AN INDEPENDENT VOICE FOR RAIL USERS No 139 £2 April 2014

Clearing the way Picture: NETWORK RAIL See page 2 Page one picture Rail is taking off LOCAL ACTION Heathrow is likely to gain a new start in 2016 if planning permis- To York Yorkshire link so that passengers from the sion is granted, with tunnelling and Selby By Chris Hyomes [email protected] West can travel by rail direct to in 2018. The project would be ML EC the airport. complete in 2021. ver e o n n dg Electrification To Knottingley bri It will reduce the need to travel d to erte into London and back out again, A double for Corby div The Halifax Courier, the Hebden Road level crossing or transfer by bus on congested to be closed Bridge Times and the Todmorden roads. The line from Kettering to Corby News are backing calls for the is to be doubled this year, under- Do Calder Valley railway line to be Network Rail announced in Feb- nca lining the success of Corby ste electrified. Nina Smith of Railfuture ruary that it was planning to pro- r No Joan Croft rth vide a service from Reading, via ­station since it was reopened five Cho Junction said there is a massive groundswell rd of support right along the Leeds- Slough, to Heathrow. years ago. Railfuture’s David Fursdon, who Manchester route via Halifax for it Network Rail has met MPs and to be electrified. Calder Valley MP other stakeholders to discuss has promoted the new services Craig Whittaker has also spoken in to Corby, said he was optimistic e the detailed plans, known as the lin favour of electrification. The Halifax n that a second platform would ai & District Rail Action Group said: Western Rail Access Programme. m soon be installed at the town. st “It’s a no-brainer.” The group says A new junction would be cre- oa To Scunthorpe C it is astonishing that the line was David is delighted that the Corby ast and Immingham ated between Langley and Iver E not included in a list of lines to be stations, linking with a three- Evening Telegraph, as well as TV and radio stations are keen to considered for electrification. HADRAG insists: “If our line is mile tunnel for trains to go to not electrified this will mean keeping diesel trains to operate Heathrow Terminal 5. A steering report the good news and to interview rail campaigners. He Calder Valley line services that will run under the wires to group, including Network Rail, destinations beyond Leeds, Manchester and Preston. This the Department for Transport, said: “I am proud of what we are reduces efficiency and hence increases costs. The alternative achieving.” To Shaftholme Junction Thames Valley Berkshire local Doncaster Existing of an isolated diesel Calder Valley – connectivity lost – using enterprise partnership, Slough The number of people using and London freight line outdated units well into the 2020s is simply not acceptable. borough council and the Airport, Corby nearly doubled from to Scunthorpe We should be planning for electrification now.” has been set up to make progress 115,400 in 2009-10 to 215,400 in and Immingham n n on the proposals. Work could 2011-12. More improvements needed at Halifax station DIAGRAM OF PAGE ONE PICTURE: The new chord allows There have been big improvements at Halifax station over the ISSN 0267-5943 www.railwatch.org.uk freight to travel across the East Coast main line without East Coast interloper past six years but Halifax & District Rail Action Group says railwatch impeding main line traffic while the newly diverted road allows more needs to be done, including plumbing improvements in is edited by Robert Stevens, John Stanford and Ray King, 4 Christchurch the level crossing near Joan Croft Junction to be closed It is possible that new Pendolinos from Alstom could be the toilets, attention to the inefficient power-operated doors Square, London E9 7HU Tel 020 8985 8548 [email protected] taking advantage of the extra capacity being created on to the platform and better signs. HADRAG also wants to see [email protected] [email protected] Our page one picture shows power stations because British the East Coast main line. Alliance Rail Holdings wants to an additional running line serving a restored platform 3. Printed by Print-Out, High Street, Histon, Cambridge CB4 4JD Tel: 01223 the new twin-track flyover energy policy is in flux at the run nine-coach tilting trains under the Great North Eastern n n £45 million reopening campaign for Ripon 232709. Railfuture members receive ­Railwatch free aimed at freeing up a notorious moment. The power stations are Railway brand between London, Newcastle and Edinburgh bottleneck over the East Coast involved in switching from coal from 2016. MPs have been urged to support £45 million plans to reopen Non-members can subscribe online at www.railfuture.org.uk/books/sub- main line. to biomass in an effort to reduce The Pendolinos could be targeting the Edinburgh and scription.php or by sending £8 (cheque payable to the Harrogate-Ripon-Northallerton railway. The Leeds The bridge and two miles of pollution, but the Government Newcastle segments of the market, two years before Railfuture) to: Alan Cocker, 11 Franklin Road, Ipswich, Suffolk IP3 9DX. Northern Railway Reinstatement Group sent a 19-point new line will take freight clear of is being accused of failing to Hitachi’s new Intercity Express trains are introduced on proposal, highlighting the economic benefits, especially if Copy deadlines: For the next issue, published in June, copy must be Shaftholme Junction, just north provide subsidies to allow the ECML. Alliance believes it can persuade people who further routes to Leeds and Wetherby are reopened. The MP emailed to [email protected] by 7 May. Paper copy can be sent to 4 of Doncaster. all of them to continue in full currently fly to switch to rail. It applied to the Office of Rail for Skipton and Ripon, Julian Smith, told the Yorkshire Post: Christchurch Square, London E9 7HU but must be earlier. operation. Regulation in February for permission to operate under “I’m very supportive of any ideas for returning the railways to The £45 million chord will open access rules. Ripon – but thus far there needs to be more detail and much Advertising: Full page: £190. Half page: £95. Quarter page: £45. allow for freight trains serving “We see coal shrinking very rapidly from now on, probably more focus on the cost-benefit analysis of any proposals.” Small ads are free to members. Otherwise: 30p per word. Immingham docks and the But Railfuture member Graham Lund said: “It is bizarre that contributing nothing to power Regional Transport Partnerships, will run for eight or nine years, Please report any problems with the delivery or condition of your copy of three power stations of Drax, Ripon with a population of over 16,000 inhabitants, is not a generation by 2030,” Energy after a series of meetings at Railwatch to [email protected] or to the E9 7HU address above. Ferrybridge and Eggborough to well beyond 2018 or 2019 when front runner for funds to reopen its long abandoned rail link keep clear of the main line. Minister Michael Fallon told Peterborough, Doncaster, new Intercity Express trains built to Harrogate and Leeds. The Times in December. “Coal Newcastle and Edinburgh. Railfuture They currently have to travel by Hitachi for Agility Trains at is going to disappear off the The Government has ignored a new train factory in Newton n n £17 million project to improve Leeds station is independent and voluntary. It is the campaigning name of the Railway along the East Coast main line system.” for a short section, sometimes a Trades Union Congress Aycliffe will become available ­Development Society Ltd, a not-for-profit company limited by guarantee. In 2012, coal generated 40% supported campaign to keep the for the East Coast line. Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin described Leeds as Registered in England and Wales No 5011634. delaying passenger trains. a “gateway to the north” in February when he praised the of British electricity. Freight East Coast franchise in the hands The East Coast line has had ­Registered Office: 24 Chedworth Place, Tattingstone, Suffolk IP9 2ND. The project will also clear the trains are however expected £17 million project to improve the station by opening up a of Directly Operated Railways an ill-starred history since southern entrance. way for the closure of Joan Croft to transport much of the which has run EC services since Media enquiries level crossing (middle right in privatisation. Twice it has had to biomass which will become one 2009. In January, it named three be taken back into public hands n n Rail North team prepares for new franchises Bruce Williamson, 29 Granby Hill, Clifton, Bristol BS8 4LT. the picture) because the road is alternative fuel. Providing more bidders on a shortlist to take Tel: 0117 9272954 Mobile: 07759 557389 being diverted and a new road because of the financial failure capacity on the East Coast main over the franchise of the of its operators (first GNER and A partnership between local councils and the Department Email: [email protected] bridge, top right, is part of the line could help Alliance Rail 393-mile long line. for Transport was set up in January to oversee the renewal scheme. then National Express). Holdings (owned by Arriva, The three are East Coast Trains in 2016 of the TransPennine Express and Northern rail Membership £18 per year. Family: £18 plus Since 2009 it has been run, with A number of other level which in turn is part of Deutsche (First Group), Keolis-Eurostar franchises. Rail North involves 33 local authorities. Sir £2 for each extra person. Pensioners, students some success, by an arm of the Richard Leese, vice chair of the Greater Manchester and unemployed: £14. User groups, community and parish councils: crossings on the East Coast main Bahn) which wants to operate an East Coast (SNCF and Eurostar), line are being upgraded. open-access London-Edinburgh Department for Transport – Combined Authority, said: “The railway has a key role to Please apply for rates. Inter City Railways (Stagecoach play in a more robust North of England economy.” Rail North You can join or renew membership using PayPal The Doncaster work is part of service from 2016 using 90% and Virgin 10%). The Directly Operated Railways. Pendolino trains from Alstom, is developing a long-term strategy. Railfuture Yorkshire via www.railfuture.org.uk or by post, please a £600 million package which Government wants the line in A map of British rail operators organised our submission to the consultation draft. More ­contact David Harby, 6 Carral Close, Lincoln LN5 9BD will allow services on the East with a journey time of 3.5 hours. private hands before the general can be downloaded at www. information at www.railnorth.org Email: [email protected] Coast main line to be increased Local councils along the line election next year. The franchise barrydoe.co.uk/railmap26.pdf Renewals and other membership queries: Railfuture Renewals, 24 and less susceptible to delay. believe more investment n n New £8 million station at Wakefield Westgate Chedworth Place, ­Tattingstone, Suffolk IP9 2ND. Email: renewals@ Network Rail has estimated the should be poured into the East Railfuture chairman David ­Berman is calling on members to railfuture.org.uk investment at Shaftholme and Coast main line because of its recruit younger members and to expand our active membership Years after it was first mooted, Wakefield’s new £8 million Westgate station welcomed its first passengers in December, Elections Board elections held annually. Nomination forms can be Joan Croft junctions could allow economic importance to all the base across the board. He predicts 2014 will be an exciting year an extra 300 seats per hour to be regions along the route. after a 12-month construction project. It was officially opened obtained from www.railfuture.org.uk/tiki-index.php?page=Elections with major challenges and major targets to meet. by Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin in February. The provided on East Coast services. Who’s Who Many other useful contact details can be found on the They have set up the East Coast station now has free wifi and a photovoltaic roof. ­Railfuture website: www.railfuture.org.uk One slight cloud on the horizon Main-Line Consortium of Rail User Express is published monthly and can is the long-term future of the Local Authorities and Scottish be downloaded from the Railfuture website. 2 railwatch April 2014 Twitter: @railfuture www.railfuture.org.uk ◆◆◆◆ You can buy our book Britain’s Growing Railway online at www.railfuture.org.uk railwatch April 2014 3 Urgent: 120 diesel trains needed now LOCAL ACTION Devon and Cornwall By Ian Brown LOCAL ACTION By Gerard Duddridge [email protected] [email protected] We need new diesel trains now North West n n Tunnel works expose need for diversionary route loops for the social railway – and they By Arthur Thomson should be built in Britain. [email protected] Before dieselisation, British Rail employed the cascade principle n n Calder Valley electrification to good but sometimes mixed effect. When new trains were The Government’s decision not built for main lines, the old trains to electrify the Calder Valley line were passed down. is being questioned by local rail users. The line from Leeds to The branch lines therefore had Manchester via Bradford Interchange

