DOCSLIB.ORG

Newsletter No. 39

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text

Load more

Page 1 SARPA Newsletter 39 SARPA Newsletter 39 Page 1 Shrewsbury Aberystwyth Newsletter Rail No. 39 Passengers’ Association April 2007 Chairman’s Message..................................................................................................1 News in brief...............................................................................................................2 89C rises again...........................................................................................................5 Passenger Focus and meetings with ATW.................................................................7 The view from Milepost 62..........................................................................................9 Arriva Trains Wales invites applications for its new passenger panels....................10 ‘Catch the BIG TRAINS to meet the Great Little Trains of Wales’ promotion..........10 Shrewsbury Station to gain from £738,000 investment programme.........................12 40th anniversary exhibition: ‘Over the points - 1967’: the end of steam in Shrewsbury..........................................11 SARPA to Rhodri Morgan, First Minister, National Assembly for Wales..................14 Websites...................................................................................................................15 SARPA Meetings and venues 2006...........................................................................15 CHAIRMAN’S MESSAGE Having a pint in the Weatherpsoons at Aberystwyth station one day waiting to come home I was thinking nothing is ever as it seems is it? Take UK Transport Secretary’s Alexander Douglas’s “1000 new carriages” to relieve overcrowding. Well not until 2014 and the sidings are even fuller of “off lease” rolling stock in the meantime. A decade has been spent merrily acquiescing to the franchise con, yet something could have been done at any stage in the last decade about overcrowding. Imagine calling a plumber who says I’ll get round to it in 17 years! Or here in Wales where the fine print was omitted about the extra WAG funding of units for the Cambrian, guaranteed for Monday to Friday only, at the operators discretion at the weekend, as some have found out on 2 coach Saturday trains. An oft quoted “fact” is that 70% of all journeys are by car and only 7% by rail. It’s often used as a put down against rail campaigners. However look at the detail - it’s not as simplistic as that. For a start 70% of all car journeys (50% of all journeys) are less than 5 miles in length: a market that rail is just not in. The bus which accounts for 15% of all journeys is also for predominately short distance trips. Journeys over 15 miles in the UK account for 20% of all trips made, and rail market share here leaps to 28%. So far from being a minor player rail is a major player in its market. Of course some individual flows show even greater reliance on the train. When you realise that rail is such a major player in certain markets it’s then not too great a leap of faith to realise it is therefore very important economically to the country - it’s nothing to do with anoraks and locomotive numbers I’m afraid. Travel from Aberystwyth to Shrewsbury (82 miles) and rail has a more than healthy market share as Transport Wales officials admitted privately Page 2 SARPA Newsletter 39 a couple of years back. Network Rail acknowledge this in their 2007 Business plan. The railway is tied up with the economy whether some people like it or not. Which makes the decisions after the next Assembly election in May all the more important. Do we continue with our unrealistic minor incremental approach to rail improvements, or go for something a little bit more realistic and in tune with the needs of the 21st century? We have more European money to spend in the old Objective One areas this time around, with c£350 million (including match funding) being available for transport. Priority 3 is developing the strategic infrastructure for a modern economy and its objective - to equip the region with the physical infrastructure necessary for the development of a modern competitive economy, and to promote agglomeration effects. Attempts to resurrect the road building agenda are foundering on the out of control costs in the road construction industry (the current estimate for the A483 Pant/Llanymynach bypass (£50 million plus) mean that its cost benefit ratio is hopeless). So £50 million on the roads pays for a 3 miles of single carriageway bypass around two small villages in between two small border market towns, so a relatively small number of HGV’s can shave a minute or two off their journey times. Where’s the economic benefit of that versus the cost of provision? One rail scheme in the current round of structural funds is the Ebbw Vale line reopening. Reconnecting an area of c100,000 people to the rail network, six new stations, access to employment, training and shopping