AN INDEPENDENT VOICE FOR RAIL USERS No 153 £2 October 2017

Julie Walters on the rail trail SEE PAGE 2 Picture: Ray King PAGE ONE PICTURE: Election Railways are getting good cover- of Thornhill station. Thornhill age these days on TV, radio and was where John Buchan’s hero in the newspapers, thanks partly Richard Hannay leapt off the to Railfuture campaigning. train in The Thirty-Nine Steps. The welcome In June, Julie Walters was spotted station succumbed to the Beech- on Scotland’s Kyle of Lochalsh Picture: Ray King ing cuts and has been seeing line filming for a new Channel 4 trains pass through without stop- series called Britain’s Coastal Rail- ping for 50 years. Right in the panel ways. middle of a 30-mile station-less gap in the line between Glasgow Channel 4 commissioned the and Carlisle in south-west Scot- four-part series with the Oscar- land, Thornhill is determined to is ready nominated actress travelling on look to the future and get its sta- some of Britain’s most famous tion back. By Stewart Palmer coastal railway routes. Governance Director Campaigner John Burton said: [email protected] The actress, who starred in Chan- DINGWALL STATION: At the north-eastern end of the Kyle of Lochalsh line on the day Julie Walters was filming. The station “Thornhill cannot live on nos- The board of Railfuture runs the nel 4’s 2015 drama series Indian talgia and is determined not to boasts the excellent Tina’s Tearoom as well as an on-platform company and is responsible for Summers, the film Billy Elliot and become merely a retirement des- pub, called The Mallard setting the strategic direction of the Harry Potter films, was fol- tination or a dormitory town for the organisation. lowed across a variety of land- Dumfries. scapes, from Scottish beaches to In any company, directors Cornish fishing villages. “It is a living community and needs better access to the wider have specific and onerous legal The Kyle line is recognised as one world to promote growth and responsibilities, and it is there- of the most scenic in Britain and give local work to young people. fore important that any poten- can be used to get to and from Picture: Ray King A railway station would be a tial board member has a proper the Isle of Skye. Many of the pas- huge step in the right direction.” understanding of the respon- sengers are tourists, but it is also sibilities they will assume if an essential link for local people. Now, a Thornhill Station Action elected to the board, and the Group has been set up and is It was proposed for closure in the values and behaviours that they attracting packed-out public would be expected to adopt. Beeching report 54 years ago but meetings. was reprieved. It has featured in On 3 June 2017 the board With solid support from local several films, including Michael approved a new process that will businesses, the group is work- Palin’s Great Railway Journeys of operate from this autumn for all ing with Dumfries and Galloway the World. The line is occasionally new directors and any existing Council and the local MP and used for special tourist trains, KYLE LINE: The 2012 Great Britain Tour train near Loch Carron director seeking re-election. such as the nine-day Great Brit- MSPs towards a new railway ain Tour which is operated by the ­station which they say will help In accordance with the articles of Railway Touring Company. to secure the economic future of association of the company, any the area. ordinary member can stand for One of the routes used by the The Scottish Transport Appraisal the board. This is not going to Great Britain Tour is the Glasgow change. to Carlisle line via Dumfries, one Guidance process, STAG, has put of the most beautiful lines in Brit- Thornhill forward to Stage 2. No However, from now on any ain, which has only a very sparse doubt it will be some time before member who is considering service on Sundays when many THORNHILL STATION: As it was just before the First World War the trains stop again, but the standing will have the opportu- leisure passengers would use it. community is determined. nity of a structured discussion Campaigner Graham Lund, who Ayrshire, said: “Train frequencies are either very restricted or non- There is also a campaign to with a panel of Railfuture vice- works in England’s Lake District on the Dumfries and Stranraer existent.” Campaigners are fight- reopen Eastriggs station, which presidents, who will explain and visits his family in Girvan, lines are atrocious on Sundays. ing for better services on both is on the Glasgow South Western the responsibilities of a director, on the Stranraer line in South Weekend holiday breaks by rail lines as well as for the reopening line, south of Dumfries. answer questions and provide clarity. This will also be an opportunity for the individual to explain their Fight for passenger choice Rail user awards for 2017 understanding of Railfuture’s By Stewart Palmer pally advanced purchase tickets) policies and values and to dem- [email protected] between Exeter and London via onstrate the strengths and quali- By Roger Blake verdicts. They will also decide ties they can bring to the board. When the Department for Trans- Salisbury. Railfuture will moni- [email protected] who is to receive the Judges’ port announced that First/MTR tor this locally to make sure they The vice-presidents are not them- Special Award, given to an Railfuture’s new book Britain’s Growing Alderson and Ian McDonald have done a had won the South Western honour those guarantees. Eighteen entries from across selves board members and will Railway has been well received by members superb job building on Alan Bevan’s original Britain are going for gold in individual, group, project not approve or reject candidates. franchise, Railfuture wrote to However, we are disappointed or campaign that they wish and reviewers.“It is a wonderful work of work.” Paul highlighted the 2016 openings of the Competition and Markets the authority did not press for this year’s annual Awards for The purpose of this discussion is reference and an inspiration to remind us the Norton Bridge Chord (north of Stafford) Rail User Groups. to single out for particular not to bar anybody from stand- Authority expressing concern equal treatment for all users on praise. of all the good news of railway expansion,” and the Chiltern line through Bicester to about the fact that both routes the line – not just those who use The entries come from eight ing, but to make sure that any said the Reverend Edmund Worthy of Oxford. He added: “Both projects have been All will be revealed at Railfu- from London to Exeter were now Exeter itself – as we requested. Railfuture branch areas, rang- potential board members make Our Lady of the Sacred Heart church, in incredibly useful for different reasons. The ture’s annual autumn confer- an informed decision whether to controlled by the same owning In addition, our concerns ing from Scotland to Devon. Wellingborough, Northants. Norton Bridge Chord has shaved several group. ence in Leicester on Saturday stand or not. about car parking charges were As in previous years the hotly “The fact that almost all the reinstated minutes off running times from Stafford to 4 November. Speakers will The election returning officer Stoke and removed a serious bottleneck Many passengers have a choice ignored. This episode underlines contested categories are for come from today’s railway, stations and routes have been successful of which route to use and, for the need for a strong Railfuture Best Newsletter, Best Website may not endorse the candidate’s way beyond what was hoped should give on the West Coast main line. Chiltern has from those of yesteryear, opened up an enormous new market for historic reasons, fares and car with grassroots activists to try to and Best Campaign. Does election statement if the candi- inspiration to anyone interested in the future which are still very much travel to and from Oxford parking charges tended to be protect passengers’ interests. that mean nominations for date decides to stand but has not of our railways.” alive in the heritage sector, taken the opportunity to have a lower on the former South West Best Campaigner, Best Social and from proponents of a The book is “indispensable not just to rail “I look forward to reviewing the seventh We have secured some protec- discussion with the vice-presi- Trains route. We were very Media and Best New Group reopened line for tomorrow’s campaigners but transport professionals, edition, with lots of reopenings up north as pleased that the authority agreed tion to prevent Exeter passengers dents’ panel. well as Tweedbank-Carlisle, Lewes-Uckfield, being ripped off, but this is not as are all in with a better chance railway. local authority politicians – and those chap/ with our concerns and ordered of an award? If you are thinking of standing esses in Government”. This verdict comes March-Wisbech, Bere Alston-Tavistock, and an investigation. As a result of much as we believe they should Bookings for the conference quite a few more.” The judging panel of for the board in 2018, please from Paul Salveson, railway expert and this, First/MTR has given the have been given. will be accepted until Thurs- ­Railfuture vice-presidents will advise the company secretary author, who is currently visiting professor The book costs £9.95 postage free from authority a series of guarantees The fight to get the same treat- day 2 November, at www.rail- meet in October to give its future.org.uk/conferences Lloyd Butler by 1 November 2017 in transport and logistics at the University www.railfuture.org.uk/shop/books. about the pricing and availabil- ment for all users on the Salis- so a discussion can be arranged of Huddersfield.He said: “Editors Jerry php?id=bgr1 ity of unregulated fares (princi- bury-Exeter line will continue. before nominations close. 2 railwatch October 2017 Twitter: @railfuture www.railfuture.org.uk ◆◆◆◆ Railfuture conference 4 November 2017 at The Curve, Leicester LE1 1SB railwatch October 2017 3 n nFriends of Narborough station The original line was closed around the same East Midlands A new user group, Friends of Narborough time as the link from Bedford to Cambridge, Station, was inaugurated on 17 August. This whose revival has been our main campaign I think we have a problem with strategy is a combined rail user and station adoption for 20 years. The East West Rail consortium has [email protected] engaged Atkins consultants to examine the By Ian Brown group and seeks to enhance the amenities and [email protected] n nSmell stays after electrification U-turn train services at Narborough as well as take benefits this line can bring east of Cambridge. There are encouraging signs that the lessons As part of the National Rail and Transport Secretary Chris Grayling told voters on aspects of the station environment. East from the Borders informed the East West Light Rail Awards judging pan- during an election campaign visit to Derby that Midlands Trains was also represented at the conditional output statement. In August els over many years, I continue to he wanted to see “smelly diesel” trains replaced. meeting and supports the initiative. This group we issued a press statement welcoming the be amazed by the commitment, Exactly 65 days later he announced that diesel is particularly welcome in being the first on this findings, which call for a three-fold increase competence and sheer ingenu- KING Picture: RAY traction would continue up the Midland main route and we wish them every success. in services between Cambridge, Norwich and ity of people in the rail industry line north of Kettering. People living near the n nMeeting with City Mayor Ipswich, with target journey times of under an delivering improved services, line will not swallow his excuse that using bi- hour as part of the East-West service pattern. new trains and also projects. mode trains would avoid the disruption that Three members of the Railfuture East Midlands electrification would entail. Many of them committee have had a very positive meeting n nRailfuture improves new trains Many projects are small and with the City Mayor of Leicester, Sir Peter complex but delivered compe- have already endured disruption as several Railfuture members were invited to look over local roads were closed for six months for Soulsby, and the Assistant Mayor (Energy & tently. However, these are often Sustainability), Adam Clarke. Topics discussed the mock-up of the new Stadler trains for overshadowed by glitches with the rebuilding of bridges over the railway. the London-Norwich line. The design team Railfuture’s East Midlands committee is working included electrification, improved connections large projects which we have (e.g. to Manchester and Coventry), and the listened to our representations. Toilets are now just seen at London’s Waterloo on a campaign to have the electrification better distributed along the trains, each with reinstated. Those of us in the Loughborough National Forest Line (Leicester to Burton-upon- and the Bolton station rebuild- Trent). Both the City Mayor and Assistant Mayor its own retention tank and water supply, and ing project which was affected constituency have particular sympathy for our the location of the buffet counter has been MP, Nicky Morgan, who led what appeared have been invited to speak at the Railfuture by a bridge collapse. The press conference in Leicester on 4 November. improved by moving it away from the doors. has enjoyed this, establishing the to be a successful parliamentary campaign The bi-modes now have two toilets per set for electrification, but has now seen the word “misery” almost as a rail- n nMarket Harborough improvements rather then one. Members also visited Derby to Government’s promises broken. way technical term. see a mock-up of the new Aventra units. Network Rail held another public information These projects are essential. All n nRevolt over new franchise event on 27 June on its plans for straightening this work is aimed at precisely Railfuture East Midlands has been working on the line at Market Harborough. Work on the www.railfuture.org.uk/East+Anglia what Railfuture campaigns our contribution to Railfuture’s response to the new car park, on the east side of the line, has Twitter: @RailfutureEA for – a bigger, better railway in LIVERPOOL: An uncertain future for rolling Throughout Britain, more than 60% of rail started. When completed, the land currently public consultation on the next East Midlands Britain. This means more and stock. The diesel class 185, on the left, works journeys are made on electric trains but the rail franchise. The start of the new franchise occupied by the car park on the west side longer platforms at key sta- percentage of the rail network electrified is will be free for construction of the new track Yorkshire the TransPennine route which may now not has been put back to August 2019. The public tions, increased route capacity, be electrified after the Government pulled much lower than in most countries in Europe consultation closes on 11 October 2017. alignment. Harborough Rail Users support the including a properly integrated the plug on three electrification schemes and We are particularly concerned about the plans, but would like to see more shelter on the [email protected] The Scottish Government remains committed HS2 and new trains to go with cast doubt on the TransPennine route. The to electrification and although only around proposal to separate the London-Corby platforms and better access from the booking it. We should encourage contin- “commuter” services from the inter-city services, office to the platforms. n nNorthern protest over electrification class 150 Sprinter (second left) dates back 25% of the Scottish rail network is electrified, ued investment in the railway to 1985 and has been a stalwart of regional three schemes are currently under way (see with none of the latter stopping at Luton, Harborough Rail Users have also persuaded More than 29,000 people signed a petition and not allow the populist ele- rail services. It has been in great demand centre pages). Pile driving for mast installation Bedford or Wellingborough. A protest petition East Midlands Trains to look into better rail calling for more investment in transport in the ment of the press or uninformed on the Stirling, Alloa and Dunblane lines has (bit.ly/EMrailpetition) in Bedford attracted replacement bus services during Sunday north of England, after rail electrification plans politicians to use problems as as ever more people want to travel by local been under way this summer and the scheme more than 5,000 