PUBLISHED BY RAILFUTURE – THE INDEPENDENT CAMPAIGN FOR RAIL No 159 £2 April 2019

Ashington reopening: Page 2 Picture: A CARMICHAEL A Picture:

Transport Secretary Chris Grayling (centre) on the platform at Morpeth waiting for a special train to take him round the Ashington, Blyth and Tyne lines which could be reopened

The new Winslow station proposed for Picture: BUCKS HERALD East West Rail: Pages 12-13 PAGE ONE PICTURE: Ashington reopening Railfuture Summer Conference Saturday 22 June 2019 Prospects for bringing passenger positive addition to not just to trains back to the Ashington, the rail network into and out Blyth and Tyne line looked of Newcastle but right up into The North East branch is proud to be hosting this brighter in February when Northumberland, where it would year’s Railfuture Summer Conference in Darlington on Transport Secretary Chris make a real difference to the Saturday 22 June 2019. Grayling travelled on a special communities here. A lot of people train along the line from will look at this line and say: Why The emphasis at this conference will be on new Morpeth. on earth doesn’t it have passenger Graphic: STEPHEN CHAYTOW developments in the industry – and what better place Mr Grayling said he supported trains already?” to locate the event than Darlington, where railway a passenger service on the line in On board the special train were history began? principle and said it would be a Railfuture member and SENRUG Key inputs will come from representatives of Hitachi positive addition the Newcastle chair Dennis Fancett, local Rail Europe, , the Port of rail network and would help councillors, and representatives THE ROUTE: Showing the parts that are already open and the sections which need rebuilding Sunderland, the Esk Valley Rail Development Company, communities along the coast. from Northern, Network Rail, and from the elected Mayor of Tees Valley, Ben Rail campaigners were sworn to Transport for the North, Nexus, Houchen. secrecy about the event and even consultants AECOM, and a TV crew, which filmed Mr Grayling The event is to be held at the Dolphin Centre, committee members of the South East Northumberland Rail User on Bedlington station. Dales link could be re-born Horsemarket, Darlington DL1 5RP – less than 15 Group were kept in the dark. minutes walk from the railway station. Dennis was able to talk to Mr The magnificent former It is thought that Peak Rail’s In an unconnected development, a Grayling about his 14 years of through preference for a private Places are still available, but bookings for this truce in the long-running dispute campaigning for the reopening, the Derbyshire Dales could reopening means that they conference will close on 20 June 2019. It would help between Northern and the rail and his frustration with the be reopened, providing a new would stand a better chance union RMT was declared just us if you could make your bookings before 10 June, as Network Rail GRIP process. route from the Midlands to of implementing their own afterwards. we have to give numbers to the caterers on that day. He explained to Network Manchester. Picture: BR (lMR) community rail proposals, rather Reopening the freight-only line Tickets cost £15 for the day, to include a lunch, Rail managers the strategic A campaign has recently than risk being swept aside by but book before 30 April for an Early Bird discount which closed to passengers in importance of the Ashington- Network Rail in a full public 1964 is now official policy for been launched aimed at [available only to Railfuture members] that will Butterwell corridor, added to the restoring a 13-mile missing opening. reduce the cost to £12.50. Holders of 16-25 Northumberland County Council Newcastle-Ashington line, as a who invited Mr Grayling to see link which would allow trains However, this assertion is Railcards will pay only £10. relief and diversionary route for to run through from Derby to challenged by many within the potential for himself. the East Coast main line. If you wish to visit the area for longer than the one England’s north west. Railfuture who cite the North Mr Grayling told the Newcastle Dennis spoke to Northern’s day, there is plenty of accommodation in Darlington, Ironically the route saw extra York Moors Railway operation Chronicle: “There are about six regional director about on Network Rail track between as well as good places to eat - all just a few clicks places around the country where use shortly before it was closed, SENRUG’s separate campaign when traffic was deliberately Grosmont and Whitby. away on the internet. there is a real opportunity to for a local service along the bring back passengers to lines diverted to it during the 1960s Peak Rail has supported the While you are here, there are lots of railway-related ECML between Morpeth and from the West Coast main line, inauguration of MEMRAP (the things to see. We have got the first railway bridge at that haven’t had them since Berwick. There is now a real the days of Dr Beeching. This when the WCML was disrupted Manchester and East Midlands Tanfield (near Gateshead), the Locomotion museum chance of a feasibility study into by electrification work. Rail Action Partnership) to is really one of them. I never establishing this service. in Shildon, the pioneering Tyne and Wear Metro to make absolute commitments to The high speed Midland start a public debate on a topic the north, around Newcastle, Whitley Bay and the provide funding but I would say Northumberland Councillor Pullman diesel train provided already attracting much interest. Sunderland area . . . and much more. this is a really strong candidate. Richard Wearmouth also briefed a premium service for six years The Peak National Park Mr Grayling. Bookings: www.railfuture.org.uk/conferences/#book We are putting money through from to Manchester but Authority is however concerned the Transforming Cities Fund A few days later, the county For further details please email the through route was lost when SWANSONG: Premium service just before closure of the route at the potential threat to its now into improving transport council approved £3.5 million to the Matlock to Buxton section well-established Monsal Trail [email protected] infrastructure around our major progress Ashington reopening, was closed by the Labour Buxton section, closed more stone trains leaving Peak Forest (for cyclists and walkers) along cities. This would be a really with a target 2022 reopening date. government in 1968. than 50 years ago. Last year, the from a standing start, it takes much of the route. Stephen Chaytow recently heritage operator, Peak Rail, four miles of climbing through Amid these complications, joined Railfuture and is now tendered for a feasibility study Edale to reach an adequate Railfuture East Midlands branch President’s column: Is it back to the future with a new Big Four? the prime mover behind this to assess a freight-led private line speed, conflicting with members are now supporting campaign, working closely with reinstatement. passenger paths and holding up the efforts of MEMRAP to roll The Williams Review will that will tax Williams and his is by far the biggest beast in its founder from Matlock, Robin The impetus for this is the services behind them. out a debate and campaign the industry, inevitably such an trigger the biggest change in the team to the utmost. Vertical Greenwood. Stephen now the increasing passenger Currently, this is the only route presence in the Dales area. integrated organisation would railways since the privatisation integration, bringing operations reports on progress: numbers on the Manchester- available to take limestone and have to start in the public A meeting of MEMRAP was of the mid 1990s. and infrastructure back Sheffield Hope Valley route aggregates out by train. sector, and then quite possibly For the first time since the held in February at Robin That is what Tom Harris, together again, is another issue and consequent pressure on which finds favour with many be privatised in the future. failed feasibility study of 2004, With the heritage Peak Rail Greenwood’s home in Matlock. a former Labour transport there is a serious proposal to Transport for the North to add operation as the leading analysts. I have long supported The current secretary of state Anyone requiring further details minister and now a member renew the most direct rail link new services to a busy line. stakeholder and lobbying this as I see the fragmentation (who may not be in the job by should contact either Ian Clark of the advisory panel for the between Manchester and the The Buxton-based quarry behind a veil of non-disclosure of the railways as the biggest the time you read this given or Stephen Chaytow from Williams Review, said at a East Midlands, by rebuilding operators see their business agreements, little detail has debate held in mid February mistake made at privatisation. the fluidity of politics at the Railfuture East Midlands or the missing Matlock to Chinley/ operations suffering. With their yet reached the public domain. email: [email protected] which both I and Railfuture The railways are inherently a moment) favours a kind of director Roger Blake attended. system and should be treated as Japanese model which is not That is a big statement and such, rather than be subjected to that dissimilar to the Big Four Harris meant it. There have the “pretend capitalism” which of the interwar years. Railfuture Campaigner of the Year been countless other reviews Railfuture president: has added so much expense So perhaps watch this space, in the past quarter of a century Christian Wolmar and malfunction to the system. especially given Network By Wendy Thorne followed by lunch and an opportunity to network. n Nominations may be made by any Railfuture member and most gathered more dust However, given that Network Rail’s announcement that it is Railfuture membership director So, do you know someone who has contributed to for the railways. That became the success of Railfuture? n than a desert town in a storm. Rail is in the public sector grouping its routes (divisions) A new award is to be presented at the Railfuture All Railfuture members are eligible to be clear in the aftermath of the into four in England and Wales AGM in May: Someone who has gone the “extra mile”? Perhaps nominated “This one will not,” Harris and the operations are in the timetable chaos in May last plus Scotland. Railfuture Campaigner of the Year. they have raised the profile of Railfuture on key n You may nominate yourself told me afterwards, because hands of private contractors, year which was the result of The award will be recognition for the dedication issues or started a successful campaign in their n The deadline for nominations to be received there is a consensus that we this is a difficult one to get Moreover they almost match local area. a failure of anyone to get to and achievements of Railfuture volunteers. has been extended to 18 April 2019 need change. But what change past a secretary of state – a the names of the Big Four. So We will require a written statement of no more We will be making the inaugural award for n To submit a nomination please email grips with the issue. While the Conservative one will obviously is the review going to be a step than 500 words identifying how the nominee is the question? There does Campaigner of the Year at the annual general membership director at: seem to be an awful lot of general agreement about the want a private sector solution into the future or a march back meeting in Cardiff on Saturday 18 May 2019. has contributed to Railfuture’s mission to be the [email protected] need for such an organisation and a Labour one the opposite. to the past? The award will be presented by Railfuture’s number one advocate for rail users and the rail consensus over the idea that n is welcome, working out its My view is that given Network Ian Brown on the Williams honorary president Christian Wolmar after industry and how they have enhanced Railfuture’s Or if you prefer to submit a paper entry please some sort of “guiding mind” the formal business has concluded and will be campaigning for a bigger, better railway. send c/o 40 Rippleside, Portishead BS20 6NB or “strategic body” is required precise nature is something Rail is in the public sector and Review: Page 20

