengers and their lug- South Wales, Mark Gleeson from and has asked me to chair a cor- Transport for London in the franchising of inner suburban porate governance review group. We must also adjust to devolved lines. Londoners make five times as many rail trips per head n n Coastliners aid Grand Central in publicity campaign gage through to Holyhead. The Dun Laoghaire, and Peter Walker Corporate governance is the government in Scotland and compared to those in other parts of the UK. coach would travel on the ferry from Billingham-on-Tees. Wales, the Government’s local- The December meeting of Coastliners heard Grand Central’s system by which an organisa- ism agenda and the coming n n Rail, the green alternative which aids regeneration Tom Clift explain that Arriva (owned by DB) had taken over tion is directed, supported and devolution of rail powers. the open-access operator. For now the operation will continue £24m barrier to rail service controlled at all levels in order The Marsh Link line from Hastings to Ashford was closed for independently but when profitable working is achieved, to achieve its objectives and Corporate governance should nine weeks to allow essential repair work on Ore tunnel with further investment can be expected and an increase in By Trevor Garrod rail passenger services between meet the necessary standards not be about stuffy rules and cen- buses as a replacement service. Railfuture now wants to see services is hoped for. Successful rail-hotel packages have [email protected] Hasselt and Maastricht and of accountability, probity and tral control, although there will further improvements, starting with an all-day service at Ore been established by Grand Central in association with More than 400,000 journeys between Eindhoven and Dus- ­openness. be new procedures. every day of the week and Sunday services at Winchelsea Superbreak. In cooperation with the Saltburn Line Users’ seldorf, plugging gaps across and Three Oaks at least in the summer. would be made if a local train It covers a wide range of activities We need to breathe new life, Group, Coastliners are discussing ways of extending the Belgian, Dutch and German service was provided between including national and branch greater transparency and The DfT deferred a pre-Christmas decision on the publicity and preparing to press the needs of the North East borders. when the Northern and TransPennine franchises are up for Ashford and Calais and Lille, it is management, internal democ- increased empowerment into the controversial Bexhill-Hastings link road. The Hastings negotiation. estimated. Railfuture was represented at the racy, organisational control, sup- society, its committees and its Alliance has mounted a rigorous campaign against the EPF annual conference in March port of activities at all levels, dis- branches. county council’s myopic view of local regeneration needs, n n Weardale Railway drops community passenger service But mainly because of the high cost of Eurotunnel track access in Salzburg, when the themes cipline, risk management, health The group cannot operate in a challenging through expert submissions the fundamentally In an abrupt change of policy in December caused by lack charges, a three-trains-a-day ser- were urban transport, rail liber- and safety and financial controls. vacuum. We need your active flawed approach which runs contrary to the DfT’s own alisation and the transport role of guidance. Alternatives, including improved local rail provision of support, the Weardale Railway withdrew its community vice would make a loss of £24 The group has been asked to support, advice and criticism. the European Union. between Bexhill and St Leonard’s Warrior Square, have not passenger service between Bishop Auckland and Stanhope. million. review the current structure, This is an invitation to all mem- The railway will concentrate on steam and diesel services been properly evaluated. A new station could be opened at The information was revealed A report of the conference will identify possible improvements bers to get more involved. So Glyne Gap. More information: http://hastingsalliance.com/ catering for the tourist and heritage leisure market. To be available by the end of April facilitate this, work proceeds apace on improvements to when Railfuture vice president and recommend an action plan please do not hesitate. If you on www.epf.eu or by post from n n High speed services could expand if link is thought out the Weardale station at Bishop Auckland with the aim of Christopher Irwin took part in to the board to encourage best want to express your views or a conference in Lille, organised Trevor Garrod, 15 Clapham Road practice. ask questions, please email the improving interchange with Northern rail services. One of South, Lowestoft NR32 1RQ. The Department for Transport now expects the link line Colas Rail’s class 66 locomotives engaged in the opencast by RoCK, Regions of Connected The aim is to implement the group at governance@railfuture. between HS1 and HS2 in London to carry trains to Amsterdam coal traffic has been named Wylam Dilly, linking the Knowledge, funded by the Euro- EPF’s conference next year will plan by May next year and to org.uk and Frankfurt as well as Paris and Brussels. Railfuture would enterprise with the pioneer colliery railway engine which pean Union and studying cross- be in March at Basel, which is keep it under review. The group I look forward to hearing from also like the link line to be built with enough capacity to cope worked in the Tyne Valley in 1813. The name was chosen by border connections. now even closer by train to Lon- is already mapping out a pro- you. with new high speed services from Kent to West Midlands to pupils of Wolsingham School and Community College. don, following the opening of the A team of French consultants gramme, starting with the imple- n Dr David Berman is a direc- Heathrow, for instance. French Rhine-Rhone high speed n n Morpeth gears up to fight threat from McNulty reported on the potential for mentation of a business plan. tor of RDS Ltd and chairman of n n line. Review of Chiltern timetable under way local train services between Kent We obviously all need to work the corporate governance review The South East Northumberland Rail Users’ Group has and Nord Pas de Calais. In January, EPF members from together for the good of the group. Graham Larkbey reports: The Rail Industry Review of reacted strongly to the McNulty proposals for the closure Chiltern’s timetable is now under way, with a view to trying