signatures. Northward travel closures, so that there will be a connection to were scrapped. Ed Cox, the director of the an excuse to divert money away trains. The two class 319s (right) have been should be completed by the end of next year from these towns is already less than ideal, and the 10:20 northbound service from Leicester. At Institute for Public Policy Research North think- from railway projects. cascaded from Thameslink. This cascade has having to change at Kettering would make it present, the earliest bus arrives in time for the been dependent on incremental electrification However, last year the Scottish Government tank which organised the petition, said: “The Strategic failures even more difficult. Bizarrely, the consultation 12:24 service. Department for Transport just isn’t listening. schemes in England’s North West, coupled was said to be “deeply frustrated by Network Having said this, failures, document suggests that electrification to Corby n n Its response has been to patronise northern with new class 700 electric trains for Rail’s inability to deliver these vital projects to will mean the end of direct trains from London Trade shows commuters.” A transport summit held by local through lack of any effective stra- Thameslink agreed budgets” to Oakham and Melton Mowbray, when one of Ariadne Tampion and Steve Jones (chair and authority leaders at Cloth Hall Court, Leeds, tegic oversight of the rail indus- the few positives about introducing bi-mode secretary of Railfuture East Midlands) visited try as a whole, are potentially in August was told “an outdated, expensive railway, just like Manchester gramme incrementally, with one regional economy. This will be trains to the network is that it would make such the Railtex and Rail Live trade shows to better inflicting massive cost and repu- and slow transport system” was holding back route following another. It did the key factor in determining services easier to provide. inform our campaigning. The VivaRail D-Train tational damage to the rail indus- to Sheffield. BR got a lot better growth in the North of England. Andy Burnham, not. whether electrification and infra- Away from the Midland main line, our exhibited at Rail Live may have potential as a try and hence risking investment with the Preston-Glasgow and the Mayor of Greater Manchester, told the structure upgrades will come aspirations for the franchise include: improved low-cost option for a reopened National Forest in future projects. The electrifica- then the East Coast electrifica- When the contractor pulled out Yorkshire Post the nation is “London-centric” tion schemes. back on to the table in Britain. capacity and frequency on the Derby-Crewe Line. and “too centralised”. Among the delegates tion fiasco is the biggest example of the contract to electrify Man- line; reopening the line to Ollerton from who attended the event were the leaders of of this (see Chris Austin’s article Even so, BR was criticised for chester-Preston it was clear that The Scottish Government has Shirebrook; direct trains from Nottingham www.railfuture.org.uk/East+Midlands+Branch Leeds and Newcastle councils, Liverpool City on pages 10-11). providing lightweight equip- there was a cost problem and taken a different view. Despite to Coventry via Leicester; direct trains to Twitter: @RailfutureEMids Region Mayor Steve Rotheram and business I would just add a few observa- ment causing the wires to fall that contractors could not absorb some early cutbacks and dif- Manchester from Leicester via the Dore representatives. In a joint statement, the tions here, as this was a situation down when the wind blew such cost escalation. ficulties with interpretation South curve. We support the transfer of northern leaders called for the government to that could and should have been on exposed sections. This is The cost projections of the GW of European Union clearance Birmingham-Stansted services to the East East Anglia commit to “new investment in modern local predicted and hence avoided. unlikely to happen with the electrification then completely guidelines, they have persevered Midlands franchise, which would give flexibility infrastructure”. The problem is structural in over-engineered structures being blew it, so the programme was and Glasgow to Edinburgh (via to provide new through services, for example that the rail industry was not provided for GW electrification. halted, albeit mitigated by bi- Falkirk High) is set to open n n Birmingham-Norwich, but we reject the [email protected] At-a-glance guide to campaign equipped to implement such a The programme should have modes as described by Chris. before the end of the year. The proposal to split the Liverpool-Norwich service incremental approach has been n nRail for the Greater Norwich Local Plan The Skipton-East Lancashire Rail Action vast programme in an holistic continued, with more infill It is a pity that it did not adopt at Nottingham or Sheffield. Partnership has produced a six-page at- way. This includes trains, service around major cities including adopted. Now the difficult bits Railfuture East Anglia is submitting evidence to the incremental ”bite-sized East Midlands councils have usefully issued a a-glance guide to its campaign to get the delivery and improved and cost- Birmingham, Manchester, Leeds including Glasgow Queen Street the Greater Norwich Local Plan calling for more lump” approach implemented station are nearly complete, addi- “model consultation response” to help other “missing link” line reopened. It is available at effective service for passengers. and Edinburgh using the skills use of rail to support transport planning in and by Lord Adonis when Secretary tions such as to Stirling and even stakeholders. Many of their priorities reflect www.selrap.org.uk acquired, and most importantly around the city. This includes the addition of a Lessons were learned by of State in North West England, Edinburgh to Glasgow Central those of Railfuture. incorporating the very expen- n nOBE honour for Harrogate champion British Rail – and forgotten where each small, if painful stage via Shotts become cost effective South Norfolk parkway station on or near the sive lessons learned. This is con- n nAirport links improvement site of the former station at Forncett. The new Looking back for lessons, this brought service benefits and les- and ­deliverable. Brian Dunsby of Harrogate Line Supporters tinuous development used in sons learned were applied to the East Midlands Airport has offered to contribute station would serve the growing community Group was honoured with the Order of the is just like the 1960s when BR Whatever happened embarked upon electrification the automotive and aerospace next stage. This approach should a £2.5million “rail enhancement package” if of Long Stratton, which could expand to a British Empire in June for services to businesses industries. to the planned services at East Midlands Parkway station are population approaching 10,000, plus new of the West Coast Main Line, be adopted for the Windermere and the community in Harrogate. branch, Bolton-Wigan and Man- cascade of electric trains? improved. Currently the three services per hour housing proposed under the Plan. although BR did actually com- Lack of industry strategic Brian is campaigning for extra services on A consequence is that the at the parkway station are all timed within plete the project. The then Secre- capability planning chester-Leeds. the line and to have the single-line section planned cascade of electric trains 15 minutes of each other, leaving the station n nBorders Railway lessons for East Anglia tary of State did not cut back the The outcry about even thinking between Knaresborough and Poppleton A lack of strategic industry plan- across the network is largely without trains for the remaining 45 minutes. As We welcomed Railfuture vice-chair Allison scheme at Rugby! of not electrifying Manchester- doubled. He is also calling for new parkway ning led Network Rail to agree no more. GWR are transferring well as improving the timetabling of existing Cosgrove to our June meeting. Allison shared Leeds, suggested by Chris Gray- stations at Leeds Bradford Airport and Flaxby Many readers will be aware that to do far more electrification Thames Valley “Turbo” diesel services, the airport operator wants direct rail the lessons to be learned from the Borders ling as “smart”, illustrates an Moor Business Park, along with additional BR started with the other end, schemes faster than the indus- multiple units to the Bristol area, links to cities such as Coventry, Birmingham Railway reopening, where the growth in important issue that Railfuture platforms at Leeds and York stations. that is Manchester to Crewe – a try had the capacity to deliver a very welcome development and Stoke-on-Trent. In return, its package will passengers has exceeded expectations. cunning move to get this right, – all at “efficient” costs. This had members are very aware of. improve links from Parkway to the airport for Economic regeneration has also resulted in www.railfuture.org.uk/Yorkshire+Branch although risky as it could have to end in tears. Network Rail Investment in good transport Continued on next page customers and employees. new businesses locating near the railway. Twitter: @RailfutureYorks resulted in an isolated electric could have chosen to do this pro- infrastructure is all about the 4 railwatch October 2017 Twitter: @railwatch www.railfuture.org.uk ◆◆◆◆ You can buy Railfuture draw tickets at: www.railfuture.org.uk/Annual+Draw. railwatch October 2017 5 Capital Rail Action Group: the site of Ford’s stamping plant will have a new Scotland www.capitalrail.org.uk/ station on Trenitalia’s Essex Thameside route. Barking Riverside, formerly a power station site, HS2 must be part of the overall approach [email protected] Newburgh Train Station campaign: http://newburghtrainstation.org.uk/ can now provide nearly 11,000 homes, since TfL From Page 5 n nCampaigners get together Forth Rail Link: was granted powers in August to construct and Railfuture Scotland recently hosted a successful https://www.facebook.com/forthraillink/ operate an extension of the Gospel Oak-Barking given that Bristol appears to get Groups Day in Perth. Nine rail campaigning twitter@forthraillink line. Railfuture has supported it every step of the rawest deal in terms of rail groups were included, from the Campaign for the way, through every consultation and at investment. The strong economy Borders Rail, seeking to extend the new line October’s Public Inquiry. We hope to be on the of Bristol deserves better. beyond Tweedbank to Hawick and across the London & South East first train in 2021! Picture: RAY KING Picture: RAY The other brighter spot in this Border to Carlisle, to Friends of the Far North See the Railfuture website for latest news context is the cascade of diesel Line, who are trying to improve the speed and [email protected] Twitter: @RailfutureLSE trains to England from Scotland reliability of journeys between Inverness and n n [email protected] the northernmost towns of Wick and Thurso. Timetable innovation success as a result of Transport Scotland n n persisting with Central Belt elec- These have actually become slower within Govia Thameslink Railway’s 2018 timetable Railfuture blooms for Hykeham trification. the past 10 years and suffer from an increased consultations last autumn and this summer This is one of two planters that Railfuture number of cancellations. included proposals to cut the through service Otherwise it is storage for rela- Lincolnshire sponsored at Hykeham station. The Friends of the scenic West Highland line between Ashford and Brighton, operated by They are placed in the car park/transport tively new electric units or reported on success in achieving a better only an hourly two-car Turbostar. Last year we scrambling to fit diesel engines service between Glasgow and Oban, but said that if it could not be retained with rolling- on electric multiple units to pro- expressed concern about the forthcoming stock which could add capacity, the through tect the value of owned assets. change of rolling stock with its greatly reduced service should not be split at either Hastings Strategic? No. number of bicycle spaces, surely a perverse or Eastbourne but instead have an overlap in HS2 route now fixed decision for a prime tourist line. the middle of the route. A replacement four- High Speed Two is now also seen The South West Community Rail Partnership car Electrostar between Brighton and Hastings explained concerns about the future of rail would add much-needed capacity, and the in the context of the regional HARBY Picture: DAVID OXFORD: A class 180 diesel train in December the Oxford Mail. Mrs Moran said: “This is economy. Railfuture has con- services to Stranraer (which has lost its status as two-car Turbostar continuing to run between last year. Plans for electrification from Didcot seriously worrying. Residents were promised sistently pressed for HS2 to be a ferry terminal) as well as to Ayr and Girvan. Ashford and Eastbourne would maintain that electrifying the railway to Oxford would provided in a way to maximise to Oxford are now in doubt, according to local Nearer the Central Belt, Rail Action Group East connectivity. An interim rolling-stock solution the capacity and resilience of the MP Layla Moran who said it may now never go ahead. We welcomed it to not just reduce of Scotland are still waiting for their promised for that eastern section might have to wait for rail system and to be properly happen. Mrs Moran, who represents Oxford carbon emissions, but also to reduce noise stations to open at East Linton and Reston. the post-GTR franchise after 2021, as it would integrated so that regions can West and Abingdon, has asked Rail Minister pollution. The Government has already gone Capital Rail Action Group detailed some of its later be followed by the operation of through gain the economic benefit of rail Paul Maynard to commit to the project. He has back on one promise by delaying it and I fear aims for suburban services within Edinburgh. HS1 services interwoven with a local all-stations investment. HS2 is going ahead said bi-mode trains from London to Oxford that the Department for Transport’s jargon- Fife was well represented with members of MarshLink shuttle. interchange each side of the bus shelter. They and the route is now fixed north would be electric as far as Didcot and then filled letter is a signal that electrification may three campaigns present: Newburgh Train The five rail user groups in the Hastings & Rye have been planted up with herbs grown by never happen.” Station, Levenmouth Rail Campaign and of Birmingham to Manchester switch to diesel mode for the 15-mile journey and Bexhill & Battle areas have all agreed the branch chairman David Harby and are watered StARLink. Newburgh is working on producing and Leeds. to Oxford. He said “ongoing assessments” Electrification between Didcot and Oxford concept, have acted in concert to convince and looked after by the station adopters, David its own pre-STAG (Scottish Transport Appraisal GTR to demonstrate its practicality in a draft There are inconsistencies such as were taking place and there would be “further has already been deferred to control period 6 and branch member Chris Brown. Hykeham is Guide) report. Levenmouth is smarting over timetable, and have moved on to secure serving Nottingham and Derby announcements in due course” although the (2019-24). Plans to electrify the East West Rail a fast growing area on the outskirts of Lincoln. DfT insists “no changes” have been made link between Oxford and Cambridge have also receiving no funding from the Edinburgh the public backing of the two local MPs. A by a parkway station and tram City Deal, as are other revenue projects. It is Passenger numbers have grown from 14,314 connection at Toton, then doing to the planned electrification, according to been scrapped campaign became a negotiation, and everyone difficult to understand why after having had now hopes to hear encouraging news from in 2006 to 71,056 in 2016 and are expected to the exact opposite by providing not one but two STAG evaluations carried out, reach 100,000 by 2018. A 20-space car park a loop on the existing railway the Rail Minister when he addresses the fourth tion such as is now on the table planned as part of regional eco- seemingly endless strikes, is hav- courtesy of Fife Council, Transport Scotland has Hastings Rail Summit in October. and cycle paths to the station were funded in through Sheffield. Time will tell for Crewe does not appear