Annual Review 2015

CAMPAIGNhttp://www.railfuturescotland.org.uk/bordersrailway.php SUCCESS

Banner used to promote the reopening of the , which was hung from the roof of Waverley station.

In 2015 the railway eyes of the world were on Scotland as never before when the longest rail re-opening in 100 years came to fruition on 6 September, the first day that the Borders Railway came into service. It’s fair to say that it has been intensively used since then, with extra carriages having to be added to cope with tourists, workers and shoppers in both directions and, for the first time in nearly 50 years, Midlothian and Scottish Borders are now connected to the rail network. This shows what dedicated local campaigners can achieve with Lord Steel, who as a young MP had political support. Railfuture members fought strongly against the closure of the Waverley Route in 1969, are proud to have been founder arrives at Edinburgh Waverley station members of Campaign for Borders having just travelled on the reopened Rail, the local and extremely effective Borders Railway. champion of the Borders Railway.

The other opening of the year – Oxford Parkway

Railfuture on Twitter Railwatch on Twitter Railfuture on Linkedin Railfuture on Facebook Railfuture on YouTube Our mission is to be the number one advocate for the railway and rail users HONORARY PRESIDENT’S ADDRESS [email protected]

Railfuture President Christian Wolmar is an award-winning writer and broadcaster specialising in transport, who has had a fortnightly column in RAIL since 1994. What a year it has been for the railway. The successful reopening of the Borders Railway, together with the enormous investment programme, progress with HS2, the advent of new rolling stock and a wide range of other improvements mean that the boom in rail usage has ensured that investing in the railway is now seen by all parties as an essential prerequisite for modernising Britain. Railfuture has over the years played an important role in demonstrating the vital role of the railway and in pushing for reopenings like the Borders line whose success will ensure that others will follow.

VICE CHAIRMAN’S REVIEW [email protected] Sadly our Chairman, Chris Brown, strategy included in our ‘Aims had to retire half-way through 2015 for 2016’ on page 15. for medical reasons, so it falls to me to review the progress we have made We have defined media guidelines for during the year. our members to ensure that when we speak to the press or post on social The election of Stewart Palmer, a media our message is consistent, previous managing director of South realistic and well informed, and West Trains, to our Board to join Ian that whilst we may criticise where Brown has raised our profile further appropriate, we do not cause offence. within government and the rail industry. We have revised our existing code The Department for Transport and of conduct for directors and agreed Transport for London hold us in high guidance for members on working regard due to the quality of informed together, and are working to produce a opinion in our consultation responses, Members’ Handbook which will better prepared by a number of Railfuture define the rights and responsibilities of members. members so that our governance will become more open and transparent. The Board endorsed the following vision for Railfuture: Our membership is stable, whilst numbers are increasing in our more ‘An independent organisation active branches. We have reached a whose views are respected by the collaboration agreement with Young rail industry, to which decision Rail Professionals, an organisation makers come for advice, and which that aims to encourage a wider cross- rail users are proud to join.’ section of young people to consider a and to achieve it agreed the career in rail, which will bring us more members from within the rail industry. Photo courtesy Uckfield News 2 RAIL INDUSTRY REVIEW www.railfuture.org.uk/articles Our vision is for: ‘A railway system that provides services which travellers and freight forwarders want to use, and which offers more journey opportunities to more people and more freight.’

Network Rail has had a torrid year, with the delay in handing back King’s Cross after engineering work at the beginning of the year, ongoing planned disruption as part of the , and the well- Railfuture campaigns for increased capacity of both trains and stations to publicised ‘pausing’ of the electrification make travelling by train a good experience. There is no congestion on the great programme. These problems were expanse of the passenger deck above the platforms at the new Reading station. primarily caused by the rapid ramp-up of East Anglia, coming one step closer to our contact with the media and the public. rail development work creating a lack of our objective of a National Railcard. The For example, our cordial relationships skilled engineers and project managers Todmorden curve was opened, enabling have helped create real improvements to with rail experience. On the other hand, direct train services between Accrington, facilities at stations such as Newmarket. successfully delivered Burnley and Manchester; and the Bicester Briefings from Network Rail on the North many major projects on time, for example curve was opened, creating a second route Lincs resignalling scheme and from First the Reading area upgrade which created between Oxford and London. The first Group on the rail replacement plans for the substantial extra passenger capacity, fully scheduled service for 47 years was started scheme commissioning gave Lincolnshire restoring the listed Wakefield Kirkgate between Yeovil Junction and Yeovil Pen branch chairman David Harby the station, and of course reopening the Mill. New stations were opened at Ebbw information needed to do media interviews Borders railway. The Edinburgh-Glasgow Vale Town, Newcourt, Cranbrook and about the planned closure. Improvement Programme is progressing Apperley Bridge. Commitments for 1753 well, and the programme The main focus of our Northern branches new carriages were made by new and completed tunnelling on schedule. At the this year has been to influence the existing franchise operators during the end of the year lessons appear to have been content of the new Northern Rail and year, including Northern (281), TPE (220), learnt and all went well with engineering TransPennine Express franchises due GTR (150), GWR (173), Caledonian works over the Christmas period. to commence April 2016. Railfuture Sleeper (75), London Overground (180), facilitated meetings between the various Porterbrook (80), and Crossrail (594). bidders and affiliated rail user groups. We believe that the consistent message that Influencing the rail we were able to help get across resulted companies in several improvements above the Railfuture meets frequently with Network Invitation to Tender, including the good Rail, the rolling stock companies and the news of new rolling stock in the franchise rail operators, building relationships and announcements. We now plan to work gaining insight which helps us to influence with the successful franchisees to seek decisions and to support the rail industry in further improvements during the course of their franchises. Bicester Village customer support lounge - the poshest station waiting room in Britain, where customers can collect their purchases.

Despite the problems, the programme changes revealed by the Hendy report, and the structural changes which may result from the Shaw report, the government – influenced by a continuing year-on-year growth of 4.2% in passenger numbers and 4.5% in passenger kilometres - continues to show faith in the future of rail transport by maintaining Network Rail’s budget for Control Period 5 (2014-19) and approving franchise commitments for significant new rolling stock and service enhancements.