Mr Irwin, who is also vice-chair the UK, Belgium and Germany of ticket offices and is determined to defend both the ticket met RailTeam managers to dis- to improve the spread of services including those at London office and ticket issuing machine at Morpeth. Fourteen inter- of the European Passengers’ Keep your email up to date suburban stations. Chiltern will be mounting its own public city trains a day serve the station in addition to local services. Federation, said: “I was left with cuss high speed trains across Europe, and the Railfuture report consultation exercise in late spring/early summer, so watch Alarm bells were triggered, however, by the news that the the very clear impression that Lloyd Butler reports that it is becoming difficult to contact their website for details. Alcan aluminium smelter, on the coast end of the Ashington little is likely to happen without Eurostar – a Snapshot Survey. some members by email. Messages have “bounced”. Lloyd Blyth and Tyne line, will close shortly. This will mean the the European Commission first If you make a journey by Euro- reports that he has six email addresses ending @ukonline. n n Passengers call for Ken to help with line overcrowding end of coal traffic and diminish the prospect of restoring taking steps to ensure compli- star and high speed train to such co.uk which was closed over a year ago by Sky. Rail users exasperated with chronic morning-peak the passenger service. SENRUG has innovative ideas about ance by the French government, places as Lyon or Koln, remem- So please, if your email address changes or has changed in overcrowding on the Barking-Gospel Oak line have invited promoting tourism and the colourful SENRUG newsletter, SNCF, Reseau Ferre de France ber to fill in the questionnaire at the past year, please email your new address to renewals@ Mayoral candidate Ken Livingstone to visit the line, containing details of these and other campaigns, is available and Eurotunnel.” www.epf.eu something current Mayor Boris Johnson refused to do. at www.senrug.co.uk railfuture.org.uk It will help Railfuture keep its information up- More positive progress is being Passenger feedback is sent to to-date and it also allows Railfuture to get in touch with news made with the projects to restore RailTeam. and information when necessary. 12 railwatch april 2012 www.railfuture.org.uk ◆◆◆◆ A 1,300 mile railway through six countries is planned from Kuwait to Oman railwatch april 2012 13 LOCAL ACTION LOCAL ACTION Lincolnshire Thames Valley By Don Peacock By Chris Wright [email protected] [email protected] n n Package bid for Hykeham n n Welcome rail strategy Railfuture Lincolnshire has been contributing to Lincolnshire’s Railfuture welcomes the Local Sustainable Transport Fund

Picture: ABBEY LINE RAIL USERS LINE RAIL ABBEY Picture: publication of Oxfordshire bid which is a list of potential County Council’s draft rail package elements focused in strategy which encompasses and around Hykeham, including the aspirations of the branch. improvements to the station area Oxford station redevelopment and better public transport for is seen as the key project to the Hykeham area. The branch ease congestion. The council is now in discussions about its would like to see a new station involvement in delivery of the bid with four through platforms. if it is successful. County councillor Rodney Rose said: “Oxford is going to n n Extra train gets ‘lost’ be the major bottleneck, and if Railfuture Lincolnshire welcomed East-West Rail goes through it improvements to the East Midlands Trains services in the will make it even worse.” First Great Western told the Oxford county from the December 2011 timetable. Lobbying from Mail it would not comment on the county council’s plans, one of our branch committee members was instrumental but said stakeholders and rail users should “make their in getting a morning commuter stop inserted at Rauceby. aspirations known”. Chiltern Railways has its own separate Service improvements would have been more wide-ranging Young passengers help community raIL grow: Bricket Wood on the Abbey line which runs from Watford to St Albans plans to build two new platforms to serve its new Evergreen had the Department for Transport not decided to divert rolling 3 link to London via Bicester. The council welcomed the stock released by the introduction of class 172s in the West ability to plan ahead following the Government’s approval of Midlands to other areas. All that was needed in Lincolnshire electrification to Oxford by 2016 and the good prospects for was one extra diesel unit. Rail hits the jackpot Evergreen 3 and East West Rail. Railfuture Thames Valley has already contributed to the draft strategy and in February The extra class 156s aimed at reducing overcrowding on The economic news remains ways increased by almost 19%, members of the public were invited to have their say on the Liverpool-Norwich services have arrived many months later proposals in a formal consultation process. You can view than originally planned. Members who attended the Rail grim, with the economy shrink- compared with the regional ing by 0.2% over the last three services average of 11%. Even the 100-page document which contains lots of interesting Reopenings conference in Corby in 2009 may remember information at http://tinyurl.com/7w9q3s3 the presentation at that conference outlining the need for months of 2011, and fears of a over the past year, growth has these extra units on one of the most overcrowded routes double dip recession. So why continued at a rate many high increase was deferred in the to the train operators so that the in the country. A great deal of time and effort was put in by are our trains still full and pas- street stores would envy. Budget in March last year. community has a much bigger The strategy sees Grove/Wantage as feasible for inclusion in the new franchise to meet the growth in the area and to Railfuture members and others, especially TravelWatch East senger numbers still rising? Last summer the Association Traffic congestion, parking say in its railway. Midlands and the Campaign for Better Transport, over the And why are community rail- serve Science Vale UK. The Association of Train Operating of Train Operators published restrictions and the sheer mis- Fortunately, the Treasury is Companies recommended this in its report Connecting whole route in helping to gather the data needed to put the ways ahead of the curve? ridership figures for the top ten ery of driving all play a part, unlikely to want to give