2 railwatch April 2019 Twitter: @railfuture www.railfuture.org.uk ◆◆◆◆ Rail fare rises: Railfuture was on BBC1, Radio 4, Sky News, Five Live and talkRADIO railwatch April 2019 3 East Anglia East Midlands [email protected] [email protected] Electric trains are best, especially for Pennines nSoham station plans revealed nNational Forest Line campaign By Paul Abell [email protected] Network Rail has issued proposals for a new A new group campaigning to reopen the line railway station in Soham, Cambridgeshire. The from Leicester to Burton-upon-Trent attracted 70 Much was promised for this plans have been worked up with Cambridgeshire people to its first meeting in Swadlincote, South decade in the way of railway and Peterborough Combined Authority. They will Derbyshire, in January. It chose Geoff Bushell as its electrification only for the include a new four coach long platform at the site chairman. Railfuture’s Ron Steven recalled the 1960s reality of delivery to fall of the former Soham station (1879-1965) as well journey from Coalville to Leicester took half an hour disappointingly short. as car and cycle parking facilities. Early designs by train, compared to an hour by road now. The line Who now remembers the ABELL Picture: PAUL Picture: BOLTON RUG Picture: BOLTON show passive provision for a second platform and was listed for reopening in 1994, but shelved at the announcement of an electric a footbridge. Currently Greater Anglia’s Ipswich- time of rail privatisation. link between Oxford and Peterborough trains operate at two-hourly intervals Coventry? nIntercity Railfreight plus pedal power but there is a franchise commitment to increase this Or the electric link from to hourly. Most of the predicted Soham passengers Jeff Screeton, managing director of Intercity Didcot to Oxford, come to are expected to travel to Cambridge, changing Railfreight, was guest speaker at Railfuture East that. trains at Ely. Railfuture East Anglia wants the Midlands’ January meeting. The company was Newmarket west curve reopened, allowing direct founded in our region in 2011, and transports And what of the people trains from Soham to Cambridge. freight items on passenger trains, similar to the at Gospel Oak in London former Red Star Parcels operation. Their earliest looking at the new overhead nGreat expectations for stations consignments were time-critical medical samples wires but still making do with Railfuture East Anglia has issued a report on what from Nottingham to London, and more recently diesel trains for the service to BOLTON: Hooray! That was the verdict of Professor Paul HADFIELD: From 1954 to 1970, there was an electric passengers should expect at a station. Expectations they have been taking fresh seafood from Cornwall Barking? Salveson when much-delayed electric trains ran through Bolton passenger service over the Pennines, but now the route from at major stations such as Ipswich or Cambridge to London restaurants. Mr Screeton believes The positives in February from Manchester Victoria to Buckshaw Parkway Manchester ends at Hadfield, 30 miles short of Sheffield are obviously higher than those at an unstaffed future expansion of his business will make a halt such as Brundall Gardens or Wrabness, while major contribution to tackling the congestion and It is important though to network last year. On the other Still it will surely be completed for the time being the chance of “Northern Sparks” (https:// medium-sized stations should have staff, a proper pollution caused by delivery vans. The speed and give credit for the positive hand readers in Swansea will, in 2020 at the latest… regional electric services linking bit.ly/2DSeLPn) and the toilet and a waiting room. Members are being reliability advantages of rail are obvious, while achievements of the decade, quite rightly, be about to remind I have already mentioned the the three cities of Leicester, accompanying baseline review provided with a checklist for their stations and it the “last mile” for many consignments will be by electrifications which me in no uncertain terms that loss of Oxford and Swansea Nottingham and Derby. Priorities for Electrification drawn followed the wasted years is planned to award plaques to the best stations, electric-assisted cargo cycles. their city (the second largest in from the GW electrification, and Further North, Windermere up by Systra at the same time. after the completion of the funded by the legacy from our late member Clara Wales) was unceremoniously Bristolians will also be relying passengers will be seeing their The development of bimode nCakes to mark Parkway anniversary eight-mile Kidsgrove-Crewe Zilahi. The winners of the first three plaques will be dumped from the Great on diesel traction for the last bimode trains switching to trains has been very convenient announced at the branch meeting in Ipswich on link in 2003. Railfuture East Midlands held its January meeting Western main line project. few miles of their journeys. diesel engines at Oxenholme. for a Government wanting to 15 June. in the first class lounge at East Midlands Parkway, At long last, electrification Does the forthcoming need Reinforcing the work of On a much larger scale the save the cost of electrification, unaware that it was the 10th anniversary of the of the pioneer Liverpool and to switch to diesel traction nCelebrating 175 years of Norfolk railways Railfuture campaigners, a Liverpool-York electrification but their use surely can only be station’s opening. East Midlands Trains presented Manchester Railway has at Cardiff Central betray the certain Mr Brunel might has apparently become a short-term measure if the use The first railway in Norfolk, from Norwich to Great us with a reminder in the shape of celebration given an electric link between London-centric nature of legitimately point out that it of diesel engines is really to be Yarmouth via Reedham, opened in April 1844. The cakes. Keep an eye on the Railfuture East Midlands the two premier cities of the this decision? Was there no the Liverpool-Manchester cannot really be called Great minimised. 175th anniversary is being marked by events over a web page for details of future meetings. The usual North West, with Blackpool appreciation of the potential of (or possibly Stalybridge) three-month period. An exhibition is being staged Railfuture’s position on trans- pattern is that the committee meets from 12.00 also eventually getting electric regional electric services linking Western electrification if it does electrification, while any during May at several venues, including libraries in Pennine electrification has been to 13.00 at East Midlands Parkway, with an open services. Swansea, Cardiff, Newport, not reach Temple Meads. thought of electrifying the Great Yarmouth and Gorleston during May by the stated very clearly by policy meeting for members from 13:30 to 15:30. Bristol and Bath, points in But the real loss is the Calder Valley or Hope Valley East Norfolk Transport Users’ Association, which is The West Midlands success director Ian Brown in Blueprint between and points in the curtailment of the Midland lines has completely vanished affiliated to Railfuture. The exhibition will also look nInter-City Kitty campaign momentum story of the electrified Cross- for the North on the Railfuture Valleys? main line electrification. In off the radar. to the future, with modernisation of the line and the Following Railfuture East Midlands’ successful Inter- City line was enhanced in website. 2018 by a Worcestershire some Government quarters new bimode trains coming soon. A small brochure City Kitty campaign launch in Derby in October, London’s long wait evidently Leicester, Derby, Well done, Scotland He points out: “Low line speeds is being prepared with details of events and this extension down the Lickey momentum is growing for improvements to the Nottingham, Chesterfield and So we now have five electrified mean that journey times are can be obtained from Trevor Garrod, 15 Clapham Incline to Bromsgrove. 2018 saw the completion Derby-Stoke-Crewe service. MPs along the line Sheffield are not considered links between Edinburgh and extended, which makes it more Rd South, Lowestoft NR32 1RQ (trevorgarrod2000@ In Scotland there are now of the Gospel Oak-Barking have met to seek improvements and we hope worthy of electric links, despite Glasgow, and none between difficult to achieve modal shift. yahoo.co.uk) this will lead to implementation of proposals by five electric links between electrification – as long as you the Midland being deemed to Manchester and Sheffield, Transport for the North for a Liverpool-Leicester Edinburgh and Glasgow do not regard providing electric “Electrification, both overhead www.railfuture.org.uk/East+Anglia+Rail+Network have a better business case for or Manchester and Leeds, or Twitter: @RailfutureEA service via Crewe and Derby, plus extension of the (now that the Shotts line is trains as being an essential part and alternative technologies, electrification than the Great Leeds and Sheffield. Well done present East Midlands Trains local service beyond completed ahead of schedule), of such a “completion”. is needed to increase capacity, Scotland. Crewe to Manchester Airport. Railfuture also and Paisley Canal showed With luck, 2019 will see these Western. meet environmental targets wants the Manchester Airport service extended to how a line could be electrified finally enter service. In contrast It is not good enough to extend At this point I would draw your and achieve attractive journey Railpass report Nottingham. economically in 2012, while there is evident doubt even at the wires from Bedford to attention to the March 2015 times over the gradients of the A new report called Easy Travel with a Railpass has Stirling, Alloa and Dunblane the highest levels that 2019 will Corby but not to Leicester. The report of the North of England Pennines.” been compiled by Trevor Garrod and draws on the nReopened line could be key link for HS2 were added to the electrified see the completion of . East Midlands has lost at least Electrification Task Force I could not agree more. knowledge and experiences of people who have Ashfield District Council has approved funding used Interrail and national or regional passes in for a study into reopening the line that connects Great Britain and many other European countries. It Kirkby-in-Ashfield (on the ) to the supplements information provided in the European Erewash Valley line via Pinxton. It is currently used Rail Timetable and websites such as The Man in for freight and driver training but reopening to Seat 61 at www.seat61.com passengers would provide a link to the proposed Interrail is now accepted by three open-access train Toton HS2 station for many communities in North operators in Austria and the Czech Republic. On Nottinghamshire. the other hand, Britain’s Anglia Plus day-ranger, n ABELL Pictures: PAUL once very attractive, has become less so after a 25% Rail can boost economic growth strategy increase in its price in 2019. Railfuture East Midlands has submitted detailed There are now over 100 rover or ranger tickets ideas to show how rail improvements can support available in Great Britain, listed on the National Rail economic and housing developments outlined in website, which can save travellers time and money. the draft Leicester & Leicestershire Strategic Growth There is also an Oder-Neisse ticket which can be Plan, which is already being revised. used on train services in the area where Germany, nModel idea to boost membership Poland and the Czech Republic meet, although MARSDEN: No wires here because electrification of this most Railfuture East Midlands will be planning to recruit CARDIFF CENTRAL: Gantries MANCHESTER PICCADILLY: The two lines on the left were it is not valid on all sections of all lines. Some city important Manchester-Leeds trans-Pennine route has been new members with our stand at the Great Central for electrification on platform 0 electrified as part of the LNER Woodhead scheme (started 1936, regional cards can be ordered online from Britain deferred. Marsden is near the top of the westbound climb Railway’s Model Railway Event from 14-16 June. in January 2019. The wires will completed 1954), while the other lines were part of the great before you venture abroad. soon follow, but Swansea will London Midland electrification scheme, electrified to Crewe in over the Pennines, a challenge to bimodes which have a poor Easy Travel with a Railpass is available in electronic www.railfuture.org.uk/East+Midlands+Branch have to keep waiting 1960 and completed through to London Euston in 1966 power-to-weight ratio compared to electric trains form from [email protected] Twitter: @RailfutureEMids 4 railwatch April 2019 Twitter: @railwatch www.railfuture.org.uk ◆◆◆◆ Service cuts and fare rises have led to a fall of 90 million bus journeys in one year! railwatch April 2019 5 GOING DUTCH WITH – IS IT BETTER THAN TRAVELLING BY AIR? Railfuture’s Ian Brown and of that market. The critical new Jerry Alderson travel to factor is the increasing number Amsterdam by Eurostar of online ticket bookers on both and in this article Ian Brown Eurostar and the airlines who compares it with air travel want single rather than return from London to Holland tickets. Eurostar introduced direct trains The key determinants for many from London to Rotterdam of them are price and journey Pictures: IAN BROWN and Amsterdam in April last time. Picture: JERRY ALDERSON Picture: JERRY year, with a journey time of None of the Dutch-bound trains three hours 55 minutes – just stop at Ebbsfleet, Ashford, Lille inside four hours. There are two or Antwerp. trains on weekdays and one on Saturdays and Sundays. Go and compare There is no direct return service We thought the time was right as yet, so returning passengers for Railfuture members to have to use a Thalys or Eurostar try the service and carry out EUROSTAR: Standard NO DRAMA: Eurostar from London arrives at BIKES GALORE: 30% of commuters ride to their service to Brussels and change a Railfuture Go and Compare Premier breakfast Amsterdam Centraal in a normal platform local station. 