to be nomic and housing plans. We ing an effect in a key area – stake- requested even more information for a more 2014 from a local sustainable transport fund which approach is best for these forthcoming. must not allow this to be lost in a holders. This is dangerous in a robust business case. n nUckfield line electrification campaign grant. When the rail service was improved in important cities. Obsolescence? wave of populism or frustration. populist world. Undeterred, StARLink is working on ensuring A report on Southern by ex-Virgin boss Chris 2016, branch members delivered 2,000 leaflets All change at Crewe that the study into a St Andrews railway stays in Railways are not obsolete world- We must get away from “my con- However, it represents an oppor- Gibb has backed electrification of the Uckfield to local homes, promoting the station and HS2 has just released its consul- stituents are sick of seemingly the Tay Cities Deal and hopes that the Scottish line, and the local MP has jumped on the idea Railfuture. wide – even the United States, tunity for Railfuture as a cam- Government will have a change of heart as tation on an HS2 station at Crewe the land that killed urban trans- endless rail strikes and project paigning organisation. As Brexit as a means to deliver better services for her Railfuture monitors large planning applications (next to the current station, not overruns”, for whatever reason. regards revenue projects. In addition to the constituents. We agree with both, as a more to look for opportunities to attract section 106 portation by favouring the motor wobbles clarify, demand for rail 2012 TATA report, StARLink now has the Peter the earlier Basford Hall marshal- car industry, is investing in Rail user groups travel will resume its upward reliable branch and a more flexible fleet to agreement funding for station facilities. As a ling yard scheme with its mas- Brett Associates Policy Review, which received operate it would demonstrate our strategic higher speed passenger rail and More recently, I have participated trend. With a generally low rail result, at Hykeham platform improvements, sive loss of inter-connectivity). a generous donation from Railfuture, as well as approach to evolving electrification. With the improving the economics of rail in Railfuture’s Rail User Group market share, external changes a statistical analysis carried out by a university an extra 65 parking spaces, a bus shelter, a bus Railfuture has responded to this freight. Every US city is build- line feeding into the vital East Croydon-London service and footpath links to the station have Awards judging. Many commit- can have a huge effect on demand expert, detailing the problems suffered by St Bridge leg of the Thameslink network, it is those consultation and you can see the ing or wants a light rail system. been funded by Persimmon Homes. ted people are tirelessly working for our railways. The question is Andrews from being accessible only by road. wider network benefits which are, with due response on the Railfuture web- They are increasingly turning to with rail operators to provide will the industry be ready? The planters are part of the Hykeham in Bloom site. This illustrates just how far Britain, including Network Rail, n nFarewell to campaigner Big Al respect to commuters at Uckfield line stations, more welcoming stations. It is Our role as Railfuture members – of even greater significance and value. campaign which includes the station garden thinking has moved on at HS2. to help them. also clear that this brings benefits through Railfuture branches and Glasgow City councillor Alistair “Big Al” Watson, We are however under no illusions about the being developed by the station adopters. If you read transport websites, to passengers and brings pas- The consultation is all about by informed responses to indus- a passionate supporter of the city’s Crossrail lack of capacity, not just in the rail industry Progress has been slow in 2017 because of you will see the headlines are senger needs to the attention of increasing capacity on HS2 itself try consultations – is to campaign project which has still to be implemented, died but also in the electricity supply industry, for the delay in transferring ownership of some full of innovation: electric cars, rail operators. This is worthwhile by operating double trains split- to ensure it is. Few organisations in June. The former train driver was an advocate efficient project delivery. While Gibb correctly of the car park land to the railway. The work at self driving cars, convoys of and, after much campaigning, is for public transport throughout his political ting at Crewe, about regional take a strategic view right across identified GTR’s parent Govia as a possible the station was inspected by the East Midlands trucks on the slow lanes of Brit- gaining recognition in that fran- career. He stood down from the chairmanship connectivity and particularly Britain’s rail industry. Railfuture third-party midwife to deliver the project rather in Bloom judges as part of the Hykeham in about planning for housing. Our ish motorways with a driver only chise competitions increasingly of Strathclyde Partnership for Transport in 2010 does, and this is increasingly than Network Rail, electrification of the line Bloom entry and the branch chairman was voices have clearly got through. in the front vehicle (this was the include meeting the needs of because of ill health. He represented Cardonald original concept of the train!) and local groups. This is good work being recognised. itself must be accompanied by reinforcement of delighted to be at the awards ceremony in While this new approach is to be on the city council for 22 years. a hyperloop that would get you and when seen across the net- the supply of power to it from the National Grid, September where the entry received a Silver supported by Railfuture, the pity Please support Railfuture from Bristol to London in 20 min- work is significant. neither cheap nor easy. Award. Station adopters at Habrough (including is that if the whole of HS2 had branches by adding your views Contacts: utes. So do we have a problem? and contacts within the rail Rail Action Group, East of Scotland: n nOverground extension another branch member) and Spalding both been planned on this basis we received Judges’ Awards for their efforts. would have a very different HS2 All this may seem very exciting, industry, to strengthen our efforts www.rages.org.uk/ A recurring London theme is the way We should not have, but we do. Carolyn Sharp from Skegness, with her canine plan, properly and consistently but much of it will not solve the The problem is that the lack of to ensure stakeholders and the Beattock Station Action Group: redundant industrial sites from the 20th friends Rupert and Charlie, is on a short-list of integrated into the rail network problem of road congestion. This strategic direction in the rail local press realise that strategic www.beattockstationactiongroup.org.uk/ century are giving way to new residential sites seven nominations for Outstanding Volunteer and regional economies. will continue to get worse as the industry is causing problems investment in our rail network, St Andrews Rail Link campaign: for the 21st century, and all with rail access. population and the demand for properly delivered, can address Contribution at the Association of Community As we have it, the North West which are negating much of the www.starlink-campaign.org.uk/ Since Lea Bridge station reopened last year, mobility continue to increase. many economic, environmen- Rail Partnership awards in October. leg is shaping up well when good work done by so many www.facebook.com/StARLinkCampaign an adjacent housing development has begun Branch members were present at the DfT compared to the North East leg, Railways, both heavy and light, people within and outside the tal and social objectives seen as twitter@StARLinkRail has replacing derelict factories. The Lea Valley’s which is far less satisfactory. Our are a sustainable solution in a industry. essential political imperatives in LevenMouth Rail Campaign: Meridian Water development is replacing consultation event in Lincoln for the next campaigning for better links properly planned integrated The problem, exacerbated by an increasingly devolved Britain. www.lmrc-action.org.uk/ empty warehouses and now work is in progress East Midlands franchise, with some making into Toton, Sheffield and Leeds transport context. project glitches and no particular Ian Brown CBE is policy advisor to www.facebook.com/Levenmouth-Rail- to reinstate track and add two more trains an pertinent comments about the inadequacies of continues, but a radical solu- They need to be strategically appetite from either side to sort the Railfuture board. Campagin-432832616900648/ hour to serve its 10,000 homes. Beam Park on the current service in Lincolnshire. 6 railwatch October 2017 Twitter: @RailfutureScot www.railfuturescotland.org.uk ◆◆◆◆ You can join the Railfuture lottery at www.railfuture.org.uk/lottery railwatch October 2017 7 Your views Electrification flaw Bi-modes are back of the line to Tweedbank began we registered to receive regular The transport secretary’s British Rail’s class 73 electro- Borders Railway newsletters. cancellation of several railway diesels have been around since To say the least we - and our electrification projects is 1962, and only 49 were built. friends - were enthused by the fundamentally flawed. The It is interesting that “bi-modes” regular, well illustrated updates decision will leave several major have now reappeared. charting progress along the cities dependent on diesel Wesley Paxton, 17 Annerley route. powered/bi-modal trains for the Road, Annan DG12 6HE This week, after a long pause, foreseeable future. This is a Picture: BARRIE FORREST we were delighted once more cheap fix and follows a dismal Station canopies to receive and read More pattern of binary investment Connected, the first of what decisions regarding the It was interesting to see John Gilbert’s letter about station look to be a new series of news electrification of the main line updates on how the reinstated railway system in Britain. canopies in Railwatch 152. Passengers at Hereford are well railway is already benefiting Worryingly, internal resistance to protected by Victorian platform the economy and businesses main line electrification within the canopies, but immediately along the route. We realise Department for Transport seems outside the entrance and that some of you may already to have won the day. Having booking hall there is nothing, so be aware of this, however with been castigated for a failure to passengers get soaked waiting the recent news being so full of develop this option on a rolling for buses or taxis. I agree with anxiety and gloom, we wanted basis to secure the benefit of to celebrate something positive faster and more reliable trains Simon Barber’s letter that toilets are absolutely essential. Virgin’s new nine-car Azuma bi-mode train, in Newton Aycliffe, County Durham, which with Railfuture’s readers. in 2009/2010, the DfT had which is capable of travelling on both electric employs 900 people. And of course the demise of With best wishes and thanks for a Damascene conversion, and diesel power, visited Scotland for the first all that Railfuture is doing. aided and abetted by Network luggage capacity, including The Azuma (East in Japanese) was met by a time in August, pictured above in Dunbar. The bagpiper as it pulled into the platform shortly Ann and Peter Mackness Rail, and supported a range space for bikes, is a very sad run north of the border was part of the testing Sulgrave, Northamptonshire development. Some things on before leaving to travel south to Doncaster. of projects including main line programme by manufacturer Hitachi before the [email protected] the railway are going backwards. electrification, infilling existing 65-strong fleet is deployed on the East Coast “Making rail an attractive alternative is an ideal schemes, and developing It’s daft for instance that to get to main line next year. way to encourage more people out of their cars HS2 is of no value an electric spine between many preserved steam railways, and on to greener transport,” said Scotland’s Virgin Trains East Coast plans to accelerate Southampton and the Midlands/ people have to go by car. Transport Minister Humza Yousaf. I am undecided as to whether Yorkshire. journey times between Edinburgh and London to renew my Railfuture I would also like to see more by 22 minutes, bringing regular journey times VTEC managing director David Horne said: membership because I find The DfT was, however, intent railways reopened. Somehow a down to just four hours. The Azuma can “Having the train visit Scotland for the first Railwatch biased in favour of on the deployment of bi-modal rail service should be provided accelerate faster than existing trains but will time as part of testing is a really important HS2, an horrendously expensive trains which they had advocated for the Glastonbury Festival. as a replacement for the existing also boost capacity out of London King’s moment and reminds us of the excitement project which will bring little high speed fleet, leading to HS2 will provide precious little Cross by 28% at peak times. Hitachi is building it will bring to UK train travel when it is benefit to the UK as a whole. proposals to electrify the Great benefit to anyone in the West of the Azuma fleet at its £82 million factory introduced into service.” There are no aspects of this Western route which was, England or Wales. Station and new railway which are positive. perversely, preferred as the line reopenings and redoubling One example, of which there are slight threat of frost or snow to Tottenham Hale is designed to the Lines” comment: “It seems primary route for modernisation. of track are sorely needed in this many, is the choice of Euston as This postcard of a cat wearing a station master’s hat is one of employ someone to spread salt rise on the west side. The new generally accepted that over The GW electrification scheme area and would cost a fraction of the London terminus. Any new the novel marketing methods which rescued a Japanese station overnight along the exposed third track will then presumably the last more than half century, was originally to stop at Cardiff, what is being lavished on HS2, line from the north should at the from closure. The 10-mile long Kishigawa line of the Wakayama leaving Swansea to be served Crossrail and Thameslink. edge. become the down fast. Hopefully the rail industry has benefited very least terminate at Clapham Electric Railway now attracts tourists who come to see the cat, John Davis, Harpenden, Herts by bi-modals in diesel mode. The Heart of Wales line should it is being engineered with this more under Conservative Junction to relieve pressure on travel on the cat-themed trains and pick their own fruit in the be given its own curve, east in mind. administrations than Labour.” the capital’s transport network. This lunacy was overturned market gardens along the route. Tama the stray cat was fed by of Llanelli, so trains would not Track quiz Angel Road station is at present Peter Wood, Lutterworth Road, The enormous cost of HS2 could after protests but the massive passengers and proved so successful in attracting travellers Sunderland SR2 9AX have to reverse. Even better, extremely inconveniently fund ALL the rail improvements overruns and incompetence that she was appointed station master and chief operating Work is proceeding apace on there could be a cut-off at situated and it makes sense to across the country. that characterised this scheme officer of Kishi station. A study estimated that the publicity the track bed for the third track Craven Arms to allow trains to reposition it south of its present Elderly benefits Mike Rawson (look at the National Audit Office surrounding Tama contributed £7.5 million in two years to the between Tottenham Hale and get directly to Hereford, which is site. In fact the plan for the [email protected] report 2016) led to a return to local economy. Passenger numbers grew by 10% in one year. Angel Road to accommodate I do not agree with the Green a “natural” centre for this area. Meridian Water development the original half-baked plan. When Tama died, a statue was created for her in a nearby the proposed service from Party’s policy of free travel Connections at Craven Arms are which the station will serve Okehampton plea Shinto shrine and she was succeeded by Nitama, in the picture Stratford. There are