up the case for additional units to DfT. Communities. Rebuilding the closed line to Carterton and Twenty five years ago, rail community rail lines, including but it is the fuel costs that make tax take from fuel duty, par- Witney is suggested as worthy of consideration in the longer n n Anger over 9% fare increases on East Coast travel seemed harnessed to the two where growth over four car drivers think seriously ticularly as the poor state of the term to improve connections between the towns and RAF Branch chairman David Harby was interviewed by Lincs FM gross domestic product. When years had been over 90% (Fal- about the train as an alterna- economy is going to deprive it Brize Norton. about the January fare increases where he expressed anger at the economy did well, demand mouth and Severn Beach) and tive. When they look at local of tax in other areas. the large off-peak increases (9% and more) on the East Coast for rail travel rose. When the one where it was still an aston- rail offers, they often discover There are good environmen- The completion of £5.66 million worth of improvements at main line services from our area. economy faltered, the conse- ishing 86% (Matlock). to their surprise that it is more tal reasons why the tax regime Didcot, improvements at Bicester Town and Banbury, the opening of the Evergreen 3 services to Marylebone and the n n AGM planned for Lincoln quent fall in rail travel led Brit- So why this phenomenal reliable and cheaper than using should encourage the use of ish Rail to make savings by growth when other businesses their car or the bus, quicker public transport rather than East West Rail link to Milton Keynes are envisaged, while Railfuture Lincolnshire’s AGM will be held in Lincoln on pruning services. than the bus and sometimes the restoration of an Oxford-Bristol service is proposed. The Saturday 10 March. struggle, and can we do any- the car. For those of us dedi- thing to keep the boom going? quicker than driving too. strategy lists the station improvements and service levels This changed 15 years ago with cated to rail development, it is sought throughout the county as well as the options for n n Petition may bolster Government promise of action the start of the upward curve in More frequent local services, Community rail partnerships important that the Government freight. Railfuture members are invited to support a petition brought passenger numbers that contin- reliability and new or refur- have been active in promoting sticks with further fuel duty to our notice by North Lincolnshire Neighbourhood Watch ues today. Recently, the reces- bished trains all attract new their lines to local people, and increases, because there will n n Campaigners celebrate 25 years of struggle asking for a debate on scrap metal regulation given the sion demonstrates that this passengers, but there is no have often been able to secure be plenty of pressure from the increasing incidence of theft and disruption. direct link between the state doubt that the underlying service improvements as well, road lobby to reduce it. Go to http://epetitions.direct.gov.uk/petitions/406 The Oxon & Bucks Rail Action Committee, a coalition of of the economy and demand driver of growth in rail demand which helps to explain their The Government may have Railfuture and local rail user groups formed to campaign for The Government announced in January that it will be banning for rail travel has been broken. today is the price of car fuel. higher than average growth. fewer friends among motorists rail services between Oxford/Aylesbury and Milton Keynes, cash for scrap. Metal theft cost Network Rail more than What is happening? has celebrated its 25th anniversary. £16 million last year, as well as resulting in delays to or the While this may vary with In the case of Falmouth, service in the months to come. Railfu- cancellation of over 35,000 passenger journeys. Despite the recession and com- world oil prices, or the finan- frequency was doubled, while ture has long advocated better plaints about fares, passenger cial collapse of individual sup- at Matlock the service had been local services supported by a n n New main line franchises present lobbying opportunity rail growth has been inexorable. pliers, the most important ele- increased, but had also become more level playing field, so we West Midlands Recent figures show that over ment is the tax, and particularly more reliable. Most impor- should now support them in a First Group, which saved itself £800 million by withdrawing early from the Great Western franchise, is likely to bid to be By Les Fawcett [email protected] the past four years passenger the fuel duty escalator, even tantly, partnerships listened to policy which encourages a shift numbers on community rail- though the inflation-linked local people and fed back ideas to rail and is clearly working. allowed to run it again when a new franchise is awarded in n n Ambitious plans for Bescot rail freight depot April next year. The shortlist of bidders is expected in May. Transport authority Centro wants Bescot rail yard, Roll up for Railfuture Lottery and you could be a winner First Group, the French national railway SNCF and the Dutch strategically located next to the M6 motorway, to be expanded railway’s Abellio company are bidding to oust Virgin Trains with longer sidings so it can become a regional freight Roll up for the Railfuture while the remainder goes into Alternatively, join using Graham Smith, Andrew Marsh. for the opportunity to run the 15-year West Coast main line terminal. Centro expects rail freight to increase by 120% by Lottery. But remember, you need Railfuture funds to help our PayPal via our website - www. November: Ron McLean, Alan franchise from December this year. Bids for the franchise are 2030. to be in it to win it! campaigns. railfuture.org.uk/lottery/. Koolman, Susan Riley, Garth expected to be received by May and the new operator will be n n Light rail link planned by Parry People Movers Graham and Garth Smith – no So you can help us and help Recent prize winners are Smith, Ian Sesnan, Peter Pass. announced in August. Parry People Movers is planning for a new £5 million light rail relation – have over 27 entries yourself by joining the Lottery. December: Felix Schmid, David September: Martin Parker, John link from Brierley Hill to Stourbridge on an existing freight between them, which is why It costs just £1 per entry per Stocks, Michael Hanson, John The branch will be making an input into the Railfuture line. Three new metro-style stations could be built. Cradley their names keep cropping up month and you can get details Ward, John Henderson, Ian and Ward, Peter Jacobs, Graham responses. The cost of running the railway is now three times Heath-based firm Parry People Movers already runs the in the winners’ list! There are six by writing to RF Lottery, 24 Jane Appleyard, Colin Palmer, Smith. January: Garth Smith, higher than it was under British Rail. branch line between Stourbridge Town and Junction stations. prizes each month - with a top Chedworth Place, Tattingstone, K Grimes. October: Terence David Brady, Graham Smith, prize of £40. Half of the money Suffolk IP9 2ND or email Sheppard, K Grimes, John Walter Richardson, John Ward, raised is returned in prizes [email protected] Barfield, Michael Humphrey, Peter Wilson. 