10% ride into the city from Centraal there. An hour is required for the exercise with the more familiar change while return immigration air travel. be served by Eurostar. Stratford accommodating. Initially for the and customs formalities are International station was built Brussels to Amsterdam section undertaken. From Amsterdam to Brussels, at a cost of £700 mllion but is Thalys staff were used. Eurostar Eurostar has announced that the service is shared with used only by domestic high has now recruited its own staff it wants to introduce a return Thalys, which uses older trains speed trains. for this leg, based at Brussels. than Eurostar. service “before the end of 2019” Railfuture sees a strong case VELARO: Ian Brown and Eurostar at Amsterdam Centraal Our train was full throughout, with formalities conducted in St Pancras International is a for international trains to stop very few people alighting in the Amsterdam and Rotterdam far better starting point than at Stratford, to balance the the 08.16 is moved forward without a direct return train, short 10-minute stop at Brussels. stations. Heathrow, especially for people proposed Old Oak Common to 07.16 to attract business Eurostar was confident enough The train arrived on time at The initial service starting their journeys north of station on in west Amsterdam Centraal. travellers. 250,000 people have to test the market and it seems London. is London. Trains leave St Pancras used the service so far. Two to have worked. Why? London- more convenient from parts of Major stations in the more trains are planned in Amsterdam is the largest air Customs and immigration Netherlands have barriers but International at 08.16 and 17.16 east and south London, which procedures apply at boarding 2020. Let us hope there will be a market within Europe. Paris the self-printed QR encoded and call at Rotterdam. A new begs the question of whether for both for Eurostar and air. 11.04 service starts in June and direct return train by then. Even would be, but Eurostar has half Stratford International should Eurostar tickets worked However, if you arrive by train, perfectly. there is no further check. This is Overall, based on this experience a plus for Eurostar. Amsterdam to London City airport by BA City Flyer Eurostar compares favourably Two other pluses for Eurostar with air in this direction, except are that you avoid the increasing The journey from Amsterdam Central by when boarding, luggage piled up in the City was efficient, e-passport gates were RETURN POSSIBILITY: A Thalys from Amsterdam to Brussels for people wanting a morning tendency of airlines to charge air took four hours 15 minutes, longer than vestibules and it took several minutes in operation but there are probably not departure who cannot reach to get off. The local trains take about 25 enough of them if two or three planes high prices for luggage, or for trains have not been equipped and available space. One section St Pancras in time for an 08.16 the outward Eurostar but quicker than the seat changes, to recoup money minutes and are far more suitable for arrive at the same time. The transfer on to operate on the Dutch railway is marketed as Business Premier, departure. The additional return Eurostar journey of five hours which lost on low headline fares. includes a wait at Brussels. people with luggage. to the to Bank system and the new high speed with hot meal catering priced planned midday departure Airport security operations have line in the Netherlands, so the at airline business class levels. should address this. The local 125mph trains are better suited took four minutes. The journey from A direct comparison is difficult as the improved at Heathrow, but service is run with the newer The rear portion is marketed as for Rotterdam to the airport and also Amsterdam to Central London required You can read a fuller version of journey time depends on how much time three ticket purchases (train, air, DLR) or London City is having a hard Standard Premier, with a modest operate the interim Amsterdam-Brussels German Velaro e320s. They carry this article with a contribution you leave for airport check-in, but it is fair two purchases plus Oyster for the DLR. time coping as business has nearly a thousand passengers, premium over the standard to say that journey times by rail and air are service until a dispute over new high speed from Jerry Alderson and with outgrown available capacity. equivalent to three Jumbo Jets. fare. This includes a continental similar on this route. trains is settled. Overall this experience was acceptable for more pictures on the Railfuture a relatively fit traveller or somebody who E-tickets There are first class sections at breakfast before Brussels and a Go and Compare web pages. Click The normal argument for travelling by air Britain is not alone in experiencing likes shopping at the airport, but not so each end of the train. Both are snack and a drink after Brussels. on Campaigns then click on Go is speed, but this argument is certainly not difficulties introducing new trains. By good for a family, given the long walks at St Pancras International has its better than air travel for design The staff were welcoming and and Compare. convincing when travelling to Rotterdam contrast, Eurostar successfully introduced Schiphol. It is not quicker. I spoke to two moments too, but generally the and Amsterdam. From Amsterdam to its new trains in four countries and was people en route. Neither had tried Eurostar procedure works well. Almost Schiphol Airport, the new Inter City Direct awarded the Train of the Year Award at the on this route but had travelled to Paris everyone has e-tickets just as air service uses the high speed line from the National Rail Awards in 2018. by rail. Both said they were aware of the travellers do, the security staff Verdict: Rail is good already and will get better airport to Rotterdam and takes 15 minutes. Schiphol Airport is a bit of a nightmare. new train service and were contemplating are cheery and St Pancras has All in all, this is a commendable venture by as £41, and whether you have luggage, and is The small end doors caused queues Getting to the check-in machine, security, trying Eurostar. e-Passport gates, some of which work. Eurostar which, despite the limitations of comparable with Eurostar as it is on the Paris immigration, the lounge, and the departure the return leg of the journey, is a commercial route. For this particular journey the economy The general waiting area is gate all involved long walks. Security success. air fare was dearer than Eurostar, but as a adequate, but like London City is very well organised with no queuing frequent flyer, worked out less. So price and despite being busy. Immigration is mainly Airport can soon fill up, an It is a potential game changer in terms of rail issue to be tackled if Eurostar development in that three hours was seen as the speed, at least outward to Amsterdam, are on a e-gates and efficient. People queued for level playing field. about 10 minutes to board and the plane continues to expand. general norm where rail can seriously compete. left 45 minutes late. Train check-in opens 90 minutes Four hours is increasingly the new norm for Passengers are therefore likely to make choices before departure, presumably serious rail market share. We have seen a similar made on relative frequency, accessibility to St

BA City Flyer use the Embraer 170 and Pictures: IAN BROWN shorter than at an airport to change with increased rail demand and market Pancras or an airport, and the passenger journey 190SR aircraft, with two-plus-two seating, share on other routes taking over four hours, experience. This is covered in more detail in just about the most comfortable economy minimise overcrowding. There is a coffee shop in the lounge. particularly strong on London to Glasgow and the full Go and Compare article on the Railfuture air travel available. The Airbuses going to Edinburgh. website. Heathrow have cramped three plus three However, there is a vast array seating. British Airways has abolished of shops and cafes in the main Price comparison is more difficult as both Railfuture has established a good relationship free food and drink in economy on short station itself. Eurostar and the airlines price by time on a with Eurostar, so we can provide them with flights, but BA City Flyer continues to serve There is also a business lounge, daily basis. A headline fare of £69 single was in feedback and more evidence supporting further drink, including spirits, and a snack. The matching airline lounges and operation, £89 in Standard Premier, but headline improvements. flight with 170 seats was full. Flying time better than some. Boarding fares as low as £35 are on offer from June. We hope many Railfuture members will give it INTER-CITY: Amsterdam to Schiphol was only 45 minutes. Arrival at London SNACK TIME: At Schiphol airport begins 20 minutes before The headline air fare varies by operator, as low a try. departure. The older Eurostar 6 railwatch April 2019 Twitter: @railwatch www.railfuture.org.uk ◆◆◆◆ You can join the Railfuture lottery at www.railfuture.org.uk/lottery railwatch April 2019 7 Your views World class station? example for other areas to short, noisy, complicated diesel follow. Crossing solution multiple unit with a pantograph, In what sense is it “world class” But if Exminster, Stoke Canon, which will need substantial work for the city of Worcester to have Willand (Tiverton Junction site) to convert to a pure electric train. to rely on a parkway station and Cullompton were also One interesting solution to the outside the urban area to access reopened, Exeter would be an bimode conundrum is Greater the CrossCountry train network? even better example to much Anglia’s new class 755, which is Parkway stations have a role in larger cities. primarily an electric multiple unit, complementing established town Luck has played a part for but has a diesel power car for and city centre rail facilities, Exeter where I was born. It bimode operation. but they are not a substitute for is the old story. Stations on This arrangement simplifies them. For example, Worcester inter-city routes tended to have maintenance and mitigates currently has a very infrequent their stations and halts closed cooling problems. As lines are train service to and from the by dear old Dr B but other lines electrified, the diesel unit can south, which urgently requires retained them. There are notable be simply removed from the improvement. A car-oriented examples in Wales. The Heart formation, leaving you with station on the outskirts is unlikely of Wales line retains most of its a pure electric train, without to be of use to those wishing to halts, with some request stops. the spannering that would be visit the city, from outside, but By contrast the “fast” Mid required on the underfloor- one fears that the forthcoming engined class 800s. parkway facility will siphon off Greta leads the world to trains Wales line from Shrewsbury to Machynlleth and Aberystwyth David Willey, Blairholm Drive, business, making