The ‘Gold Card’ area was expanded to A South West Trains service departs Yeovil Junction for Waterloo; some include most of the West Midlands and services now take the left hand divergence to Yeovil Pen Mill. 3 Following talks with Network Rail as the rebuild of Birmingham New Street was underway, two members spent some time looking at the new station through passenger eyes and brought some suggestions for improvements in signage, where to find onward bus travel and clearer arrival/departure information for the passenger, which they will take back to Network Rail. Similarly East Anglia and London & South franchise by direct award. and Rolling Stock Companies (ROSCOs) East branches had separate very lengthy to look at new trains and refurbishments. meetings with the bid teams for each of West Midlands branch also met with They reported on good practice and the three East Anglia franchise preferred London Midland (LM) to discuss the highlighted issues such as the lack of bidders, and attended workshops organized level of overcrowding on the Hereford- facilities and the unsuitability of new by DfT. We will not know the outcome Worcester - Birmingham service via trains for their planned usage. until the winning bidder is announced but Bromsgrove. Whilst there is no spare our message was clear and understood by stock until the electrification is Through the auspices of the European the teams. complete in December 2017, LM accepted Passenger Federation, we ensured that our offer to undertake passenger counts on Railfuture’s views were made known to the We have engaged with Virgin over trains to provide factual evidence of the Union International des Transport Publics, replacement bus services particularly in need to enhance the route’s capacity and the Community of European Railways the north of the region where we think frequency. and Eurostar. We also met Interrail that more rail services could be diverted managers and took part in meetings of the over the Settle and Carlisle line when At local Network Rail Electrification Association of European Rail Agents to the WCML is closed, and to discuss fare meetings with Community & County discuss sales and promotion of rail travel evasion, announcements on trains and councils in Wales, Railfuture Wales to and throughout Europe. whether passengers were using the two member Phil Inskip obtained agreement services from Shrewsbury to London that additional Network Rail land will introduced recently. be given up to provide compensatory parking places for those lost due to the West Midlands branch has raised on-going larger ‘footprint’ of the Access for All issues with Cross Country Trains, including footbridge at Severn Tunnel Junction; and lack of capacity leading to over-crowding that continued direct pedestrian access to and their much criticised Reservations- Caldicot station would be provided while On-the-Day service. We believe we have the station road bridge is renewed, instead contributed to Cross Country evolving their of the temporary three quarters of a mile systems to address stakeholder concerns. detour originally proposed by NR. We also contributed to the development Dog Spend Ahead at New Street of aspirations for the extension of their Our Rolling Stock Strategy Group has met with a number of TOCs, Transport Focus 4 CAMPAIGNS www.railfuture.org.uk/campaigns

Railfuture campaigns for new trains Disruption to increase capacity, new services to www.railfuture.org.uk/disruption increase journey opportunities, and a We started a survey of disruption better journey experience. Our criteria in 2014, engaging with passengers for deciding whether to campaign for and rail companies to identify the a reopening or a service improvement key concerns and examples of are: good and bad practice, so that good . it is reasonable and feasible practice can be spread across the rail industry. The main emphasis is that . it has political and public support the industry must do more to explain . it has a good chance of success why disruption is happening, and . there is a demonstrable demand what they are doing about it. Our report will be published in 2016 for . it supports economic development rail industry partners and passengers.

Improved services improved service was introduced. Our support for the campaign to extend www.railfuture.org.uk/Improved+services Lincolnshire branch are a member of services to Ollerton A six-year campaign to improve the stakeholder board that procured in Nottinghamshire resulted in two services on the Castle Line went a the funding necessary to introduce the campaign group members joining the stage further on 17 May when a much service. East Midlands branch committee.

Electrification Rail to get this finished and the lines user group to protest against this www.railfuture.org.uk/ finally entered service in March unnecessary change. Electrification+programme 2015. We discovered that NR were Campaigning by East Midlands planning to sever the connection to When the electrification from branch has centred on line speed the mothballed Fleetwood line on the Liverpool to Wigan and Manchester improvements and the ‘unpausing’ Preston to Blackpool line as part of was delayed, North West branch of the electrification of the Midland the upgrade and joined with the local kept the pressure up on Network Main Line.

a new Transport and Works Act Oxford – Cambridge process for members; we have www.railfuture.org.uk/ox-cam been involved since the two Public Order. We also suggested starting a Inquiries into the Transport & full public consultation programme The first step in restoring services Works Order and are keen to share early so that the project is not between Oxford and Cambridge best practice. The scheme has faced delayed by sudden objections during came with the opening of Oxford venomous opposition from those construction. NR now appear to be Parkway Station on 26th October opposed to sustainable transport, in acting along the lines suggested. 2015 by the Prime Minister. This a way no-one expected when it was The choice of route has been project has been a massive learning launched. narrowed down to two potential The link between Bicester and corridors by NR, each with high Bletchley is progressing with much benefit-cost ratios. The best is a new work behind the scenes by Network route west of Cambridge and the Rail (NR) with landowners, those second using existing infrastructure adjacent to the line, and level via Royston. This latter corridor crossings. East Anglia Branch met will need substantial extra works to with NR to discuss progress and overlay EWRL services onto it. The planning of Phase 2 Central Section Board will establish between Bletchley and Cambridge. its preferred corridor early in 2016. We expressed our desire for as much Once the route is confirmed we will construction work as possible to be produce and distribute a booklet done under NR’s current permitted that outlines all the advantages that Services will be extended from development rights, so gaining time, the new railway will bring to the Oxford Parkway through Wolvercote the balance of work depending on South Midlands and East Anglia. Tunnel to Oxford in December 2016.