14 railwatch april 2012 www.railfuture.org.uk ◆◆◆◆ Thailand is planning to build a 450 mile line from Bangkok to Chiang Mai railwatch april 2012 15 Rail must try harder to compete with airlines LOCAL ACTION LOCAL ACTION Rail campaigners have long run. But airline passengers have about Railteam, the consortium now operates from West Malling East Midlands asked why national rail bodies been brainwashed into accept- of high speed operators in seven in Kent, with a shop in Picca- Wessex and private rail companies do ing that schedules change, while European countries. Railfuture dilly, London. By Anthony Kay By John Friedberger not face up to the competition bus companies are notorious for expressed concern that many Rail Europe can book you from [email protected] from airlines. British train operating staff seem [email protected] changing their timetables at the one of the three Eurostar stations and Roger Bacon unable or unwilling to sell “Lon- Airline bosses encourage you to drop of a hat. (St Pancras, Ebbsfleet or Ash- n n [email protected] don International” or “London Rolling stock roundabout book early, often up to a year in It may be best to book ahead in ford) to over 10,000 destinations advance, but rail bosses make it CIV” tickets, which enable Euro- Three reshuffles of rolling n n East Midlands AGM stages as and when the best rail in continental Europe. difficult to plan that far ahead. tickets are available. star customers to travel to and stock, involving three of the four The East Midlands Branch 2012 from London by any train, with It cannot book you a ticket from train operators in our area, are You can book your Eurostar AGM has been provisionally In a bid to make life easier for pas- flexibility if the train from the your home station as it does not examples of the ‘playing train tickets four months in advance, booked for 1pm on Saturday 31 sengers, Railfuture holds regular Continent is late. have a licence from the Associa- set’ system which seems still March at Loughborough library French railways restrict you to meetings with train ­companies. to be a feature of the nation’s three months and Spanish rail- Mrs O’Leary said all Eurostar’s tion of Train Operators. in the town centre. Hopefully For example, two members of fragmented railway. On West ways allow you to book only two call centre staff were able to issue However, Rail Europe staff are Coastway, most Southern by this time attendees will be Railfuture’s international com- able to arrive at a splendid months in advance. such tickets. We also passed on aware of the London International services between Portsmouth Loughborough Midland station mittee met Eurostar after our our members’ concern about the or London CIV ticket and can tell and Brighton are now operated So if you want to go from Brit- snapshot survey, reported in complete with full length ain to Spain by rail you may feel design of Eurostar carriages and customers how to buy it. by 35-year-old class 313 units Railwatch 130. insufficient luggage space. transferred from London platforms for 10-coach trains, you have to leave it until two Rail Europe also communicates a new covered footbridge with lifts, and new bus, taxi, car suburban routes. These trains months before you travel to book We gave Eurostar’s Rebecca We were assured that, in the with customers via Facebook if and bicycle facilities, as well as much improved pedestrian O’Leary a rundown on the sur- design of their new fleet, Euro- are not suited to this route, your tickets, by which time the disruption is threatened. which has a typical access. The outlook from the station is also a far cry from the vey and she outlined some of the star had taken into account how derelict buddleia-covered sidings of the past few decades. ­cheapest Eurostar tickets will off-peak journey company’s plans for the future, passengers board and disembark You can receive Rail Europe’s n n have gone and French cheap tick- time of one hour Longer trains on Nottingham-Liverpool route ets may be in short supply. reports Trevor Garrod. and their luggage problems. monthly electronic newsletter, giving updates on rail services 39 minutes, since Railfuture campaigning has at last paid dividends on the People are increasingly using I also had a meeting in Janu- they do not have As one rail campaigner put it: “Is throughout Europe, via www. notoriously overcrowded Nottingham-Liverpool route. From that clever or stupid on the part Eurostar as part of a longer jour- ary with four of Rail Europe’s toilets. They are December, 57% of the Nottingham-Liverpool trains and 67% ney, although a six-hour journey raileurope.co.uk or phone their also cold, draughty of the Liverpool-Nottingham trains, operated on weekdays of the railways?” The excuse the management team, to whom we was the limit for most leisure call centre on 0844 848 4040. and have an inferior rail companies make is that they had sent the Railfuture report LAW Picture: HENRY by East Midlands Trains, became four-coach class 158s. This ride quality when will increase in December this year to 86% of Nottingham regularly change their timetables travellers. We were told Eurostar ­Eurostar - a Snapshot Survey. Rail It deals with bookings from so they do not want to offer you was reviewing its website, which Europe took over British Rail’s individual customers as well as compared with the departures and 100% of Liverpool departures. More of the class 377 trains longer trains will also operate on Saturdays and Sundays a seat on a train that might not could include more information international sales division and travel agents and tour operators. they replaced. We INCONVENIENT: A 313 at Brighton and full details are clearly marked on the new timetable. This