Picture: NETWORK RAIL plenty of old and unsuitable, and Halifax must be included says although sometimes quite com- IAN BROWN CASCADE CANDIDATES: Class 170 diesel trains on the STORM, the Support the Oldham fortable, equipment. Barking-Gospel Oak line which is to be electrified Rochdale Manchester Lines group. The modernisation plan in the Adonis when he was Transport It also believes the short section Secretary, is an intelligent appli- from Dryclough and Milner Royd late 1950s and 1960s worked and there are too many calls ain to a standard specification, cation of a gradual, incremental Junctions on the line to Mirfield the other way round. New for the use of displaced units, but competitively sourced and approach to electrification. should also be electrified. The issue ­diesel multiple units were built including the north-west of Eng- capable of being built by more is critical now because a Government ­especially for the branch lines. At each modest stage, electric land and south Wales. than one supplier. task force has been set up to consider the next electrification passenger trains can displace When politicians closed many Some of the trains will be too old With light rail, all orders so far schemes in the North. STORM points out that the line carries diesels which can in turn cater Cement spraying to strengthen Whiteball tunnel of these lines, there was a sort of to be used elsewhere. For exam- have been unique in specifica- over 10 million passengers per annum and is frequently used for growth on the social railway. as a diversionary route by TransPennine Express. When the inverse cascade with branch-line ple, the class 315s, built in 1980, tion, constructed in relatively Railfuture is campaigning for improvements to diversionary units reallocated. Even this suffers from the effect will be 39 years old when avail- main TPE route via Huddersfield is electrified this diversion routes following the closure of the Taunton-Exeter St of passenger growth. small batches and built in main- will not be possible and, with six fast TPE trains an hour Nottingham-Manchester trains able for cascade. Is this some- land Europe. between Leeds and Manchester, chaos will result, with the David’s line for three weeks while Network Rail upgraded Ten new four-car electric trains the 170-year-old Whiteball tunnel and the well-publicised were formed of two-car Cravens thing for south Wales to look We need a more ambitious prospect of thousands of stranded passengers within hours. are being delivered to Trans forward to? breaching of the sea wall at Dawlish. Network Rail also used units, replacing a class 45 diesel approach from the Government, Pennine Express, where the first n n the closure to carry out track renewal and drainage works locomotive and six coaches. This process is far too slow to which should approve a build of FLAG waving for a fair deal for Cumbrian coast line as part of a programme to reduce flood risks at various stage of electrification allows In the 1980s, second-generation be meaningful in providing for approximately 120 vehicles per The Furness Line Action Group is fighting to prevent a new locations. There was enough capacity on the alternative route them to be used on Manches- diesel units – the Sprinters and growth on the social railway and year, starting next year. franchise taking the Cumbrian coast line back 20 years via Yeovil Junction to allow a limited service to run through ter to Glasgow and Edinburgh the Pacers – were procured. one can only speculate when the in time. Reductions in Manchester through services in from Plymouth and Penzance to London Paddington during ­services. This would accommodate cur- cascade will eventually trickle December 2013 and more in May are the tip of the iceberg. the line closure but all other trains were replaced by buses It was assumed that the cascade rent growth levels, but it would The journey takes three and a down to the Pacers. FLAG fears all could be removed after 2016 under the new from 18 January to 9 February. Railfuture has also called for principle would return and the need to be sustained for approxi- half hours so eight trains are Northern franchise. Both short and medium term investment more loops to be opened on the Exeter-Yeovil Junction line to Pacers (at the bottom of the pop- My own analysis suggests that mately eight years before any required for an hourly service, is desperately needed on the Furness line. FLAG is aiming increase the number of trains that can be run. ularity charts) would disappear. as long as growth continues, the coherent and meaningful electri- plus one for maintenance and Pacers will continue for ever! to prevent the DfT from changing the franchise specification For three main reasons, they fication cascade kicks in. n n Backing for Cullompton station reopening only one for peak Friday and by removing the requirement for through Barrow to have not been retired and a dif- Sunday strengthening. Is there a more There will be local government Manchester services (ironically threatened by the advance Railfuture is pleased to see that the campaign to reopen ferent strategy is now required. Six-car trains are used at present sensible approach? elections this year, when the of electrification elsewhere in the North West). It has enlisted Cullompton station is gaining backing. Devon County Council prime motivation of all candi- the help of local MPs Tim Farron and John Woodcock and the has issued a strong statement in support of the station, Electrification has been slow and on this route so the new fleet is Railfuture is devoted to cam- largely applied to long-distance dates will be to get elected. Cumbria Better Connected campaign. FLAG also is calling for as a way of supporting proposed development in the area. not large enough. Diesels will paigning for rail expansion and a Barrow-Whitehaven Sunday service, a more regular service, The Exeter Express & Echo reported in January that Devon routes. Older electric locomo- be required to strengthen peak reopenings. Putting the infra- Let us all call on these candidates better connections and more use of the line by freight. council officers are in talks with Somerset counterparts. tives and displaced vehicles such ­services. structure back in place is difficult to promise to implement poli- FLAG wants the line from Carnforth to Barrow electrified “Working with Somerset, we intend to carry out a study this as the Mark 3s were considered The current plan thus displaces enough, but if there is no rolling cies to support a revitalised and “in the long term” and resignalling of Barrow-Whitehaven to year to determine likely patronage at a potential Cullompton unsuitable and generally thrown seven three-car diesels, which stock, expansion is stymied. growing social railway which eliminate manual crossings and facilitate new services. station, including connectivity between intermediate stations away when displaced by more will be used to strengthen Liver- The recent examples of the Tod- would create jobs in providing along the whole line between Exeter and Bristol,” a Devon modern electric Pendolinos. new diesel trains in many con- n n Updated curve plan could boost Mersey-Dee rail links council spokesman told the paper. “Before a station can be pool-Newcastle services with a morden curve and gross over- Sustained growth on the net- new fast hourly service via Man- crowding at Bolton are a warn- stituencies in the north of Eng- A bi-directional curve at Halton could be reinstated in 2016 provided at Cullompton we need suitable local train services land, in the Midlands and in the that can serve it.” The county council wants to develop both work has continued relentlessly, chester Victoria from May. ing. Network Rail has provided to link the Chester-Manchester and Liverpool-Crewe lines. It West of England and Wales. Cullompton and Crediton stations as “park and change” using up any displaced usable Both these initiatives are bound the infrastructure and operator would clear the way for new train services between Liverpool, sites, where drivers from the wider area will be encouraged to diesel rolling stock, and Pacers to be huge commercial successes Northern is keen to run the ser- The train build could be justified Runcorn, Chester, Wrexham and Llandudno for which North leave their vehicles free of charge. Councillor Linda Holloway, are by far the cheapest trains to to the economic benefit of the vice. The difficulty is, where will on the basis of replacing obsolete Cheshire Rail Users have long campaigned. Merseytravel who has been calling for Cullompton to be reopened, said: lease so they remain attractive to north. the rolling stock come from? low-capacity equipment, a cost- has updated the GRIP 3 study, and is now going ahead “It is certainly fantastic news that we have the county council operators. efficient way of providing for with a GRIP 4 study, which they are funding with the Welsh But there is no cascade, and rely- The integrated transport authori- behind us. The key issue will be to provide the trains at the On top of this as Railwatch read- rail journey and revenue growth, Government and local authorities. Network Rail says the cost ing on one to provide capacity ties share this dilemma in actively could be cut from an estimated £16 million to £10 million right times and going to the right places, otherwise we will ers know only too well, the social as well as boosting British train never get people out of their cars.” for the social railway is no longer wanting to develop services and by combining work with maintenance planned for Weaver railway is growing, requiring a sustainable strategy. provide more capacity. building and its supply chain. Junction to Wavertree Junction. n n Ticket carnet boosts numbers on Tamar Valley line much greater capacity. There is a tendency to look at It would also lead to lower oper- What about Crossrail Electrification rides to the rescue light rail as an alternative to ating and maintenance costs, as n n Friends back plan for Manchester-Carlisle service A discounted carnet ticket scheme introduced 10 years ago and Thameslink? is being credited with boosting passenger numbers on the this time round – or does it? ­traditional trains. well as higher availability and A new passenger service should be run from Manchester Plymouth-Gunnislake line. Rebecca Catterall of the Devon There has been a spate of recent These huge metro-style projects The next step perhaps would be reliability. The reliability record Airport to Carlisle via Blackburn, Hellifield and the Settle- and Cornwall Rail Partnership, said: “The carnets have electrification announcements, involve displacement of many to consider tram-train operation, of the Pacers is dismal. Carlisle line. It would use 18 miles of under-utilised track helped increase passenger numbers on the Tamar Valley Line but as before, these are largely on elderly electric units for use else- which is actively under develop- The current official policy of fare from Clitheroe to Hellifield and would require no capital by more than 50 per cent. They have proved popular because long-distance routes with limited where on the network. ment in South Yorkshire as part rises is an unwelcome way of investment, say the Friends of the Settle-Carlisle Line. The of their flexibility and ease of use and the fact that the tickets scope for trains to be cascaded on Crossrail will also displace some of a Department for Transport pricing off growth, and is now at Friends are working on a business study to convince train are sold in local shops and post offices in the Tamar Valley.” to the social railway. diesel units from the Great West- experiment, and in Manchester. a political turning point. operators and the Government of the value of the service. ern lines out of Paddington. n n Worry over Great West Run blocking buses to station There are exceptions, such as All such light rail developments Railfuture members have a clear n n Freight plan for Settle-Carlisle line Railfuture has expressed concern to Devon County Council Barking-Gospel Oak electrifica- Some of these trains will come to require new trains or trams role in urging politicians to plug tion. This is largely aimed at ben- the rescue of the social railway which are expensive and take the UK rail policy gap to the ben- Gritstone from quarries at Helwith Bridge may switch from over the extent and length of time of the road closures for road to rail. Quarry owners, newly merged Lafarge Tarmac, The Great West Run in 2013 and hopes this will not be efiting long-distance freight, but, but do not add up to a strategy. time to produce. efit of the economy and the envi- as a bonus, will allow eight new ronment. Let’s get lobbying. are hoping to re-establish a connection with the Settle- repeated in 2014. In 2013 Sunday morning buses were Any cascade will be too late The missing strategy, comple- Carlisle line so the stone can be taken to Darwen, Lancashire, Turbostar diesel trains to be cas- n cancelled and diverted away from Exeter St David’s station. because Crossrail and Thames- mentary to but not in competi- Ian Brown CBE FCILT is a by train for onward despatch, also by rail. caded to the social railway. former managing director of n link do not come on stream until tion with electrification, should Contact Railfuture at: [email protected] The north-west electrification 2018-2019. Growth on other lines be to build new, attractive, London Rail and was awarded a project, announced by Lord in the south-east will continue, ­economical diesel trains in Brit- CBE for services to railways. 4 railwatch April 2014 Twitter: @railwatch www.railfuture.org.uk ◆◆◆◆ Railfuture AGM in Sheffield 10 May 2014 railwatch April 2014 5 Have your say survey: What YOU want LOCAL ACTION By Chris Page ­professional and objective. LOCAL ACTION [email protected] Respondents’ favourite action London and South East Wales Railfuture set up a Have Your Say was reopening lines 21%, fol- By Rowland Pittard survey to collect views on issues lowed by electrification 9%, By Roger Blake [email protected] facing the railways and how improving services 5%, improv- [email protected] Railfuture can help. ing a line 6%, improving the n n Transport policy changes The survey ran online and a travel experience 4%, and simpli- n n Holiday rail services A £2 billion metro system for South East Wales is likely questionnaire was also sent out fying fares 5%. to be a key component in a new national transport plan Picture: NETWORK RAIL Railfuture is keen to persuade with the December Railwatch. The need for more luggage Network Rail and the train being developed by Welsh transport minister Edwina and cycle space on trains, and Hart, announced in January. She has appointed a metro We received an excellent operators of the importance of response with 79% online and improving modal integration rail services over Christmas and implementation group to make detailed recommendations by was also mentioned. the summer, as well as a Cambrian railways implementation 21% by post, with 13% of the New Year. Few services ran on group to develop a better service on the Aberystwyth- total coming from non members. Asked how they help Railfuture, Boxing Day and only Sunday only 9% said they already help to services ran on New Year’s Shrewsbury line. The Heart of Wales Line Forum has been The most important issue facing campaign, while 14% said they Day, except on the Overground, asked to find ways of improving its service. Her changes the railways was deemed to be will lead to the closure of the four Welsh transport consortia were unable to help. which ran a well-used Saturday capacity (32% of responses). service. Railfuture wants to see and the passenger transport users committee. A ministerial Railfuture’s directors know of task force is building up evidence to support a call to the Other popular topics were fares trains run when they are needed course that just being a member for people to visit shops and British government for the electrification of the north Wales 12%, industry costs 4%, access to is support in itself. main line. Consultant Mark Barry has been commissioned to the network for people without sporting events at Christmas provide a strategic report focused on maximising the benefits a station nearby (5% overall, but A promising 77% of respondents time. These services should be from the Valley lines electrification. 