in the boom city of Cardiff for an unemployment black spot and all without adding to road congestion. Cost £28 million. Rail will give a much better bang for your European funding than any road scheme can hope to achieve. Do we have the courage to move forward and grasp the opportunity? Gareth Marston Newtown, April 2006. News in brief Aberystwyth Sources within the Welsh Assembly Government have confirmed that the Aberystwyth Masterplan is unlikely to include provision for the proposed station relocation. An automatic ticket machine has appeared on the platform selling a range of more popular fares, designed to be a queue buster. Its Achilles heel appears to be that it can’t cope with the wide range of destinations the users of the station request fares to. There has been some disappointment as none of the four coach formations are reaching the town, on occasion resulting in passengers having to move forward through the train when it joins the extra carriages at Machynlleth. Machynlleth Progress on the new depot has speeded up since the New Year, the most notable aspect being the construction of a new two road shed under the cliff face at the far western end of the complex where the livestock pens used to be. However it has emerged that it has been built to the wrong dimensions. Units used on the Cambrian are of course of the Class 158 variety, 23m in length the new shed can accommodate 20m Class 150’s. Some have also questioned its location in the most obvious part of the Page 3 SARPA Newsletter 39 SARPA Newsletter 39 Page 3 railway land to expand the car park which is desperately needed. It has been pointed out that plenty of land exists at the eastern end of the complex. A depot for the ERTMS equipment as been built on the UP side alongside the old entrance to the good depot. Two Class 37 locomotives have been fitted with GSM-R equipment ready for trials: they are believed to be 37411 and 37425. A pair of Class 158’s received graffiti/ paint damage in early April whilst stored overnight on April 1st/2nd. Cemmaes Road – a victory for the middle class incomers? Some local residents were up in arms over the GSM-R technology masts that have appeared along the line. They allege a lack of consultation and were worried about radiation from the masts some of which are within 100m of housing. A protest campaign attracting wide support has persuaded Network Rail to relocate the mast away from the centre of the village. Two masts will now be erected either side of the village. Carno Despite being deemed a viable option by Network Rail, WAG have instructed the GRIP 4 stage of the Cambrian One train per Hour Study to look at enhancing Talerddig loop and not relocating it to Carno as was floated initially. Carno Station Action Group feels this was a deliberate move to scupper any reopening of the village station. Weig lane The installation of automatic barriers and the lifting of the speed restriction are under- stood to be part of Network Rail plans for the ERTMs trial. Moat Lane Junction The island platform at the old junction is rapidly becoming the eyesore of the line with a collection of old HGV’s and heavy plant being stored there serving no apparent purpose. Newtown Café Loco has closed (again). The latest sub tenant apparently “did a runner” and left the towns football club in the lurch also. The lease is now up for sale: call Tim Clarke on 07789 918141 if interested. Already erected is the GSM-R mast next to the car park. Hundreds of residents of the Treowen estate live close by over the tracks. A working class estate with some single parent households. Opposition? Not a murmur! The flower bed on the DOWN platform has received new concrete edging. Shrewsbury A combination of WAG, DfT and Shropshire CC money will see the lift restored to operational use on Platform 3 and Network Rail will fund the restoration of the platform line to full operational use. How this pans out and whether Cambrian services will use it Page 4 SARPA Newsletter 39 remains to be seen but it will definitely enhance operational flexibility at the station which once boasted 7 platforms, currently only 4 are in full use. Wrexham Wrexham and Shropshire Rail Company have suffered a setback, and have had to resubmit their plans to the Office of Rail Regulator following objections, mainly from Virgin Trains. Arriva also objected claiming that the new service would get in the way of their trains and make them late – which is exactly the same argument made by Virgin and Central Trains when Arriva try and get their trains paths to Birmingham International! Freight on the Cambrian returns. OK maybe not what you would expect if you remember the Stanlow Oil tanks to Aberystwyth but if you have a resource why not use it! The 0633 from Birmingham New St has been observed carrying a new PC to Machynlleth station and even a fridge freezer for the catering trolley base at Aberystwyth.
Recommended publications
  • RAIL INFRASTRUCTURE and IMPROVED PASSENGER SERVICE COMMITTEE INTERIM REPORT March 2006