5 Uckfield – Lewes www.railfuture.org.uk/Uckfield+Lewes

Our objective is to build a partnership of influential stakeholders who will promote the case for reinstating the link between Uckfield and Brighton via Lewes. This link will support the economic growth of Brighton and East Sussex and provide a diversionary route that will enable substantial enhancement of the Brighton Main Line. Our lobbying was successful in persuading the government to establish the London and South Coast Rail Corridor Study, which Bridges wait quietly for new rails from Uckfield to Lewes will focus on transport demand and potential schemes in the London – case for these travel demands and their carrying out the study and await the South Coast corridor. We put the potential solutions to the consultants publication of their report by DfT.

Wisbech business case to GRIP2 is complete MetroWest www.railfuture.org.uk/wisbech and shows a high benefit-cost ratio for www.railfuture.org.uk/MetroWest two trains per hour between Wisbech MetroWest phase 1 is progressing; town centre and Cambridge, in spite of site clearance for timetabling concerns leading to more quadrupling began early in 2015. new infrastructure being required than We joined forces with Friends of first planned for. The Wisbech 2020 Suburban Railways and team (made up of representatives other local groups to press the case of the County, the LEPs and private for a loop service. Whilst industry) and Railfuture East Anglia the West of England Partnership met the East Anglia franchise bid did not agree to include this in teams to propose that the scheme be MetroWest Phase 2, it appears included in the projects which the new to have accepted that a phased franchisee will deliver. approach to the project is desirable. Whilst waiting for Wisbech to progress, East Anglia branch have helped collect signatures for the petitions conducted Ashington Blyth and Tyne www.railfuture.org.uk/ by the Haverhill Rail campaign, and Ashington+Blyth+and+Tyne worked to engage the rail industry in Some ten years on, our persistent Cambridgeshire County Council the Cambridge City Deal. Without our campaigning with South East through Mott McDonald is continuing lobbying, meetings and letter writing Northumberland Rail User Group to develop the final engineering the case for rail would not be being (SENRUG) for the return of costs to GRIP3. This is funded. The made. passenger trains to the Ashington, Blyth & Tyne system is now bearing West of England authorities to pursue reopening of fruit. In October Northumberland www.railfuture.org.uk/Dawlish Cullompton and Wellington stations County Council approved the sum Railfuture works with the Peninsula between Exeter and Taunton. of £850,000 for Network Rail to Rail Task Force to campaign for One of our Wessex branch members, proceed with GRIP 2 study for reopening the Okehampton route to Bruce Duncan, pioneered a Railfuture completion by summer 2016, which Plymouth. Our Devon and Cornwall campaign for improvements to will define the feasibility of the branch held a public meeting in the West of England line with the scheme. Crediton to promote the reopening creation of a Station User Group and of services between Exeter and the imminent implementation of a Okehampton as a first step. The Community Rail Partnership covering branch also join Devon and Somerset all stations from Tisbury to beyond Metro meetings with the local Yeovil Junction. 6 Wolverhampton – Walsall www.railfuture.org.uk/West+Midlands+Branch West Midlands branch campaigns meeting and agreeing with Walsall promote the Wolverhampton-Walsall for the reinstatement of rail services Metropolitan Borough Council and rail link given the traffic congestion from Wolverhampton to Walsall, Wolverhampton City Council to between the two urban areas.

Scotland Transport Minister, reminding him . Contributing to RailQwest’s media http://www.railfuturescotland.org.uk/ to Get our Stations Back on Track coverage on the campaign for campaigning.php Glasgow Crossrail . Supporting Rail Link Following the publication late in (StARLink) where intensive media . Continuing to recognise the 2014 of our plan for 50 new stations work in the local papers has kept this importance of Freight on Rail in Scotland, our achievements re-opening firmly on the agenda in in both environmental and include: economic terms and oppose the adverse commercial effects of . Contributing towards Beattock . Supporting and attending Government’s massive financial Station re-opening – a pre-STAG Levenmouth Rail Campaign events support for road haulage – (Scottish Transport Appraisal – where politicians across the board highlighted by the recent closure Guidance) assessment has been came together with a well-resourced of the Forth Road Bridge agreed after contributory funding campaign profile in southern Fife was provided by Beattock Station . Commenting on a consultation Attending meetings of North Line Action Group and Railfuture . on the Buchan transport study Action Group , achieving a meeting supporting the re-opening of the . Working with Rail Action Group with Scotrail where a long list of rail lines from Dyce to Ellon, East of Scotland (RAGES) on a improvements were proposed for Fraserburgh and Peterhead. postcard campaign to the Scottish action