19% for non-members), privati- are willing to help, including 13% included in any new franchises. sation 7%, fragmentation and the in general or local campaigning, Network Rail is committed to the n n 10% in lobbying politicians or concept of a seven-day railway but it and the train operators One new station opens and another is on the way franchising system 5% while the need to go further. figure for HS2 was 4%. rail companies, 17% writing let- A new £5 million station, Energlyn & Churchill Park, near ters, and 14% who did not know We did not ask for views on HS2, Caerphilly, was officially opened in December as part of a how to help but were willing. n n Carollers join MP to demand a better Sunday service £220 million scheme to improve the railways in Cardiff and but of respondents who gave a the Valleys. A new £3.5 million station at Pye Corner, Newport, view, 59% were in favour and Our respondents just need to Around 50 passengers and representatives from local groups on the Ebbw Vale line, is expected to open later this year. 41% against. be mobilised and guided either turned out at Winchelsea station on Saturday 7 December, nationally or by branches and MORE CAMPAIGNING NEEDED: The storm which washed to call for all-day Sunday services at Winchelsea and Three The capacity issue is seen to be 52% of them provided an email n n Storms play havoc with train services along the coast important to reduce overcrowd- away the railway at Dawlish in February alerted public and Oaks stations on the Marshlink line. At present the stations address so that we can contact the authorities to Railfuture’s calls for an alternative all- have only three calling services, compared to 19 on Saturday. Storms in January closed the Cambrian coast line between ing and satisfy demand, but them. One response suggested a Campaigners want the new franchise to provide the same also to enable economic growth weather route to Cornwall. One choice is via Okehampton and Harlech and Dovey Junction. The line north of Harlech was template, based on existing suc- Tavistock, a route from Exeter to Plymouth, much of which number of trains on Sundays. Hastings & Rye MP Amber already closed because of damage to the bridge over the and to reduce pollution by other cessful campaigns, to help pro- Rudd supported the gathering organised by the Three Oaks forms of transport. closed in 1968. If that route reopened, it could lead to further River Dwyryd near Llandecwyn. Two trains were trapped at vide that guidance. reopenings. Network Rail said the work could cost £200 million. and Winchelsea Action for Rail Transport. She joined in a Barmouth for 10 days and were eventually moved 74 miles The solution is seen to be invest- Asked how Railfuture should The line from Lydford (on the Okehampton-Tavistock section) hearty rendition of Once at Winchelsea station to the tune of a by road to Chester. A series of replacement bus services has ment in infrastructure with more could subsequently be reopened to restore rail services to well-known carol. been introduced between Machynlleth and Pwllheli while attract new members, the most track and trains, and also some frequent responses were to Launceston and even as far as the north Devon coast the new river bridge is built between Penrhyndeudraeth new lines. n n and Llandecwyn. In south Wales, the line between Llanelli increase media exposure 18%, Overground transport for more of London On fares, respondents suggested leaflets or posters at stations or to join. The main reasons were more investment in the railways. and Carmarthen was closed for 10 days following breaches Transport for London’s latest business plan shows the in the sea wall. Five trains, trapped west of the blockages, freezing or reducing fares with on trains 13%, advertising 8%, a desire to campaign actively The next question forced respon- (17%), belief in rail as an efficient dents to make the difficult choice Overground network covering services from Liverpool maintained rail services west of Carmarthen. some suggesting higher taxpayer active campaigning (6% overall Street by the end of next year. Railfuture expects services support, while a few called for but 14% for non-members), and and sustainable form of trans- between lower fares (26%) and investment (74%). to Enfield Town and Cheshunt via Seven Sisters, as well as n n Railway industry in joint action with Welsh Government nationalisation. to make ourselves relevant to port 26%, interest in railways to Walthamstow and Chingford, to come within TfL’s orbit. (24% overall but only 4% for non- The solution to improving access passengers. Railfuture might have more Existing and future Overground routes will be linked via a Bombardier, Hitachi and Alstom hosted a rail industry supply to the network is seen as building Other interesting ideas were to members), being a regular rail influence with stakeholders if new passenger interchange between Hackney Central and chain event at Cardiff city stadium in January in conjunction user 8%, and despair at the state it were seen as representing rail Hackney Downs early next year. with the Welsh Government. new or reopening selected lines, link up with university student to be achieved by campaigning unions to encourage more young of rail at the time 5%. users, so we asked whether Rail- and working with others. members who are likely to use The key factor to persuade peo- future should focus on improv- n n Eurostar and Ashford anniversaries in 2014 n n New Railfuture development plan for sale ing the service to customers The respondents who identified rail, to offer a membership gift ple to join is visible successes by On Track for the 21st Century – A Development Plan for the pack to new members, and for Railfuture. When we asked what (17%) or development of the rail- Eurostar will mark its 20th anniversary in November. February privatisation as most important, way network (83%). was also the fifth anniversary of Eurostar reintroducing Railways of Wales and the Borders, published by Railfuture saw it as wasting money. Most members to recruit their friends activities respondents would like Wales, is now avaliable for sale. It is available (post free) for and colleagues. the branch to organise, 7% felt For many members, Railwatch is a daily return service between Ashford International and proposed renationalisation as Brussels. Bexhill Rail Action Group prides itself on having £12.50 (£9.50 for Railfuture members) from Rowland Pittard, franchises come up for renewal, We asked how respondents branch activities are OK as they their only contact with Railfu- 61 Chantal Avenue, Penyfai, Bridgend, Glamorgan CF31 4NW three links with London, one via Ashford. Going via Ashford although some suggested mutual had first heard of Railfuture, as are, and 7% do not attend. ture. Many respondents said it is also allows a Bexhill to Brussels rail journey in three hours. (email: [email protected]). Please quote that should give us a clue as to informative and worth reading, your Railfuture membership number. The plan can also be ownership, to be achieved by Overall, 39% (50% for non-mem- the most effective way of mak- but a few felt it should say more read on the Railfuture Wales website – and downloaded. political campaigning. bers) wanted activities where n n ing contact with potential new about campaigning, the layout Bridge the electrification gaps and banish the diesels Other respondents who identi- they could actively further Rail- members. A small number (3%) needs updating and the tone is n n Untapped potential of the Welsh rail network fied franchising or fragmenta- future campaigns, for example, Railfuture is keen to see two of the South East’s diesel said that they had joined one of too negative. tion wanted improvements in engaging other organisations or “islands” electrified. We made this clear in our response There is vast, untapped potential to develop the rail Railfuture’s predecessors (which Finally how is Railfuture per- the franchise system and better the public, canvassing passen- to Network Rail’s draft enhancements delivery plan for the infrastructure of Wales to benefit the economy and as one respondent put it, is code ceived? This drew a wide vari- five years to 2019. In its new Rail Strategy Action Plan, East environment, said Plaid Cymru MEP Jill Evans who met integration. gers, meeting decision makers for can’t remember) while 30% and train operators, fundraising, ety of responses, from effective Sussex County Council gives top priority to electrification of European Union officials in December. She has accused the Respondents said campaign- actually admitted they could not and station adoption or counts. to ineffective, punches above Uckfield-Hurst Green and Ashford-Hastings. British and Welsh governments of failing to seek any of the ing would be more effective by remember. weight to limited influence, con- £21 billion EU funds for improving cross-border links. The remaining 47% (40% for non- lobbying politicians (17% over- frontational to not challenging n n However 18% heard of Railfuture members) wanted activities in Value of heritage rail in focus at branch AGM n n all but 29% for non-members), enough, forward looking and Parcel service mooted as well as hourly train service through a friend, 9% through a which they can participate pas- increase media contact 9%, agree rail user group, 8% though the backward looking. At the branch AGM on Saturday 26 April, Railfuture members sively, for example visits, speak- Parcels could be carried on trains between Shrewsbury policy and focus on specific internet, and 5% through local Some complained that there is will have a chance to hear from three speakers about the ers or outings. and Aberystwyth as a way of boosting trade and enterprise. issues 8%, join forces with other campaigns. A few members too much internal conflict. On economic value of heritage railways: Railwatch contributor Chris Austin, secretary of the all-party parliamentary group Steve Kaye of Powys Federation of Small Businesses said like-minded organisations 5%, first heard of Railfuture through In ranking the top five key issues the positive side Railfuture is trains could carry parcels between towns along the Cambrian engage the wider public 5%, and on which Railfuture should be on heritage railways, Chris MacRae, deputy chairman of Spa active recruiting, for example seen as committed, knowledge- Valley Railway and Graham Baldwin, general manager of the routes, but he said the main aim was to secure an hourly focus on passenger issues 5%. campaigning, the overall result service on the line. by a member walking through able, becoming more profes- Kent & East Sussex Railway. Some respondents were not a train. The number may be low was capacity, fares, new lines, sional and influential, and with impressed by our campaign- because few of us have tried that and electrification, followed by www.railfuturewales.org.uk the opportunity for a key role n n Stay in touch at www.railfuture.org.uk/branches ing, but others recognised Rail- approach. We also asked what network connectivity. Most of us to bridge the gap between users future’s efforts to become more had persuaded our respondents would like to see lower fares and and the industry. 6 railwatch April 2014 Twitter: @railfuture www.railfuture.org.uk ◆◆◆◆ Railfuture Cambridge conference 21 June 2014 railwatch April 2014 7 Your letters

(deregulated private) transport, thus improving the road network I do not believe that passengers and is no substitute for rolling for everyone. would be put off by trains having out physical and managerial Colin Major to take an extra five minutes integration on the German [email protected] or so to make an intermediate verkehrsverbund (or perhaps stop. Eurostar passengers are our own Transport for London) A better HS2 not deterred from travelling on model, across the country. trains which stop at Ebbsfleet or Philip Bisatt, Wiltshire Close, I agree with Michael Weinberg Ashford. On the German high Taunton TA1 4JT and John Davis in Railwatch 137 speed line between Frankfurt [email protected] that the proposal for HS2 should and Cologne, InterCityExpress Picture: BOMBARDIER be supported by Railfuture, trains stop at Montabaur Beeching’s legacy despite our reservations about (population 12,500), connecting details, as it is the only one with a single diesel railcar on It’s a pity so many of us have on offer. Now that the “paving” the branch line to Siershahn Overcrowding years. As a Northern Ireland to suffer as a result of the bill has been passed by (population 2,779). The planned resident, I appreciate Johnson’s axe being wielded during the Parliament, we should press for growth of Milton Keynes will I see from Railwatch 138 that purchase of 600 buses from Beeching era, with no thought amendments to the substantive make it the eighth largest city overcrowding is so bad at Ballymena but he has failed for the future. act to incorporate improvements in Britain. Why should Milton Grimsby that TransPennine to introduce more trams and Typical of the many “lash-ups” to the planned scheme. I would Keynes be denied a high speed Express is putting up signs trolley buses in London and has Beeching left us is the junction suggest that the following three service to the North? listing the worst trains and cancelled the extension to the station of Craven Arms where improvements are vital. Martin Smith, Bath Street, suggesting passengers use congestion zone. the Heart of Wales line to 1. The “Euston Cross” terminal Abingdon OX14 1EA other services. It is not inconceivable that he Swansea joins the Shrewsbury- proposed by Lords Berkeley [email protected] To my mind, this is adding insult could hold a senior position Newport Marches lines. and Bradshaw. The Government to injury. Train operators should in national government at The lovely Victorian station is willing to spend billions on HS2 North link line provide adequate passenger some stage and his record on set-up was destroyed, leaving unnecessary tunnelling to environmental matters and spare the sensitive ears of Looking at the HS2 map in accommodation. What next? a terrible track layout, no facility Railwatch 138 and the journey CROSSRAIL: A computer-generated image of the Aventra train for London’s Crossrail Will rail passengers at Grimsby public transport does not augur for disabled people to cross the Conservative voters in the well. Chilterns, but is not concerned times on the HS2 website I have to book in advance, as line and no crossover points. wonder whether a north-east with airlines? R A Hunter, Barn Road, about the people of Camden, Carrickfergus BT38 7EU Today’s station gives a very poor where thousands of people to north-west link line might be Designed and built in Britain In many areas, train impression of the quite pleasant will have their lives disrupted worth belated consideration overcrowding is becoming town of Craven Arms. and hundreds will lose their for the business case. There This is the new Crossrail train which will celebrates 175 years in the railway business extreme and potentially PlusBus downside There are many improvements, homes. An underground “Euston are significant numbers of operate east-west services across London this year, although Litchurch Lane depot dangerous in the event of a fire I am sorry to say that I have passengers who travel from the not just at Craven Arms, needed Cross” would not only be less from 2017. has been owned by the Canadian-based or an accident. always regarded the PlusBus to redress the ghastliness of the North East to Manchester Airport disruptive, but would have better On Crossrail, unlike the north-south services