    RAIL INFRASTRUCTURE and IMPROVED PASSENGER SERVICE COMMITTEE INTERIM REPORT March 2006

    RAIL INFRASTRUCTURE AND IMPROVED PASSENGER SERVICE COMMITTEE INTERIM REPORT March 2006 RAIL INFRASTRUCTURE AND IMPROVED PASSENGER SERVICE COMMITTEE INTERIM REPORT March 2006 If you would like further copies of this report or a version in the following formats (large print, Braille, audio cassette or compact disk), please contact: Leanne Hatcher Rail Infrastructure and Improved Passenger Services Committee National Assembly for Wales Cardiff Bay CF99 1NA Tel: 029 2089 8429 E-mail: [email protected] Committee Members John Marek AM (Chair) Wrexham Leighton Andrews AM Rhondda Eleanor Burnham AM North Wales Rosemary Butler AM Newport West Janet Davies AM South Wales West Lisa Francis AM Mid & West Wales Carl Sargeant AM Alyn & Deeside Secretariat Chris Reading Committee Clerk Sarah Bartlett Deputy Clerk Leanne Hatcher Team Support Contents Page Number 1. Introduction 1 2. Roles and Responsibilities 2 3. Strategic Planning 8 4. Key Issues 9 5. What happens next? 14 Annexes 1. Schedule of Committee Papers 2. Verbatim Record of Committee Meetings 3. Consultation Letter 4. Schedule of Organisations Consulted 5. Summary of Consultation Responses 6. Structure of Welsh Rail Passenger Industry 7. Map of Rail Network 1. Introduction Background 1.1 The committee was established, in accordance with Standing Order 8.1, by a motion (NDM2735) that was approved by plenary on 6 December 2005. This motion set parameters for committee membership, terms of reference and various other matters; including the requirement to report to the National Assembly by the end of March and to terminate on 19 May 2006. 1.2 The committee held its inaugural meeting on 1 February 2006 to agree various procedural matters, including the election of the Chair.
  • Newsletter No. 51

    Newsletter No. 51

    Page 1 SARPA Newsletter 51 SARPA Newsletter 51 Page 1 Shrewsbury Newsletter Aberystwyth Rail No. 51 Passengers’ August 2010 Association The station with the hump. Aberdovey in the early 1960’s, with No.82033 arriving with a down train. Chairman’s Message..................................................................................................3 News in Brief...............................................................................................................4 When the Computer says No......................................................................................8 AUF WIEDERSEHEN Status Quo............................................................. ...............10 More Cambrian Railways Partnership leaflets..........................................................12 The view from milepost 61 by the Brigadier..............................................................13 Network Rail Reports................................................................................................15 Vale of Rheidol Railway upgrade...............................................................................17 SARPA meetings......................................................................................................18 Websites...................................................................................................................19 Useful addresses......................................................................................................20 Officers of the Association........................................................................................20
  • Rails by the Sea.Pdf

    Rails by the Sea.Pdf

    1 RAILS BY THE SEA 2 RAILS BY THE SEA In what ways was the development of the seaside miniature railway influenced by the seaside spectacle and individual endeavour from 1900 until the present day? Dr. Marcus George Rooks, BDS (U. Wales). Primary FDSRCS(Eng) MA By Research and Independent Study. University of York Department of History September 2012 3 Abstract Little academic research has been undertaken concerning Seaside Miniature Railways as they fall outside more traditional subjects such as standard gauge and narrow gauge railway history and development. This dissertation is the first academic study on the subject and draws together aspects of miniature railways, fairground and leisure culture. It examines their history from their inception within the newly developing fairground culture of the United States towards the end of the 19th. century and their subsequent establishment and development within the UK. The development of the seaside and fairground spectacular were the catalysts for the establishment of the SMR in the UK. Their development was largely due to two individuals, W. Bassett-Lowke and Henry Greenly who realized their potential and the need to ally them with a suitable site such as the seaside resort. Without their input there is no doubt that SMRs would not have developed as they did. When they withdrew from the culture subsequent development was firmly in the hands of a number of individual entrepreneurs. Although embedded in the fairground culture they were not totally reliant on it which allowed them to flourish within the seaside resort even though the traditional fairground was in decline.
  • Rail Station Usage in Wales, 2018-19