some for the elderly. They are not The cancellation of the Midland so poor at the moment that to shows a new station in this above, who served her “apprenticeship” at Idakiso station implications which I have not automatically the poorest section As some of you may know, we main line project condemns get to Hereford or South Wales position. It should be renamed cities in the East Midlands and seen discussed. in society, and would benefit are trying hard to get our daily via Ludlow is almost impossible. Meridian Water. South Yorkshire to be served The existing two tracks will no more from better train or bus rail service to Exeter re-started have to wait the arrival of HS2 freight transport. The decision J H Evered, Llandrindod Wells, by cheap bi-modal options. In doubt become the slow tracks This station would need to be on services than free fares. after a 45-year break. People (this year, next year, sometime, Powys LD1 5RB any sane evaluation it beggars to abandon plans to wire up when the whole section is four- the existing tracks with an island of Okehampton have been never). The missing link in Second, the remark about belief that this option is seen parts of the network effectively tracked. It makes sense because platform on the east side for having less space for luggage pressing for this for 10 years. terms of rail mileage between Parkway problem as justifiable. Having “paused” destroys one of rail’s big the station platforms, not needed the use of the Stratford trains. includes a reference to children’s Maybe we are seeing some Bedford and Leeds is relatively schemes as a consequence of advantages of being able to Two brief points on Railwatch for the fast trains, are already When four-tracking is completed buggies. These should simply be progress after Chris Grayling’s small and could have been overruns for which they were operate using a mix of energy 152 Letters. HS2 at East in place. If Crossrail 2 happens, and stopping trains use only the folded up, otherwise a train (or electioneering faux pas in Truro? wired up quickly had there been culpable, the DfT and Network and fuel inputs and not be utterly Midlands Parkway instead this will certainly be the case present tracks, this platform face bus) operator potentially loses Taxpayers (you and I) competent project management will become redundant and will Rail have effectively crippled dependent on the continuing of Toton: It might be difficult as the tunnel ramp south of revenue. have spent £900 million on the economic potential of this in Network Rail and the DfT. presumably be fenced off. supply of liquid hydrocarbon fuel topographically with a power Tim Mickleburgh, Reading station, £800 million region and also failed to deliver Both organisations were rightly station alongside and the rocky Chris Barker Grimsby DN31 2JP on Waterloo, £40 million on and the emissions this creates a more connected electrified castigated for incompetence. Red Hill just to the North. As to Send your letters­ Redston Road, London N8 7HJ [email protected] Plymouth, and God knows how rail network. This leaves the at the time and point of use. The This has led directly to the narrow replacement canopies, and emails to: much on HS2, so come on rail sector with a series of dilution of intentions to create decisions by Chris Grayling and not only do they let in the rain Tory benefits Thanks, Railfuture Government! We only need a lines which do not provide a a modern electrified railway the DfT are short-sighted and but also can be a false economy The Editor, 4 Christchurch measly £1 million. You can see national system. Echoes of Square, London E9 7HU “Tories will starve rail of cash” is We are Railfuture members on a national scale able to fundamentally wrong. over time as it seems to be hardly an appropriate headline in our line at: the position which crippled the service both passengers and Phil Mortimer by email deemed necessary with any Email: [email protected] and longstanding supporters https://youtu.be/NgdHdiDs53w West Coast main line under a non-partisan magazine for the of reinstatement in full of the Railwatch also welcomes page 3 article in Railwatch 152. Bob Rush the modernisation plan of the ­articles and pictures Carlisle-Hawick-Edinburgh [email protected] Railfuture’s vision: A railway system that provides services which travellers and freight forwarders It represents an interesting railway. In our youth it was 1950s and 1960s.The cities Please use email if possible but want to use, and which offers more journey opportunities to more people and more freight contrast to Alan Williams’ June our route from Nottingham to which would have been wired include your postal address Letters extra: Page 18 up under the MML scheme now Modern Railways “Between Edinburgh. When reconstruction 8 railwatch October 2017 Twitter: @railwatch www.railfuture.org.uk ◆◆◆◆ China is building a high speed rail station below the Great Wall near Badaling railwatch October 2017 9 Campaigners’ anger and dismay at backtrack on electrification engines of the bi-modes require But we fight on replacement. This would allow By Chris Austin for infill electrification of other urban routes before 2040. [email protected] Understanding costs Substantial cutbacks to the rail- Picture: RAY KING Picture: RAY way electrification programme Network Rail needs to proceed KING Picture: RAY were announced on 20 July, the with electrification at an afford- day before the start of the parlia- able price. The cost savings and mentary summer recess. environmental value of electric- only traction over the life of the With “spin” about the benefits train must exceed the capital of bi-mode trains and avoiding cost of the infrastructure works the need to erect “intrusive wires required. The Government says and masts” in the Lake District cost escalation is the main rea- for the Windermere electrifica- son it has deferred its SOFA tion, the Department for Trans- (Statement of Funds Available) port presented the sorry tale in a announcement until the autumn. positive light. It has given the Office of Rail and But the repercussions will affect Road even tighter guidance in the railway for years. relation to regulating Network Rail’s costs, with a clear state- As the DfT was rowing back ment that the Transport Secretary on rail electrification, it also “expects ORR to take a rigorous announced the end of conven- and robust approach to hold NR tional petrol and diesel car sales to account for improving cost- by 2040, and a £1 billion fund to effectiveness, securing deliver- develop electric and “ultra low ability and reducing unit costs, BEDFORD: A new Siemens-built class 700 train emphasisises how electrification 35 years ago emission” vehicles – on the road. during the remainder of CP5 transformed the Bedford-London service. The BedPan catenary was designed for suburban DUMBARTON CENTRAL: All of Scotland’s electrification schemes have proved highly successful The problem (2014-2019) and throughout CP6 services and may have to be upgraded once the Midland to Derby, Sheffield and Nottingham line and British Rail-built class 318 trains are still providing good service 30 years after they were (2019-2024).” is electrified for higher speed inter-city trains. Transport Secretary Chris Gray- built. The electrification of the main Edinburgh-Glasgow line via Falkirk High is nearly complete ling made the announcement, and work has already started on the Edinburgh-Glasgow route via Shotts which will enable the This is more difficult than it is a large customer. The National Historical background wisely. It was not until the but he had little choice given the electrification of 46 miles of track by March 2019 sounds. Network Rail does not Grid had just started consulting It is sad to see history repeating mid 1980s when BR chairman rocketing costs and delays result- appear to have a clear picture on a site at Braybrooke near Mar- itself, as this is similar to the situ- Robert Reid showed that costs “Network Rail’s progress on It also allows the Cotswold line It is inherently inefficient to of the reasons for the disastrous ing from Network Rail’s inability ket Harborough in June. What is ation faced by the British Trans- were under control that BR was improving its efficiency in recent carry a diesel engine and a overspend on the electrification to deliver the Great Western and and the Berks and Hants line 2 missing, as Christian Wolmar has port Commission in 1960. allowed to press ahead with East Gospel Oak-Barking projects at years has fallen short of my to have new trains many years fuel tank to run in non-electrified work it has done so far. argued, is the need for Network Coast electrification. anything approaching the origi- expectations” is a stern rebuke. before wiring the lines would be sections. It adds weight and More needs to be done to under- Rail to manage the projects and It was fighting to save the Euston That was achieved through care- nal cost estimates or within a rea- justified. increases unreliability. The train stand the causes before they can learn by experience. to Manchester and Liverpool The phrase “the Government electrification project where ful planning and specification sonable timescale. continues to rely on fossil fuel. be rectified for future projects. This is not possible when even requires more assurance on the The new trains can also reach costs had more than doubled. and strong project management. The Edinburgh Glasgow Im- likely costs of the work pro- Sheffield, by running 74 miles It will soon not be acceptable Railfuture believes a rolling pro- project management is con- It is disappointing that the Great provement Project has also been gramme” is a sign that NR will under the wires from London to run diesel engines continu- gramme provides certainty for tracted out. The Rail Safety and The Government wanted to cut 3 Western electrification did not delayed, although this results be kept on a tight rein for a long to Kettering before switching to ously in city centres. That is why the supply industry, allowing it Standards Board is carrying out back on rail investment (Beech- a deadline has been set for petrol ing thought diesels would be draw on the experience of pre- principally from a late change in time to come. diesel for the remaining 90 miles. to keep expert teams together. a review of electrification stan- technical standards imposed on and diesel cars. The railway must This also applies to the electric- dards and technical standards more efficient) and did not trust vious schemes, even though Network Rail. Other schemes, Bi-mode myths and reality In the long term, it is not a good prepare for that, and electrify ity supply industry of whom rail for interoperability. British Railways to spend money undertaken 25 years ago. including Manchester-Preston- Bi-mode trains have offered min- strategy, for four principal rea- urban areas around Sheffield, Blackpool, have progressively isters a way out. Why spend all sons. Nottingham and Bristol. RAILFUTURE AND THE PROSPECTS FOR ELECTRIFICATION ON BRITAIN’S RAILWAYS slipped over the past two years this money, risk delay, disruption It prevents the decarbonisa- Partial electrification restricts By Chris Austin while costs increased. and overspending, when you tion of the railway. The inher- the ability to electrify local the busier parts of the network as part of to provide additional capacity to cater for [email protected] the decarbonisation of transport. Indeed, the whole of the Control can change from electric to diesel ent1 advantage of an electrified services4 or to deploy efficiently growth or to replace older vehicles. Period (2014-2019) investment when the wires run out? railway is that it can draw power the current fleet of electric mul- The political decision has been made and 2. Electrification should take place on the Confusion and incoherence programme has been something In the short term, this may work, from any source and so be abso- tiple units. the Government will not do a U-turn. basis of a rolling programme to enable The Government announcement leaves the supply industry to recruit and train of a disaster, and ministers have and indeed will allow the new lutely sustainable, something not One approach might be to aim Over time, attitudes will change, but that the railways in confusion. The Midland skilled staff, and to invest in research with lost confidence in NR. inter-city trains to be introduced yet possible with other transport to electrify the gaps on the main will require evidence that Network Rail main line (north of Kettering), Cardiff- some certainty. The same is true of the Chris Grayling’s comment that earlier than otherwise. modes. lines by the time the diesel has solved the problem in physical and Swansea and Oxenholme-Windermere electricity supply industry which must financial terms. schemes are cancelled. The transport invest to provide capacity for an expanded secretary has warned that TransPennine It will also probably require a change of electrified network. Transport Secretary as well. They do come is “unlikely”, but there is no information Electrification is still the best option for Manchester and go fairly frequently. 3. The industry should undertake a on Cardiff Valleys. We are left with an By Ray King committee, TfGM said it stands by the origi- These trains will operate in electric mode rigorous cost-based review of the causes of incoherent network with gaps like Didcot- nal investment plan and wants full electrifi- Against the hard realities, cost escalation and delay in electrification, Full electrification of the TransPennine between Manchester Airport and Oxen- what can we in Railfuture do? Oxford and Manchester-Leeds imposing route must continue to be considered along- cation of the line. The report, submitted by holme and then under diesel power including the question of standards and inefficiencies in rolling stock deployment Amanda White, TfGM’s head of rail, added between Oxenholme and Windermere. We need to build a strong case for the relevance of European-based technical side any alternatives, Transport for Greater electrification as the basis of a sustainable and reducing the value of investment Manchester has argued, insisting that the that electrification guarantees lower operat- standards to the physical constraints of the already undertaken. ing costs, better performance and greater Class 769 Flex trains (30-year-old class public transport network. We may think British rail network. use of bi-mode engine technology is “rela- 319 electrics with a diesel engine added) we have done this, or that the case is self- There has been a strong political reaction in capacity, while acknowledging the escalat- 4. The priorities for future electrification tively unproven”. will operate most or all of the services on evident. Both industry and Government the areas denied electric services. Perhaps ing cost of electrification infrastructure. should be related to demand, with the Transport Secretary Chris Grayling seemed need to be convinced, as do the advisers, some changes may be announced later in Scrapping the Oxenholme to Windermere the Wigan North Western-Stalybridge and busier routes being electrified first. to suggest that the link is unlikely to be fully think tanks and other transport and the year, but the picture remains confused. scheme will mean that four direct Man- Wigan North Western-Alderley Edge lines Priority should be given to schemes that electrified and instead a “smart” approach from May 2018. New class 802 Hitachi bi- environmental pressure groups. There is Railfuture will revise its policy to reflect chester Airport to Windermere trains will much work to do. have recently been cancelled or deferred. could be taken using bi-mode locomotives. be operated by new class 331 electric trains mode trains will operate the Liverpool to Beyond that, the next priority should be the new reality, and to help campaigners. However, in a report prepared for the from May next year. Revised proposals will Newcastle and Edinburgh and the Man- Railfuture believes the priorities are: infill schemes where the network effect We will continue to highlight the reasons Greater Manchester Combined Author- see services to and from Manchester Air- chester Airport-Newcastle lines via the 1. The Government and the rail industry would allow more efficient deployment of for the delays and the implications of the ity’s Metrolink and rail networks sub- port operated by bi-mode trains. North TransPennine route from 2019. should re-commit to the electrification of rolling stock and a cascade of diesel units Government decision.