LOBBYING

A manifesto for a bigger, better railway http://www.railfuture.org.uk/2020Vision

Key issues in the 2015 election were the economy, education and skills training, social inclusion and health. Provision of a growing and effective transportation system and investment in transport infrastructure are highly effective ways of addressing these issues. Railfuture, through its branches located throughout the UK, keeps in touch with important transport issues both nationally and locally. We published our manifesto, distilling the electorate’s wishes and expectations for a developing railway for Britain, Our director Roger Blake briefs Rail Minister Claire Perry on our campaign to for delivery during the life of the new reinstate Uckfield - Lewes by incremental development, leading to our longer term proposals for Thameslink 2 which will release capacity on the Brighton Main Line. parliament. For example, East Anglia branch review. Other contacts include Steve National members met Ben Gummer MP who Barclay MP on Wisbech reinstatement acts on behalf of a large group of and shadow transport minister Daniel Our branches take every opportunity MPs working for a better railway. We Zeichner MP on rail provision in the to develop a relationship with national sought his support specifically for Cambridge area, whilst East Midlands politicians and government officials the enhancements to the Felixstowe branch members met with MPs in their to press for better rail services, and to to Birmingham via Bury St Edmunds area to press for the line speed upgrade encourage affiliated groups to do the route to be protected in the Hendy and electrification of the Midland Main same. 7 Line, reopening of Forest Local gaining agreement that their Head Line between Leicester and Burton, of Operations would respond to the and the extension of the Robin Hood When the government is deciding Western Route Study calling for extra line to Ollerton. whether to progress a rail development, carriages to meet the growing demand. it looks to see whether the development We met with Bridgend County One of our members regularly is supported by MPs, Local Enterprise Borough Council councillors and attends the All Party Parliamentary Partnerships and local councils. officials to discuss rail services on the Freight Committee, whilst others Therefore our relationship with local Maesteg Branch. met with MEPs on the Transport & authority councillors and officers is Tourism Committee of the European just as important as that with Ministers, Other stakeholders Parliament. Railfuture Wales members MPs and government officials. Where met with Welsh Assembly members we have built relationships, we We work with national organisations and candidates on the future of the continue to be well received; whilst such as the Campaign for Better Welsh rail franchise and the Railfuture low key, there is no doubt that getting Transport, Transport Focus and the Rail Wales Development Plan. our message across (even if others take Freight Group, and local organisations credit), is the way forward. such as the Coast to Capital Local Our Scottish members participate Enterprise Partnership and the in the Cross Party Rail Group of the For example, East Anglia members Brighton Transport Partnership, to , giving a first- met extensively with council lobby government with a common hand opportunity to raise our concerns leaders and officials concerning rail message for rail investment. to MSPs, have met the Scottish development and the Cambridge City Transport Minister, Derek Mackay Deal, leading to agreement that rail We have engaged with the National MSP, and have secured the assistance would be part of future solutions, and Horse Racing Museum in Newmarket of MSP, Leader of the attended all the Norfolk Rail Policy that has brought the racing industry Lib Dems in Scotland, on behalf of meetings and Suffolk County Council back to the railway, helping recognition StARLink’s campaign in St Andrews, rail conferences. East Midlands that the station and train service levels resulting in a meeting with Transport members are very active with the East require huge improvement. This has Scotland officials. This was followed Midlands local authority councillors led to growing support for our ideas up by a meeting with the local MP and group LANRAC, writing jointly to for enhancing the track layout around MSP who are preparing a statement for DfT regarding the pausing of the Newmarket and increased car parking. the group to use. Rhoda Grant MSP electrification programme, suggesting West Midlands branch meet quarterly has been supportive of the North Line resumption of the project to Corby. with CENTRO to discuss issues Action Group activities; Iain Gray DfT initially rejected this suggestion, relevant to the rail user, for example MSP has joined RAGES’ campaign but included it as part of the un- through ticketing when Midland in East Lothian and Berwickshire. pausing two weeks later. David Harby Metro opens to Birmingham New Local councillors across all parties of Lincolnshire branch has talked to so Street, progress on electrification are supportive of the Levenmouth many local politicians about the Robin schemes to Bromsgrove and the Chase campaign and have taken this to Hood line extension and Castle Line Line, rail devolution, the ‘NUCKLE’ Fife Council. Throughout Scotland, services that he can’t remember them scheme for extra stations and service members are seeking and gaining all, but both are progressing! support from elected representatives improvements between Nuneaton, on issues including Glasgow Crossrail, Freight Group members supported Coventry and Leamington Spa and Glasgow Airport link, Ayr and rail freight planning applications, for the enhancements to be included in Kilmarnock rail extensions and station example in East Cambridgeshire and the extension by direct award of the openings throughout the country. Broadland District Councils, for East London Midland franchise. West Rail, Wisbech reconnection, and We are a member of the European Chris Austin OBE (formerly of ATOC the Felixstowe to Nuneaton section of Passengers Federation, through which and the SRA), head of Railfuture’s Strategic Freight Network. specialist Infrastructure and Networks we discuss services with European Group, met with Department for In Wales, we helped formulate rail rail companies and staffing with Transport officials on making better aspects in Monmouthshire Council’s the European Transport Workers Federation. use of links with heritage railways Local Transport Plan and its response and on facilitating reopening schemes to the National Transport Plan, - ideas will be taken forward during 2016.

8 RESPONDING TO CONSULTATIONS www.railfuture.org.uk/submissions

Before making major policy decisions its draft National Transport Plan, In response to the West Midlands government and government agencies, criticising its focus on road rather Integrated Transport Authority both national and local, will run than rail and its lack of ambition, and consultation “Movement for Growth” formal consultations to find out what calling for schemes funded by Network we expressed concern at the overriding the public think about the issues. Our Rail or other rail companies to also be focus on a radial system designed realistic, informed responses to these included. We also responded to their to move commuters into and out of consultations are an excellent way for consultation on the new rail franchise central Birmingham, and the reliance Railfuture to get its viewpoint on rail for Wales, and to the Business and on SPRINT buses which are intended issues considered and so influence Enterprise Committee’s inquiries on to run along some very narrow key those policy decisions. Tourism in Wales, the future of the corridor routes. There should be Wales Rail franchise and Welsh Rail commensurate provision for orbital Perhaps the most significant Infrastructure. travel between urban centres around the consultation from the Department of West Midlands and for journeys within Transport this year was the Scoping Individual branches responded to the Black Country area, which has Study for the Shaw Report, which consultations by local authorities, poor rail connections. We wish to see will consider the future structure for for example on the Hertfordshire the Stourbridge-Walsall line reopened, Network Rail. Our response aimed Rail Strategy, the Suffolk Rail and any light rail system from Brierley to preserve the good safety record and Policy, the Cambridge City Deal, the Hill to Wednesbury forming part of the enable devolution, but without further Peterborough Unitary Authority Local route connecting with Midland Metro fragmentation of the rail industry, Transport Plan 4, the New Anglia should not preclude heavy rail at a whilst providing incentives for LEP report ‘Once in a Generation’, future date. improved performance and customer the Bristol Central Area Plan, the satisfaction. We also responded to the Gloucestershire Local Transport Plan, We have responded to a number of consultation by the Competition and the East Sussex Local Transport Plan, Transport for London consultations Markets Authority on competition in to Devon County Council on bus on Crossrail, Barking Riverside, rail services, citing the key issues of service cuts and to Travelwest on the Overground stations at Old Oak quality of service and economic cost Portishead reopening. Common, and the capacity upgrade for for the rail industry - and therefore the Camden Town. passenger and taxpayer. As part of their Long Term Planning Process for the next Control Period Rail companies also publish Our Passenger Group coordinates (CP6, 2019-24) Network Rail started consultations; we have responded to responses to DfT consultations during to publish and consult on their Route timetable consultations by GTR, ATW, the process of franchise renewal (direct Studies. Our Infrastructure and South Eastern and C2C, where we awards) and competitive bids through Network Group coordinated consistent supported substantial improvements the liaison officers it has appointed responses to the Sussex, Western, made to train services on the LTS line for each operator, based on input Wessex, Anglia, East Midlands and over recent years and 17 new trains from each branch in that franchise Welsh route studies, coordinating input to enable all peak-hour services to be area. Responses this year have been from the branches affected. Together, lengthened. We have also contributed to the direct awards for Cross Country these are forming part of a national to industry consultation on Retail and Great Western, and the franchise strategy for Railfuture on network Ticketing, Penalty Fare processing, competition for East Anglia. The key development. We also responded to the Soham - Ely doubling and the UK messages have been the quality of Network Rail Improving Connectivity Government’s response to European rolling stock (Pacers and others), over- study, which suggests an alternative directives on passenger rights and crowding, service frequency and gaps approach to planning and scheduling obligations. in the service, and how planned and services. A submission was made to unplanned disruption and customer Sir Peter Hendy as part of his review of We contributed to European Passenger service are delivered. Network Rail projects, supporting our Federation responses on the review of Freight Group and East Anglia branch the EU White Paper on Transport, the Railfuture Wales responded to the campaign to upgrade the Felixstowe to review of passengers’ rights. Welsh Government consultation on Nuneaton line.