    Rail Station Usage in Wales, 2018-19

    Rail station usage in Wales, 2018-19 19 February 2020 SB 5/2020 About this bulletin Summary This bulletin reports on There was a 9.4 per cent increase in the number of station entries and exits the usage of rail stations in Wales in 2018-19 compared with the previous year, the largest year on in Wales. Information year percentage increase since 2007-08. (Table 1). covers stations in Wales from 2004-05 to 2018-19 A number of factors are likely to have contributed to this increase. During this and the UK for 2018-19. period the Wales and Borders rail franchise changed from Arriva Trains The bulletin is based on Wales to Transport for Wales (TfW), although TfW did not make any the annual station usage significant timetable changes until after 2018-19. report published by the Most of the largest increases in 2018-19 occurred in South East Wales, Office of Rail and Road especially on the City Line in Cardiff, and at stations on the Valleys Line close (ORR). This report to or in Cardiff. Between the year ending March 2018 and March 2019, the includes a spreadsheet level of employment in Cardiff increased by over 13,000 people. which gives estimated The number of station entries and exits in Wales has risen every year since station entries and station 2004-05, and by 75 per cent over that period. exits based on ticket sales for each station on Cardiff Central remains the busiest station in Wales with 25 per cent of all the UK rail network.
  • Issue 15 15 July 2005 Contents

    Issue 15 15 July 2005 Contents

    RailwayThe Herald 15 July 2005 No.15 TheThe complimentarycomplimentary UKUK railway railway journaljournal forfor thethe railwayrailway enthusiastenthusiast In This Issue Silverlink launch Class 350 ‘Desiro’ New Track Machine for Network Rail Hull Trains names second ‘Pioneer’ plus Notable Workings and more! RailwayThe Herald Issue 15 15 July 2005 Contents Editor’s comment Newsdesk 3 Welcome to this weeks issue of All the latest news from around the UK network. Including launch of Class 350 Railway Herald. Despite the fact ‘Desiro’ EMUs on Silverlink, Hull Trains names second Class 222 unit and that the physical number of Ribblehead Viaduct memorial is refurbished. locomotives on the National Network continues to reduce, the variety of movements and operations Rolling Stock News 6 that occur each week is quite A brand new section of Railway Herald, dedicated to news and information on the astounding, as our Notable Workings UK Rolling Stock scene. Included this issue are details of Network Rail’s new column shows. Dynamic Track Stablizer, which is now being commissioned. The new look Herald continues to receive praise from readers across the globe - thank you! Please do feel free to pass the journal on to any friends or Notable Workings 7 colleagues who you think would be Areview of some of the more notable, newsworthy and rare workings from the past week interested. All of our back-issues are across the UK rail network. available from the website. We always enjoy hearing from readers on their opinions about the Charter Workings 11 journal as well as the magazine. The Part of our popular ‘Notable Workings’ section now has its own column! Charter aim with Railway Herald still Workings will be a regular part of Railway Herald, providing details of the charters remains to publish the journal which have worked during the period covered by this issue and the motive power.
  • WALES of IRELAND St John's Wales Wales and Prettytenby