10 railwatch October 2017 Twitter: @railfuture www.railfuture.org.uk ◆◆◆◆ Test running has started on a new 240-mile-long electrified line in Ethiopia railwatch October 2017 11 priority to be given to rail and public transport which we pointed out can be achieved using Severnside improvements. An inaugural meeting was the existing infrastructure. planned for late September. n nDorset may lose Waterloo service Rail freight is answer to road pollution [email protected] n n90th birthday party for Bristol station Several weeks before the publication of By Philip Bisatt n nMetroWest costs face scrutiny A community event to celebrate the 90th South Western Railway’s draft December birthday of Bristol’s Parson Street station, which [email protected] The West of England Combined Authority has 2018 timetable, rail users in south Dorset had There is now a renewed focus responded to Railfuture’s concerns about the opened in 1927, was due to take place on responded angrily to the company’s plan to 3 September. Although the station suffered on environmental and economic escalation of cost estimates for MetroWest replace one of the two trains to Waterloo each concerns that highlight just how Phase 1 (Railwatch 152). James White, the from derisory train services in the 1990s, hour with a new service linking Weymouth usage has increased from under 2,000 important rail freight is. authority’s transport and rail coordinator, said and Portsmouth. The assumption is that minor he shared our concerns and welcomed our recorded journeys in 1997/98 to 127,000 in The Government has announced 2015/16 according to the Office of Rail and stations would have only the Portsmouth that diesel and petrol cars will

support for taking a pragmatic approach to Picture: KEITH SATTERLY Road. This dramatic growth augurs well for service, forcing passengers to change at be eliminated by 2040, but there the project. The authority and Network Rail are Southampton for a London train. now assessing what infrastructure would be the new stations proposed for MetroWest. has been no mention of phasing Following concerns raised by David Wood This is one of many issues that Wessex Branch out diesel lorries. necessary for an hourly rather than half-hourly will be examining during the timetable about vegetation covering the west end of The electrification of cars, for service on the Portishead line. A new capacity consultation period. analysis was being undertaken to see how the platforms and compromising their ability which it is estimated that the UK an hourly service would work. Options for a to accommodate longer trains, Railfuture has www.railfuture.org.uk/Wessex+Branch would require 10 more power 45-minute and half-hourly peak service were written to the GWR station manager. We have Twitter @RailfutureWessx stations, is at face value a good also being examined but a good business case also invited Friends of Parson Street station, thing. would still be needed whatever the outcome of which is hosting the event, to consider applying West Midlands to the GWR customer community improvement However, according to these studies. Frank Kelly, professor of fund towards the cost of enhancements. n n n nRail Manifesto impresses the Mayor MP protests over Staffordshire changes environmental health at King’s www.railfuture.org.uk/Severnside Branch Stoke-on-Trent MP Ruth Smeeth is angry that College London, and chair of On 19 July the Bristol Post extensively reported the Government’s advisory the Rail Manifesto launched by our affiliated Twitter @RailfutureSSide several stations in Staffordshire will lose direct trains to London when the new West Midlands committee on the medical effects group Friends of Suburban Bristol Railways, of air pollutants, we do not just franchise starts in December. London Midland’s whose secretary Christina Biggs was quoted Wessex need cleaner vehicles – we need as saying: “It is only through reinvesting in rail Crewe-London Euston trains currently stop at fewer of them. that we can get Bristol moving again. We have Alsager, Kidsgrove, Stoke-on-Trent and Stone, reached a critical point with congestion.” [email protected] but they will be re-routed via Stafford. It is insufficient to focus on LOUGHBOROUGH ON AN AUGUST SUNDAY: Freight where freight should be, on the railway. FOSBR has proposed station reopenings and The Department for Transport says passengers tailpipe emissions, important The diverted train of tank wagons is on its way from Kingsbury, Wset Miflands, to the Humber oil greater integration with other modes, both in n nProposals for the West of England Line will still have a direct service from Stoke to though that is. Attention is refinery. The big crane in the background is ready to lift the bridge in place over the Midland main now beginning to focus on terms of interchange and intermodal ticketing. Political momentum is building along the London via Virgin Trains, and there will be a line on the following weekend to link the two parts of the heritage Great Central Railway Dr Biggs was hopeful that the creation of the Salisbury-Exeter line for improvements to the what has been termed the Oslo new West Midlands Trains direct service to Effect – non-exhaust emissions worse over the next few years, last year.” Yes – 17,000 freight “immediate” and “free” delivery West of England Combined Authority would service and infrastructure to keep pace with London from December 2018 from Crewe on as Brexit will require traditional trains in a few months! A clear using competing delivery firms. lead to a designed plan to expand Bristol’s rail continued growth in patronage and plans for generated by vehicles breaking the Stoke-on-Trent to Birmingham New Street down road surfaces and by the border controls. message to us in the UK that Of course, in reality there is no network. Metro Mayor Tim Bowles has told new housing developments. Railfuture Wessex route that will stop at Stone, Kidsgrove and long-distance freight should her he always carried a copy of the FOSBR Rail has published a proposal document detailing degradation of tyres and brake Inevitably there will be demands such thing as free. Transport Alsager every hour. linings. for public money to be used exploit the potential of rail corridors become increasingly Manifesto. practical steps that can be taken to solve carriage through the Channel capacity and reliability issues, both in the short n nChase line electrification work After a detailed study of all to increase road capacity or to nasty places to live along. n nWhy rail projects get delayed create lorry parks – ignoring Tunnel. term and in future when funding becomes The Tame Bridge Parkway-Rugeley Trent Valley forms of road-based pollutants So there must be serious action At Railfuture’s July meeting in Taunton, guest by Oslo University, these the fact that there is substantial More freight is already being available. line was closed on Sundays in September to to return parcels traffic to rail, speaker Gideon Amos, a vice-president of pollutants have been described unused rail capacity, especially moved by rail on the Rotterdam- Additional class 158 and 159 units should be allow for electrification work on the Chase line. with consolidation centres for the Town and Country Planning Association, allocated to the route as part of rolling stock as a “ticking time bomb for in the Channel Tunnel. Genoa corridor, and the last-mile delivery in town. Electric trains will be able to run along the described his involvement with the Felixstowe- cascades to permit most trains to be at least public health”. The Government must ensure Gotthard tunnel’s full potential whole of the line from Birmingham New Street will be reached in 2020. In our response to the East Nuneaton upgrade and said Britain suffered six-car length as far west as Yeovil. The existing It is estimated that 90% of PM10 rail capacity to the Tunnel is Midlands Trains refranchising from the lack of an infrastructure plan. Asked passing loop at Tisbury needs to be lengthened to Rugeley Trent Valley, replacing diesels, from used to its full potential. Creating the first flat, low-level December next year. and PM2.5 particles from traffic consultation, we urged that about the delay to enhancements in the in both directions to provide more operational are from non-exhaust sources. In its response to a recent Kent route through the Alps is a the success of “Intercity West of England, he said the problem was flexibility. Additional passing loops are also n nRail benefits in 10-year plan These particles are even more County Council transport breakthrough for rail freight railfreight plc“ is replicated in the time taken to get through Network Rail’s required, first in east Devon as part of the between northern Europe and The West Midlands’ £3.4 billion plan for dangerous to our health than consultation, Railfuture the new franchise and extended Governance for Railway Investment Projects Devon Metro scheme, then in the Crewkerne exhaust particulates. called for a standing annual Italy. The Swiss government nationwide. We have also process, leading to projects which everyone area. transport for the next 10 years was approved by and local authorities have Moreover, there is a positive conference between the Kent argued that freight train paths supported being stalled. The proposed rail link The primary concern is to allow a more the combined authority in September. actively legislated that freight relationship between vehicle local authorities, Eurotunnel, must be maintained along the to Bristol International Airport would benefit a frequent and reliable service to operate The plan aims to prepare local transport rail freight operators and the should be on rail, for all the entire length of the Midland wide area including Taunton. Mr Amos joined west of Salisbury, but an equally important infrastructure for HS2, which is expected to weights and these non-exhaust environmentally sound reasons emissions, suggesting that a Department for Transport to main line. Railfuture after the meeting and has helped consideration is the need to provide robust operate to Birmingham from 2026. examine how freight traffic can we know so well. with publicity for the branch including a diversionary paths for Great Western services It also mentions new heavy rail connections particular focus needs to be Decarbonisation of our transport given to lorries. The heavier be transferred to road from rail. The “last mile” is mentioned posting on Facebook. when needed. to Wolverhampton, with stations at Willenhall networks must proceed apace. a vehicle is, the more tyre Should the UK, or specifically above, and the contribution It is sad that rail electrification, The full document can be read on the Wessex and James Bridge and electrification of the n nSomerset alliance for public transport wear there is and the quicker Kent, consider following the of rail to improving the with concomitant enlargement page of Railfuture’s website. Wolverhampton-Shrewsbury line. environment in urban areas At the full meeting of Somerset County Council the asphalt wears away. This Swiss approach of charging of overline structures that n nIsland Line renaissance A large part of the plan involves extending the accumulated dust does not lorries crossing its territory? needs to be incorporated by reduce loading gauge on 19 July, Railfuture Severnside chairman Midland Metro in Birmingham, Solihull and Government in the National John Hassall asked Councillor John Woodman, magically disappear, but blows Railfuture wants to see distance- constraints to freight, has been, Rail users on the Isle of Wight are heartened the Black Country, as well as rail infrastructure Planning Policy Framework, Cabinet member for transport, whether the by the enthusiasm for the Island Line shown along the transport corridor, based road user charging at best, suspended. to open up new passenger routes, such as along with improved policies to council would reinstate its public transport by their new MP, Bob Seely. He has even been causing damage to all who introduced across the country, so The Oslo Effect shows that through the Camp Hill Chords project which breath it in. that those who use and wear out safeguard and enable sites for forum. Mr Woodman replied that SCC had no reported as calling for reopenings to Ventnor rail projects. rubber tyres and asphalt are intention of doing so because the forum had and Newport, although Railfuture questions aims to provide rail services for Castle Vale and We must work harder to transfer the roads most are required to not the way forward, and that been overtaken by more specific discussion some of the costings. Castle Bromwich in the north and Moseley and more of our road freight to rail, pay for this. Railfuture has written in support the tried and tested solution groups and routine consultations. David The IoW Council is currently examining the Kings Heath in the south. There could be new and be much more innovative A study commissioned by of the proposed West Midlands remains the steel wheel on steel Latimer, acting secretary of our member findings of a transport review, published in July stations at Moseley, Kings Heath, Hazelwell and about how we deliver the goods Freight on Rail estimates that interchange at Four Ashes, rail. Electric traction enables Minehead Rail Link Group, asked whether the by the Task Force led by former Great North Balsall Heath. Some, but not all of the necessary sustainably over “the last mile” lorry operators are paying but more action is required. longer, heavier, more efficient council would work with train operators, local Eastern Railways chairman Christopher Garnett. funding is identified. in our urban areas. for only 30% of the costs they Some regions of the UK have and faster freight trains. These authorities and interested parties to explore the Railfuture fears that very few of the proposals West Midlands Trains, which takes over the impose on wider society. It is no facilities to handle modern longer trains produce 78% less One area in the country where intermodal freight. opportunity for a regular train service between for developing the Island Line contained in the franchise in December 2017, has pledged to this problem is thrown into thus artificially cheap to send carbon dioxide, fewer harmful Minehead and Taunton. Mr Woodman said review will be taken forward as the council has reopen the freight-only Camp Hill line from sharp relief is in the south-east goods by road, rather than by Extra light van movements have PM10 particulates, and 15 times his council supported organisations seeking little cash to spare. Kings Norton to Moor Street to passengers by corner of England, where the rail. led to an increase of about 6% in less nitrous oxide than lorries – to expand transport choices for residents but Hopes are resting on the promised review of December 2019. ferry ports and the Channel In the meantime, Swiss Federal urban traffic, with its associated and they do not produce rubber, did not have sufficient information as to the Island Line operations by the new franchisee, Tunnel generate huge quantities Railways reports: “More than pollution and congestion. stone and tar dust. feasibility and viability of a non-heritage rail South Western Railway. Early signs are that Railfuture West Midlands contact: of road freight, all concentrated 17,000 freight trains have passed Online shopping sites are Solutions do not primarily service. Undeterred, Somerset campaigners are managers are receptive to the idea of re- [email protected] on Kent. There is a strong through the Gotthard Base resulting in a race to the bottom require technology. They require planning to form an alliance to press for higher introducing a 20-minute frequency service, www.railfuture.org.uk/West Midlands Branch possibility that this will get even Tunnel since its opening in June in transport terms by offering commitment. 12 railwatch October 2017 Twitter: @railwatch www.railfuture.org.uk ◆◆◆◆ Join Railfuture online at www.railfuture.org.uk/join railwatch October 2017 13 Thames Valley Ancient and modern rails in the snow [email protected] By Bernard Marriott n nOxford station plans [email protected] Oxford City Council has unanimously approved Railfuture members travelled its Draft Oxford Station Supplementary Planning through the Channel Tunnel in Document which was put out to public spring to visit Austria. consultation on 30 June 2017. Railfuture The trip to Innsbruck attracted Thames Valley in its comment stressed the 23 people who went via Paris, need for a covered walkway connecting the n nBarnstaple-Braunton tramway plan