hope the recently is at least a step on the way to East Midlands Trains’ public announced new order for 130 more class 377 carriages will aspiration at the time of winning the franchise in 2007 to bring enable Southern to reverse the situation. the “Norwich to Liverpool route up to inter-city standards”. On the Basingstoke to Reading line, First Great Western n n Campaign to upgrade Midland main line Ban on scrap cash is intending to replace the current class 165 turbo-diesel Our campaign to get the Midland main line north of Bedford railcars with older class 150 units on the important electrified will be stepped up following the decision of the Action on metal theft national network from theft of shuttle link between the two towns. This retrograde move Department for Transport to go ahead with electrification signalling equipment. highlights the need to include this short but vital link of both the Great Western and the Transpennine route from I mentioned the problems for between the South Coast and the Midlands in the GW Manchester to York. We are angry that the MML did not heritage railways caused by Railway Heritage Committee electrification scheme at the same time as the Reading- metal theft in Railwatch 130. The Government is consulting minister was greeted in 1986, even get a mention in the November pre-budget speech given his reputation as a right Newbury line, which it shares for two miles. Basingstoke infrastructure projects. The Nottingham Evening Post on winding up the Railway could then enjoy direct access to Crossrail, thus relieving The good news is that through wing Thatcherite hawk, but he has called on local politicians to show greater urgency in the persistence of Lord Heritage Committee (see www. pressure on the over-crowded service to Waterloo. turned out to be a rather good campaigning. “Nottingham’s case would be better heard Faulkner, a Labour peer who is dft.gov.uk/consultations/) and minister and as this series On South West Trains, Stagecoach Rail negotiated for if the city council and the business community hired an also president of the Heritage responses were due back by shows, he understands the some years with the Department for Transport in an effort experienced transport lobbyist, someone who understands Railway Association, the 1 March. to obtain more rolling stock to relieve congestion. At long value of rail. the complexities of the railway industry,” it pronounced on Government is about to amend This is actually better than last an announcement was heralded just before Christmas. 17 January. “Nottingham cannot continue to allow its fragile the Legal Aid, Sentencing and it sounds, and the powers At every stage, he gently The Gatwick Express Juniper trains (60 carriages) will be economy to be placed at a disadvantage with other core Punishment of Offenders Bill to takes the viewer through the refurbished and transferred to the Reading line. Big deal! cities”. of designation of important restrict cash payments by scrap significance of the line to the In 2006 all the popular and purpose-built Wessex Electric n n railway artefacts and records Tram’s advantages win over the sceptics metal dealers. are to be entrusted to a new economic development of class 442 trains (120 carriages) were removed from SWT main lines and are now operating the Gatwick Express Railfuture welcomes changing attitudes to light rail in This follows representations group under the auspices of the the area and highlights the Nottingham. The anti-tram lobby for the Beeston extension relevance of the railway to the and Southern services to Brighton from Victoria. Had this from the HRA, Network Rail, National Museum of Science change not been made, SWT would have had sufficient “has peeled away to be replaced by positive thinking”, COMMITTEE HERITAGE Picture: RAILWAY community today. local authorities and many and Industry. rolling stock to improve the Reading service with Desiro according to a letter in the February issue of LRTA’s Many of his journeys involve Tramways magazine by Steve Barber, the 2010 Light Rail other organisations which have This is a great result of tough class 450 trains and ensure that passengers on main lines Awards Campaigner of the Year. Even local MP Anna Soubry, suffered losses from metal lobbying by the heritage heritage railways, and he to Weymouth and Portsmouth could continue to travel in who gave election pledges in 2010 to stop the tram from theft. railway movement, and we switches seamlessly between suitable comfort. passing through her area, seems to have shifted her position. The House of Commons have come a long way from the modern railway and n n Greater Western franchise According to Hansard she said on 30 November: “Many the original proposal to abolish heritage lines, treating both as transport committee in a RAILWAY TREASURE: Three routes operated by First Great Western are of things are happening, such as the extension of the tram, that both the committee and the part of a national network. January report also made a This Edinburgh & Glasgow particular concern to members of the Wessex branch. give people hope for the future – the prospect of more jobs strong case for amending the designation powers as well. He skilfully draws out the We are therefore joining Severnside and neighbouring and apprenticeships.” milepost dating from 1842 law to prevent the chaos caused The change means that the was installed at Glasgow lessons from heritage lines, branches in formulating the Railfuture response to the The city council has agreed a £570 million contract with by railway cable theft. process transfers from the Queen Street in 2008 whether it is the principles current consultation. In addition to the Basingstoke- Tramlink Nottingham Consortium to build two extensions and The new law is expected to Department for Transport to of safety and signalling, the Reading line mentioned above, the line from Weymouth to operate them along with the city’s existing line under a have a big effect by outlawing the Department for Culture, be endorsed by Railfuture universality of the Edmondson Bristol and Swindon, the Heart of Wessex line, is both a 23-year concession. scenic journey and a key link to the South Coast, as will be “cash in hand, no questions Media and Sport, which may members. card ticket or the engineering Transport Minister Norman Baker said the extensions Portillo’s progress skills still required today to demonstrated during the Olympic Games sailing events this asked” purchases by scrap bring benefits because the summer. would