    WALES of IRELAND St John's Wales Wales and Prettytenby

    Lerwick Kirkwall Dunnet Head Cape Wrath Duncansby Head Strathy Whiten Scrabster John O'Groats Rudha Rhobhanais Head Point (Butt of Lewis) Thurso Durness Melvich Castletown Port Nis (Port of Ness) Bettyhill Cellar Head Tongue Noss Head Wick Gallan Head Steornabhagh (Stornoway) Altnaharra Latheron Unapool Kinbrace Lochinver Helmsdale Hushinish Point Lairg Tairbeart Greenstone (Tarbert) Point Ullapool Rudha Reidh Bonar Bridge Tarbat Dornoch Ness Tain Gairloch Loch nam Madadh Lossiemouth (Lochmaddy) Alness Invergordon Cullen Fraserburgh Uig Cromarty Macduff Elgin Buckie Dingwall Banff Kinlochewe Garve Forres Nairn Achnasheen Torridon Keith Turriff Dunvegan Peterhead Portree Inverness Aberlour Huntly Lochcarron Dufftown Rudha Hallagro Stromeferry Ellon Cannich Grantown- Kyle of Lochalsh Drumnadrochit on-Spey Oldmeldrum Dornie Rhynie Kyleakin Loch Baghasdail Inverurie (Lochboisdale) Invermoriston Shiel Bridge Alford Aviemore Aberdeen Ardvasar Kingussie Invergarry Bagh a Chaisteil Newtonmore (Castlebay) Mallaig Laggan Ballater Banchory Braemar Spean Dalwhinnie Stonehaven Bridge Fort William Pitlochry Brechin Glencoe Montrose Tobermory Ballachulish Kirriemuir Forfar Aberfeldy Lochaline Portnacroish Blairgowrie Arbroath Craignure Dunkeld Coupar Angus Carnoustie Connel Killin Dundee Monifieth Oban Tayport Lochearnhead Newport Perth -on-Tay Fionnphort Crianlarich Crieff Bridge of Earn St Andrews SCOTLAND Auchterarder Auchtermuchty Cupar Inveraray Ladybank Fife Ness Callander Falkland Strachur Tarbet Dunblane Kinross Bridge Elie of Allan Glenrothes
  • Wales Network Specification: March 2017 Network Rail – Network Specification: Wales 02 Wales

    Wales Network Specification: March 2017 Network Rail – Network Specification: Wales 02 Wales

    Delivering a better railway for a better Britain Network Specification 2017 Wales Network Specification: March 2017 Network Rail – Network Specification: Wales 02 Wales Incorporating Strategic Routes: L: Wales and This Network Specification describes the Wales Route in its There are also a number of other supporting documents that Borders geographical context and provides a summary of the infrastructure present specific strategies including: that is available for passenger and freight operators. It identifies Scenarios and Long Distance Forecasts – published in June 2009. the key markets for passenger and freight services by Strategic • The document considers how demand for long distance rail Route Sections (SRS). The SRSs cover specific sections of the route services, both passenger and freight, might be impacted by four and are published as appendices to this document. They describe in alternative future scenarios greater detail the current and future requirements of each SRS to inform both internal and external stakeholders of our future • Electrification Strategy – published October 2009 presents a strategy. strategy for further electrification of the network. Work is ongoing to refresh the Strategy in the light of committed Control This Network Specification draws upon the supporting evidence Period 5 electrification schemes, the ‘Electric Spine’ development from the Route Utilisation Strategy (RUS) process which informs the project and the formation of a ‘Task Force’ to consider further strategy to 2019, and the emerging findings from the Long Term electrification opportunities across the North of England. Planning Process (LTPP) which looks ahead 10 and 30 years. Stations – published in August 2011. This strategy considered the As part of the LTPP, four Market Studies have been established, • pedestrian capacity of stations on the network.
  • Route Utilisation Strategy November 2008  Foreword

    Route Utilisation Strategy November 2008  Foreword

    Wales Route Utilisation Strategy November 2008 2 Foreword I am delighted to present Network Rail’s Route Principally this is in south Wales, where capacity Utilisation Strategy (RUS) for Wales. This use is at its highest. This is a result of a growth covers the entire rail network in Wales, as well in the number of trains serving Cardiff and the as some parts of the network in the English building of a number of new stations. On this border counties. part of the network, in the most populous part of the country, the RUS builds on the successful This network is extensive and diverse. past introduction of more services and the There are main line links from Wales into selective growth of the network. England, a long-distance line along the border connecting north and south Wales, a busy A major programme to renew signalling urban passenger network serving Cardiff, and equipment in the Newport and Cardiff areas branches traversing sparsely populated rural will take place in the next five to seven years, areas. Some parts of the network are subject and much of the work described in this to fluctuating demand according to the time of strategy to enhance the network is planned year, most notably on the Cambrian Coast and in conjunction with this signalling work to in the Conwy Valley. increase cost-effectiveness. The High Level Output Specification (HLOS), published in The context in which this RUS has been July 2007, contained a specific requirement to produced, as has often been the case with increase seating capacity into Cardiff during other RUSs, is one of growing demand for the morning peak.
  • Head of Customer Services Arriva Trains Wales April 2011 to The