Basel and Zürich, returning via Pictures: COLIN MILSOM new station with the proposed bus station [email protected] Devon and Cornwall Munich, Wurzburg, Cologne and on the other side of Botley Road, and has also Combe Rail is proposing to reopen around Brussels. suggested a clock tower should be provided five miles of the former Ilfracombe line from Barnstaple to Braunton as a light railway The trip was led by Trevor to enhance the station and to make an or tramway. Proposals for a pre-feasibility study have been received from several rail ­Garrod who arranged a variety architectural statement. The city council hopes of optional activities, as well work on rebuilding the station, building a new consultants, and discussions are taking place with North Devon and Devon county councils towards funding this study. This former double-track railway route is 98% intact, with as meetings with like-minded bus station and hotel, and a multi-storey car organisations. park can begin “as early as the autumn” and has sufficient width to accommodate a new single-track railway line alongside the existing Tarka claimed that the project could be completed Trail and South West Coast Path. The starred stations will offer cycle hire facilities. Paris could learn from London ZILLERTALBAHN: Diesel locos propel coaches ACHENSEEBAHN: Europe’s oldest cog railway in four years. If this sounds optimistic, we www.taw-link.org.uk www.combe-rail.org.uk Combe Rail is an affiliate member of Railfuture about how to make a cross- must assume that “work” means design capital journey easier, but from Old Town, and up the funicular is the Nordkette, rising nearly While railway tickets are very Paris the TGV took us to Basel to the Fortress. In the afternoon 1,500 metres from Innsbruck. much in the computer age, the work. Architects and engineers have to be Bedford), and committee members have visited Council has proved reluctant to publicise this 1 commissioned to produce detailed designs. where we met Jürg Tschopp of we rode the Lokalbahn as far as Access to the summit (for non system behind them is still in the the NR presentations at various towns and and there is not even a bus-stop pole – yet. the newly extended (in 2014) ter- Planning permission has to be obtained from the Verkehrsclub der Schweiz. mountaineers) begins on the Dark Ages. National Rail offers villages along the route. We have made the n n minus at Ostermiething. Hungerburgbahn, a funicular special domestic tickets under the city council for the buildings and from following comments:- Coast Line enhancements Basel the county council for the engineering works, Bozen and Bolzano which was reconstructed in 2007 international (CIV) conditions n Grand Central’s fleet seems to be in a state The Basel hotel presented us and now begins underground, widening Botley Road bridge and associated Provision is needed for independent double of carriage for use in associa- of good-natured turmoil. The InterCity 125 with a free Mobility Card (an all- A group went to Bolzano in Italy. crosses the River Inn and tunnels road works. There has to be a public inquiry, track access to north bay platforms at Oxford tion with Eurostar, but they can trains are expected to move elsewhere at the system travelcard) for the dura- Until 1919 this was Bozen when through the mountain. The com- and objectors may apply for a judicial review. n Increased rail traffic over Bicester London be very difficult to discover and end of 2017, and several replacement class tion of our stay. From Basel we it was part of Austria Hungary. partments of the train are sus- Objectors have already started campaigning. Road level crossing needs to be reviewed with obtain. They should be easy add- 180 five-car units from First Great Western are joined the EuroCity train to Our local train from Innsbruck pended from a frame so that each Invitations to tender must be issued and the highways authority ons, similar to Plus Bus. being refurbished. The European Train Control Zürich where we took the Aus- arrived at the frontier Brenner remains upright at all times. The contracts signed before the first bucket of Crossing Paris. Métro-inclu- n Passive provision needs to be made for a System is being installed to cope with in-cab trian Railjet to Innsbruck, pass- station, where we changed on stations were designed by the concrete can be poured. This process alone to an Italian train. The centre of sive tickets are urgently station at Steeple Claydon signalling, which is to be brought into use ing through Liechtenstein with- late Zaha Hadid, the Iraqi-British 2 may take four years and, allowing another four Bolzano has changed little since needed. n Need for improved access to Winslow station on the East Coast main line some time after out stopping, and then going architect. years for construction, Railfuture Thames Valley 2020. Teething troubles arising from this have, under the Arlberg Pass and along imperial days, the two excep- Each leg of our journey n Redoubling of single-track sections between hopes to see the new station opening, possibly apparently, reduced service reliability for a time. the spectacular Inn valley. tions being Mussolini’s hand- From Hungerberg, there is involved different tickets, even with electrification from Didcot, in 2025. Bletchley and Bedford some train station and his bus a cable car to Seegrube, and 3 However, the IC125s will not go down without Innsbruck either a group ticket or a set of n Reinstatement of bay platform 4 at Aylesbury station, which could do with a bit another from there to Hafelekar n nNew homes, new stations? a fight. They are being remarshalled into two individual tickets. Apart from for terminating services from Marylebone eight-coach formations, to cope with heavy The city of Innsbruck is the capi- of smartening up. from which we enjoyed a pan- the lack of consistency, a group tal of the Tyrol with buildings oramic view of the city below us. Railfuture Thames Valley welcomes the n Claydon Junction to Aylesbury should be loadings at weekends and around Christmas/ Zillertalbahn and Achenseebahn ticket with a string of reserved and ambience to match, and Department for Transport’s decision to grant re-doubled and Aylesbury-Princes Risborough New Year. The class 180 trains can be coupled to Würzburg seat numbers was not the easiest £2.3 million from the New Stations Fund mountains towering to north and A short train ride from Innsbruck maximum speed should be raised to 50+mph make a 10-coach train, but IC125s cannot run in We departed in warm spring way for 23 people to find a seat. towards the £16.5 million cost of building south. It has a small tram system. took us to the junction at Jenbach, multiple. weather with the journey home Reading Green Park station, which will be n Passive provision for electrification of entire where we took either or both of Reserved seats on trains were At long last, the Department for Transport’s We were greeted with snow from Innsbruck by regional train completed in three years. This station will serve EWR route (which has been de-scoped from the Zillertalbahn and the Achen- indicated on small screens on New Stations Fund has promised £4.5 million and sleet, but a small group of up the side of the Inn valley and 4 7,500 new jobs and 1,500 new homes in an present proposals) seebahn. The Zillertalbahn is a the edge of the luggage rack, as for the Horden/Peterlee park-and-ride station. us chose to take one of the rural over the mountain to Munich. area with poor road connections. Elsewhere www.railfuture.org.uk/Thames Valley Branch narrow gauge (760mm) adhe- in the UK. But their operation This should open in or before 2020, and the trams, known as the Stubaital- Through spectacular scenery, the in the Thames Valley there are ambitious Twitter @RailfutureTV sion railway extending 32km up appeared to be both consistent Coastliners rail user group hopes that Grand bahn, rising around 500 metres train had plenty of spare capac- plans to build thousands of new houses in the Ziller valley to Mayrhofen. It and rational. British train opera- Central will stop some trains there. through woodland to Fulpmes. ity most of the way, plenty of leg- Oxfordshire which will have major implications is largely locally owned, runs a tors seem to revel in different Hartlepool station is now equipped with ticket As we gained altitude, snow room and panoramic windows. for transport. In addition to Green Belt North East half-hourly daytime service and, ways of displaying and updating barriers. Coastliners, and others, want rail completely covered the tracks, Just what train travel ought to be development south of Oxford, it is proposed apart from one steam train a day, information, including lengthy users’ journeys to be as quick and as smooth although the tram was very sure- like. From Munich we took the to put 4,400 new homes in the Green Belt uses diesel locomotives to propel scrolling texts. None of this on [email protected] as possible, but we recognise the need to footed and got us to our destina- carriages. InterCityExpress to Würzburg, a the Continent. Screens simply north of Oxford, with the suggestion for a new collect fares and check all tickets effectively. tion on time. n nNorth versus South ­— the arguments medieval city on the River Main. showed the start and finish of the station at Yarnton. A development of 3,500 new Hartlepool’s booking-office hours have been The railway is part of the Tyro- Bregenz and Lindau lean integrated tickets scheme, There is a busy tram system with current reservation. No scrolling. homes is proposed for Culham, convenient for We all deplore the continuing north-south gulf extended slightly on Mondays to Saturdays, five routes. the railway station, and 2,100 new homes at in rail spending, and will campaign vigorously Part of the group took a train from Verkehrsverbund Tirol (VVT). Simple. but the office is closed on Sundays. We await Innsbruck to Bregenz, which has We were met by Aljoscha Labeille Berinsfield. Didcot is to be doubled in size as a in support of any feasible methods put forward developments with interest. The VVT has run since 1995 Almost invariably platforms “garden town” with 15,000 new homes. In the to narrow it. As our colleagues in the Northern a pleasant frontage on Lake Con- and provides tickets between of the Verkehrsclub Deutschland were divided into sectors, and planners’ dreams, it will be served by a fixed group of transport activists’ roundtables put n nHow widely can a community spread? stance, then a 20-minute ferry any pair of zones in the Tyrol, who took a party round the there5 were posters or indicators ride to Lindau, Germany. link transit system with autonomous vehicles or it: “If it is good enough for London, it is good Coastliners’ efforts to work out how to establish, which may be used on any form Würzburg Residenz, a UNESCO showing where each carriage pods, running south to Harwell Campus using enough for the rest of the country.” But we or to become, a community rail partnership Lindau was a real treat, espe- of public transport. Needless to World Heritage Site. In the eve- stopped. You could easily stand the track of the old Didcot to Newbury railway have some good reasons to feel positive about have been well supported by local bodies so cially arriving by ship. The centre say it can claim great success in ning we were joined by Dr Chris- on just the right part of the plat- line, and north to Culham with a new bridge improvements promised for the North East of far but every time we look round, there are is pedestrianised and it is built terms of convenience, including tian Los, and Pro Bahn member form. Remember BR InterCity’s across the Thames. Oxfordshire County Council England. stated aims to widen the scope, not just of ours, on an island with a road bridge “expanding public transport by Lukas Ifflander, and we enjoyed coloured sectors? a first class meal in a local has approved the building of 2,500 new homes but of everyone else’s in the North East. Now and a four-track causeway serv- more than 60%”. Our politicians Departure sheets were printed n nMorpeth improvements ­weinstube. on the Grove airfield site, but is still delaying Grand Central has made contact with us on the ing a large railway station. Two please note! on yellow paper, and Arrival any decision on the proposed Grove/Wantage From December, five more daily CrossCountry subject. We are always receptive to ideas, but tracks arrive from Germany and The Achenseebahn is considered Last leg sheets6 on white paper, something railway station. calls will double the level of inter-city service at we just wish that a format could be worked out two from Austria. to be Europe’s oldest cog rail- On the last day we went from that could easily be copied here. this important county town railhead. way which is still steam oper- n n to let us and our fellow user groups develop a Salzburg Würzburg, changing at Cologne So, plenty of work still to be East West Rail consultation In theory, Morpeth is now on the PlusBus ated, using locomotives dating convincing and lasting rail partnership here in Another part of the group went and Brussels. Arrival at St Pan- done! Our thanks go to Trevor Railfuture Thames Valley has submitted a network. There is a turning-circle for buses from the opening of the line in the North East. to Salzburg, where we were cras was dead on time, and most Garrod for his work and good response to the Network Rail consultation on at the station to improve this valuable www.railfuture.org.uk/North East Branch 1889. It rises 440 metres in less greeted by Peter Heibach and of us were dead beat after a thor- nature, seeing us around all sorts the western section of East West Rail (Bicester- interchange. Alas, Northumberland County Twitter @RailfutureNEast than 7km and uses the Riggen- Dr Karl Schambureck of Pro- oughly enjoyable and busy few of hitches. Many contacts arose bach rack system, terminating bahn Österreich. Peter Heibach days. at Seespitz am Achensee from through the European Passen- was able to obtain for us a com- Our vision for Railfuture: where there are steamer trips on What did we learn from the holi- gers’ Federation, of which we prehensive group ticket so we the Achensee. day? Had we not been set on the are a member. Contact with our An independent organisation whose views are respected by the rail industry, to which went by trolleybus (a nostalgic joys of train travel it would prob- colleagues abroad is essential if decision makers come for advice, and which rail users are proud to join moment for someone brought Hungerburg and Nordkette ably have been cheaper to go by the hurdles to long-distance rail up in London in the 1950s) to the The mountain north of Innsbruck air. Points to ponder: travel abroad are to be overcome. 14 railwatch October 2017 Twitter: @railfuture www.railfuture.org.uk ◆◆◆◆ Rail User Express can be downloaded from www.railfuture.org.uk railwatch October 2017 15 decade to support the transport priorities and Infrastructure Secretary Ken Skates North West being developed by Transport for the North announced that five extra four-carriage electric o Give Transport for the North the same powers trains will be made available to Arriva Trains [email protected] as those enjoyed by Transport for London so Wales. The class 319s will be fitted with diesel n nWindermere electrification axed that it can also raise private finance towards its engines to become Flex bi-mode trains with own transport priorities. funding from the Welsh Government, plus Cancellation of the Windermere-Oxenholme https://you.38degrees.org.uk/petitions/crossrail- £1 million from Arriva Trains Wales. They will electrification scheme has brought confusion north-now as to the long-term fleet plans for the line. be added to existing rolling stock in 2018 once www.railfuture.org.uk/North West Branch electric to diesel conversion work has been