company Bombardier only since 2001. The A local MP can be voted out at scheme – mentioned in Trevor Beeching-Marples cuts. via the trans-Pennine routes, connections at St Pancras as on Thameslink, passengers will have the Derby area has the largest cluster of rail the next general election but Garrod’s Final Mile article in J Evered, Howey, Llandrindod well as Euston. both rail and road. Railwatch 138 – as a bit of satisfaction of knowing that their train was firms in the world. unfortunately franchise holders Wells, Powys LD1 5RB 2. A connection with the New The current journey time a ‘con’. While it may indeed conceived, designed and built in Great can not. The only answer is Street lines at Birmingham, between Newcastle and Litchurch Lane is Bombardier’s global centre be the case that the scheme Britain. to get rid of the party which HS2 and freight not only for through trains from Manchester Airport via of excellence for both aluminium train bodies is available in 290 towns in introduced privatisation in the London to Wolverhampton, but TransPennine Express is The 65 Aventra trains for Crossrail will and light-weight bogie design. Its engineers Great Britain, it does not follow As someone who attended the first place. also for through services from between 176 and 180 minutes. cost £1 billion and be built at Bombardier’s are now working on the new V300 high- that someone arriving by rail November Railfuture conference Litchurch Lane depot in Derby, which is Sadly Labour failed to the South West. Ian Brown According to the HS2 website, speed train for Trenitalia, the Italian state- in a particular town will find a at Oxford I was surprised not to currently making new trains for the London renationalise when it was in comments on the outrageous Newcastle-Birmingham will convenient bus service to take see a report of Lord Berkeley’s Underground. owned railway. The V300 will be the fastest power from 1997 to 2010. pledge of the Rail Freight claim in the KPMG report that be 127 minutes, Birmingham- train in Europe when it enters service. them to their final destination. places such as Cambridge and Each new Aventra train will be able to carry Overcrowding should be The lack of co-ordination of Group’s support for HS2 on the Manchester Airport 32 minutes, Bristol will lose hundreds of with interchanging taking 15 1,500 people and will be maintained by Crossrail will operate from Maidenhead and referred to the Health and bus and rail networks, certainly grounds that it would free up Heathrow Airport in the west to Abbey Wood Safety Executive, which would capacity on existing lines for a millions from the building of HS2, minutes. This makes a total of Bombardier at Old Oak Common. outside London, means that the with figures presumably plucked and Shenfield in the east. be involved in the event of even rail traveller is more likely to find mixture of stopping passenger 174 minutes. “We have engineers who have been one fatality. Maybe even the services and freight. out of thin air. Cambridge may I estimate a link line could save designing UK trains and building them for BBC video: www.bbc.co.uk/news/ that buses passing the station not benefit directly from HS2, but police could intervene as they (assuming that there are any) He said the current situation of 25 minutes on this journey, years,” said Jon Shaw of Bombardier. Derby business-26063121 can when people’s safety is put certainly will not lose anything. giving a very competitive 149 are heading for destinations fast passenger trains mixing with Bristol, however, would benefit at risk. such as out-of-town superstores minutes overall journey time. stopping passenger services directly by being plugged into want “especially women, young accomplish, if they happen at all. Overcrowding is unacceptable, or areas of social housing, rather particularly as we claim to on existing lines had led to HS2 at Birmingham. Significantly A link line could also give people and those from ethnic Authorities here are very good at particularly if additional rolling than places of visitor interest or, speak for all rail users. freight services stopping and the Department for Transport Nottingham a direct service to minorities”, even though I want talking about reopening railways stock is available but the indeed, non rail-served towns. starting between headways map in Railwatch 138 shows the airport (currently there is no Railfuture to get more members. but very slow in getting an end franchise holder is not prepared There are also issues relating and was a deterrent to potential connections to the North of direct service) improving journey Reopen more lines result. to lease it because it wants to the conditions in which freight customers who needed times from 140 minutes to 83 It does not matter who joins us, England and Scotland but not I have an ambivalence towards Ted Bottle, Meadow Lane, to maximise its profit. I agree passengers are expected to guaranteed timed deliveries. The minutes (36+15+32). as long as they are committed to to the South-West, indicative of the cause in which we believe. the HS2 project. Nor can I agree Coalville, LE67 4DP with Railfuture’s John Rogers make an interchange. Even increased freight capacity from [email protected] the London-centric mindset of Removing 25 minutes from Railfuture is not a political with John Stanford in Railwatch who said the franchise system where money has been invested the Thames Gateway and other the planners. The planners and this journey puts Nottingham party, but a campaigning group. 138 saying it is a false argument is hideously expensive, with in upgrading the physical plant ports coupled with HS2 would civil servants in HS2 Ltd fail to and Derby within an hour of millions of pounds being wasted. – which is far from universally provide increased capacity for Consequently we do not have to suggest that money could be consider the high speed lines as Manchester Airport with no to tick the boxes for equal Send your As we saw in the Railwatch the case – there often seems to local services on existing lines an integral part of the national better spent on projects outside change. representation, provided we are North East report, railway be inadequate information and and could reduce road freight, rail system, but only as fast HS2. There is a great need The further north the link line the not discriminating against – or in ­letters to: operation was simpler when management of the facilities. routes to and from London. for stations and routes closed The Editors, 4 Christchurch better the journey time savings. favour – of anybody. under the Beeching axe to be Square, London E9 7HU companies controlled all aspects For example, on a recent visit to 3. An interchange station in David Wells Tim Mickleburgh, Boulevard reopened in order to spread the Email: [email protected] of the operation. It is a pity those Bath’s otherwise excellent new The next issue of the Rail Action North Bucks where HS2 will [email protected] Avenue, Grimsby DN31 2JP benefit of rail travel and help days are gone. bus station, ideally placed by the e-zine will be in April. Rail Action cross the Oxford-Milton Keynes Railwatch also welcomes [email protected] reduce road usage. ­articles and pictures I was also concerned to see railway station, I found no public can be downloaded from the line. Two speakers at the PC campaigning Please use email if possible in the Railwatch back page toilets and timetables dispensed Railfuture website but it will be Oxford conference were rather Editors’ note: The Railfuture He says that there are report that London Mayor Boris on photocopy paper. emailed to you direct unless you dismissive about this, arguing I deplore your dipping into board is keen to make Railfu- improvements being undertaken Johnson has allowed the single PlusBus is really a product of request it not to be. that it would not be “high speed” politically correct water in ture membership more rep- elsewhere external to HS2 but More letters: Page 18 bus fare to rise by 56% in five the UK’s dysfunctional “public” if trains had to make extra stops. Railwatch 138 by saying we resentative of wider society, many projects take for ever to 8 railwatch April 2014 Twitter: @railwatch www.railfuture.org.uk ◆◆◆◆ Opinions do not necessarily reflect Railfuture policies. Letters may be edited railwatch April 2014 9 Onwards to Hawick By Allison Cosgrove breadth of possible visitors to [email protected] the Borders, noting that a party Onwards to Hawick was of 60 Russians is scheduled Picture: BORDERS RAILWAY the optimistic theme for the to arrive this year to visit the Campaign for Borders Rail home of Thomas the Rhymer at annual general meeting held in Earlston, not far from Galashiels. a packed auditorium at Tower Thomas was popularised by Sir Mill in Hawick. Why optimistic? Walter Scott whose Tweedbank home was at Abbotsford, a The first tranche of the Borders house which has been recently Railway is scheduled to run refurbished. Once the railway only from Edinburgh to www.campaignforbordersrail.org is rebuilt, it will be possible for Tweedbank, but clearly due fans of Thomas and Sir Walter to this incredibly effective to travel from Edinburgh to campaigning organisation, Galashiels by train. nothing will suffice until the whole route from Edinburgh to Also adjacent to the railway is Hawick and then on to Carlisle Newtongrange Mining Museum, is reinstated. another major visitor attraction which will benefit from visitors Chairman Simon Walton using rail rather than car. welcomed all members WELL CONNECTED: The Borders Railway will link Edinburgh to Galashiels and Tweedbank next year, but it could go further On a more sombre note, the including three from Railfuture audience was reminded of the Scotland, two from Rail Action number of young people who Group East of Scotland and a joined the Scottish Borders leave the Borders each year for representative from Railway Tourism Partnership and further education and work Magazine, as well as the local attended a special conference because of travel problems, Borders press. on Maximising Tourism via the especially to Edinburgh. The Clearly the progression of works Borders Railway. time of the daily bus journey on the railway and the news Campaign members also met along the A7 has not improved that passenger charter trains are with the author Lord Faulkner, in 40 years. to be accommodated with the who joined the campaign as a A quicker rail journey to the result. Other action includes tourism potential that goes with capital may enable younger Rail investment in Scotland is high. The busy Edinburgh southern by-pass road is temporarily diverted at Sherriffhall to allow a them, has made the campaign communicating with the people to stay in the Borders seem much more real and there media and attending the royal bridge to be constructed as part of the programme to reinstate the Borders Railway. Once the bridge is complete, the road will be as well as encouraging new moved back to its original alignment is an air of excitement that “this garden party at Holyroodhouse development along the line. is actually happening at last”. where the campaigners had an Good reason to be optimistic? Also present was doughty audience with Prince Edward. Yes, it is really happening and MADGE ELLIOT BBC campaigner Madge Elliot who Although the Borders Railway 2015 will see rail coming back Devolution is paying has been on the case since the and highlighted the breadth of is not yet operational, the to the Borders after an absence railway to her home town of campaign has already their campaigning. At a meeting of 46 years. It has been the Hawick closed in 1969 and has appointed a liaison officer to largest area of western Europe with the Scottish Minister for dividends for railways striven to see its return ever take forward the campaign’s without access to a railway, and since. The list of activities over Rural Affairs Richard Lochhead, case for a community rail at 30 miles long, it is the longest they put the case for a full I was proud to work for British privatisation, Bob Reid, the sec- major investment. None of these English local authorities in the the past year was remarkable partnership. At this point the reopening in the whole of the Rail for 30 years, and saw the ond BR chairman of that name, elements is generally available in franchise specification than for a fairly small organisation reinstatement to Carlisle. They meeting was advised of the United Kingdom. virtues of a strong, integrated argued strongly that Railtrack, as England. would otherwise have been the railway, efficiently managed as a it then was, should be kept as a In particular, local government case. national network. single national entity, and he was has neither the resources nor Meanwhile, in Wales, it is Another Borders rail service wins backing It had the benefits of coherence, right to do so, for strategic rea- structure to allow this, and even expected that more powers over economies of scale and profes- sons as well as those of stability the modest proposals for the specifying and funding railway A rail service should be estab- news. Tom Thorburn, RAGES’ groups, and attendance is not that the Perth-Inverness corridor sionalism. and safety. Abbey line in Hertfordshire for services will be devolved to lished from Edinburgh to Dun- Chair, said “At long last the restricted to parliamentarians. appraisal process was “seriously It also had the drawbacks of Network Rail remains a national example, foundered on the ques- the Welsh Government before bar and Berwick-upon-Tweed, minister will see the full case for Organisations represented were deficient” and that the decision uncertain and constantly chang- organisation but is itself devolv- tion of who bears the financial tenders are sought for the next together with new stations at increased access through East Railfuture, RailQWest, Cam- to proceed with A9 dualling ing levels of Government fund- ing responsibilities to its route risk if the line is separated from Wales & Borders franchise. East Linton and Reston. Lothian and Berwickshire which paign for Borders Rail, Rail without properly considering ing, that were never quite directors. Network Rail. So, the direction of travel is clear The recommendation comes in will benefit both counties. As Action Group East of Scotland, cross-modal alternatives was well as taking hundreds of cars “politics-led” rather than “evi- enough to do the job properly. It One concern we have in the If you doubt the importance of but the speed is not. My guess a report which has been submit- and the RMT. Community Rail movement is this, just think about the costs off the busy A1, a rail service will dence-based”. was subject to sometimes capri- is that any further significant ted to Scottish Transport Minister Politics of road building cious directives, and was not that we shall lose some of the involved in restoring the Cam- development in England outside Keith Brown. allow travel for young people The Rail Freight Group has RFG Scottish Representative always very responsive to local national focus and drive that the brian Coast line