    Head of Customer Services Arriva Trains Wales April 2011 to The

    Head of Customer Services Arriva Trains Wales April 2011 To the Head of Customer Services Re: Arriva Trains Wales Summer Timetable Changes Adversely Affecting Commuters I write to you on behalf of fellow passengers in protest of the timetable changes being made to the service which starts at Carmarthen at 05:50 destined for Manchester Piccadilly. Like many other customers, I commute to Cardiff on this service daily. I board at Llanelli at 06:18 but this petition speaks for customers boarding at all stations between Carmarthen and Cardiff. Currently, the service arrives at Cardiff at 07:40, giving those who start work by 08:00 enough time to travel by foot or by bus to their place of work in Cardiff. The proposed changes see this service arriving at Cardiff at 08:01, rendering the service useless to almost all passengers who currently board the train West of Cardiff. For those who have the option, Arriva Trains Wales will lose customers to the First Great Western Service leaving Swansea at 06:58, however this service is not available to those boarding West of Swansea or at Pyle or Llanharan. However, since the First Great Western Service arrives at Cardiff 12 minutes later than current Arriva Trains Wales service, this solution may not be viable even for those who have the option of using it. There is further outrage amongst customers regarding the following issues: Trains stopping less frequently at stations in West Wales on some services The 16:04 train from Cardiff to Milford Haven (used on the way home by many commuters who catch the service arriving at Cardiff at 07:40) will be leaving at 15:54 after the timetable changes.
  • 1. Rail Staff Survey: Respondent Demographics 1.1

    1. Rail Staff Survey: Respondent Demographics 1.1

    PROTECTIVE MARKING: NOT PROTECTIVELY MARKED BRITISH TRANSPORT POLICE Appendix A: Demographic data 1. RAIL STAFF SURVEY: RESPONDENT DEMOGRAPHICS 1.1. 20,000 surveys were distributed of which over 2,000 surveys have been returned representing a return of 10.7%. 1.2. In total 2,142 rail staff took part in the survey: 1,148 respondents train crew and 994 station staff respondents. 1.3. The majority of respondents were male, and described their ethnicity as ‘White’ for both datasets. 1.4. Within BME respondents the three largest groups were African (1%), Pakistani (1%) and Indian (1%) for train crew; and Indian (2%), African (2%) and Caribbean (2%) for station staff. Train Crew Station Staff Respondents 1148 994 Gender (%) Male 83.0 69.0 Female 16.0 22.0 Undisclosed 1.0 9.0 Ethnicity (%) White 90.0 80.0 BME 4.0 9.0 Undisclosed 3.0 11.0 Disability (%) Disability 1.0 3.0 Table 1 Demographics data 1.5. There was a good spread of respondents from different job roles (see Tables 2 and 3). Conductors made up the largest percentage of train crew respondents (66%) followed by Drivers/Shunters (22%). Sales point/Ticket sales staff made up the largest percentage of station staff respondents (35%) followed by Platform staff (24%) and Customer service (23%). 1.6. The train crew sample was made up of respondents from 18 TOCs (see Table 4); the highest number of respondents work for Northern Rail (17%), First Great Western (15%), South West Trains (13%) and SouthEastern (10%). 1 PROTECTIVE MARKING: NOT PROTECTIVELY MARKED BRITISH TRANSPORT POLICE Appendix A: Demographic data Train Crew Job Roles (%) Station Staff Job Role (%) Conductor/Guard 65.5 Sales point/Ticket sales 34.6 Driver/Shunter 22.4 Platform Staff 24.2 Catering/On board services 5.3 Customer Service 23.1 Ticket inspection/Ticket sales 2.8 Train Dispatch 19.6 Managerial 2.3 Revenue protection 6.9 Revenue protection 2.0 Gateline Staff 6.9 Security 0.5 Managerial 5.3 Cleaning/Train environment 0.3 Security 4.2 Other 0.3 Cleaning/Train environment 3.8 Other 3.2 Maintenance 1.2 Table 2 Job role N.B.
  • Dev-Plan.Chp:Corel VENTURA