it less likely This graph was produced by Dr Allen Armstrong of Swedish schoolgirl Greta Thunberg, 16, travelled by train for 32 could do with stations reinstated Bellshill ML4 2JS that other rail improvements will Levenmouth Rail Campaign to show that there are good hours from her home to confront political and economic decision at Carno, Forden or Montgomery [email protected] then take place. reasons for investing in rail. The campaigners want to see makers at the World Economic Forum in Davos in January and to and a parkway station between Network Rail has been passenger trains running again from Edinburgh to Leven There are always going to be demand that they tackle the global emissions crisis. By contrast, Welshpool and Shrewsbury. intent on closing many Smell cheque limits on the amount of car the global elite used 1,500 private jets to take them to Davos. pedestrian level crossings via Thornton Junction, as they did until they were cut 50 The good example of Exeter parking that is available at town on grounds of safety. I was amused to read about the years ago in a “betrayal’ of a promise to retain The previous month Greta addressed the UN Climate Change is a stark contrast to Exmouth. and city centre stations. Surely New Cavity bimode units, on the Leven as a railhead for the east coast of Fife. conference in Poland. Greta, pictured above on a train, has led I was ultra-sad to arrive in In Japan, however, safe the answer to that is to greatly back page of Railwatch 158. The campaign represents the largest community in school strikes in Sweden which have been copied in Germany, the town of my childhood and operation is achieved with improve access to such stations Should be Civity, but a known Scotland not served by rail. The “heavily deprived” former Belgium and Switzerland. find it so unwelcoming to rail automatic barriers and by public transport and other dictionary word has been mining area, with a population of 47,000, has a compelling In Britain, some schoolchildren have supported Greta, including passengers. Its lovely Victorian lights at many footpath sustainable modes. substituted by someone’s case for reopening passenger services, with studies Holly Gillibrand from Kinlocheil who protested at Lochaber High station was torn down years crossings. Britain seems almost unique computer. These smell chequers showing a strong business case and an estimated capital School. Holly tweeted Prime Minister Theresa May to say: “I will ago and the station was rebuilt The level crossing have a lotto answer four. cost of between £37 and £56 million. in Europe in persisting with not sit silently while you and the British government contribute to in as unattractive a manner as pictured above is in Peter Absolon Passenger trains still run through Thornton Junction but separate town centre bus the destruction of our only planet.” possible it seems. Urghh! Horrid! Kyoto, between Randen [email protected] stations, rather than re-focusing the six miles to Leven is “mothballed”. Greta called on world leaders to prioritise climate change action, The nearby bus station has now Saga and Randen bus services around railheads. rather than profits. She said: “Some companies and decision also gone. There is no space Arashiyama stations. Modern measure? Dr Armstrong told Railwatch: “I produced the simple graph Where bus stations do exist makers have known exactly what priceless values they are for taxis outside the station and myself based on info contained in official UK Government in towns on the Continent, sacrificing to continue making unimaginable amounts of money.” I am amazed that reporting on statistics. Car or van remains the dominant mode of travel no information about buses. Stansted Airport have no run- they are often drive-through A giant step backwards. The new rail developments around except for the very shortest journeys. Rail tends to be Greta also believes her Asperger’s syndrome helps her to see the round facilities. the world in Railwatch, online used for longer trips: the average rail journey was 29 miles facilities that complement the problem of climate change simply. station ticket office seems grim major interchange at the central and unapproachable. This is an I hope the new bimode trains will and the magazine, is often whereas the average car journey was about nine miles. Road transport is one of the main obstacles to reducing pollution railway station. Colmar and example of the worst service for attract extra passengers for rail. quoting distances, speeds and “One reason for us to use it was that we have been fobbed which is driving climate change. Rail is a big part of the solution to Bonn are just two that come to public transport users. Trevor Garrod, Clapham Road dimensions in Victorian units. off previously with ‘improved bus services’ instead of problems of emissions and road traffic congestion. mind. South, Lowestoft NR32 1RQ The new rail line in Saudi Arabia reconnecting the railway line. Yet, as we all know, bus and It is a lovely trip to Exeter [email protected] Shrub Hill station in Worcester alongside the attractive river is 450km long and the trains can train journeys usually serve different purposes and the travel at speeds “in excess of” major difference in average journey time emphasises this may be some way from the retail giving primacy to those wanting page. The upper line is single Exe. But when I visit next time, I Locos make sense 300km/hr. fact. core, although I have walked it car access to stations. The fact track but it would probably have will probably avoid Exmouth. in the past, but in other countries that car users can be charged been wise to build two platforms, J Evered, Goylands Close, Further to Rex Hora’s letter I am 65, was taught metric “The benefit to cost ratio far exceeds that of the Borders such a distance would not be to park on railway land, whereas in preparation for the line being Llandrindon Wells LD1 5RB (Railwatch 158) about bimodes, units at primary school and am line. Yet we are trapped in a tortuous cycle of unending regarded as an insuperable individual bus passengers are doubled which will be essential Editor’s note: Pinhoe station if you look back to the West so disappointed that the UK consultancy studies because there is a failure of barrier to bus-rail integration. not, has even been used as a at some stage. reopened in 1983. Use of the Coast main line electrification fails to drag itself away from leadership and policy. A primary cause appears once reason for not providing bus- There is so little car parking at station increased by 24% in the 1960s, the practice then antediluvian units. “The preliminary report of the latest Levenmouth again to be bus deregulation rail interchanges at stations, a Pershore that many car drivers last year to a total of 116,626 was to haul the train by electric Railfuture should be about the Sustainable Transport Study has just been received by (the 1985 Transport Act was perverse incentive if ever there will divert to the new station passengers. locomotive to the end of the future not the past. It is only by Transport Scotland so a further chapter in this extended described by one critic as was one. and as a result it could be that wires (Crewe at first, then ceasing to use the old that the saga is now awaited.” viciously antisocial), with Britain needs a properly the car parking at the parkway Bimode potential later Preston as electrification new becomes adopted. resultant lack of democratic station is inadequate in future. progressed), where a diesel Stephen Barnes, High Street, happen. TfW blamed damage to coordinated and planned The new bimode trains being Pass it on control over the pattern of bus locomotive (or two) would Mistley, Manningtree CO11 1HD trains caused by storm weather. approach to rail and bus Thirty years ago, Tiverton delivered for services in East services. replace the electric one. [email protected] Donald Payne, Dudley Road, The best way to recycle services, with public investment Parkway station in Devon was Anglia have been described as a Parts of the rail industry are Tipton DY4 8EE Railwatch is to pass it on to a being used where necessary to little used, but when I passed waste of resources. Once the wires reached compounding the problem by deliver optimal social, economic through it last week, the car park Glasgow, the class 50 locos Pace of change [email protected] friend who may be interested treating railway stations more was almost full and the station But they are intended to make were re-deployed to the South in railways and tempted to and environmental outcomes. some journeys easier, such as Your article in Railwatch 158 like out-of-town shopping Current institutional frameworks was served by both buses and West. I am in agreement with headed the “Pace of change Space for buggies join Railfuture. centres, a form of development taxis. A good example. Norwich-Stansted Airport and Mr Hora. If the new are simply not delivering this. Lowestoft-London. speeds up in Wales” sounded Perhaps the answer to focused on car access to Philip Bisatt, Wiltshire Close, I noted another good example trains had been specified as promising. About the same maximise the amount of money Taunton, Somerset The diesel engines in the loco-hauled stock (like the accommodating children’s on a recent day out to Exeter time, the BBC reported buggies on trains is to have a coming through the door, rather [email protected] bimode trains are not underfloor Intercity 225s on the East Coast frustrations among passengers and Exmouth, an area well designated space for them. than to achieve a desirable served by rail stations. Pinhoe but in a central module that can, main line), electric, diesel or about cramped conditions on Tim Mickleburgh, Boulevard pattern of activity. at a future date, be removed even bimode locos could now short-formed trains between Look to the future station reopened in 1983 Avenue, Grimsby DN31 2JP. This commercially driven if and when more routes are be used with identical coaches Shrewsbury and Birmingham and it is wonderful that new [email protected] pattern of shopping has done Thanks for an informative developments east and south electrified. in push-pull formation. Then, which are operated by Transport a lot of damage to town and Railwatch 158. of the city are being planned Using diesel locomotives is not as electrification progresses, for Wales. This was not a very city centres, and it would be There has been criticism of with new rail halts. The whole really an alternative. Stations it would be easy to change good start for TfW (east of similarly harmful to develop Worcester Parkway station of South East Devon is fairly such as Sudbury, Felixstowe, the diesel or bimode locos for the border) and was just what More letters: Page 18 the rail network on the basis of which was featured on the front well served by rail and is a good Lowestoft, Sheringham, and electric ones. Instead we have a some people had feared would 8 railwatch April 2019 Twitter: @railwatch www.railfuture.org.uk ◆◆◆◆ Heathrow: ‘The days of the Hub Airport are over’ – The Times 15 Feb 2019 railwatch April 2019 9 Wessex [email protected] New challenges for Welsh franchise nGateline gets in the way at Portsmouth By Peter Kingsbury [email protected] Installing new ticket gatelines at stations with