Northern has said that from May 2018, former Twitter @RailfutureNWest Picture: KEITH SATTERLY class 319 Flex bi-mode trains, redesignated completed. It is estimated that the conversion Handing over the token as class 769s, will operate on the line. From Cymru Wales will cost at least £250,000 per unit, which would 2019, Northern says these will be replaced by not have been required if electrification had I have already highlighted All the railways giving new CAF diesel multiple units, though some [email protected] been completed in South Wales as originally the need to find more people evidence have special planned. The additional stock will enable the sources suggest these will be in addition to n n to serve as managers in the schemes to encourage the 319s. If the CAF diesels took over in 2019, it Electrification progress release of other trains to be made compliant increasingly demanding heritage young1 volunteers, the younger would mean a brief period of through services Installation of masts west of Severn Tunnel with new disability regulations. There may be rail business. ones properly mentored by the able to operate electrically under the wires ceased in April but bridgework continues. A the possibility of increasing the capacity of older ones and supervised by some services. In Railwatch 152, I mentioned the south of Oxenholme with 769s, then back to new contract has been let for installing masts sector’s ability to encourage a adult volunteers. diesels. This would seem to fly in the face of and overhead wiring starting early next year. n nNew franchise progress new generation of steam crews Every one of these railways Government ambitions to help with emission Rogiet Road bridge at Severn Tunnel Junction and engineers who can manage has examples of their young targets by reducing diesel usage. However, reopened on 10 September thus completing The UK Government has still to transfer the required powers to the Welsh Government, thus and maintain the magnificent volunteers who have gone the Department for Transport has also asked the upgrade work to nine over-line bridges in machines in their care today. on2 to work on the national Northern to identify alternative fuel options. Monmouthshire. Work continues on bridges delaying the tendering process. Transport for Wales has agreed, after pressure from Railfuture You may be surprised to know network, so heritage railways The announcement cancelling electrification west of Newport including two near Marshfield are proving to be a recruiting and other organisations, to publish a summary that there are 831 preserved made reference to both battery and hydrogen and two in eastern Cardiff. The most complex ground for the main line. technology. is Splott Road bridge which is being replaced of the invitation to tender, but not the full steam locomotives in the United in two stages enabling the road and footpaths document. This was expected in August but has Kingdom, although only a This has also been n nWebsite to boost campaign to remain open. There are a number of now been delayed. In turn, the Df T is asking for proportion of these is currently admirably supported by the Friends of Reddish South, the group buildings near the bridge which has required more information. This includes the process of available for service. National Railway Museum campaigning for the return of a full passenger line closures. Network Rail has reconsidered asset transfer from Network Rail to the Welsh On most summer Saturdays, I which3 has run exhibitions and service to the line in south-east Manchester, has the situation where the South Wales main line Government, the ways in which the interests would estimate that there are events around the theme of got a new website to promote their cause. passes under the Cardiff Valley lines and over of communities in England will be served and some 85 steam locomotives engineering, designed to help https://friendsofreddishsouthstation.co.uk/ the feeder to Cardiff Docks immediately east of how the Welsh Government will operate as working around Britain, young people, and particularly young women who are n n Cardiff Central station, and has decided to lay the operator of last resort. The Westminster including some on the main line, Reduced peak service proposals slab track under the bridge and over the feeder and Welsh governments have yet to agree the and who would have thought interested in a career in this area. Support The Oldham Rochdale Manchester line which in turn will result in further line closures funding for the new franchise as a result of that would be possible when the The railways have put in (STORM) has drawn attention to unsatisfactory between Cardiff and Newport. The new Hitachi the curtailment of the electrification, delays to last main line steam train ran place proper methods of features in the proposed timetables for May inter-city express trains are working as far as implementing the franchise and the additional almost 50 years ago? working to ensure the safety 2018 and December 2018 which are facing Carmarthen but the line west to Pembroke cost of bi-mode trains. Thankfully, a new generation of4 young volunteers and to local passengers on the line through Rochdale. Dock has yet to be cleared. of younger people has come ensure their safeguarding while Briefly these are a reduction in number of n nCardiff transport integration they are with the railway. n nElectrification regress forward, smart, skilled, well morning peak trains from most Rochdale area This could more appropriately be called trained and now experienced More and more regulations stations (except Rochdale, where an increase is UK Transport Secretary Chris Grayling disintegration following the closure of Cardiff enough to keep this fleet relating to young people WORKING TOGETHER: 70013 Oliver Cromwell on the ash pit at proposed). The first morning peak trains would announced the cancellation of the Cardiff- bus station, adjacent to Cardiff Central station. running. are creating tensions Loughborough on the Great Central Railway in August arrive in Manchester up to 15 minutes later Swansea electrification in July despite the There is now a delay in progressing the work, Around the country, young in5 organisations that are than at present. The timetable also fails to give completion of all surveys for bridge work, the resulting from a change of plans by the principally run with limited Littleborough and Mills Hill an off-peak service completion of the electricity supply, a new apprentices are learning the obsessed by legislation required token to the younger generation. developer regarding the use of the building skills of boilermaking, riveting, resources by volunteers. The for Brexit. There is more This is understandable and which measures up to the demand, three trains depot at Swansea Maliphant sidings with to be constructed above the new smaller bus level of supervision required per hour. In the case of Littleborough, the last electric masts in place and the Port Talbot welding and using machine evidence to come, but already indeed, if it were not for those station. Interestingly, the new bus station tools, giving them opportunities already threatens to outweigh we can see the importance pioneers of the 1960s and 1970s, point could be easily addressed. Littleborough West resignalling being immunised for electric is to be on the site of the former railway the benefits of the input from the will have two through trains to Manchester traction. Railfuture Wales described the which may not be available of heritage railways, not just there would be no heritage headquarters, Marland House, which was elsewhere in their area as youngsters and the willingness for the local economy, but to railway movement to hand Airport in the morning peak and two from the decision as hugely disappointing and reflecting owned by Network Rail. The delay could result of older volunteers to babysit a lack of ambition. Electrification through to Britain’s manufacturing base inspire young people to learn on. But we need to pass over Airport in the afternoon peak. Having these in reputational damage to the city. them. services call all day should be possible and Swansea would have removed the need for shrinks. the fascinating range of skills real responsibility as part of would be of great value to passengers. They will the expensive bi-mode trains, given faster n nFreight traffic But the basic problem remains On top of this is the required in running railways. the training and preparation to be the only through trains locally to Piccadilly journey times, attracted more passengers from a concern to every heritage wording of an obscure Act As a postscript, another point enable our successors to take full Production increases at TATA’s Port Talbot of 1920, which, as a result of from the evidence is how hard responsibility in the future for and Oxford Road where there are both the congested M4 and reduced pollution from steel works has seen extra freight trains on the railway that wants to survive employment and leisure opportunities. diesel emissions. Additional disruption would and prosper. The railways rely subsequent6 legislation widening it is for some of us old hands this amazing group of over 100 South Wales main line. However the future of STORM thinks that the West Yorkshire Passenger have been marginal. The decision also means its scope, precludes all work to step back and hand over the railways. Wentloog Freightliner depot near Cardiff is in not just on those working with Transport Executive is more vocal in its that the new Wales and Borders franchise by those under 16 on railways doubt. When tolls are removed from the Severn steam, but on a whole variety concerns about changes to the timetable along will not be able to introduce electric units on of skills and specialisms along (including volunteering). This RAILFUTURE DOUBLE LOTTERY WINNERS Crossings, traffic could be lost to road. has only recently come to light, the line than Transport for Greater Manchester. South Wales main line services. The prospect with a steady stream of new TWO lucky entrants won more [email protected] for more of electric trains serving the economic power n n volunteers to keep the show on although no prosecution has n nPetition for Transport in the North North Wales than one prize in our recent details. Each entry costs £1.00 and house of Severnside connecting South Wales the road. ever been brought under the Act, A petition started by the Institute for Public Arriva Trains Wales again deployed one of its which lay dormant for years. monthly Railfuture Lottery you can have as many entries per with Bristol and Bath has also been removed. Given the level of training Policy Research to persuade Transport locomotive-hauled trains on the North Wales Already this has interrupted draws. month as you would like – with The idea, first promoted by the Department needed for safety-critical Secretary Chris Grayling to spend more Coast main line on Saturdays in high summer, the recruitment of volunteers Peter Clark picked up third and an even better chance of winning! for Transport, that there is only one service jobs and the need to keep money on transport in the North of England west of Cardiff (which carries less than 50% of providing welcome additional capacity. ATW and some railways are now fifth prizes in the July and August Prizes are now being paid by reached over 86,000 signatures. The petition has two such trains, both of which are not qualifications up to date, where unwilling to take volunteers internet banking or PayPal as the passengers travelling west of Cardiff) that are the new recruits going to draws, while Martin Fiedler follows the Government’s announcement that could use electric traction should be dismissed. normally used on weekends. There are other under the age of 16. took fourth and sixth prizes two well as the traditional cheque in weekends during the year when passengers come from? it would not proceed with electrification of Railfuture Wales has identified at least six other The sad thing is that this is not months apart. the post method – it’s entirely up the Oxenholme-Windermere line and would need these trains. When race events are The All-Party Parliamentary to you. services west of Cardiff that could use electric what Parliament intended (there You too could win and help raise look at “intermittent” electrification of the held at Chester racecourse, the usual two- Group on Heritage Rail is traction, and will continue to campaign for were no heritage railways in funds for Railfuture campaign- Recent winners: June - William TransPennine rail route, with the use of bi-mode car and three-car trains along the coast undertaking an inquiry into electrification west of Cardiff to Swansea and 1920), and the simple pleasure of ing by joining the lottery, with Walker, Terence Roger Sheppard, trains to fill the gaps where there were no wires. for all of the passenger lines in the Cardiff become overcrowded, and some passengers young volunteers and heritage helping out on a steam railway the chance to win one of six Alexander Macfie, P Sherwood, The petition calls upon the Transport Secretary City region, all of which was promised by the are unable to board eastbound trains at railways to establish what is Edward Potter, Martin Fiedler. which we enjoyed as children prizes every month with a top to: previous government. Railfuture vice-president stations in Flintshire and Denbighshire. This happening and what might need July - Steve and Sue Boulding, is being denied to a new prize of £40. o Pledge his immediate backing for the Rhodri Clark published a two-page news item could cause difficulties for those travelling to to be put in place to ensure a generation of youngsters. Could Philip Odell, Nigel Perkins, Sam Northern Powerhouse rail programme in the Western Mail headed: The real costs of not Chester and beyond who have appointments long-term future for the sector. this be put right with a simple You can enter on our website Braithwaite, Peter Clark, Cedric including a new state-of-the-art 30-minute electrifying the Cardiff to Swansea line. or connections, in some cases with Advance The inquiry sessions will change in the law? Yes, but the using PayPal, by post to Railfu- Martindale. August - Michael Han- Manchester-Leeds rail link – a Crossrail North tickets valid only on the specified trains. continue throughout the ture Lottery, 24 Chedworth Place, son, James R Pattison, Peter Clark, n nPresent Wales and Borders franchise chances of that happening over o Make an immediate commitment to at least www.railfuturewales.org.uk autumn, but already some the next couple of years are Tattingstone, Suffolk IP9 2ND or Martin Fiedler, Ian Sesnan, Graham £59 billion “catch-up cash” over the coming On 17 July the Welsh Government Economy Twitter @RailfutureWales interesting facts have emerged. small in a Parliament currently by internet banking – email lot- David Smith. 