9 RAISING PUBLIC AWARENESS www.railfuture.org.uk/Railfuture+in+the+news Media coverage www.railfuture.org.uk/Press+releases Fare Rises

Railfuture media rep Bruce Williamson on BBC One Wales

Almost every other day on average, Each year the annual regulated fare 2004 because RPI rather than CPI Railfuture is featured in the local and/ increases become newsworthy on was used. four occasions. Firstly, in mid-August or national media. These range from We initiate news stories when there when the July inflation figures are interviews for radio or TV programmes is good news to publish such as announced; when the increases are or articles in a newspaper or magazine. increases in patronage and station confirmed in the Chancellor’s Autumn Sometimes the article is written by openings, along with publication Statement; in December when the full us but often we are contacted by of our aspirations and responses set of fare increases are announced journalists for a comment on a story to consultations. We undertake (regulated and unregulated) and on they intend to publish. our own research and were the 2nd January when they come into only organisation to reveal that, It is difficult to interest the media effect. Railfuture is always very busy astonishingly, regulated fare rises in railfreight as it is something that around New Year, and the coverage over six years by both Labour and happens without most people knowing, we get also coincides with a burst of Conservative/Coalition governments although there is strong public support new members joining. were 24% in both cases, which was for moving lorries off the roads and There has been national news quite helpful given that Railfuture is onto the railway. coverage of Railfuture’s long- staunchly non-political. standing policy to use the lower Otherwise most coverage relates It is an ongoing challenge to get the Consumer Prices Index (CPI) instead to passenger concerns such as fare media to look at issues that require a of the Retail Price Index (RPI). CPI is rises, punctuality, overcrowding, greater level of explanation such as almost always lower but crucially it occasionally badly-considered ticket complexity and the comparative is used as the measure by government timetable changes plus lack of reduction in the cost of motoring for almost everything including passenger facilities and car parking. through government policy. We have pension and benefit increases. Our also had a number of national and own research calculated that regulated local radio interviews on passenger fares have risen by 23% more since inconvenience when disruption occurs.

Local Coverage In 2015 we managed to increase our we provided, on numerous occasions, exposure compared to the previous media information in English and year, thanks to our team of press Welsh for the Western Mail and also officers around the country and wrote a number of letters that were nationally. For example Yorkshire published. We gave interviews to BBC branch did some 50 media interviews Radio Wales and HTV, and provided during the year including three for information for other programmes. In regional TV (including BBC TV Look the specialist railway press we had a North) and two for BBC Radio 4, the letter published in Modern Railways rest mainly being for local radio and about the design of Cardiff Queen the regional press. Street station. John Rogers, chair of Railfuture The railway has never been more Wales, on BBC Sunday Politics Railfuture has a good relationship with some important newspapers. In Wales important in East Anglia and Railfuture 10 has been interviewed on BBC Look ECML track access and protecting only temporary, result for Railfuture East, BBC Radio Cambridgeshire, routes of closed lines. This has raised members in the North of England as BBC Radio Suffolk, BBC Radio Railfuture’s profile considerably, well as Scotland! Norfolk, Heart Radio and Cambridge which is reinforced by numerous Railfuture sees itself as a critical friend TV in addition to substantial coverage interviews on BBC Radio Lincolnshire, of the railway; it is not afraid of being in the Cambridge News – our ideas for Lincs FM, BBC Radio Nottingham critical in public where necessary. We the railway in the Greater Cambridge and Siren FM. issued an alternative press release to area targeting the City Deal even We encourage members to write to that provided by Abellio, on the lack topped an informal newspaper poll - newspapers to support our campaigns, of parking space at Milngavie Station and also the widely-read Eastern Daily but always in a personal capacity. In seriously impeding potential travellers Press. Scotland, The Herald and The Scotsman in the area. We have promoted the idea of “The Railfuture have often published Railfuture’s Infrastructure and Dynamic Triangle” of Leicester/Derby/ letters from members challenging Networks Group produced a number Nottingham as a response for East Abellio Scotrail on counter-productive of articles throughout the year (two Midlands to the proposed Northern replacement of Club 55 by Club 50 (a of which Railfuture paid for) that Powerhouse. This slogan seems to be campaign where Friends of Settle and were published in specialist political gaining traction and getting a positive Carlisle have joined forces with us). magazines as part of our campaigning response from our politicians, and we In fact, our continued campaigning on with opinion formers. plan to promote the idea, particularly the cancellation of Club 55 flat rate for transport investment, whenever we £19 return ticket anywhere in Scotland At a local level, Railfuture also uses can. by Abellio after they took over the the media to promote our national franchise has resulted in the release conferences explaining how they are In Lincolnshire the branch chairman of a new Club 50 £16 return for an relevant to the public. has written six columns in the eight-week period until 4 March 2016 Lincolnshire Echo covering varied (although formal club membership topics: overcrowding, disruption is still required). This is a positive, if survey, new Castle Line services,