Picture: MATT PUGH Picture: MATT multiple exits or public rights of way is easier Members who attend the said than done, as South Western Railway is Railfuture national AGM finding out. At Fratton, passengers heading on the 18 May will have the to the football stadium or to Southsea are opportunity to learn about the unhappy that they no longer have direct access award of a 15 year contract to to the southern exit. In future, they will have to Keolis Amey for the Wales and cross the new footbridge to the gateline on the Borders rail network. north side, then double back across the railway Keolis Amey now operates using the old footbridge. under the title Transport for The newly installed gateline at Portsmouth Wales Rail, and Railfuture Wales Harbour proved contentious, with ferry has reassessed its campaign operator Wightlink crying foul. There has priorities. traditionally been free passage for pedestrians Campaign successes between the city and ferry terminal, a right of way now blocked off by ticket gates. Wightlink The franchise, which was advised passengers they do not need to show operated for 15 years by EXTRA CAPACITY: Workers near Lawrence Hill station reinstating four tracks from a ticket to pass through. Railfuture supports Arriva Trains Wales, extends Bristol Temple Meads towards Bristol Parkway last year. The tracks are the equivalent measures to prevent ticketless travel, but rail from Fishguard Harbour to of the M5 motorway, connecting England’s South West with the Midlands and the operators should consult properly before Manchester Piccadilly. North. The six-mile long section of track up Filton Bank had to be shared between installing another ticket gateline. Before the 2018 award of the inter-city, regional, local and freight services, and was a real bottleneck. Now four nPartnership hopes for Purbeck new franchise, Railfuture Wales tracks should bring better reliability, as well as clearing the way for more trains to run published On Track for the 21st along the Severn Beach line. The tracks were expanded to four in 1888 but reduced to There are technical issues to overcome before Century, a comprehensive vision WELSH CAPITAL: Cardiff Central station, which will be at the heart of the network two in 1984. Sadly electrification of the route has been deferred the Swanage Railway can announce a date for improvements across this We praised its objectives for sustainable for the resumption of its regular passenger large network. service between Swanage and Wareham using Severnside development and better health outcomes but heritage diesel units. However, charter trains are So we were delighted that the criticised its underestimation of the potential booked to operate over the line this summer, entire ATW rolling stock fleet of rail. The consultation document pinned its [email protected] and it is likely South Western Railway will run an is to be replaced, 95% of it with faith on bus services while ignoring the massive augmented service of summer specials on to completely new trains. nFour-track victory celebrated in Bristol increase in rail usage over two decades. We the Swanage branch line in 2019. Please watch £194 million is to be spent on emphasised the growth in recorded passenger Bristol now has a four-track main line in the for announcements. station upgrades, and new journeys at the 27 stations in the Greater direction of South Wales and the Midlands, The Purbeck Community Rail Partnership, services will run, such as Cardiff Bristol area, from 9.5 million in 1997/98 to 26.9 following the quadrupling of the route over which was set up to support the reconnection and Llandudno to Liverpool million in 2017/18 according to the Office of Filton Bank, which was completed in early of the Swanage branch, has just taken on its via Chester (via the reopened Rail and Road. Many people use rail for cross- December. This follows campaigning by first paid officer, Kelly Marshall. Following a Halton Curve). Railfuture and Friends of Suburban Bristol Bristol journeys and not just for access to urban CARDIFF CENTRAL: Ceramic sign suggestion from Railfuture, the remit of the CRP There will be improved Railways since 2007. In 1984 when economics centres as implied by the document. was widened to cover four main line stations: took preference over efficient segregation of frequency on several routes unacceptable 55 minutes for a nPotential for stations to serve housing Moreton, Wool, Wareham and Holton Heath. We including Wrexham to Bidston faster and slower trains, two of the tracks were look forward to working with Kelly to ensure journey of 45 miles. This would removed over a 3.5 mile section. Nearly 30 The Gloucester, Cheltenham and Tewkesbury and the Ebbw Vale branch, have been partly addressed the railways in south Dorset reach their full which will both see two trains years later, in 2013, campaigners presented the Joint Core Strategy Issues and Options potential. by electrification, but the then Mayor of Bristol with a petition calling for consultation invited comments on the plans per hour from December 2021. Government has decided to stop nFast track way for West of England Great Western electrification at the tracks to be reinstated. Six years later, in for development in central and northern Sunday service frequency is to CARDIFF: Electrification will displace these diesel Pacers. This is Queen Cardiff. A big mistake. February this year, FOSBR celebrated victory Gloucestershire up to 2031 but made no The Salisbury-Exeter Rail User Group, supported be improved from next year. Street North junction with the line to Pontypridd, Treherbert, Merthyr with a ceremony at Filton Abbey Wood, which mention of railways apart from a brief reference by Railfuture Wessex, is currently working Many of the other franchise However, it would still be and Aberdare, left, and to Caerphilly, Bargoed and Rhymney, right has also gained a fourth platform. to Ashchurch station. Our response in January with rail industry partners to push through changes go some way to meeting possible to achieve a noted that the three largest sites earmarked for nBetter news for the Henbury loop some essential infrastructure projects such as Railfuture’s aspirations for a 45 minute travel time without Liverpool service could stop at franchise should transform the additional housing were well placed in relation redoubling track in the Tisbury area west of markedly better rail system in electrification. Network Rail Hopes for a Henbury loop passenger service, the smaller Marches stations, to extensive network of services to two existing stations and one proposed by Salisbury and at Whimple near Exeter. The idea Wales and the Borders. must improve the infrastructure maintain frequencies there. around Cardiff to create an rejected by consultants in 2015, appeared Gloucestershire County Council at Hunt’s Grove, is to use Network Rail’s new planning process so speed restrictions can be brighter after West of England Combined The way forward Rural frequency improvements integrated high frequency public south of Gloucester. Access by public transport for enhancements, which circumvents some eased and more of the route can transport network. Authority Mayor Tim Bowles was reported in should be the prime consideration in siting of the ponderous Governance for Railway But there is some way to go. be operated at 90 mph. Three lines in particular need late November as saying that Councillor Mark We want to see a reduction in Electrification of the lines to housing and industry. Reduced car dependence Investment Projects stages. In my opinion, with creative attention to upgrade frequencies. Weston had made a strong case for the loop. journey times between Cardiff Merthyr, Aberdare, Treherbert (which is county council policy) would meet the timetabling, faster services could The Swansea-Shrewsbury Mr Weston, who is prospective Conservative nProjects to improve life for passengers and our second city of Swansea, and Rhymney is planned. JCS objective of improved health. be run by eliminating stops at Heart of Wales line will get an parliamentary candidate for Bristol North Work has begun at the site of Reading’s new as well as Cardiff-North Wales. some intermediate stations on a additional service under the new However, the outer parts of the West and his party’s group leader on Bristol nFootbridge opportunity for Pilning Green Park station. On the Isle of Wight, We also want a two-hour limited number of services. The franchise from 2023, bringing metro network, the loop via City Council, said connecting the Henbury Railfuture is assured that Network Rail has People who responded to the Department minimum frequency on all new Hitachi class 800 bimodes the daily total to five trains Barry to Bridgend, the main and Severn Beach lines would link the three committed funds to renovate Ryde railway pier for Transport’s consultation about closing routes. This could make rail first are capable of delivering this each way. line to Bridgend, the branch major employment zones of Avonmouth, Filton and to bring the second platform at Pier Head to Maesteg and the Ebbw Vale Angel Road station in London suggested the choice in rural areas. goal with superior acceleration No frequency improvements are and Temple Meads via one circular rail route. footbridge should be re-erected at Pilning back into use to improve operational resilience. branch have inferior services. Avoiding gridlock in northern Bristol would, At Pokesdown station near Bournemouth, On the well-populated South relative to the retiring IC125s. assured for the Conwy Valley station, which lost its footbridge to clear the With additional rolling stock he said, require more ambitious transport workmen were reported to have “prised open Wales Metro network, there On the Cardiff-North Wales line from Llandudno Junction way for overhead electric wires, since when and train crew, a 15-minute solutions to convince commuters to forsake the rusted doors leading to the disused lift should be four trains per hour, a route, the two-hourly direct to Blaenau Ffestiniog but we it has had trains only in one direction! Olga frequency could be provided their cars. The current Labour MP for Bristol shafts”, prior to installing new lifts. We trust they turn-up-and-go frequency. service involving reversal at believe a second train needs to Taylor of the Pilning Station Group has called on on all these routes without North West, Darren Jones, has expressed did not find the skeletal remains of a group So Railfuture Wales’ new Chester should be accelerated, be allocated to the branch to Transport Secretary Chris Grayling to order the significant infrastructure work, support for a loop service. MetroWest Phase 2, of 1980s holidaymakers, still clutching their campaigning focus will be on with the aim of reaching Bangor provide a two-hourly service. Angel Road bridge (high enough to clear the apart from the Maesteg route due for completion in 2021, would introduce luggage! train frequency and speed, as in less than four hours. new wires) to be relocated to Pilning. The service to Fishguard where passing loops are needed. a spur service with trains turning round at it is felt that these areas are nRailfuture Wessex AGM By allowing the new CAF which connects with ferries to Henbury from the east, but not continuing via nApril AGM date where most can be achieved in units on this route from 2023 Rosslare has improved but is Learn more The Railfuture Wessex AGM will be held on attracting new users to the rail Avonmouth and Clifton Down. Railfuture Severnside’s AGM will be on Saturday to run at maximum speed, still irregular with long gaps You can learn more about and 6 April 2019 at the Cathedral Discovery Centre, system. and by omitting calls at some in the middle of the day. This discuss the franchise during nRail is key to a sustainable future 6 April at 14.00 in Dilton Marsh Village Hall, Bishop Crispian Way, Portsmouth PO1 3QA at How can the faster journey intermediate stations, a time could be filled by a shuttle from the AGM afternoon session in close to the station. 14.00. Railfuture responded to the West of England be achieved from Cardiff saving of up to 30 minutes over Carmarthen, probably without Cardiff. Railfuture Wales branch Joint Spatial Strategy Technical Evidence www.railfuture.org.uk/Severnside Branch www.railfuture.org.uk/Wessex+Branch to Swansea? At present, some current timings might additional rolling stock. On the would like to welcome as many consultation at the end of December. Twitter @RailfutureSSide Twitter @RailfutureWessx Cardiff-Swansea takes an be achieved. The new Cardiff- South Wales Metro, the new Railfuture members as possible. 10 railwatch April 2019 Twitter: @railfuture www.railfuture.org.uk ◆◆◆◆ Railfuture 2019 AGM at Sport Wales National Centre, Cardiff, on Saturday 18 May railwatch April 2019 11 Maps: NETWORK RAIL Maps: NETWORK RAIL