16 railwatch October 2017 Twitter: @railwatch www.railfuture.org.uk ◆◆◆◆ Please remember Railfuture in your will: http://tinyurl.com/3qtdzj7 railwatch October 2017 17 HENRY LEWIS Artist Lynette breathes new life into Scottish stations NEWS IN BRIEF Your views n More than a million jour- neys are made on bikes to and may well be expected to remove Bikes on trains from London rail stations every panniers. I do not see that as I agree with some of what unreasonable. day, according to Transport for Catherine Barber (Railwatch ­London. On the matter of “meat hooks”, n 152) says about bikes on trains. CUK want to hear from those Installation of trackwork on As a Cycling UK representative who have experienced difficulties London’s Crossrail was com- I have been involved with the with them. pleted in September. “bikes on trains” issue for some In conclusion, there will be no n Lord Adonis who is a Rail- years. The current situation ‘sea-change’ in cycle carriage Picture: ALLIANCE SCOTRAIL future vice-president said in is considerably better than until a change of stance from the August: “I am convinced we it was, but it could be much Government. need a programme of reopening better. However, some cyclists Finally, why are East Midlands closed rail lines with high traffic/ do not realise the predicament jobs/homes potential. Oxford- of train operators and I feel Trains and CrossCountry so against displaying prominent Cambridge is only the start.” most managements nowadays n want to do what they can to signs explaining it is the cycle More than 10,000 people accommodate cycles. space so no luggage should be have signed a petition to reopen put there even if there are no the Matlock-Buxton line in However, they are stuck bikes, particularly as only two ­Derbyshire. with rolling stock designed bikes are allowed? n when predecessors were not John Thompson, Dell Road Boost membership: You can sympathetic, and successive Oulton Broad, Lowestoft help Railfuture boost its support governments stipulating there Suffolk NR33 9NT by giving Railfuture membership must be as many seats as [email protected] to a friend or relative as a Christ- possible to achieve targets. mas present. Managers therefore have to Appeal for help n One Railfuture member reports A memorial service was held century they usually had short grapple with compromise in an I have been researching the he always passes his Railwatch on in the “actors’ church”, St runs in pubs or church halls, extremely difficult situation. Such reopening of the Cranleigh- to a conductor or train driver, difficult judgement calls mean once he has finished reading it. Mary’s in Covent Garden, and lost money. Each time he Guildford line but am unable to The official opening of London for Henry Lewis, who would express mild surprise, they will perhaps not always ascertain how recently there has Aberdour signal box in ISSN 0267-5943 www.railwatch.org.uk n Sudbury & Harrow Road is died earlier this year, aged 70. momentary sadness, then make the best decisions. been any discussion of this. April this year. Lynette Gray London’s worst-served (hence shake himself down and start railwatch The service included some of CUK is currently involved in talks With the burgeoning amount of (centre) stands with Colin is edited by Ray King, 4 Christchurch Square, London E9 7HU least-used) station but it now again. with ScotRail, for instance. Henry’s songs written for Brief retirement housing being built in Whyte (left), ScotRail Alliance Tel: 020 8985 8548 [email protected] has a new user group, operat- Encounters on the Penistone Audiences often came out I have viewed a mock-up of the area, the line should reopen. commercial property manager, Printed by Print-Out, High Street, Histon, Cambridge CB4 4JD ing under the umbrella of the Line which included The humming Henry’s heroic Abellio Greater Anglia’s new It is an inordinately difficult drive and John Yellowlees (right), Tel: 01223 232709. Railfuture members receive ­Railwatch free. Sudbury Town Residents Asso- Railwayman’s Song. anthem of the railway builders. rolling stock and the cycle space for older people on the single honorary ScotRail Alliance Railwatch abides by the National Union of Journalists’ code of conduct. ciation. They are pressing for Writing in The Guardian, Maev Henry was educated at Radley is modestly increased. improved services at the station, lane, narrow, bendy and hilly community ambassador Non-members can subscribe online at www.railfuture.org.uk/shop or by Kennedy described Henry as College, Oxfordshire, where The slight negative is that there routes and bus services are which despite its town-centre sending £8 (cheque payable to Railfuture) to: Alan Cocker, 11 Derwent location has just eight trains a a happy soul who woke up he recalled picking daisies will be tip-up seats in the cycle virtually nonexistent The ScotRail Alliance has Road, Ipswich, Suffolk IP3 0QR. day. stra.org.uk . humming and often sang his in the outfield as his mother space because of the pressure Families without a car find congratulated a local artist n way through the day. He often arrived during a crucial cricket to provide as many seats as getting to Cranleigh to visit whose work to restore part of Copy deadlines: For the next issue, published in December, please Formed in response to Net- delivered renditions of his own match, and Millfield sixth form possible. However, there will elderly family members in a West Fife railway station has email ­material to [email protected] by Wednesday 25 October. Late work Rail’s decision to demol- songs, but could also imitate a in Somerset. be notices advising that seats assisted/retirement housing a been nominated for a major news no later than Tuesday 31 October. Postal address: 4 Christchurch ish Pilning station’s footbridge whistling kettle or the Radio 4 He loved the countryside should be given up for those complete nightmare and pretty award. Aberdour signal box, Square, London E9 7HU. last November, reducing it to with cycles, similar to notices time pips. and was an epic walker. In much impossible. on the platform at Aberdour Advertising: Full page: £190. Half page: £95. Quarter page: £45. one direction only, a new user at tip-up seats in designated Henry wrote satirical musicals 2009 he bought a cottage at station, was shortlisted in Small ads are free to members. Otherwise: 30p per word. group has been actively raising wheelchair areas. I fear however Is there an active group about life, railways, the Llanddarog, Carmarthenshire, the “Most enhanced station local awareness of the present it will still cause some friction. interested in reviving this line? Please report any problems with the delivery or condition of your copy of environment and wind farms, where typically he promptly Sara Furnas buildings and surroundings” Railwatch to [email protected] or to the E9 7HU address above. restricted Saturdays-only service. which half a century earlier wrote a show, Trybl Y Twr, I was prompted to respond [email protected] category at the Community Rail The group produced an attractive might have made him much to raise money for the spire to Ms Barber because I also Awards after it was restored Railfuture leaflet to distribute door to door. better known. In the late 20th appeal at St Twrog’s church. regularly take a pannier-laden Interrail feedback and converted into a studio for As a result, usage is increasing. bike on trains. With respect, I local artist Lynette Gray. Lynette, is independent and voluntary. It is the campaigning name of the Railway Further information at www.pil- do not think it is asking much to It is now about 15 months since from Kinghorn, was encouraged ­Development Society Ltd, a not-for-profit company limited by guarantee. ningstation.uk - including details take panniers off in appropriate Interrail introduced the facility to visit the signal box after her Registered in England and Wales No 5011634. of the increasingly-popular Piln- circumstances. of using the Global pass for the success in converting disused ­Registered Office: 24 Chedworth Place, Tattingstone, Suffolk IP9 2ND. ing Grand Slam Challenge. outward and homeward journeys space within Kinghorn station Join It could be a bit cumbersome for Media enquiries n Further line closures are taking between your home station in into a studio and gallery. Seeing Get four copies of Railwatch magazine a year, early-bird those cycle-camping who might Bruce Williamson, 29 Granby Hill, Clifton, Bristol BS8 4LT. place on the Barking-Gospel Oak this country and your port of the potential in the grade B discounts for our two annual conferences have front and rear panniers, but Tel: 0117 9272954 Mobile: 07759 557389 line to complete electrification entry/exit as well as onward listed space, which had lain and the chance to help improve Britain’s railways no worse than for passengers Email: [email protected] works – until 22 October, and 27 travel on the same day. This empty since it fell out of use in with large luggage. November until 14 January. Elec- JOIN USING PAYPAL AT www.railfuture.org.uk/join year, for instance, I travelled from 1981, she agreed to take it on. On IC125s where bikes are put £18 per year (special offer). tric trains are expected to start n my home station of Tipton, in the Renovation began in February, Membership Individual £18 per year (special offer price) in a guard’s van there is usually Pensioners, students and unemployed: £14. operations over the route during n West Midlands, to Berlin on one with the official opening in Joint £23 no problem leaving panniers Joint: £23. User groups, community and parish councils: £21 the first part of next year. www. n day’s use of the pass, with the April, and was made possible Pensioners, students and unwaged £14 on the bike. To make it as easy You can join using PayPal via www.railfuture.org.uk or by post, please barking-gospeloak.org.uk/ n Rail user groups, community and parish councils £21 exception of Eurostar (for which through support from the as possible I release the carrier you get a discounted rate). ScotRail Alliance, the Stations ­contact Railfuture Membership, 1 Queens Road, Barnetby le Wold catches and any straps so once DN38 6JH. Email: [email protected] Railfuture’s new European Community Regeneration Railwatch welcomes Name ...... on board I just have to lift the Fund and the Railway Heritage panniers off the carrier. Passenger Group is interested articles and pictures in other members’ experiences Trust. James Ledgerwood of Renewals and other membership queries: from rail users and Address ...... The big step forward is on of using Interrail Global ScotRail said: “We are absolutely Use PayPal on the website or send a cheque to Stansted Express trains where passes in this country. Has delighted for Lynette. It’s Railfuture Renewals, 24 Chedworth Place, ­Tattingstone, Suffolk IP9 2ND. rail user groups ...... Postcode ...... 18 bikes will be allowed. anyone encountered problems wonderful to see redundant Email: [email protected] Send your material to: The Currently cycles are allowed anywhere? Please contact me buildings being given a new Editors, 4 Christchurch Square, Email ...... only if dismantled in a box or with your experiences, positive or lease of life.” The Community Elections Board elections held annually. Nomination forms can be London E9 7HU bag as required by airlines. The otherwise. Rail Awards 2017 gala dinner obtained from www.railfuture.org.uk/tiki-index.php?page=Elections Email: [email protected] Send to Railfuture, 1 Queens Road, Barnetby le Wold DN38 6JH increase could attract many Donald Payne was held at The Roundhouse Many other useful contact details can be found on the Please use email if possible but Cheques payable to Railfuture. Email: [email protected] Who’s Who cyclists going abroad. But 69 Dudley Road, Tipton DY4 8EE Derby College on Thursday 5 ­Railfuture website: www.railfuture.org.uk include your postal address cyclists on Stansted Express [email protected] October. 18 railwatch October 2017 Twitter: @railfuture www.railfuture.org.uk ◆◆◆◆ European Rail Timetable available at http://www.europeanrailtimetable.eu railwatch October 2017 19 Pictures: PAUL ABELL Pictures: PAUL

Railfuture head of infrastructure One of the topics discussed at the launch of Expanding the and networks group Chris Railways was whether the proposed new rail service into Austin opens proceedings Newcastle from Ashington and Blyth should run along the at the National Railway main line into Newcastle Central, or be a Metro operation. This Museum launch of Expanding would have more intermediate stops and hence offer slower the Railways guide on 5 journey times, but it would give a direct link to more locations July, flanked by Stuart in Newcastle city centre. Looking east from the overbridge at Baker of the Department Palmersville Metro stop, the single line from Ashington and for Transport (left) and Blyth is on the left, while a Metro train heads for the coast at Campaign for Better Whitley Bay. The main line option supported by Railfuture and Transport chief executive SENRUG would have a Metro interchange at Northumberland Stephen Joseph (right) Park, the next stop towards the coast New landmark guide to a bigger and better railway By Paul Abell be acceptable to Network Rail level Transport for the North’s are always playing catch-up. In Railfuture vice-president in the wider context of railway head of strategy and policy Jona- particular there was a comment [email protected] ­operation. than Spruce explained that TfN that the PDFH does not allow was looking at rail travel in the for the differing propensity of Financed by the Department for Case studies will encourage cam- region increasing by up to 400% growth sectors to use rail travel Transport and produced in part- paigners, with explanations of the circumstances favouring suc- by 2050. (for example, this is high for nership with Railfuture and the financial services). Campaign for Better Transport, cess stories such as the reopened The possibilities for growth Expanding the Railways – How stations at Apperley Bridge and were by no means confined to Rob Bailey of Arriva pointed out to develop and deliver a proposal Kirkstall Forge in West Yorkshire, the major cities. It is important that the PDFH is only a guide. is aimed at campaigners, local and the forthcoming Halton to improve the connectivity of The new station at Cambridge authorities, local enterprise part- Curve at Runcorn. many smaller centres as well. North took into account the fact that Cambridge has many people nerships, train operators and But it is probably the more tech- Nine strategic development cor- developers. ridors have been identified, and with a high propensity to travel nical details which will be most by rail. The no-nonsense chapter head- useful to Railfuture members are detailed in the Initial TfN ings set the tone: and campaigners. These include Integrated Rail Report, available In the context of reinstating a n implications of Transport & at www.transportforthenorth. passenger service to Ashington, Identifying a potential project the South East Northumberland n Works Act Orders, and the pow- com/wp-content/uploads/TfN- Initial assessment ers granted by such an order. Initial-Integrated-Rail-Report. Rail User Group chairman Den- n Developing a business case pdf. nis Fancett complained that the The Guide to Rail Investment Network Rail GRIP procedure n TfN is producing a business case Building support Process (GRIP) which railway was too long and too expensive. n Funding a project projects must follow will prob- for each corridor, but it will be ably be all too familiar to readers, necessary to move away from Each stage of GRIP was tending n Development and delivery but this document also explains the tradition of producing indi- to take around two years, so cam- Naturally it is important to the four-stage Network Rail vidual benefit-cost ratios if these paigners had to expect some- establish at a very early stage in investment process, and the five corridors are to get the trans- thing like 10 years even to reach GRIP 5 in the design ­process. a project whether the proposed case model approach to decisions formational development they new services and their associated on investment used by the DfT. need. There were comments that this infrastructure are appropriate long time scale is incompatible A must for all campaigners, the For Network Rail, Leeds pro- and practicable, and this guide with soliciting developer contri- 40-page document can be viewed gramme development manager includes many useful check Erica Blamire mentioned that butions. questions which promoters of online at www.railfuture.org. uk/display1563. the Network Rail route stud- However it was also mentioned schemes should ask themselves. ies give recommendations for that the long GRIP timescale was The NRM launch The mere presence of a disused medium-term enhancements of useful for discovering problems trackbed is not sufficient to jus- Expanding the Railways was the network, while Network Rail such as out-of-date level cross- tify the extensive work necessary launched at a gathering of trans- is happy to work with people at ings, which could be rectified as to reintroduce a train service, but port planners and advocates the development stage to explain part of a project. the 50 years which are likely to of railway reopenings in the how their plans would fit in with have elapsed since the railway National Railway Museum at the whole railway network. originally closed may well have York on 5 July. The present Passenger Demand ISSN 0267-5943 seen developments such as new Chaired by Railfuture head of Forecasting Handbook was 53 housing which would generate infrastructure and networks roundly criticised in a general traffic not available in the 1960s. group Chris Austin, this event discussion, with claims that it The need to have the support of took the form of a seminar in “always” underpredicts demand local authorities and at least one which a wide variety of speak- meaning that new facilities such train operator is emphasised, as ers discussed the issues raised as the Borders Railway are built is the need for your project to in the document. At a regional with inadequate facilities so you 9 770267 594000