Find Out More We’re now adding video clips of yourself, as well as listen to around which have been downloaded more TV interviews to our ‘In the News’ 100 of our radio interviews, some of than 1,000 times. webpage so you can see them for

Social Media waiting areas at stations. On the freight Twitter is used to promote changes www.railfuture.org.uk/branches/?twitter side (@RailfutureFret) we generally to the Railfuture web-site by giving re-tweet providing a ‘one-stop shop’ links to press releases, consultation Railfuture’s use of Twitter has never for news about railfreight. responses, campaign documents, radio been greater. We have 23 accounts, six interviews, and articles. In addition to of which are national, 14 for branches promoting our campaigns and raising and three for high-profile campaigns awareness of Railfuture it leads to new such as Uckfield-Lewes and Wisbech members joining. Our increased use of reopenings. Twitter has coincided with the highest Activity varies on the Twitter number of new members in a year for accounts. On some we break news a decade. such as our research on fare rises or discovery of widespread deficiencies As well as members and user groups, Railfuture is followed on Twitter by with ticket machines. On others, such Combined 240v/USB power socket as the Railfuture Passenger account many high-profile rail organisations (@RailfuturePsngr), we raise a lot Railfuture campaigns to improve and individuals including Managing of passenger concerns and promote Britain’s railway but often tries to Directors of TOCs. Our target is for improvement. As the demands and consider how things are done on @Railfuture to have 2,000 followers expectations of passengers change, railways around the world. On our by the end of 2016. Railfuture is increasingly promoting International Best Practice account the ‘softer’ aspects of rail travel such as (@RailfutureInter) we regularly give the need for Wi-Fi and power sockets examples of what is happening abroad, (both 13A and USB) on all trains and in including our own photos from our foreign trips.

11 Meeting the Public Railfuture’s reputation is growing amongst the railway industry and in 2015 we were asked to give a presentation at two commercial conferences – one on Transport Policy Priorities for the incoming government on rail passenger issues and at a Rail Resilience conference on our disruption work. These were presented by Chris Fribbins, Head of Railfuture’s Passenger Group. At appropriate events where there are likely to be many rail users Railfuture often has a stall. Despite Railfuture not being an enthusiast organisation Railfuture Scotland members Allison Cosgrove and Roddy McDougall with our stand at the Glasgow Model Rail Show experience has shown that visitors to model railway shows are supportive of railway show, over two days, with a leaflets for other groups: for example, Railfuture’s message of a “bigger and stand showing the branch’s aspirations it funded a large number of leaflets to better railway”. Railfuture Scotland for 25 new railway stations. These re-establish a railway from Cambridge had stalls at the Glasgow Model Rail events were ideal opportunities for to Linton and Haverhill and these were Show (February); Perth Model Rail discussing current campaigns as well used by the Rail Haverhill campaign Show (June); Callander Railway as recruiting new members. group for many events, at which they Festival (July); Aln Valley Rail Open gathered thousands of signatures in Day (August); St Andrews Model Rail Railfuture literature shifts like support. (September) and Model Rail proverbial hot cakes at public events. Railfuture has also tried to target (November). Meanwhile Lincolnshire Members man stands at events younger people with an interest, and branch once again exhibited at the unrelated to rail but appropriate for possible career, in the railway. In the two-day Grantham Rail Show and local campaigns, for example the North East it continued to work with the North East branch attended the Uckfield Big Day and the Oxford Green students at Newcastle University, inaugural Aln Valley Railway model Fair. Sometimes Railfuture produces attending student presentation projects.

Rail Users and Stakeholders Railfuture also encourages these meetings and on the East Hampshire www.railfuture.org.uk/Rail+User+Groups groups to come along to branch Community Rail Partnership. meetings and national conferences. In 2015 the Severnside branch saw a Railfuture keeps up a dialogue with Several Railfuture branch committees significant increase in membership, local Rail User Groups (RUGs) have members on local user groups including three new corporate across Britain over local issues, and, in the case of East Midlands members: Minehead Rail Link often encouraging them to seek real branch, on Travelwatch East Midlands. improvements. In cooperation we Group, Saltford Station Campaign achieve more than as individual Many branches have close involvement and TransWilts Community Rail organisations. In some cases Railfuture with stakeholder groups and attend Partnership. has acted on behalf of rail users: for events. For example, the Railfuture The above are, of course, all passenger example, following imposition of Wessex branch is represented at groups. Railfuture also works with parking charges at Maesteg station SWT, Transport Focus and Travel the Rail Freight Group, which is the a compromise for free parking was Watch South West Stakeholder events umbrella representative group for the reached with landowners for custom plus the quarterly Solent Transport rail freight users. and practice to continue, but with safeguards.

Rail User Group Awards that otherwise goes unrecognised. own branches and volunteers, to give www.railfuture.org.uk/RUG+Awards RUGs can nominate themselves, or be recognition. nominated by a member or stakeholder, Since 2012 Railfuture has been staging for a series of categories. In addition At Railfuture’s autumn conference an annual awards ceremony for Railfuture identifies groups who each year the winners (judged by Britain’s rail user groups, one of the few have achieved success, along with its some of Railfuture’s vice presidents, parts of the British railway ‘industry’ such as Roger Ford, and the editor of

12 Rail Professional magazine, Lorna Special Award went to Railfuture Slade) are presented their awards Scotland for all who campaigned by Railfuture’s honorary President to reopen the Borders Railway. The Christian Wolmar. In 2015 there were judges commented “Our national awards for Best Campaign (won by branch in Scotland must receive this Harrogate Line Supports Group for year’s Special Award on behalf of securing an increase in the frequency all in Scotland, and beyond, who of direct services between London and have achieved this historic campaign Harrogate and to improve services milestone.” on the Leeds-York-Harrogate line), Best Campaigner, Best New Group, An article listing the winners can be read www.railfuture.org.uk/article1626- Best Newsletter, Best Website, Best at RUG-Award-winners-2015 Social Media Promotion. The Judges’ . Allison Cosgrove receives the Judges’ Special Award from Railfuture President Christian Wolmar.