BASSINGBOURN: £2bn predicted cost. BCR 0.42 CAMBOURNE: £2.6 billion. BCR 0.32 TEMPSFORD: £2.6 billion BCR 0.27 TEMPSFORD-BASSINGBOURN: £2.5bn BCR 0.25 TEMPSFORD-CAMBOURNE: £2.6bn BCR 0.24 Brand new railway for At last, the sun is rising on plans for East West Rail Bedford to Cambridge After years of Railfuture Patrick Cawley of Network Rail Railfuture’s approach and campaigning, official inaction, said: “The preparatory work we are said he was surprised that the delays and false starts, 2019 will be currently carrying out will ensure we initial service was planned to be a crucial year for East West Rail. are ready to start construction as A completely new section will be a largely Get on operated with three-car trains soon as we can.” section of railway is new railway. It is expected A public inquiry is under way with insufficient for the demand. proposed from Bedford that it will be designated the aim of work starting soon on the The Government has accepted He said there were six bridges to Cambridge which a nationally significant Bicester-Bedford section. advice from The National with it! on the Bicester-Bedford section virtually ignores the infrastructure project At the same time, consultation Infrastructure Commission that local that were not high enough former Bedford St Johns and that the planning was carried out for six weeks over authorities along the entire EWR for future electrification. They corridor will aim for one million new to Sandy trackbed now application for the finally February and March to work out Bicester-Bedford should be raised now rather homes to be built by 2050. Milton taken up by a Sustrans agreed route alignment which route a new railway should East West Rail inquiry than disrupting the railway later. Keynes is expected to grow to a cycle track and a country will take the form of a take from Bedford to Cambridge. He asked the inspector to population of 300,000, with 30,000 park. development consent Get on with it! That was the consider specifying a more order (not a TWA order These two processes come after the new homes. message rail campaigners took Route options for the Oxford-Bicester leg was reopened frequent Aylesbury-Milton which is being sought for England’s Economic Heartland, to a public inquiry into the Bedford-Cambridge in 2015 to provide a through service Keynes service and a Milton Bicester-Bedford). an alliance of local authorities, Bicester-Bedford section of East section are currently from London Marylebone to Oxford. Keynes to London service too. The Government is is working on plans to install West Rail. being evaluated after Railfuture is keen that the line expected to choose its Transport Secretary Chris Grayling 5G or fibre broadband along the Network Rail is hoping for the a public consultation is used for freight and although preferred route and visited Bicester in October to see line to improve the area’s digital new service on the Bicester- EAST WEST RAIL: An overall view and the connections exercise. the existing line is cleared for then stage a further how enabling works are proceeding, connectivity. Bedford section to start The six-week consultation W10 containers, it cannot cope consultation in 2021. and the Department for Transport operating in 2023, with the be speeded up. Although there closed on 11 March after Railfuture sees EWR as a vital part crossings) to allow for efficient easily with trains with large W12 said it hoped work could start in Aylesbury service added in 2024. were 239 objectors, few were meetings in several At the moment the best of the British rail network so it has commuting by rail. Level containers unless provision is September 2019. against the railway in principle, of the places between benefit to cost ratio is for to perform both a strategic and local The importance of a speedy crossing alterations planned for made right from the start. route A: 0.42. Parts of the Mr Grayling said then: “Rapid decision on granting a Transport and 27 were withdrawn. Later Lidlington and Woburn Sands Bedford and Cambridge. role. For example, it can be viewed Railfuture urged that, as a route corridors are 10 progress on the project means we and Works Act order allowing one rail campaigner estimated will be problematical. There are Railfuture made a written as an outer London orbital route minimum, passive provision is miles wide. will see construction under way on linking seven main lines radiating the Bicester-Bedford section the public sessions of the 100 objectors at Lidlington alone. submission. made in the TW order for longer is the quickest direct, fast and reliable services from London. Journey times need to to go ahead was explained by inquiry could be completed The Bicester-Bletchley section The Government re-stated Route A station platforms, freight loops, route (76 minutes Oxford- from next year.” be as fast as possible. That is one Martyn Angus of Network Rail. in April. Then the inspector will be limited to 100mph but its commitment to increased frequency of services, Cambridge). It would reason electrification is advisable at would have to analyse the the Bletchley-Bedford section Bedford-Cambridge in He met Rob Brighouse, chair of the The project could be delayed evidence and write his report to double-tracking of Princes the 2018 October Budget, involve relocating Sandy East West Railway Company, who the earliest possible opportunity. for a year if contractors are not would remain restricted to station to the south near the Government. Many of the 60mph. The original strategic Risborough-Claydon Junction, when it agreed to provide said: “East West Railway Company The inclusion of long distance allowed on site for de-vegetation objections were seen as a way to higher line speeds and future £20 million for the East ancient meadows. is working hard with Network Rail to and freight services is vital to the before the bird nesting season. aim for an Oxford-Cambridge get fair compensation for land journey of 60 minutes has been electrification. West Railway Company open this line as soon as possible.” success of EWR. Route B (80 minutes) Network Rail would like to have acquisitions or changes on safety degraded to 80 minutes. to develop a strategic would see Sandy station the order by September 2019, or convenience grounds. Ditch the motorway outline business case. relocated to the north, but inquiry chairman Martin Railfuture was represented Cheese-paring by the Department for Transport Buckinghamshire County at the inquiry by Nigel Rose, Cutting road traffic nearer to Tempsford. Whitehead said the current Council is an objector but who supported the project but The mistaken plan to build a and enabling housing By Martin Smith between Milton Keynes and Woburn Sands by expectation was that his report Route C (80 minutes) supports EWR “after 20 years of warned that the specification £3 billion “expressway” road and economic growth and Marylebone via High bridges. The DfT does not would not go to the Secretary could require a new Railfuture Thames Valley campaigning for it”. It supports cuts could jeopardise the long from Oxford to Cambridge are the key aims for Wycombe is replaced by see the potential of East station at Tempsford was concerned to see the of State for Transport until the overall aim to create an term success of the project. to compete with East West the Government, but trains between MK and West Rail for cross-country while retaining the reduced specifications the end of 2019. It was hoped inter-urban railway with Rail should be ditched, the value for money is also Aylesbury only. services or for freight, however that the inquiry could limited stops (and fewer level “Longer platforms will be Government has been told. existing Sandy station. which the Department for needed from day one,” he told significant. The line between Calvert but it is willing to spend Route D (83 minutes) Transport has imposed the inspector. It is important to Roger Smith, editor of Rail This final section of East on the Bicester-Bedford and Aylesbury will not be anything between £3.5 User Express said: “The would come north out of billion and £7 billion on have platforms long enough for West Rail is projected to section of East West Rail. doubled, and upgrading THE PROJECT six-car trains rather than four, expressway plan should be be completed in the mid Bedford, rather than east. an Oxford-Cambridge At Bletchley, planned four- and partial doubling of Preparatory work has already taken place and documents presented and for the platforms to be built abandoned.” 2020s, and services will Expressway road. to the inquiry show engineering and design details running to Route E (82 minutes) coach platforms at high the Aylesbury-Princes so as not to make later signalling Where Network Rail is then be able to run the thousands of pages – analysis, lists, drawings and pictures. could mean an level should be designed Risborough line has Railfuture was represented improvements difficult. transparent in its plans for complete length of the There will be 43 construction packages with 27km of re-laid line, and interchange station to cope with six or seven been dropped. There at the public inquiry, and EWR, Highways England 40 packages for new or rebuilt bridges, station platforms, telecoms, Lessons of cheese-paring on the line between Oxford and somewhere between car trains. Nothing will be should be provision for urged the inspector to diverted roads and level crossing closures. About 12km of EWR is Borders Railway had not been is criticised for its opaque Cambridge, reinstating Tempsford and St Neots done to raise the 25mph a service between MK recommend to the DfT being built to aid the construction of HS2. learnt. Traffic growth on the engagement with stakeholders. a rail link which closed with another station at speed limit at Denbigh and Old Oak Common, that works must include Some passive provision for electrification is included. New bridges new link from If the expressway is built more than 50 years ago. Cambourne. Hall South Junction, where providing connections passive provision for future and platforms are designed with electrification clearances but Oxford Parkway to Marylebone five years after EWR, it will Cynics would say that North East Bedfordshire East West Rail joins the to the Elizabeth line and upgrading. The Ebbw has been phenomenal and eight- such an ambitious Heathrow. some bridges will remain – and be too low for electrification. No undermine investment in MP Alistair Burt said: West Coast main line slow Vale line and the Borders changes to the alignment are planned where lines pass existing car trains are the norm. the railway and in attempts scheme is unlikely to be “This is an exciting and lines. East of Bletchley a more Railway provide examples completed by then. overbridges or platforms so future electrification will be expensive Similar growth is expected on to provide a sustainable ambitious project. It will This will restrict the frequent service would where future upgrading and disruptive. Bicester-Bedford because of alternative to roads. Highways Most of EWR will be on help create jobs, and capacity of the junction require redoubling of is made difficult because Platforms are designed for only four cars, which seems odd as trains planned population expansion, England usually fails to existing rail routes but support housing growth and be a potential cause single-track sections the DfT underestimated originating in places such as Marylebone or Reading are likely to be yet electrification had been provide proper walking and the Bedford-Cambridge in the area.” of delays. The proposed and replacement of level demand for growing traffic six or eight car. dropped. Alan Francis of cycling facilities on new roads service of through trains crossings at Bow Brickhill on reopened lines. the Green Party supported and ignores buses altogether. 