build on the “great success” of line one, will help merchants, who have helped DCMS is more closely involved The series of railway journeys keep steam trains running. regeneration and give people an alternative to commuting The important inter-city line from Portsmouth (and to make metal theft such a in heritage and its importance by Michael Portillo on BBC2 is The joy of the programme is by car. The extensions, to open in two year’s time, start at widespread and damaging in economic as well as cultural living up to the standards of Brighton) to Bristol and Cardiff merits better rolling stock a recognition that railways than the current class 158 trains. Key sections of the route Nottingham station and run via Clifton to a 1,000 car-space terms. the earlier programmes and is park-and-ride station, seven miles from J24 on the M1, while phenomenon. shaped modern Britain and are overcrowded and business passengers, for whom the the second will go via Nottingham University, Beeston and It should prevent specialist As a co-opted member of the the biggest national promotion that today’s railways, without line should offer an attractive alternative to the car, are put Chilwell to another 1,300 car-space park-and-ride terminal castings being stolen from committee to be abolished, I railways have enjoyed for the monopoly enjoyed by off by the cramped standard class accommodation. Also near M1 J25. locomotive restoration projects, am confident that the proposal many years. their Victorian predecessors, not to be forgotten, and currently in the GW franchise, is the and will also help Network Rail is a sensible response from the I recall the unease with which are still essential to economic route from Reading to Gatwick Airport. reduce the delays caused on the Government and can safely his appointment as a transport prosperity and success.

16 railwatch april 2012 www.railfuture.org.uk ◆◆◆◆ Please remember Railfuture in your will: http://tinyurl.com/3qtdzj7 railwatch april 2012 17 LOCAL ACTION Your letters extra LOCAL ACTION Scotland East Anglia n n Shaping the future works. Labour ministers before By Nick Dibben [email protected] Andrew Adonis were opposed and Trevor Garrod [email protected] Railfuture Scotland has been to electrification, with airy n n urging people to respond to talk about hydrogen-powered Rail can relieve pressure on the A14 road the Scottish government’s trains. Over all was the baleful Railfuture has called on the Government to improve the rail consultation on Rail 2014 and network as a way of helping to solve the traffic congestion on take an active part in shaping Franchises and costs influence of Gordon Brown who imposed the disastrous public- the A14 road near Cambridge. The Government has shelved a rail services to suit passengers. Peter Rayner and Ian Brown in £1.2 billion scheme to widen the road to three lanes and build ScotRail’s franchise and the private partnership on London Railwatch 130 refer to railway Underground. a separate road for local traffic, saying it was unaffordable. funding arrangements for costs being too high and the In response to a Department for Transport consultation, Network Rail in Scotland will need to reduce them. Going back to previous Labour Railfuture highlighted rail’s ability to carry high volumes of come to an end in 2014 and governments, we had Bill A simple way would be to people and freight at high speed. The existing regional train new arrangements have to be in Rodgers who wanted to cancel services between Peterborough, Cambridge and Ipswich place. Railfuture made its own stop letting franchises and set the Tyne-Wear Metro, after have the potential to remove cars from the road if extra submission to the consultation up a not-for-profit passenger work had already begun. In carriages are provided and service frequency is increased. which closed on 20 February. operating company, to take over 1964, the unlamented Tom The proposed station at Cambridge Science Park, one of People were urged to press the franchises as they expire or fail. Fraser sacked Dr Beeching and the city’s main employment areas, could also remove many case for a park and ride station at Allander, between Hilllfoot We should then have a unified commuters from the road by providing public transport from and Milngavie, where 550 new homes are to be built. then proceeded to implement system run by experienced the Beeching cuts. Even the many adjacent towns. n n Welcome for electrification but closure warning professionals. Oxford to Cambridge line which Lorries make up a high proportion of A14 traffic so there Costs of bidding would be Beeching wanted to retain as an is great benefit in switching freight to rail. The rail industry Railfuture Scotland has also sounded the alert over the saved as would the profits the plans to double the number of freight trains to Felixstowe possible threat of closure to 16 stations in Glasgow and the important cross-country route companies take. The biggest was closed. BETTER THAN A VAN: The Cargo bike in action docks and run many additional services from the Thames west of Scotland, as a result of changes to service patterns ports and industrial areas, but Railfuture highlighted the outlined in the Edinburgh Glasgow Improvement Programme. saving would probably be on Now, after all parties have come buying rolling stock rather do we not ask the preservation be keen to push the opportunity problems of high charges to freight trains using the Channel Railfuture’s research officer Ken Sutherland briefed MSP to an agreement on HS2, Labour than leasing which seems societies? for businesses. Tunnel and called on the Government to deal with this issue Patricia Ferguson about the danger to the Glasgow Northern transport spokespersons are to cost nearly three times as They often want longer trackbed We believe that railways could as a matter of urgency. The full response can be found on the Suburban Line serving Ashfield, Possilpark, Gilshochill, trying to muddy the waters much. The only costs should than they have at the present use our trikes in depots as well Railfuture website. Summerston, Maryhill, Kelvindale and Anniesland stations. and score political points by be administrative ones at the as carry them with them for ad Railfuture welcomed positive aspects of EGIP which include proposing a more expensive time as well as often having n n New train operator reassures passengers electrification of the key lines between Glasgow-Edinburgh outset. hoc use at their destinations. route via Heathrow and the a lot of