after the recent London and the passenger trans- in eastern Berwickshire to the David Spaven said: “The Perth- The report, produced by the ­Edinburgh area for further edu- accused Transport Scotland demand. proactive and supremely compe- tidal surge and flood damage, or port executive areas may have Inverness railway is still two even the cost for an independent South East of Scotland Trans- cation and jobs” of failing to undertake proper The balkanisation of the railway tent community rail team under to wait until interest in regional thirds single-track, and proposed Jerry Swift has provided for 10 owner to insure against such port Partnership, said the ser- ­analysis of rail and road alterna- when it was privatised produced government revives. Parliamentary rail group rail enhancements are capped at years. risks. vice would increase access to rail tives to the planned A9 dualling big problems which are only Meanwhile, community rail £600 million, yet Transport Scot- travel throughout East Lothian A Cross Party Group on Rail has from Perth to Inverness. now being addressed and I still Microfranchising? Rail in the North of England partnerships have an increas- land plans to spend £3 billion on and the Borders been set up in the Scottish Par- Since its members expressed have concerns that devolution, if ingly important role to play in full A9 dualling. For years the concept of micro- At one stage it looked as if rail in SESTRAN’s Russell Imrie said: liament, co-convened by John alarm early last year at the impli- taken too far, will result in a frag- franchises has been put forward the north might be able to use the securing better local transport “This proposal is included as a Mason MSP and Neil Bibby MSP. cations of A9 dualling for rail “This huge imbalance of invest- mented national network. as the way to get costs down and strength of the passenger trans- and in providing genuinely local priced option in the draft invita- The Scottish National Party, freight, RFG has been urging ment will lead to freight traf- But, I have to recognise that the provide a much better local ser- port executives to take on many input to the services provided, tion to tender for the re-letting of Labour, Conservative, and Green Transport Scotland to divulge fic switching from rail to road, devolved bits of the railway – vice, following the example of of the responsibilities of running but are struggling with reduced the ScotRail franchise.” Parties are represented as well as what analyses they undertook of which of course is contrary to Scotland, London, the passenger German local lines such as the local and regional services, but it funding. Members of Rail Action Group Independent John Finnie, plus alternative packages of road and Government policy.” transport executives and to a Regiobahn of Nord Rhine-West- now looks as if the department Continued local author- East of Scotland, who have been members of rail organisations. rail investment before deciding RFG is calling on the Govern- lesser extent Wales, have brought phalia. has rowed back from this. ity engagement and funding campaigning for the reopen- In the Scottish Parliament, unlike to press on with full A9 dualling. ment agency to undertake a fresh big benefits and more invest- But their success has depended Nevertheless, planning for it has remains crucial, so please make ing of stations at East Linton in Westminster, members of the Now RFG says that a Freedom evaluation, as part of the still- ment in the local network than also on integrated transport, produced a workable structure sure you support your local part- East Lothian and Reston in Ber- public with a particular interest of Information response from incomplete outline business case we could ever have dreamed purpose-built new rolling stock, and is likely to result in a much nerships during this difficult and wickshire, were delighted by the can be members of cross party the Government agency reveals for the A9 dualling programme. of in British Rail days. During strong regional authorities and closer engagement of ­northern uncertain time. 10 railwatch April 2014 Twitter: @railfuture www.railfuture.org.uk ◆◆◆◆ £300m Midland main line electrification contract awarded to Carillon and Powerlines railwatch April 2014 11 Opportunities for rail education and training LOCAL ACTION LOCAL ACTION By Marin Marinov master increasing levels of graduates with the skills and North East [email protected] new information technologies, qualifications they will Severnside adopt an innovative approach need to follow a management By Nigel Bray By Peter Kenyon [email protected] The railway industry is one of and comprehend system and/or engineering career in [email protected] n n New trains for the North help make the case for rail the fastest growing industries complexities which ­differ from rail freight and logistics. in the world so it is expected n n Joint action needed on rail the historical concepts and NewRail’s teaching portfolio that an increasing number of practices that concentrated people will work in railway provides opportunities for Railfuture and Friends of more on orthodox methods. students to develop and Bridgwater Station were positions in their company Such a critical need must three years from now. demonstrate knowledge and represented at a Somerset Public be addressed in university understanding, qualities, skills Transport Forum in Taunton on This indicates a significant programmes and training and other attributes in the 13 November. The consensus potential for railway education courses to include modern following areas: among rail campaigners was that and training in the near future. logistics principles and n Dr Marin Marinov the county council needs to define practices. Railway engineering its rail priorities and discuss them The university programmes n in railways should be more NewRail has designed a Rail freight operations and a focus on effective freight with neighbouring authorities if train services in Somerset are ­globally oriented, employ ­modern, research-based management distributions. Specifically our n approach includes a range of not to be squeezed between the A newly delivered class 350 electric train at Preston interdisciplinary approaches teaching ­portfolio, which Rail economics and planning well-developed plans for Metro and promote transversal skills includes a mix of rail-focused n multidisciplinary activities such in January. Surprisingly, the train is not equipped with Freight transport logistics as lectures with discussion, West and Devon Metro based on wifi. TransPennine Express says none of its trains are such as creativity, research and teaching and learning activities, n the suburban networks of Bristol development and innovation, such as an MSc in rail freight Rail transport policy, safety major research projects, equipped with wifi and there are no plans to install it and security and Exeter. Good news came in January when we learnt that as well as flexibility. and ­logistics, a PhD in panels of experts, analytical there is to be a feasibility study into reopening Wellington and n In November, Railfuture North East welcomed Chris Nutton, organisation, management and Intermodal and multimodal and simulation modelling, Cullompton stations, led by Devon County Council. Recent surveys conducted performance analysis, case programme development manager for TransPennine Express, within European Union economics of train movement, freight transport n n who gave an illustrated account of TPE’s achievements an intensive programme in n studies, scenarios, surveys, lean MP’s film night boosts case for rail reopening education-focused projects Rail project risk and value production systems, systems during the current franchise and future expectations. The rail logistics, as well as a good I attended a film evening at Henbury found that higher education in management design, evaluation of network arrival of 10 new electric trains for the service from the North rail operations, management span of ­continuing professional n Social Club hosted by Charlotte Leslie West to Scotland emphasises the importance of future cross- development courses. Rail asset management policy and strategy, optimisation MP, pictured left, on 6 December. The film and logistics will benefit both n of investment choice, economic Pennine electrification which must be linked to the East Coast service users and providers The portfolio aim is to develop Rail marketing and public made the case for reopening the complete main line system to provide a good service for the North East. engagement assessment, road mapping, web Henbury Loop line to passengers as part in improving their economic the student’s ability to initiate conferences and technical visits. In January branch chairman Trevor Watson and Peter Kenyon performance and trade and carry out advanced The learning outcomes of Metro West and included an interview attended a breakfast meeting organised in Newcastle by development. Individuals performance systems analysis, from our activities are a For further information, please with Bristol Post railway columnist David Wood. My journey to the event took longer north east members of the East Coast Main Line Consortium. will also benefit for their and research projects to solve sound understanding of rail visit: www.ncl.ac.uk/newrail/ Among the speakers were Heidi Mottram, regional chair of the education/msc.htm on two buses for the four miles from Bristol prospective career paths. managerial and engineering- management, engineering and Parkway station than the 34-mile train ride Confederation of British Industry, and Nick Forbes, leader of Future rail professionals related problems in rail freight logistics concepts, operations, n Dr Marinov is manager of the Newcastle City Council. from Gloucester, which would suggest that who serve in the diverse and logistics. Specifically, economics, technologies and Rail Education Group, NewRail, buses alone cannot meet the demand for travel across large The branch is liaising with NewRail, the centre for rail industry must be able to we aim to equip our policies and practice, with Newcastle University. cities. A First Great Western representatives told the meeting research at Newcastle University (see ncl.ac.uk/newrail). the Henbury Loop had capacity for a train every six minutes Railfuture NE chairman Trevor Watson and two committee in each direction. He was convinced quadrupling Filton Bank, members attended a February event organised at the Great which still await Government funding, would go ahead. North Museum in Newcastle, aimed at promoting UK railways International rail advice n n Steam line could become essential public transport link as a career option. More than 100 young people attended. By Trevor Garrod be available at many stations and Railfuture Severnside n n Volunteers recognised for Aln Valley achievement [email protected] other outlets. responded to the West There is a need for simple, con- For a copy or copies, please con- Barred by the Alnwick bypass road from using the last Somerset Railway’s cise advice to encourage people tact Trevor Garrod, 15 Clapham draft corporate plan mile of the track bed of the old Alnmouth-Alnwick line, the to travel to and around continen- enterprising band of volunteers dedicated to reopening the Road South, Lowestoft NR32 consultation. The plan link to Alnmouth National Rail station created a new terminus tal Europe by train, so the inter- 1RQ or email: trevor.garrod@ details the challenges beside the bypass. This remarkable achievement resulted national group of Railfuture has railfuture.org.uk facing WSR from 2014 in the award of a Highly Commended certificate in the Small stepped in to meet that need with to 2023. Our response Groups class by the Heritage Railway Association “for the a new leaflet. Arriva in Poland called for a daily, all- establishment, after many years of struggle, of a standard year passenger service Our leaflet points out how many Arriva has won an £18 mil- to give West Somerset gauge station and depot complex from new on a virgin site”. destinations in France, Germany See www.alnvalleyrailway.co.uk for more information. lion two-year contract to run people access to jobs and other continental countries the trains on four electrified This WSR timetable map shows in Taunton and beyond, n n Passenger facilities improve but luxury not yet on offer can now be reached in a day from rail routes in northern Poland, the WSR in red but fails to which we believe would London, and how many journeys including services to Torun include the national rail line encourage younger The southbound platform at Morpeth now has a glass-sided such as Birmingham-Cologne people to remain in the windbreak, useful on chilly mornings, though northbound Glowny and Bydgoszcz. Arriva through Taunton or Cardiff-Amsterdam are also already operates diesel services area. We regard through passengers still shiver in a basic brick shelter, a far cry from within a day’s comfortable rail ticketing with the national rail network as essential if WSR is the coal fires in the waiting rooms of the old NER station. in the area. travel. to exploit markets (such as day travel between West Somerset Along the line to Newcastle, a new steel footbridge has been and major cities) needed to justify a regular link between this erected with commendable speed at Cramlington. We list more than a dozen agen- New Alpine tunnel heritage railway and the main line. Our comments developed cies or websites through whom it n n Northern Rail improves service at neglected stations Drilling began in November a suggestion from the West Somerset Railway Association is possible to book Eurostar and on the 35-mile tunnel for a new that WSR should move its emphasis from steam preservation The Tyne Valley line, a neglected outpost of Northern Rail, has continental tickets and give other £6 billion high-speed rail route towards a better tourist experience. In our view a regular recently seen an improved calling pattern at the Newcastle useful sources of information through the Alps between Lyon Taunton service would enable WSR to become a showpiece end of the line. From limited peak time calls only, Dunston and advice. and Turin. The France-Italy line for green tourism based on public transport. We pointed now has 31 weekday trains and Blaydon 20. Railfuture’s leaflet stresses that is expected to be operational out that rail-borne holidaymakers were more likely to spend n n many of our members are expe- in 2025. It is expected to cut money in local shops and eating places, and far more likely to Threat to connections provokes protest to operator use local buses, than those arriving by car. The ever-vigilant Coastliners group is to protest once again rienced travellers who have, for one million lorry journeys and that Newcastle-Sunderland-Hartlepool-Middlesbrough line example, also found InterRail reduce passenger train times n n Passengers benefit from more trains via Melksham which serves up to a million people, faces a reduction in and Rail & Sail tickets convenient between Paris and Milan from A greatly enhanced service