12 railwatch April 2019 Twitter: @railwatch www.railfuture.org.uk ◆◆◆◆ Highways England is to spend £1.4bn on the Black Cat A1 junction near Tempsford railwatch April 2019 13 Thames Valley Battle to promote night train travel in Europe THE CAMPAIGN FOR RAIL FREIGHT [email protected] nOxfordshire still besotted by roads DB Cargo in deal ‘to boost rail capacity’ Railfuture Thames Valley had another By Lee Davies useful meeting in December with County [email protected] Councillor Yvonne Constance who welcomed our intention to participate in the public An agreement “to increase consultation on the joint statutory spatial plan, capacity for rail freight in since renamed the Oxfordshire Plan 2050. Britain” has been signed by Sadly, it appears to welcome the proposed Picture: BACK-ON-TRACK Maritime Transport and DB Cargo UK. Expressway road as presenting opportunities. Picture: MIK CARDUS Controversially the Oxfordshire Plan 2050 Maritime Transport describes is being drafted by district councils and itself as the UK’s leading Oxford City Council as planning authorities, container transport company but excludes the county council which is and will operate the SEGRO East responsible for transport. The districts have Midlands Gateway rail freight a history of approving housing development interchange which opens without reference to public transport needs. this year. Planning public transport should come first, The rail interchange, currently and housing should be planned with transport under construction, will be able infrastructure in mind. Councillor Constance to handle 16 trains a day and told us that the county hopes to have some connect to the Castle Donington indirect influence. Rail has an important role freight line, giving direct access and reopening the Cowley branch is recognised to Britain’s network of rail as a priority and is the most realisable. freight interchanges and all the Rebuilding Hanborough station with two or major ports. three platforms and double tracking between RIBBLEHEAD: The twice daily aggregate train from the Tarmac quarries at Helwith Bridge The terminal is almost Wolvercote and Hanborough are rated a pictured on Ribblehead viaduct with Ingleborough in the background. This follows the BERLIN: Launch of a new OBB Metropol NightJet service in December from Berlin to equidistant between the major second priority. Didcot-Oxford electrification, reconnection of the quarries to the Settle-Carlisle line Budapest and Vienna, with a sleeping car to Przemysl on the Polish/Ukrainian border, regional centres of Derby, rebuilding Oxford station, and the new station was accompanied by campaigners from Back-on-Track who believe cross-border Nottingham and Leicester, and for Grove/Wantage are still included but with freshness and value. Our rail- passenger trains and sleepers provide an environment-friendly answer to air travel is also close to the proposed HS2 no detail. freight offering is extensive but PINCHPOINTS NEEDING ATTENTION alignment between Coleshill and it is also strategic and flexible, nVideo highlights Witney-Oxford traffic nTeesside first in the queue, for once! ‘Trains not planes’ protest the East Midlands Hub at Toton. designed to be the perfect Rail freight removes the to operate outside passenger Railfuture members Trevor Garrod and Simon complement to Eddie Stobart’s With financial support from Railfuture’s Fighting It is a rare event for a Teesside rail service Maritime Transport has equivalent of 8.2 million heavy peaks or other blocked periods. Fund, the Witney-Oxford Transport Group Hope joined a meeting at the office of the launched a new division called road transport fleet.” lorry journeys every year, the Many parts of the network to benefit from completely new trains. Community of European Railways in Brussels has produced a short video entitled Daring TransPennine’s new CAF-built trains are Maritime Intermodal which will In a pilot, the new Tilbury rail industry has told the Williams are struggling when it comes to Imagine to be circulated on social media, in January, organised by Back-on-Track and initially contract four dedicated service saved more than 920,000 inquiry. to new capacity, and there is expected to include services to Teesside among also involving rail professionals, parliamentary proposing a new railway line from the Cotswold services from the two major road miles and 102,000 gallons Overall, rail freight performs constant pressure on freight their duties from May. The five-coach trains will advisers, and consumer and environment container ports, Felixstowe and timetable paths on key routes line at Hanborough to Carterton via Witney. The of diesel, while also reducing well, with 94% of freight trains link Middlesbrough, Thornaby and Yarm directly organisations from eight countries. Southampton. and through network “pinch- video highlights traffic congestion on the A40, journey times and congestion in arriving within 15 minutes of which carries 32,000 vehicles a day, and shows to York, Leeds and Manchester. The locomotives The meeting considered how night trains, as points”, such as Manchester- DB Cargo UK will operate and around the London area. their scheduled time in 2017-18, new housing estates under construction in have already begun working Direct Rail Services part of an international 24/7 network, could Castlefield and Ely North freight, as a way of accumulating test mileage, Maritime Intermodal’s trains Mr Clark added: “Trains do not according to the Rail Delivery the A40 corridor, where 10,000 new dwellings provide an attractive alternative to short and from both Felixstowe and junction. before transferring to passenger work. Yarm’s get stuck in traffic jams so the Group. are planned for Eynsham and Witney. It medium distance air travel. Southampton. service is extremely reliable.” A study by MDS Transmodal, comments on the lack of coordination between short platforms have been extended to cope. Moving goods by rail A report of the meeting is available from Maritime Intermodal will take commissioned by the UK Major development and transport planning. The Felixstowe-Midlands is accepted as the most nTyne Valley stations get longer Trevor Garrod, 15 Clapham Rd South, on responsibility for DB Cargo Ports Group, identified seven proposed railway would be mostly new, as A new five-days-a-week environmentally friendly way Lowestoft NR32 1RQ (trevorgarrod2000@ UK terminals in Trafford Park, railway junctions that needed it would not be practical to restore the old Several stations on the Newcastle-Carlisle intermodal rail freight service to move bulk goods on land. yahoo.co.uk) or see www.back-on-track.eu Manchester, and Wakefield, upgrading. The report will go branch line. It would start from Hanborough Tyne Valley line have benefited from extended connecting Felixstowe to the for more information. West Yorkshire, where it plans In addition it is estimated that to the National Infrastructure rather than Yarnton as originally envisaged, and platforms, prior to welcoming class 158 diesel Birch Coppice terminal in the significant investment to rail freight prevents around 600 Commission. could serve park-and-ride stations at Eynsham, trains in place of the Pacers that too often Some sleeper services in Germany, France, Midlands was launched by GB improve turnaround times and road casualties each year. Ducklington (for Witney), and Carterton. turn up. The improved stations are Wetheral, Italy and other countries in Europe have been Railfreight in January. In the south-east, alterations are withdrawn over the past 10 years. increase container storage. Despite this rosy picture needed at four key junctions www.railfuture.org.uk/Thames Valley Branch Bardon Mill, Riding Mill, Prudhoe and Dunston. It travels via Ipswich, Twitter @RailfutureTV Northern Rail hopes to increase service However Austrian Railways has been pro- DB Cargo UK will retain its presented by the RDG, rail in an arc from Kensal Green Peterborough and Leicester. in the north-west of the capital frequencies to three per hour between Hexham active by improving its sleeper trains and remaining intermodal business campaigners know that freight promoting NightJet services. British travellers including flows to and from Freightliner, a subsidiary of operators are hampered by a around to east London. and Newcastle, with two of them extending Genesee & Wyoming Inc, North East also to Carlisle. The starting date depends on can pick up one of the NightJet services at Scotland. Hans-Georg Werner of lack of suitable intermodal Changes are also recommended Cologne. DB Cargo UK said: “Intermodal is planning to build a new terminals. They have difficulty at Diggle Junction, Whittlesea- completion of electrification in the north-west, maintenance and fuelling You can find a map of the European sleeper is the fastest growing freight with “just-in-time” deliveries Ely-Soham and Bramley- [email protected] which will clear the way for diesel trains to be market, yet our terminals facility at its existing Ipswich transferred. The community rail partnership has network at https://bit.ly/2StbEmo. For for their customers when forced Reading. nHorden station work to start soon were under-utilised. Maritime freight yard in Suffolk, close to hosted meetings in Haltwhistle station’s Old example, there are NightJet services from Felixstowe, Britain’s largest port, Cologne to Vienna and from Munich to Rome. is a very successful logistics Network Rail is expected to start work in the Booking Hall, to gather ideas to include in its business and has the volumes from which Freightliner operates summer on the new £10.55 million Durham 2019/20 action plan. In Britain, a Save our Sleepers group had to be and desire to turn these assets 22 trains a day. Coast station at Horden after the project was formed when the London-Penzance sleeper into sustainable and profitable given planning approval. The county council is nUnloved Pacers ready for retirement Regular rail services are run was threatened in 2005. distribution centres.” from Felixstowe to Glasgow, building the station car park. Local people are The retirement of the unloved class 142 Pacer Rail operators blame the rise of low-budget Tilbury-Daventry Manchester, Liverpool, looking forward to the station opening next trains later this year has meant that several airlines for a fall-off in demand for sleeper year when an hourly service is expected. A A new freight service from Leeds, Teesport, Birmingham, class 158 diesel trains have been seen on trains, while campaigners say the companies Doncaster, Selby, Hams Hall, station adoption group is likely to be formed. route-learning trips for crews on Saltburn- have failed to invest in the night services to Tilbury to Daventry has been launched by Eddie Stobart Wakefield, Ditton (Widnes), nGrand future for Morpeth station Middlesbrough-Hartlepool -Newcastle- offer an attractive alternative to flying. Rotherham and Cardiff. MetroCentre, MetroCentre-Morpeth, Morpeth- Logistics. John Clark of ESL For many people, the is said: “This service allows our “There is a growing demand The ornate portico of Morpeth station will be Hexham and Hexham-Heaton depot. Class 156 restored along with the building’s impressive the best way to travel between London and customers to get fresh produce from the Government to move

and 158 trains are also to be tested for gauge AND ROAD Graph: OFFICE FOR RAIL chimney stacks. Greater Morpeth Development Scotland and according to the operator it is into regional distribution centres more goods by rail,” said Tim Trust, enthusiastically encouraged by the clearance between Stockton, Stillington and going from strength to strength with newly or stores across the UK on the Shakerley of G&W. Ferryhill (goods only at present), ready for a South East Northumberland Rail Users’ Group, built CAF Spanish coaches entering service same day. “Each freight train takes up to 76 Northern Connect service. this year. has raised £2.2 million to repair, restore and “This careful timing is essential lorry journeys off our congested redevelop the magnificent 1846 station by www.railfuture.org.uk/North East Branch Two thirds of the fleet have already arrived at to retailers who otherwise road network and is a far safer CARGO: The types of material carried by rail freight. Coal has pioneering railway architect Benjamin Green. Twitter @RailfutureNEast Alstom’s depot in Glasgow. lose much of their products’ means of transport.” dropped sharply since 2015, while intermodal increases 14 railwatch April 2019 Twitter: @railfuture www.railfuture.org.uk ◆◆◆◆ Rail User Express can be downloaded from www.railfuture.org.uk railwatch April 2019 15 Cymru Wales Yorkshire Now, where else can -trains go? [email protected] By Paul Abell nTourism hit by leaf-fall cuts [email protected] Railfuture Cymru/ Wales has expressed The tram-train service from its concern that the effect of service cuts Sheffield to Rotherham has caused by the autumn leaf-fall disruption on proved popular with passengers, passengers, tourism and the Welsh economy following its launch in October. generally was not considered properly. We The shopping centre at the pointed out that the Conwy Valley line had Rotherham Parkgate terminus ABELL Pictures: PAUL no trains for several weeks. Lines serving all- has benefited from more year tourist areas such as Pembrokeshire and customers arriving by tram- the Cambrian Coast were badly hit. Railfuture train, while rail passengers from discovered that for some time the National Rail Rotherham can now gain access Enquiries website failed to work for Betws-y- to Sheffield city centre without Coed, Blaenau Ffestiniog and other stations. a strenuous uphill walk from We presented our evidence to the inquiry in Sheffield station. January held by the enterprise, infrastructure and skills committee of the Welsh Assembly. But what else can tram-train offer Railfuture campaigners? nThe way ahead for better rail services Development director Matt Johnson stands part of their