Railfuture Publications regional newspapers use these figures to highlight rail usage in their area. Numerous reports are produced by Railfuture during the year – they can be found at www.railfuture.org.uk/ briefings or http://www.railfuture. org.uk/sitemap. One of the most comprehensive was the Development Plan for Railways of Wales and the Borders, which was sent to all Welsh MPs, AMs County Councils and also to government officials. Railfuture’s Freight Group produced a Freight Terminals paper, which was distributed throughout the rail industry, parliamentarians, local politicians and officers. Our 2014 Eurostar survey Railfuture’s national ‘house magazine’ be added, should be sent to renewals@ results were published in a report Railwatch is published quarterly railfuture.org.uk which was sent to over 40 transport to provide positive news of rail Each month Railfuture produces professionals and decision-makers in campaigning which often does not Rail User Express, which contains the UK and abroad. get proper coverage in either the announcements of particular interest mainstream media or the railway press. Glossy leaflets are produced to to Rail User Groups. This is sent publicise local Railfuture campaigns. We aim to produce authoritative news by e-mail to the RUGs and can be Some relate to a larger network whilst and views about railways which will downloaded from the web-site. At the others call for a better service. The East be taken seriously in the corridors end of 2015 Tony Smale, who has done Anglia branch looked at the last train of power while encouraging rail a sterling job of editing this newsletter of the evening at several key stations campaigners to be more confident for many years, handed over to Roger and found wide variance – the last and effective. It provides news of Smith. Contributions can be sent to train from Cambridge to Peterborough Railfuture’s campaigning activities, the new editor at ruglink@railfuture. leaves at 21:01 – and produced a and the work of rail user groups, to a org.uk. leaflet highlighting this unacceptable wider audience and allows members Most branches produce newsletters, situation. to learn from each other. Railwatch which are sent to the media and is also interested to hear from the rail Railfuture also seeks to provide helpful stakeholders as well as Railfuture’s industry. advice to travellers. We printed 4,000 members. The East Anglia branch copies of our ‘Going Abroad’ leaflet, Several hundred copies of Railwatch ensures that every Member of which provides contacts for arranging are sent out free as part of our campaign Parliament in its area receives a copy rail journeys but without endorsing to keep opinion formers, for example along with other opinion formers. any particular organisations. Some of selected MPs and peers, properly Each year the branch produces an these were distributed via European informed on rail issues. Requests to be analysis of station patronage figures Rail Timetable subscription copies. added, and suggestions for people to by route showing growth and many 13 Railfuture Websites www.railfuture.org.uk

The main Railfuture web-site is a treasure trove of information about the railway and Railfuture campaigns. It is continually updated - on average two ‘news and views’ articles are published each week. The www.railfuture.org. uk/Rail+user+help pages give rail users the latest tips for finding the cheapest train tickets in the minefield of the fares system.

Railfuture recognises the need not just to campaign for more of the same, where Britain’s railway is doing well, but also to identify things that could be done better. Railfuture now considers how railways operate around the member applications were made via last few years, such as Rail East, Rail world, identifies international best the web-site in 2015, along with many Lincs and Yorkshire Rail Campaigner practice and tries to see how it could renewals. We identify third-party (click on the relevant map on www. be translated to work in Britain. Given books that are specially relevant to railfuture.org,uk/branches), and all of our aged infrastructure and limited our campaigning and sell them via our our submissions (www.railfuture.org. loading gauge it is not easy, but there online shop (www.railfuture.org.uk/ uk/submissions) to consultations by are lots of ideas that could work shop) at a substantial discount to the the rail industry, transport authorities, well here. An increasing number of cover price, with a small commission governments and local authorities. articles have given in-depth analysis of being earned for our campaigning. railway matters written by Railfuture There is a separate web-site for experts. One article, www.railfuture. Our best selling book of the year was Scotland (www.railfuturescotland. org.uk/article1648-Mountain-of-Ideas, Chris Austin and Richard Faulker’s org.uk) and a bi-lingual one for looked at how stations around Salzburg “Disconnected! Broken Links in Wales (www.railfuturewales.org.uk). in Austria are really passenger focused. Britain’s Rail Policy”, which dwells on These only contain content about the decades of campaigning by Railfuture respective nations. The reopening of The primary purpose of the web-site to reopen lines and stations that were the Borders Railway led to a special is to inform people about the benefits foolishly closed. page being created with many photos. of the railway and why they should support a ‘bigger and better railway’. There are more than a thousand The www.railwatch.org.uk web-site However, it is also Railfuture’s shop documents on the website. It holds has more than 15 years of back issues window and almost two-thirds of new copies of branch newsletters for the of Railwatch in PDF format.