of eight trains each way on TransPennine connections with Northern Trains on the and good value for money when seven hours to just over four. weekdays and five on Sundays, has operated between Middlesbrough route. Coastliners advocate, in the longer travelling to Ireland or the conti- Swindon and Westbury via Melksham since 8 December. term, a new direct service between York, Yarm, Eaglescliffe, nent. Leipzig city link This is the result of a successful bid for Local Sustainable Stockton and points north along the coast to Sunderland. Transport Fund money by Wiltshire Council, supported by Bridging the 50-mile gap between Northern Rail’s York-Leeds- The leaflet will be available by Leipzig’s new £800 million Easter and can also be viewed RaiIfuture. The new timetable has created many opportunities Harrogate and its Darlington-Eaglescliffe-Saltburn services 2.5 mile long cross-city twin- for commuting within Wiltshire and for travel to London and ought to be a vital part of the re-franchising process. on our website www.railfuture. track train tunnel came into oper- the South Coast. org.uk We hope that it will also ation in December 12 railwatch April 2014 Twitter: @railwatch www.railfuture.org.uk ◆◆◆◆ New 1,000 mile long high-speed line across the Gobi desert to Urumqi completed railwatch April 2014 13 What about railways in May’s Euro elections? LOCAL ACTION LOCAL ACTION By Nigel Perkins and I have in particular asked for Wessex [email protected] the European Railway Agency to Thames Valley People in 28 European countries promote access to data from the By Tony Smale By Chris Wright go to the polls in May to elect 751 booking and timetabling systems [email protected] [email protected] MEPs to represent them in the of railway undertakings. n n Isle of Wight floods European Parliament. The access to this data is crucial n n East West celebration Storms caused floods and England will choose 59 MEPs, finally to see the creation ofa The East West Rail Consortium damage to embankments at Scotland 10, Wales four, and functioning European journey held a reception in November at Smallbrook Junction forcing Northern Ireland three. planner. the Institution of Civil Engineers the shutdown of the Island Line The Parliament can amend or I am also working within the in London to confirm that in December. Ryde tunnel was even reject proposed action by UK to improve plans for HS2 by local councils had agreed to flooded to roof level and trains the European Commission. campaigning for better connec- contribute £45 million to the in Ryde depot were submerged. Oxford and Aylesbury to Bedford The transport and tourism com- tions with the conventional rail Network Rail moved quickly network. rail scheme. Railfuture attended to repair signalling and track, mittee, currently chaired by the significant event which was bringing 770 tonnes of ballast by Railfuture vice president Brian The completion of a single Euro- marred by the news that Labour- ferry, and the line reopened in Simpson MEP, scrutinises pro- pean railway area is vital for the controlled Oxford City Council January. The flooded trains are posed legislation. UK economy, the environment had failed to agree a contribution. not likely to re-enter service until Railfuture members Trevor Gar- but also to prevent the UK from The institution commended the the summer. Until then the service can be run by two units rod and Ian McDonald and vice being isolated from the conti- the same, and seek to support a counterparts on a level playing project for “exceptional leadership and commitment with the benefit of visionary thinking”. The Department for Transport luckily “trapped” by floods at Sandown. Railfuture-affiliated president Christopher Irwin nent. Much more needs to be rail network that can be genu- field, and offer passengers the Isle of Wight Bus & Rail User Group and Railfuture Wessex has requested that the cost of future-proofing the route be meet MEPs at official events. done. For the UK to pull out of inely sustainable. best value for money. were delighted with efforts to put the line back into working this area would be a disaster for examined, while the DfT’s “Tech Connect” report proposes order so quickly. During closure, replacement coaches ran To help Railfuture members jobs, growth and for UK citizens Rupert Read, national transport Jacqueline Foster MEP, deputy that EWRL be extended to Cambridge. Meanwhile, the between Shanklin and Ryde Esplanade but, because of weight make their vote count, we con- spokesman and lead MEP leader of Conservatives in consortium commissioned Atkins to undertake a new study travelling abroad. candidate in Eastern England the European Parliament and limits on Ryde Pier, passengers for the Wightlink catamaran tacted the main parties asking Phil Bennion MEP of the business case and options. It is hoped to meet Network to Portsmouth had to change to a shuttle taxi. A Railfuture for their views on: spokesman for transport Rail in 2014 for an update. The campaigns of Railfuture, since and tourism. Wessex member queried why Island Line had not deployed n Encouraging passengers and Green Party Conservative at least 1983, seem to be coming to fruition but progress will staff at the pier, leaving passengers to find their own way to freight in the Channel Tunnel still need monitoring. the replacement taxis. Many passengers were “hijacked” by Labour n A European journey planner Rail should be the backbone of a n n Railfuture welcomes positive attitude to rail other taxi operators and had to pay again. South West Trains As the Conservative spokesman cited the cost of getting staff there. Wightlink, which owns and passenger rights sustainable transport future. for transport and tourism in the From a bike ride to the shops, Local transport boards have published details of their plans. the road pier, had the cheek to charge Island Line for use of n The EU White Paper on trans- Buckinghamshire includes East West Rail, station access The Green Party is THE party of European Parliament, I have to rail travel between European it even though this was to carry Wightlink’s passengers! The port and the urban transport upgrades at Iver and Taplow, Gerrards Cross parking and and for public transport. been working tirelessly in con- capitals, transport is vital to life Network Rail-South West Trains alliance is assessing the action plan Aylesbury-Wycombe rail improvements. Wycombe to Bourne future of Island Line after the franchise expires in 2019, and But it is not enough simply to be junction with Government col- across Europe. If we are to fully n The Trans European Transport End may be reviewed for public transport use in the light Railfuture Wessex will be making its views known. Island Line strongly pro-public-transport, leagues to challenge unnecessary realise our continent’s economic of EWRL improving links to Wycombe. Oxfordshire has the celebrates two anniversaries in 2014, 150 years since the line network. and pro-rail, as Greens are. and burdensome European regu- and social potential, we must London Road crossing at Bicester as an immediate priority opened, while the ex-London Transport trains are now 75 Transport policy is not about lation and strongly advocating co-operate with our European with the Bicester Charbridge Lane crossing to follow. The years old, possibly the oldest trains in Europe in daily service Liberal Democrat just getting people from A to B. the benefits of an open and com- neighbours to improve national LTB notes that The City Deal and Science Vale UK proposals on a national network. We must abandon a “predict and petitive transport market. and international rail connec- could see four trains per hour between Bicester and Didcot tions, getting people and goods serving centres of innovation and growth. Reopening the n n One new station could replace two old ones at Wilton Transport is the backbone of the provide” mentality, in this era of The successful liberalisation of limits to growth. our rail network by the Conser- to their intended destination Cowley branch to passengers to link an area of deprivation to Railfuture Wessex took action when a new station at Wilton single market and an ambitious quickly and at an affordable growth areas is to be examined. Berkshire has Reading Green Greens therefore start from the vative government in the 1990s was shortlisted as a priority by the Swindon and Wiltshire European transport policy is price. Park station back on the agenda as second in its priority list. vital to the good functioning of key principle of “access not increased transparency where Reading Council is updating the business case with Network Local Transport Body. Noting that Wilton Town Council Rail’s green credentials mean it strongly supported the idea, Railfuture committee members a market of 500 million inhabit- mobility”, for example, through subsidies are concerned, creat- Rail. Cost is estimated as £9.5 million with possible opening arranged to meet a town councillor on the station site. Wilton ants and to the creation of jobs sensible planning, and localisa- ing competition and providing will play a key role in our current in late 2016. A station at Chalvey is also under consideration. once had two stations: South station on the Salisbury-Exeter and growth. While it needs to tion. We are not automatically a more flexible pricing structure and future transport system. This Railfuture welcomes the proposals and in future will need to line and North station on the line to Westbury and Bristol. be ambitious, it also needs to in favour of every single rail for passengers. Conservatives is why we fully support the work take into account the role of LTBs in transport funding and The favoured location for a new station (but a very expensive be green to fight against climate scheme that is proposed. are fully supportive of propos- being done to develop and invest press the link to Witney. in rail networks that link up all option) is now further east where the two double-track lines change. This is why I am fight- EU transport policy goes basi- als that would see the full liber- the major European cities, reduc- n n diverge, adjoining one of Salisbury’s park & ride sites. ing every day as Member of the cally in the right direction, alisation of the rail sector across Reading appeals for Crossrail to be extended ing journey times and shifting European Parliament for modal towards reduced emissions and Europe. Reading Council, Lord Adonis and MP Rob Wilson have called n n Bus cuts prompt calls for new rail station freight off the roads. shift from road to rail. improved public transport. Furthermore we want to pro- for Crossrail to be extended to Reading. The DfT is evaluating Bradford Peverell and Stratton station, on the Heart of How do we achieve this? By mote a good deal for the passen- The Channel Tunnel is the UK’s the proposal. Wessex Line, closed in 1966 but was never demolished. Now But the neo-liberal single market reducing costs of railways and idea maximises transport use. ger, which is why we supported rail gateway to Europe and, n n Main line forges ahead but branch line users must wait a member of Bradford Peverell parish council is campaigning “rail passenger rights”, as good though strong border and secu- overall by creating a frame- The TEN-T network, though it Milton Keynes Central has secured extra Virgin Train services to have it reinstated, because Dorset County Council has customer service equals good rity checks must remain, Labour cut funding from the buses originally introduced to replace work that boosts mobility across is mainly rail schemes, includes following pressure from local MPs and rail users. The station business. wants to make it easier for pas- the trains that called at this and other communities between Europe. some long-distance road has been chosen as a pilot Doddle parcel shop where sengers to enjoy high speed Dorchester and Yeovil. Railfuture Wessex Branch mentioned Common European rules are schemes. Indeed, in the aviation sector, passengers will be able to send and receive parcels from this station reopening as a project worth pursuing in its while passengers have been able journeys to and from the conti- the shop. Bedford to Bletchley Rail Users Association has required to certify rolling stock The EU Transport White Paper response to the county’s draft local transport plan in 2010. and railway undertakings, in to travel globally via the use of nent. At the moment the rail link expressed disappointment and frustration at the refusal by emphasises the need to reduce through the Channel Tunnel is London Midland to extend services to Milton Keynes station. n n order to, in the case of Eurotun- “through ticketing” and “code Bid to keep dream of passenger service alive emissions, but also wants to deal sharing” for decades, rail passen- under-utilised due to bureau- nel, have more competitors. with the “problem” of constraints n n Big new car park for booming rail station The findings of a consultant’s study into the case for gers have often been constrained cratic rules governing the use Common and strong rules of on the capacity of airports. of the tunnel and excessive user Banbury has seen work commence on a £10 million introducing passenger services on the Waterside line, still governance of the rail sector are into booking separate tickets for used for oil trains from Fawley, was revealed by Hampshire So there is a pattern of interfer- each part of their journey. Ulti- charges. 