    Dev-Plan.Chp:Corel VENTURA

    On Track for the 21st Century A Development Plan for the Railways of Wales and the Borders Tua’r Unfed Ganrif ar Ugain Cynllun Datblygu Rheilffyrdd Cymru a’r Gororau Railfuture Wales 2nd Edition ©September 2004 2 On Track for the 21st Century Section CONTENTS Page 1 Executive summary/ Crynodeb weithredol ......5 2 Preface to the Second Edition .............9 2.1 Some positive developments . 9 2.2 Some developments ‘in the pipeline’ . 10 2.3 Some negative developments . 10 2.4 Future needs . 10 3 Introduction ..................... 11 4 Passenger services .................. 13 4.1 Service levels . 13 4.1.1 General principles .............................13 4.1.2 Service levels for individual routes . ................13 4.2 Links between services: “The seamless journey” . 26 4.2.1 Introduction .................................26 4.2.2 Connectional policies ............................27 4.2.3 Through ticketing ..............................28 4.2.4 Interchanges .................................29 4.3 Station facilities . 30 4.4 On-train standards . 31 4.4.1 General principles .............................31 4.4.2 Better trains for Wales and the Borders . ...............32 4.5 Information for passengers . 35 4.5.1 Introduction .................................35 4.5.2 Ways in which information could be further improved ..........35 4.6 Marketing . 36 4.6.1 Introduction .................................36 4.6.2 General principles .............................36 5 Freight services .................... 38 5.1 Introduction . 38 5.2 Strategies for development . 38 6 Infrastructure ..................... 40 6.1 Introduction . 40 6.2 Resignalling . 40 6.3 New lines and additional tracks / connections . 40 6.3.1 Protection of land for rail use ........................40 6.3.2 Route by route requirements ........................41 6.3.3 New and reopened stations and mini-freight terminals ..........44 On Track for the 21st Century 3 Section CONTENTS Page 7 Political control / planning / funding of rail services 47 7.1 Problems arising from the rail industry structure .
  • National Rail Cycling by Train

    National Rail Cycling by Train

    Introduction Chiltern Railways First Great Western GNER Most train companies allow cycles to be conveyed on their services provided they can be Tel: 08456 005 165 (information and telesales) www.chilternrailways.co.uk Tel: 08457 000125 www.firstgreatwestern.co.uk Tel: 08457 225 225 (Enquiries & Reservations) www.gner.co.uk (cycle booking form) accommodated safely. By making rail travel easier for cyclists, we are encouraging more travel London Marylebone – Aylesbury, Stratford-upon-Avon, Birmingham High speed and local services from London Paddington to Reading, London King’s Cross – Eastern Counties – Yorkshire – North East on the railway and offering a healthy and acceptable alternative to the car. This leaflet gives and Kidderminster Thames Valley, Bristol, South Wales, the Cotswolds, West of England England – Scotland plus Reading to Gatwick Airport. a summary of each train company’s policy for conveyance of cycles by train. It's no problem taking your cycle on our off-peak trains. But on Mondays to Fridays One cycle may be conveyed free of charge per ticket holder, subject to space being available. we're unable to convey cycles on our busiest trains. These are trains arriving at London High Speed Train services between London, South Wales and the West Country can We also convey tandems, but you need to reserve two cycle spaces. You must reserve before For full information contact either the appropriate train Marylebone or Birmingham Snow Hill between 07.45 and 10.00 and trains departing London accommodate up to six cycles and advance reservation is recommended, free of charge. travelling (maximum of 5 spaces available), and the earlier you book the more chance you company, or National Rail Enquiries at 08457 48 49 50 local However, reservation is compulsory Monday – Friday for all services rate call (textphone: 0845 60 50 600, Welsh-speaking enquiries: Marylebone or Birmingham Snow Hill between 16.30 and 19.30.