stock which is not well including Cumbernauld and Stirling-Alloa/Dunblane. David H T Smith, The Thursfield utilised. They could develop it Railfuture members attended stakeholder meetings in motorway corridor. Would you be able to advise us Norwich, Cambridge and Colchester organised by the new Railfuture called for another change of mind over the Smith Consultancy, Grange Road, for an agreed fee and use it for of key contacts within the railway proposal to scrap the Garngad Chord in Glasgow, and urged Shrewsbury SY3 9DG Martin Smith, Bath Street, train operator, Abellio Greater Anglia. They were assured a period of say 20 years to be industry we should direct our that there would be no reduction in station staffing and ticket that EGIP should create the opportunity for an additional rail [email protected] Abingdon, Oxon OX14 lEA developed in the future. offer to? connection with the Abbeyhill area of Edinburgh, and the office opening times, and that additional staff were being provision of an improved rail service to Carstairs. The EGIP Labour’s record Thanks to Rayner A line such as that from Uckfield With kind regards - and best recruited to help combat fare evasion. One of our members consultation process ended on 31 January. to Lewes could provide an wishes for your excellent also mentioned the deteriorating bus-train integration at alternative route and greater campaigning, to which we in Halesworth. The long-awaited Beccles station loop has edged n n Network Rail steps in to build Borders Railway Malcolm Clark (Railwatch 130) No, no, you can’t. You can’t closer, with a planning application in January for access to is much too kind regarding let Peter Rayner go. He is the capacity to the south coast and the cycling world are naturally also a diversionary route. In the hugely sympathetic, the recommissioned island platform that was abandoned Network Rail is to take over responsibility for the £235 million the Labour Party’s neglect of highlight of your magazine! 28 years ago. The East Suffolk Travellers’ Association has Borders Railway reopening scheme following the withdrawal meanwhile such a project would Mat Schmidt, Great Portland rail development, and I share Please pass on my best supported the plans for access to the platform, with new of two of the three bidders from Transport Scotland’s Michael Weinberg’s dismay provide a good training ground Street, London W1W 7NX wishes and thank him for a [email protected] seats and shelter, while asking questions about capacity. procurement competition. The line from Edinburgh through that the Labour government to many people in practical and Up to date info: www.eastsuffolktravel.org.uk Midlothian to Tweedbank in the Scottish Borders is expected most accurate and entertaining other skills, including commercial spent 13 years doing nothing column. Editors’ note: For more to reopen in 2014. but talk. Before the appointment ones. information, see n n MPs join campaign to improve railways Peter Odell, PO Box 1104, David Spurling, Periwinkle Close, n n Rail to the rescue after road blocked by rock fall of Andrew Adonis we had www.velorution.biz Norwich North MP Chloe Smith and Ben Gummer (Ipswich) Kimberley 8300, South Africa Sittingbourne, Kent ME10 2JT a succession of short-term [email protected] Do Railwatch readers have were among those who attended a “rail summit” in London An extra train was introduced by ScotRail in January because transport ministers who were [email protected] any ideas about how to in December to look at ways of improving rail services in a rock fall had blocked the A890 road at Stromeferry in either hostile to rail or just plain promote the combined use of East Anglia. MEP Vicky Ford said: “The people of Norfolk, December. The road was expected to be blocked well into Rayner wisdom ignorant, beginning with Glenda Cargo bikes and rail cycles and rail? Suffolk and Essex feel they are getting a third or fourth class February. The alternative road route is around 130 miles long service.” so schoolchildren used the train to get to school. However, Jackson who thought that buses I’m going to miss Rayner’s would be more cost-effective Having read the article about because of a shortage of trains, the knock-on effect was that Review. I had the privilege of trains and bikes in Railwatch the 07.26 Elgin to Inverness train had to be replaced by a bus. than light rail between Gosport working with Peter in the early and Portsmouth. 130, I wondered about another n n 1980s and I always admired way in which bikes could assist Level crossing trials could improve safety his common sense, clarity of Labour transport ministers railways. Barriers could be installed at 23 open level crossings in wasted £200 million of public thought and analytical skills Scotland if trials of a new type of barrier at Ardrossan are money on the St Ives-Cambridge – qualities reflected in his We are a bike shop in central London, and also UK’s Join Railfuture successful. The new style barriers can be installed for busway, money which could Railwatch reviews. Thank you, You get four copies of Railwatch magazine a year and the £100,000, much less than the current £500,000 cost. have been more usefully spent Peter, for sharing with us your distributor of the Christiania tricycle, the original Danish chance to help make Britain’s railways great again n n Minister steps in to check reopening plan on re-opening the East-West line wisdom and experience. between Bletchley and Bicester. Paul Gubbins, Arden Court, cargo bike, used by families Membership is £21 per year for an individual n Family: £21 plus £2 for MSP John Lamont tabled a motion in the Scottish Parliament Then we had Ruth Kelly who Congleton, Cheshire CW12 3JH and businesses for transporting each extra person n Pensioners, students and unemployed £14 n User in January praising RAGES (Rail Action Group, East of refused to call in the planning [email protected] goods and people up to 100kg groups, community and parish councils: Please use this form to ask for Scotland) for campaigning for many years for improved rail application for the Willington over short distances (several group rates services in Berwickshire and East Lothian. He and three boating lake which cuts across Keynes and rail miles). other MSPs are confident there is strong cross-party support the Bedford-Sandy route, on the Whereas the family side of the Name ...... for the reintroduction of local services from Edinburgh to grounds that it was only of local As a transport economist of a BETTER THAN A CAR: Non- Berwick-upon-Tweed and the reopening of stations at Reston trike is becoming more and more and not national interest. Keynesian variety I have noticed established in the UK, we would polluting family transport and East Linton. Scottish transport minister Keith Brown was with interest and incredulity Address ...... planning to visit East Linton, Reston and Eyemouth on 28 Alistair Darling will be February. Railfuture awarded RAGES a grant of £250 towards remembered for his remark comments about the public and ...... Postcode ...... its postcard campaign. about trains carrying air around private and voluntary sectors. Small advertisements the country, and he cancelled We could often use the voluntary Free to members (max 50 words) Contact details for Railfuture Scotland: the light-rail schemes for sector in a much more sensible Courses on offer: Author of 13 books, including latest one on Email ...... [email protected] Leeds, Liverpool and South way. In particular, if we want transport economics, offers books and courses to other members Send to Railfuture, 6 Carral Close, Lincoln LN5 9BD www.railfuturescotland.org.uk Hampshire, after £200 million track bed restored which at a discount. Also tutoring (via Skype) on economics and business Please make cheques payable to Railfuture had already been spent on Network Rail seems incapable of including degrees, etc. Tel: 01522 874513 Email: [email protected] planning and preliminary doing for a reasonable fee, why Please see website www.davidjohnspurling.com for details. 18 railwatch april 2012 www.railfuture.org.uk ◆◆◆◆ Italy and France plan to build a high speed line under the Alps from Lyon to Turin railwatch april 2012 19 Birmingham of future THIS is what Birmingham’s high speed station of the future could look like in 2026. The artist’s impression of the Curzon Street interchange was revealed

in January soon after Transport Picture: BIRMINGHAM POST/HS2 Secretary Justine Greening visited Birmingham to bang the drum for HS2. She said the development will slash journey times to London to 49 minutes and place the city at the centre of Britain’s rail network. She added: “High speed rail is by far the most effective way to open the capacity of the railway network. HS2 is a phenomenal undertaking. We have to make sure that we get the details right.” She also promised: “We will continue to invest in the wider network.” Plans are afoot to develop bridges and walkways to connect the new Curzon Street station with New Street and Moor Street stations. Birmingham City Council leader Mike Whitby said: “The city will become a centre of excellence for the railway industry.” Curzon Street was the terminus of Robert Stephenson’s London and Birmingham Railway. The surviving 1838 portico will be incorporated into the new design. Three years of ‘daylight robbery’ rises The continuing rise in rail fares uncertainty, however, about say in how our rail system is run socially beneficial alternative has provoked protests through- where some of the money for rail and hold the Network Rail lead- of a ­publicly owned railway, out Britain and prompted the might come from, as the Depart- ership to account.” McNulty proposes more cuts rail unions to label it “daylight ment for Transport has said it A February report claims our and even longer gold-plated ­robbery”. will be devolving major trans- railways are now at the bottom franchises for the private train Shadow transport secretary port budgets to local enterprise of the league compared to other operators.” Maria Eagle warned: “If this partnerships from 2015. parts of Europe where railways Eilis Lawlor of Just Economics year’s fare hikes were not bad The DfT admits the new system are 30 to 40% cheaper to operate. said: “Our research puts figures enough, the Government has could “inhibit the funding of On four out of six key indicators on what anyone who has been to told the train companies they can large schemes”. – fares, electrification, high speed France or Spain already knows. increase fares by up to a stagger- New “local transport bodies” are and passengers to seats – the UK “The UK’s railways are poor ing 13% in 2013 and 2014, mean- to be set up to decide priorities comes bottom or second to bot- value for money. Instead of ing three years in a row of eye for funding. tom, according to the think tank profitability being the primary watering price hikes.” Ms Eagle demanded: “Ministers Just Economics. measure of success, the wider In spite of high fares, train use must do more to explain how the benefits of the railway need An affordable, comfortable and greater consideration. Govern- is still increasing, partly because proposed local transport consor- faster railway would generate road traffic is so awful and partly tia, with LEPs playing a central ment should act decisively and £324 billion in social value (£9.2 make an objective and transpar- because petrol costs have also role, will be genuinely account- billion a year) between now and increased. able to local communities.” ent assessment of the best way to 2050. Just Economics estimates organise Britain’s railways so as Britain’s railways will undergo Currently there is not much the social, economic and envi- to maximise social, environmen- significant changes in 2012 but democratic input into how deci- ronmental benefits of a modal tal and economic value.” the basic expensive structure cre- sions are made on the railways. shift from road to rail would give A Fare Return: Ensuring the UK’s ated at the time of privatisation One idea for making passengers’ benefits of £154 billion. railways deliver true value for will remain. needs more central comes from The report was commissioned money can be downloaded from the Co-operative Party which Network Rail is being region- by rail union RMT whose gen- www.justeconomics.co.uk/ alised and several franchises are is suggesting that Network Rail eral secretary Bob Crow said: coming up for renewal. should be turned into a mutual. “This latest research shows that On the plus side, the budget for “All citizens should be given the the failures of privatisation are the railway is now fixed in five- right to become individual mem- costing the UK hundreds of bil- year control periods, rather than bers of a mutual Network Rail,” lions of pounds in social value. changing with just a few months said Joe Fortune. “This would Instead of addressing that issue notice as in the past. There is allow rail passengers to have a and looking at the cheaper and You can download information from www.railfuture.org.uk