700-space car park to cope with continuing passenger also required to ensure transpar- ence between sustainability and growth. Completion is expected this year. County Council at a meeting in Hythe in December. Railfuture ency in the setting of fees and mately, it is vital that any devel- To drive forward the quality of Wessex chairman David Brace attended and reports that the the single market. opments that take place, benefit rail services and to ensure that n n Chiltern shows a “Can do” approach to holiday trains county council is unlikely to take the scheme further after the charges. Greens believe strongly that both UK passengers and busi- UK passengers are protected Chiltern Railways ran services between Bicester North and study concluded that the cost of upgrading the line outweighs Competition is also required in nesses alike. when travelling by train in London on Boxing Day, when most operators were not the benefits. There is some support locally for introducing the inclusion of road and air in the journey-planning sector if Europe, we support European providing services. Railfuture welcomed the initiative shown passenger trains, and Railfuture Wessex is considering how these, and to some extent also British Conservatives will con- we want to create opportunities in the urban transport action tinue to work hard to ensure that rail passenger rights legislation by Chiltern. to keep the project alive. and reduce costs for passengers, and would welcome continued plan, undermines their sustain- no proposals damage the effi- n n Public joins Railfuture to back Witney-Oxford Transport n n Rail freight speaker planned for Wessex AGM although numerous technical ability goals. Green MEPs have cient system currently in opera- EU action to further strengthen and bureaucratic obstacles have the protection of passengers in The new Railfuture-backed Witney-Oxford Transport group Railfuture Wessex AGM is planned for Southampton on criticised all of these for being tion in the UK. It is vitally impor- been creating monopolies. insufficiently ambitious in terms tant that we guarantee British cases of travel disruption. held a very successful public meeting in Witney in January. Saturday 5 April with a speaker from the rail freight industry. More information: witneyoxfordtransport.wordpress.com/ I have addressed all those points of their carbon dioxide reduction companies the opportunity to Brian Simpson MEP in the Fourth Railway Package targets. As an MEP, I would do compete with their European and Railfuture vice president 14 railwatch April 2014 Twitter: @railfuture www.railfuture.org.uk ◆◆◆◆ Rail User Express can be downloaded from the Railfuture website railwatch April 2014 15 LOCAL ACTION Steel yourself for a shock LOCAL ACTION East Midlands By Andrew Oldfield suffered nearly 50 years without you discount Meadowhall. With trified service compatible with West Midlands electrified trains. rail use soaring nationally, no one By Anthony Kay Although Railfuture’s AGM is in the Sheffield city region. By Peter Hughes at the PTE has considered revisit- [email protected] Sheffield this year, the city has a People coming to the 2014 AGM In the long term, of course, all [email protected] ing the question, and neither has and Roger Bacon dismal record in promoting rail. may wish to explore recent local routes between South Yorkshire any of the four local authorities. [email protected] Long-standing members may rail developments. They will and West Yorkshire should be n n Chinese back reopening n n A better tomorrow for rail recall the last time the city staged find very little. This is South The movers and shakers of Shef- electrified. The China Railway group has Yorkshire, home of the alterna- field have however been sup- Network Rail’s route the event was 1981 when Shef- Having identified serious road confirmed its interest in a £280 field still boasted an electrified tive passenger transport execu- portive of the glamorous HS2 million project to rebuild the enhancement manager Spencer project. The main debate is traffic congestion as a problem Gibbens will explain the plans to rail link, the Woodhead route, tive whose focus is on the ques- seven-mile Whitacre link, now which closed the following July. tionable Meadowhall-Parkgate whether the HS2 station for Shef- at Sheffield station, the solution referred to as the Stonebridge electrify the Midland main line was to increase the capacity of and ongoing work to improve line It was freight-only in 1981, with tram-train trial and the Sheffield- field should be Sheffield Victoria railway. The possible reopening, speeds and gauge enhancements the passenger services having Rotherham bus rapid transit. or Meadowhall. the car park! The better answer featured in Railwatch 137, envisages restoring passenger for freight trains at the Railfuture been withdrawn in 1970. For an area hard hit by the reces- South Yorkshire PTE and Shef- would have been to provide rail stations along the Sheaf Valley, to services from Walsall and East Midlands AGM at 13.00 on The route was electrified 60 years sion, economic recovery could field City Council have failed Saturday 29 March 2014 at GCR take vehicles off the roads. Sutton Coldfield direct to the ago, in 1954, which also saw the be aided by doubling the Hol- to support rail development for planned HS2 interchange near Lovatt House, 3 Wharncliffe Road, construction of a second tunnel mes chord to allow more trains decades with the result that the Of course, we should also have Loughborough LE11 1SL. David Birmingham Airport without that was viewed as the jewel in through Rotherham Central, plus city has consistently punched restored services through Shef- the need to change trains in Horne, East Midlands Trains’ managing director, will talk the provision of a station at Park- below its weight. Sheffield can- about the increased speeds of their services and possible the crown of the entire project, field Victoria by means of a rein- Birmingham. It is however dependent on the construction of which overall represented the gate, No new stations have been not keep pace with its major stated Woodhead route. But of HS2. The reopening was raised in Parliament by Christopher plans for further enhancements including new routes and rivals, Manchester and Leeds, by electric rolling stock. HS2 of its day. opened in South Yorkshire since 40 MPs canvassed about Wood- Pincher, MP for Tamworth, who is excited by the prospect of Ironically in what would have 1993. The PTE directed local ignoring rail. Tamworth to Birmingham Airport journey times being reduced n n Ilkeston’s new £6 million station plan wins approval head, only three responded! The been the Woodhead diamond authorities in 2003 to cease safe- They are not asking important western third of the Woodhead from 45 minutes to 18. A recent study found that 78% of rail Another step has been taken to end Ilkeston’s reign as the anniversary year, the older Victo- guarding potential new station questions about Midand main passengers travelling to the airport have to change trains or largest town in Britain without a railway station. Planning line still remains electrified. A stations in Birmingham. rian tunnels are set to be sealed, sites. In 1999 the PTE engaged line electrification, particularly restored Woodhead route would permission for a new £6 million station, to be served by n n Green light at last for a new station at Kenilworth rather than maintained to allow consultants who identified 36 how it could ease road traffic provide an enormous boost to Nottingham-Leeds trains, was granted at a recent meeting of possible future rail use. In a potential new station sites.but congestion along the Abbey- Erewash Borough Council. However, the plans also need to the regeneration of the long- Plans for a few years, both Manchester and only three were spared in the dale Road corridor by providing be passed by neighbouring Broxtowe, because the station neglected Upper Don Valley. new £11.3 site straddles the two boroughs. Leeds will be linked by a mod- brutal cull of 2003. Not one has new stations at Heeley and Mill- million station People living in Sheffield deserve at Kenilworth n n ern, electrified railway, and when materialised so Sheffield, Eng- houses, nor reinstating the main Inspector’s line may lead to Nottingham tram expansion Midland main line electrification land’s fourth largest city, has a line platforms at Dore to launch a and would support improved were given The possibility of an extension of the Phoenix Park branch reaches Sheffield, it will have mere four suburban stations, if local Sheffield-Chesterfield elec- rail services and new stations. final approval of the Nottingham tram network to Kimberley has been in December, given new impetus by a Government planning inspector. The thanks to the Kimberley branch was not considered viable when the tram Government’s system was first planned. However, the planning inspector, new stations ruling in favour of a new housing development in Nuthall, Award for King’s Cross fund. The insisted that the potential route for the Kimberley tram line Department should be safeguarded. She also considered that the tram The National Railway Heritage workshops of the Great North for Transport has allocated £5 million from the fund following confirmation that the station can be built without any adverse extension would be desirable and stood a good chance of of Scotland Railway from 1903 success. Maybe the tram line could even be extended another Awards at the beginning of impact on other network improvements. Construction of two miles from Kimberley to the new Ilkeston station. December always put you in to 1969. the station paves the way for new local services to start a good mood for Christmas, n n Market Harborough upgrade given enthusiastic support Another winner was a beauty running between Coventry, Kenilworth and Leamington Spa in and the 2013 awards gave a salon run by Deborah Harper December 2016 and electric trains to Birmingham in 2019. In a change of direction Leicestershire County Council is glimpse of the excellent work in a closed station at Helen’s n n Railfuture members visit tram depot urging Network Rail to consider track layout improvements of conservation around the Bay between Belfast and at Market Harborough which will allow a Leicester to London Members of Railfuture West Midlands had an interesting country and the high standards Bangor. The 1865 station has journey in under 60 minutes. Other issues the county council being achieved. tour of the facilities under construction at Wednesbury for wants NR to consider are: Freight loops, more flexible been admirably restored. the servicing and stabling of the new fleet of 21 trams, now timetabling, more stopping opportunities and improved Over the past few years, the The Mid Norfolk Railway arriving at regular intervals. Midland Metro’s new Urbos 3 access at Market Harborough station, which is used by balance has shifted from received the Ian Allan trams, built in Spain, are a third bigger than the Italian awards mainly to heritage Ansaldo models they replace. It is understood Centro intends 750,000 passengers per annum. The council’s new approach Publishing Railway of the Year Picture: NETWORK RAIL is in contrast to its earlier stance when it commented “that railways, to embrace many award, recognising how far it to store the old trams for possible future use. Although the while technically possible the benefit in journey times was more projects put forward has come in restoring services new trams are longer than their predecessors the platforms approximately one minute and this was unlikely to justify by Network Rail, the train from Wymondham to Dereham have not the cost and disruption that would result.” Railfuture East operators, London Transport with the prospect of going had to be Midlands has worked hard to bring about this positive move. and Irish Rail as well. beyond. lengthened, n n No room for luggage on CrossCountry Trains contrary to So, it was great to see a special For the first time, a Railway some press After earlier requests had been ignored, we at last met with award from the chairman of the of the Decade award was reports. CrossCountry Trains in December on the day that services awards panel going to Network given to the Bluebell Railway However along the Midland main line were upgraded in some areas Rail and its contractors for the for the amazing achievement platforms

KING’S CROSS STATION: Back to the original frontage DAVIS Picture: PHILIP to run at 125mph for the first time. Public relations events stunning redevelopment of in restoring the link to the have been to mark this took place at Nottingham, Derby and Sheffield King’s Cross station, which national network at East shaved to stations and although CrossCountry services will also benefit Grinstead. upgraded, permitting a higher The trust has encouraged the accommodate from some of this work the company did not get involved. has improved the passenger’s experience so much, and at the line speed. careful restoration of both the slightly This was disappointing because the operator could have The Association of Community wider new gained from the free publicity. Indeed, it is difficult to find same time, revealed the simple Rail Partnerships was a worthy Unseen by passengers who buildings and structures elegance of the Cubitt train of historic importance and vehicles. We Railfuture members at Wednesbury much evidence of any promotion of CrossCountry services winner for its imaginative travel over it, Network Rail were assured at any East Midlands station. Additionally, CrossCountry’s shed as seen from Euston Road, project to adapt the mighty and Carillion took the trouble also match-funded projects that checking the trams can pass safely at all points is a reaction to our comments about continued overcrowding and London. Lancashire and Yorkshire to incorporate the wrought with local authority and major feature of test running already under way. We welcome limited space for luggage on a route primarily used by leisure Another winner was an Railway water tower at iron structure rather than private sector partners. The the extensions in the city centres of Birmingham and passengers did not suggest that anything will improve. We imaginative smaller scheme Huddersfield for its offices, replacing it. Much of the good awards were presented by Wolverhampton but wonder when England’s second city will were told that all the funds allocated for this franchise had at Inverurie, where the former with the help of European work of restoration of historic TV presenter Loyd Grossman have a rail rapid transit system to rival Croydon, Nottingham been spent and there is no likelihood of any more rolling waiting room of the Earl of Union and local partnership buildings and structures whose passion for railways or Sheffield. stock to ease the situation. CrossCountry’s willingness to funding. n n involve stakeholders remains minimal. It is disappointing Kintore has been converted benefits from the guidance was infectious and reflected Another electrification scheme gets under way that the franchise – held by Arriva, a subsidiary of Deutsche into a coffee shop, called the The Ouseburn viaduct near and financial support of the the importance of the awards Work started in November on a £30 million project to electrify Bahn – has been extended until 2019 with no hope for any Cocoworks. This could be Heaton on the East Coast main Railway Heritage Trust chaired in Britain, which has the oldest the Walsall-Rugeley Trent Valley line. The work, including improvement until after then. seen as appropriate given that line, which dates in part from by Sir William McAlpine and and richest railway heritage in rebuilding three bridges, will be complete in 2017. Inverurie was the site of the 1839, has been repaired and part funded by Network Rail. the world. 