INVOLVING OUR MEMBERS Conferences The key note speaker at our June www.railfuture.org.uk/conferences/ conference in Newark was David Horne, then recently-appointed Each year Railfuture holds an Managing Director of Virgin Trains AGM, which is only attended by East Coast, whose presentation was members, and organises two national entitled ‘The future starts now’. Our conferences, in spring and autumn November conference in Bristol respectively, that are open to everyone. focused on the Metro West series of Railfuture has a well-deserved major improvements to the railway in reputation for organising high-quality the region that will be delivered over and informative events that attract key Lincolnshire branch chairman the next decade. speakers from the rail industry but are David Harby organised the Newark affordable to rail users. conference, which was opened by Details of future and past events are on the town’s mayor. the Conferences page of the website, where online bookings can also be

14 made. More than half of bookings are now done this way. Most branches held multiple meetings during the year for both members and the public, often at varying towns and cities within the branch area. Attendance is always free. Some attracted well-known, respected and highly knowledgeable guest speakers such as Adrian Shooter, who spoke at the Thames Valley branch AGM. Later in the year Stephen Barker, from Chiltern Railways, spoke about the work needed prior to the opening of Oxford Parkway station and the rail link to London Marylebone. Meanwhile the Wessex branch AGM listened to Phil Hutchinson, Head of Timetable Development at Govia Thameslink Railway. He explained the plans and aspirations of the new Railfuture members including Thames Valley branch secretary Andrew McCallum and franchise combining Great Northern, Vice President Chris Green inspect the D-Train prototype – photo courtesy John Elvin Thameslink and Southern services. Site Visits Groups and members need to know The Association of Community Rail that there is a benefit in being part of Members from Thames Valley, East Partnerships (ACoRP) provided Railfuture. However, because of the Anglia and the London & South East speakers for North East and East geographic nature, quality of transport branches visited Vivarail at Long Anglia branch meetings. Branches links and size of a branch area this can Marston to inspect the D-Train project. have lined up good speakers for 2016 be challenging. Railfuture Scotland It was fair to say any sceptics were as well, such as Andrew Jones MP, has been out and about visiting rail converted and members were quoted Parliamentary Under-Secretary of user groups in Thurso, Inverness, on various media outlets following the State. Edinburgh, St Andrews, Levenmouth, visit, so overall it was very worthwhile. Just a few weeks after the long- Beattock, Ayr, and a potential group in awaited reopening Railfuture Scotland Events for members Callander. A new group in Dunoon has had a packed-out meeting in the www.railfuture.org.uk/events just been formed and has asked for our involvement. A revised and updated new Galashiels Station Interchange, A list of events relevant to members PowerPoint presentation is being when Dr Ann Glen gave a wonderful and the more-interested rail travellers prepared for user groups. presentation on ‘The Rebuilding of the are updated on a daily basis on the Borders Railway’. Events page of our web-site. AIMS FOR 2016 Railfuture is unrecognisable from and Groups Day’ at which members that with the knowledge of our UK where it was a decade ago. This is not learn from each other so that they experts to provide the informed just because the world has changed can campaign more effectively. This opinion which we give stakeholders but we have too, attracting some of year we will widen the attendance to both informally and through our the railway’s best talent to support include all our most active members consultation responses. our army of volunteers and willing and use the day to agree our position Network Rail is continuing to publish members. on some of the key issues. its Route Studies for consultation as Our strategy for the future is take We will continue to promote Railfuture part of its Long Term Planning Process realistic positions on the key issues of and recruit new members by attending for Control Period 6 (2019-24). One the moment for the rail industry and rail events and engaging local rail of the key rail industry events of passengers, focus on key campaigns user groups and other interested the year will be the publication of which have a realistic chance of organisations. Network Rail’s draft Initial Industry success, and promote our position and Plan, setting out the options for the our campaigns professionally with We will seek to learn from international developments to be included in Control stakeholders and the public. best practice, working with Period 6. Railfuture’s campaigns aim organisations such as the European to get their proposals included in that Every year we hold a ‘Branches Passenger Federation, and combine Initial Industry Plan. 15 JOIN US Railfuture is the independent campaign for better role in our campaigns, meet fellow campaigners passenger and freight services over a bigger your local branch or our national conferences, and network. We campaign for less crowded trains, you will receive the quarterly magazine Railwatch fairer fares, quicker journeys, efficient customer free. service, new stations and lines, and shifting freight from road to rail. Railfuture welcomes new Subscriptions start from as little as £14 per year. members to share practical ideas. Join online at www.railfuture.org.uk/join Yes I want to join Railfuture! or contact us at: The more members we have, the stronger our Railfuture Membership, 1 Queens Road, voice will be. You can choose to play an active Barnetby le Wold, North Lincs DN38 6JH Email: [email protected]

HOW MEMBERS CAN HELP Railfuture

Almost all Railfuture campaigning is funded by Try to attend one of Railfuture’s national events. Full our members. As well as making a donation with details (and online booking) available at your subscription there are other ways of helping www.railfuture.org.uk/conferences Railfuture. Join the Railfuture Lottery. 50% of the net receipts Can you recruit a new member? Online enrolment is are paid out as prizes each month, with the available or a membership leaflet can be downloaded remainder allocated to our Fighting Fund. from www.railfuture.org.uk/join, or by contacting the Membership Secretary, Details can be obtained from the Railfuture Lottery 1 Queens Road, Barnetby le Wold, Organiser, 24 Chedworth Place, Tattingstone, Suffolk North Lincs DN38 6JH IP9 2ND or visit [email protected] www.railfuture.org.uk/lottery

Why not volunteer to take an active role in national or Consider making the Railway Development Society local branch activities? a beneficiary of your will. Please consult your solicitor When you no longer need this review, please pass it on for advice on how to do this. to a friend, relative or colleague who travels by rail and may be interested in Railfuture.

Railfuture Branch contacts Devon and Cornwall [email protected] East Anglia [email protected] East Midlands [email protected] Lincolnshire [email protected] London & South East [email protected] North East [email protected] North West [email protected] Severnside [email protected] Thames Valley [email protected] Wessex [email protected] West Midlands [email protected] Yorkshire [email protected] Scotland [email protected] Cymru/Wales [email protected] Northern Ireland [email protected]

Railfuture is the campaigning name of The Railway Development Society Limited, a (not for profit) Company Limited by Guarantee. Registered in England and Wales No. 5011644. Registered Office: 24 Chedworth Place, Tattingstone, Suffolk IP92ND. ©Railfuture 2016.

Design and Artwork: John Clark, Ryecroft Data Tel: 01763 208843 Email: [email protected]