16 railwatch April 2014 Twitter: @railwatch www.railfuture.org.uk ◆◆◆◆ Please remember Railfuture in your will: http://tinyurl.com/3qtdzj7 railwatch April 2014 17 Discover Ireland by rail LOCAL ACTION Your letters extra By Trevor Garrod [email protected] East Anglia The Republic of Ireland has more By Paul Hollinghurst island platform layouts, with than 1,000 miles of railways and [email protected] lines crossing at an angle, which 147 stations. n n would enable direct transfer In addition there are the two Community rail celebration by escalator/lift with minimum lines of the modern tram system There were celebrations at Tomorrow’s world hassle. But the station designers in Dublin. Meldreth station in October when Many thanks for another great should go to Green Park Tube Frequent inter-city trains from 40 people witnessed the signing issue of Railwatch. I was station to see how not to do it. Dublin will take you north to of the community rail partnership impressed with Ian Brown’s All this is not just for people in Belfast, which is the centre of the between the Railfuture-affiliated piece, which seems to me to go London and the South East. 186-mile rail network of North- Meldreth, Shepreth and Foxton Rail Efficient ways of getting, with ern Ireland. User Group, First Capital Connect, to the heart of what Railfuture is Limerick station Cambridgeshire County and South about – rail and the future. one transfer, from Edinburgh to Most of Ireland is much more Brighton, Liverpool to Dover, or Cambridgeshire District councils, We have heard a lot about the lightly populated than Great Waterford and Galway. Limerick and Network Rail. This secures Norwich to Exeter will benefit railway legacy bequeathed to Britain, but in both north and and Galway (via Athenry) also support for some of the smallest huge swathes of Britain. us by the Victorians. I would like south there is also an extensive have a radial route linking them, rural stations on the King’s Cross to put a new slant on this and HS2 is a golden opportunity to bus network, all still largely following the reopening of the to Cambridge line where the railway provides a vital public look at the legacy the Victorians start the process. The Euston nationalised, which will take you western rail corridor via Ennis. transport link. Cross scheme is a good idea, would have wanted to leave to to the parts which the trains do Dublin has seen reopened subur- n n Cambridge to gain from two station development plans us if they could, in particular with but not bold enough! Who really not reach. ban lines to Docklands and M3 respect to London. wants to go to Euston? London How to get to Ireland? Parkway as well as the contin- Plans for the £30 million Cambridge Science Park station is crawling with tunnelling have been approved. The three-platform station opens next The main London termini were Many people from Britain go by ued expansion of the Luas light machines at present. Let them rail system. year, with 450 car parking spaces and 1,000 cycle spaces. forced on the railway builders carry on and bore a four-track air nowadays, even though none It will be served by a guided busway extension. Planning by the city authorities and land of Ireland’s airports is directly If you are spending at least permission has also been granted for expanding Cambridge east-west line for high-speed four days in Ireland, a Trekker owners. The Victorian railway and other long-distance trains, served by rail, although in two station’s ticket hall, along with a large station square which companies did their darndest cases a railway line runs tantalis- pass costing £90 can be used for will link to a 3,000 space cycle park. Greater Anglia’s Geraint with West End and City stations, exploring, giving you unlimited to circumvent this restriction, and continue to Stratford, to link ingly close. Hughes explained the project at December’s branch meeting. and in respect of freight were rail travel south of the border. with HS1. Dublin Airport, however, enjoys n n Halesworth boasts 47% increase in passenger numbers pretty successful, with the North, In the North, an iLink Travelcard Railfuture should start visualising a frequent coach link into the city South, East and West London gives you unlimited travel for Railfuture East Anglia joined up with the East Suffolk a 21st century rail solution for centre and the two main stations. Railways enabling a mass of a day, a week or a month on all Travellers’ Association at Halesworth in October to count cross-London main-line rail, and Buses link Belfast’s two airports goods wagons to be taken direct Northern Ireland Railways and train and bus passengers at the station. Numbers were up kick the ball into the politicians’ to the Europa bus station com- from one rail empire to another. plex which is also home to Great Ulsterbus bus services. an impressive 43% compared to the same time last year and public’s view. following the introduction of an hourly train service on the If the Victorians had had full-size Richard Townend Victoria Street railway station. If you want to explore beyond rail tunnel boring machines like northern part of the Ipswich-Lowestoft line, investment in the St Julians, Sevenoaks Whether you arrive by air or sea, the rail network, perhaps linking passing loop at Beccles, and the improvements to the bus those making Crossrail, I believe [email protected] Thameslink’s new train the website transportforireland, one railhead, Galway, to another, service between Halesworth and Southwold. Every train was the London termini might well run by the National Transport Sligo, then the £200 Explorer Rail Britain’s newest train went on show to the public for one day surveyed from 05.56 to 23.10. More details at:www.railfuture. have been consigned to history, Be fair, first of all Authority, is very informative, & Bus ticket gives you eight days org.uk/East+Anglia+Station+Counts sold off in that unsentimental only on 29 January 2014 at London’s ExCel centre. The mock- travel out of 15 on Iarnrod Eire- giving details of public transport n n Victorian way and replaced by Why should ordinary passengers up of Thameslink’s new Desiro City train, built in Germany by ann and Bus Eireann. There is Peterborough upgrade clears way for Manea celebration Siemens, was spacious and airy, with plenty of luggage space. south of the border and informa- underground main lines and have to travel crammed in like tion about the North as well. also a rail-only Explorer ticket for sardines when first class seats The new platforms and layout at Peterborough enabled the interchange stations. In New However the few people who saw the train were concerned five days out of 15 at £130. introduction of a vastly improved service at Manea. The York, the Pennsylvania through- are empty? It is often regular that it was suitable for short Metro operations but might not be It also has real-time information and a journey planner. Useful websites include www. two-hourly service linking Manea to Peterborough, Ely and station was operating by 1910. passengers who have to stand acceptable for longer journeys, such as Bedford to Gatwick or Ipswich was celebrated in January as children, councillors for most of their journey. Is that irishrail.ie and www.translink. I propose that Railfuture should Brighton to Luton. Nine ferry crossings link Great and MP Steve Barclay gathered at the station. Posters from fair? I am recovering from an Britain with Ireland – and it has co.uk have a policy and a plan for The trains are not equipped with tables in standard class, nor Manea Community Primary School children were displayed. accident and cannot stand. to be said that some of these are You may also find the new Rail- better main-line rail connections wifi. Power points to recharge phones and laptops are provided less user-friendly than others if future leaflet on International n n Access work helps passengers at six stations across London, though just Research has shown that British only in first class. Seat numbers have been reduced to create you are travelling by rail. Rail Travel very useful in point- one central station would be rail passengers spend more more space for standing passengers. The new class 700 trains ing you to sources of further Several First Capital Connect stations are receiving massively unfriendly to users. than three times more on their are expected to enter service in 2016. The recent Railfuture report on information. significant investment to provide step-free access. Hatfield, rail fares than most European Ferry Links details members’ Stevenage, Hitchin, Letchworth and St Neots will all have A triangle of through lines would passengers. Is this fair? experiences of many of these passenger lifts by the end of the year. At Hitchin the disused work better, and might run Win two Trekker tickets crossings. You can check it out on parcel lifts are being recommissioned for passenger use. east-west, southeast-northwest, I believe the Government You can take part in Railfuture’s the Railfuture website or contact and southwest-northeast. As should investigate as a matter of competition and win two Trekker n n Diesel train shortage hits Sheringham-Norwich hopes urgency and introduce a fairer Join Railfuture Trevor Garrod, 15 Clapham Road to stations, passengers to You get four copies of Railwatch magazine a year and the tickets! Discussions are continuing with Greater Anglia about a system, with rises based on the South, Lowestoft NR32 1RQ for a Answer the following questions: London seldom really want to chance to help make Britain’s railways great again paper copy. later evening service from and to Norwich, although the go to King’s Cross, Victoria or consumer price index. Kenneth M Bryant, Grays Road, n 1. What gauge are Irish mainline chronic shortage of diesel units resulting from level crossing Paddington. I suggest there Membership is £18 per year for an individual Family: £18 plus £2 From 9 April to 9 September, the railways? collisions has made this difficult. should be stations in the West Farncombe, Surrey GU7 3LT for each extra person n Pensioners, students and unemployed £14 most convenient crossing rail- [email protected] 2. Which is the only electrified n n End shopping area, the City and ­n User groups, community and parish councils: Please use this form to sea-rail is Stena Line’s ferry from Royal approval for King’s Lynn station refurbishment ask for group rates Holyhead to Dun Laoghaire, heavy rail line in Ireland? South Bank, which would fit the King’s Lynn station, which is being refurbished with heritage triangle of lines. Stations extra role once a day. There are also more 3. What is the Luas? lighting and other fittings, will also be graced by a royal coat frequent all-year crossings These stations should be Stations could accommodate Name ...... 4. On which line do “Enterprise” of arms. surgeries for doctors and between Holyhead and Dub- designed for ease of transfer, as trains run? n n dentists as well as small lin Port by both Stena and Irish Which is best way from Bedford to Cambridge for EWR? well as good direct access to the Complete the following (50 shops, meeting rooms for Address ...... Ferries with “Rail & Sail” offers. places people really want to go words maximum): The Department for Transport is promoting East West hire, conference suites, rented Similar multimodal ticketing Rail because it links the triangle of technology clusters in to. This would cut out thousands ...... Postcode ...... arrangements exist from the “I should like to tour Ireland by of onward Tube journeys. offices and parcel pick-up London, Cambridge and Oxford. A route from Bedford to points.These functions would ports of Fishguard, Liverpool train because...... ” Cambridge is currently being examined and will be followed Commuter trains could still use ensure a continued need for Email ...... and Cairnryan. Please send answers to Trevor by a Network Rail-led route option feasibility study. the termini, or better still be staff at village, suburban and Four main lines radiate from Garrod, 15 Clapham Road South, plugged into the Underground Send to Railfuture, 6 Carral Close, Lincoln LN5 9BD n n Keep in touch at www.railfuture.org.uk/East+Anglia inner-city stations, even if their Please make cheques payable to Railfuture Dublin, including the scenic Lowestoft, NR32 1RQ and Overground network. The n n ticket-selling function became Tel: 01522 874513 Email: [email protected] route southwards to Rosslare Or email trevor.garrod@ Twitter: @RailfutureEA new stations would only be for redundant. and the lines west towards the railfuture.org.uk by 30 April. A longer distance trains and could Simon Barber OR join online using PayPal at www.railfuture.org.uk Atlantic coast serving attractive three-person panel will decide have continental-style dual [email protected] cities such as Cork, Limerick, the winner. 18 railwatch April 2014 www.railfuturescotland.org.uk www.railfuture.org.uk ◆◆◆◆ Lobby your MEP to oppose allowing 60-tonne lorries on European roads railwatch April 2014 19 ANOTHER HIGHSPEEDRAIL LINKFORSPAIN: Thenewbridgeover theriver Almonte ontheMadrid-Extremaduraline cancelled its plan, announced in announced plan, its cancelled Portugal 2012, In gauge. 6ins 5ft Spain’s traditional rail network is of Most Europe. of gauge network rail standard the into Spain lona to the French border, linking Barce- from line new the opened China, and and last year, several years late, it Japan after world, est high speed rail network in the larg- third the has already Spain freight trains. and passenger both for available be Trans-European will and Network, fund, the Transport of part development as regional Madrid- Union’s Euopean the by funded part- long being is line Extremadura 280-mile The the infrastructure company. Adif, railway for Spanish FCC Spanish-based company the by master minded being is Construction rail bridge. speed high in a for span world the arch concrete longest the have will it say builders bridge the long finished, when Extremaduraand in Almonte river the over half-mile soars The Badajoz. at border Portuguese the to west rail route from the capital Madrid speed high a of part form tually even- will under Spain in construction bridge spectacular This Bridging thehighspeedgap - the Chinese-builthighspeedIstanbul-Ankararailwayin Turkey INTERNATIONAL: A highspeedtrainbuiltbyCAFofSpainon evc bten h to capi- hours. three than less taking two tals the between service economic speed high a provide to planned been had It crisis. international banking and of result a the as funding post- poned Government the because delayed be will section Spanish speed line, and completion of the high Spanish the with up link to Lisbon from line a build to 2009, lion passengers in 2013, and the and 2013, in passengers lion mil- 4.5 almost transported key Turin trains speed high said He trains. speed high of year the be Elvan has pledged that 2014 will Lutfi minister transport year its and this long line 330-mile Istanbul-Ankara its complete to poised is Turkey times. journey high shrinking are world, projects rail speed the in Elsewhere - Picture: XINHUA/LIU YU wider economicbenefits. in billion £13.3 as benefits well as pleted, user com- is network entire in the when generate billion will £59.8 HS2 say Others tem”. sys- rail country’s the of of rest the out lifeblood very will the HS2 “suck of cost the claims He from 2004to2008. Commissioner European a was who Mandelson, Lord now son, Mandel- is Peter opponents file In Britain, one of HS2’s high-pro- completed in2017. be will which BordeauxTours to from line high-speed way, 200-mile a under is project struction con- longest Europe’s France In year. last line Beijing-Shanghai the ing speed rail network itshigh after complet- double almost to effort an in year this billion £60 spend meanwhile has Construcannounced - it will Railway China Limited. Corporation tion China by built been has railway The 2014. figure would exceed 20 million in

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