journey. Goldsborough station POST PACER: One line that We have to remember that the Railfuture submitted a detailed response to on the platform of the former Goldsborough closed to passengers in 1958, and freight has been suggested for tram- station on the York-Harrogate line. His services to the station ceased in 1965. Rotherham operation is officially ALL CHANGE: A mid-morning tram-train for Sheffield city centre train operation in Greater the inquiry into ways to improve Transport a pilot, with the intention of calls at Rotherham Central. Seven new tram-train vehicles were for Wales, staged by the Welsh Assembly’s company, which wants to build 2,700 homes n£39 billion plan for rail Manchester is the Atherton at Flaxby Park, has bought the former station exploring the implications for built by Vossloh (now owned by Stadler) in Valencia, Spain route to Wigan. enterprise, infrastructure and skills committee. A new rail line linking Leeds and Manchester other British areas. Railfuture called TfW to develop an integrated house which it wants to reopen as Flaxby Looking east from Hag Fold via Bradford, including the option for a It would have been convenient transport network for all, including all forms Parkway for park-and-ride traffic to Harrogate, station we see what was once Leeds and York. Network Rail has agreed that Bradford city centre station, is one of the if the lessons of German the Lancashire & Yorkshire of public transport. It suggested that many projects Transport for the North is calling on developments should match Scotland where there are no significant technical obstacles experience operating tram-trains Railway’s four-track main line. to the delivery of a new station and Northern the Government to back as part of its could have been transferred there has been extensive electrification. The two remaining tracks Trains has supported the idea. One aim is £39 billion rail proposals, launched in February. directly to the UK. However follow the old slow lines, nAccessibility is top issue for rail to reduce road traffic on the A59 and to get there are sufficient differences www.railfuture.org.uk/Yorkshire+Branch while the bridge girder Railfuture participated in Network Rail’s Railway drivers from the nearby A1(M) to use rail for Twitter: @RailfutureYorks between main line track and signalling in the two countries (foreground) and equipment for Everybody workshop study in Cardiff. cabinet on the left show the The aim is to identify and solve passenger for this not to be possible. Paul Nettleton of Blackpool & Fylde Rail Users course of the old fast lines. problems, particularly how to improve Anyone else contemplating Association said: “Both tramway proposals accessibility at stations and on trains. North West a tram-train service can now involve a change of mode which passengers refer to the UKTram Guide to such thoughts may well provoke nTravel problems facing young people do not like. We are keen to avoid this at all [email protected] promoters planning to operate wry smiles from readers with Railfuture attended a Transport Focus event at costs, as it could put passengers off using the Light Rail and other non-mainline memories of the fate of similar the Pierhead Building in Cardiff, which aimed to nCross-Manchester service to Southport line because services would inevitably be at vehicles on Network Rail-managed proposals in the past. assess travel problems faced by young people Campaigners are optimistic that Southport least half an hour slower than at present.” A infrastructure. report three years ago overwhelmingly backed The recent Greater Manchester and identify their priorities. to south Manchester trains can be reinstated The UKTram guide is worth Transport Strategy 2040 Draft n in December following protests about the a heavy rail passing loop, which scored a high Pacers may have future role 3.7 on the cost-benefit scale. Network Rail is studying. In addition to Delivery Plan 2020-2025 includes Transport for Wales has 30 Pacers, which are diversion of Southport to Manchester Airport Rotherham-type tram-trains it SPOT THE DIFFERENCE: Tram-train operation through main the preparation of business cases trains to Victoria in May last year. Northern carrying out a feasibility study into a half-hourly expected to remain in service during 2019. service which Northern is keen to operate, as considers other circumstances, line stations is liable to involve the provision of lower platforms in the next five years for tram- Trains is working on extending the existing Although they are now derided, the Pacers is Transport for the North, with the possibility such as the class 139 Parry to match the lower platforms on the tramway.The difference is train “pathfinder” options for Stalybridge-Wigan-Alderley Edge service to deserve a place in Welsh history as they saved of direct links to new destinations, which the People Mover as used for the shown in this view of the Parkgate-bound tram-train platform three extensions of the present Southport. The plans were outlined after a the rail services in the Cardiff Valleys by cutting tramway cannot provide. shuttle between Stourbridge at Rotherham Central (platform 4) compared with the main line Metrolink network: Altrincham operating costs, enabling passenger growth. meeting in January with the train operator, Junction and Stourbridge platform 2 to the right. to Hale, Rochdale to Heywood, Railfuture considers there is tourist potential attended by representatives from the Ormskirk nPlea for a joined-up Arriva railway Town, the Tyne & Wear Metro and Manchester Airport to for these units during 2019. Suggestions have Preston Southport Travellers Association Rail campaigners are calling on Arriva to operation through Sunderland, freight trains may cause capacity or Glossop. Congestion on the Wilmslow. been made that some could be converted for and Southport Rail Transport Forum. The persuade the two divisions of its Northern train and the use of refurbished problems if a tram-train service link from Manchester Piccadilly Options will also be developed carrying bicycles in the future. improvement will be dependent on using operator to improve their communications. heritage vehicles. is introduced. through Oxford Road has for proposals such as the class 769 Flex trains which can run in either nDoubts over plans for Cardiff Parkway They say that the eastern and central divisions One important factor is whether What about future possibilities? prompted suggestions that possible Atherton, Marple and diesel or electric mode. Both groups also of Arriva Northern seem not to talk to each Atherton and Marple might be A development consortium is proposing to there is any capacity on Network Transport for Greater Glossop tram-train routes, and want to upgrade services from Southport other about services during engineering works. linked by a tram-train service part fund a new £30 million St Mellons Parkway Rail track for tram-train services Manchester has considered the city centre tunnel. The future into Manchester Victoria, including a Victoria Rochdale local stations are served by both and whether lines are used tram-trains, perhaps on the running in tunnel under progress of these proposals will station east of Cardiff to serve a business departure between 17.00 and 17.30. park and population of 31,000. The Welsh central (trains to Manchester from Blackburn by freight. Reserved paths for lines out to Atherton, Marple, Manchester city centre, though depend on the success of the Government is being approached to make nMPs split over ‘trains not ’ plan via Burnley) and eastern (trains between Leeds “pathfinder” projects. and Manchester). On one Sunday in January a financial contribution because the station The two Blackpool MPs disagree over the best The imminent replacement of will need a newly electrified and resignalled when no central trains were running between Cash and power problems give way to operations Pacers by conventional trains on way to improve local rail services. Blackpool Todmorden and Manchester Victoria, the section of four-track main line to be modified. South MP Gordon Marsden agrees with local many local Manchester services Railfuture welcomes the principle of a new eastern trains temporary timetable left Smithy The original capital cost of the Sheffield tram-train pools. Street sections have grooved rails that may make tram-trains seem less rail campaigners who say that heavy rail, Bridge, Castleton, Mills Hill and Moston with station but believes a study is needed into the rather than light rail, is the best way to get project was expected to be £15 million but the final cannot be negotiated by the broader wheel attractive. In South Wales a plan effect on rail services including cutting journey no trains, discovered the user group STORM cost was £75 million. It is unfortunate that the cost profiles required by Network Rail, and conversely, to use tram-trains would extend more visitors into Blackpool. He agrees with (Support The Oldham Rochdale Manchester times from Swansea to London Paddington. Blackpool and Fylde Rail Users’ Association and timescale became so inflated, much of this narrower tram wheels are not compatible with the present Cardiff Bay service Railfuture has suggested a less ambitious lines). After a row in the local newspapers, the being down to the problems with running on 25Kv Network Rail switch blades. The four tram-trains in 2023, aiding regeneration by and Waterloo Councillor David O’Hara who eastern trains were rescheduled the following station scheme aimed at local commuters. want to see a passing loop installed on the AC power, when the line seems unlikely to be fitted with Network Rail-compatible wheel running along the streets beyond Sunday to stop at the four stations. electrified at this voltage for the foreseeable future. profiles can operate only from Sheffield city centre Cardiff Bay station (formerly nSwansea area resignalling existing single-track South Fylde line to boost Success! But on the next Sunday, the four The Department for Transport funded its as far as Shalesmoor and Spring Lane on the blue Bute Road). Railfuture Cymru/Wales would like to see the its limited capacity. The say it would be much stations were left with neither trains nor operation for the first two years and South and purple routes. The other three tram-trains Bridgend-Cardiff line upgraded for reversible cheaper than converting the line to a tramway replacement buses. It is expected that tram- line working, following the completion of and would enable many more visitors to come In general, Northern rail services through the Yorkshire Passenger Transport Executive hopes cannot venture from the original tram network. trains to Cardiff Bay will run resignalling from Swansea to Baglan, near Port direct to the resort rather than having to Rochdale area have substantially improved to enter into an agreement with Stagecoach to Tram-trains must have their bogies switched as from Aberdare, Merthyr and Talbot. Combined with reversible working change to a tram at Lytham or Kirkham. both in reliability and timekeeping as a result of operate the service for a further four years. they switch pools. There is a spare set of Network Treherbert, although the section from Bridgend to Swansea, it would avoid However former rail minister Paul Maynard the timetable change in December, but there Tram-trains have a maximum speed of 50 mph in Rail-compatible bogies. of track between Heath High time-consuming diversions via the Vale of who is MP for Blackpool North and Cleveleys is still a way to go to get back the trust of the tram mode and 55 mph in train mode and have to SuperTram bylaws are applicable to the tram-train Level and Queen Street may be a Glamorgan line. has been promoting the idea of a Fylde Loop travelling public. pause briefly on the new Tinsley chord while the service, rather than the national rail byelaws. Dogs challenge. www.railfuturewales.org.uk tramway, which would use part of the existing www.railfuture.org.uk/North West Branch driver changes from one mode to the other. (other than assistance dogs) and bicycles are not Will Cardiff be the next place we Twitter @RailfutureWales South Fylde line to make a new light rail circle. Twitter @RailfutureNWest The tram-trains are divided into two operating allowed on tram-train services. see tram-trains in the UK? 16 railwatch April 2019 Twitter: @railwatch www.railfuture.org.uk ◆◆◆◆ Please remember Railfuture in your will: www.railfuture.org.uk/legacies railwatch April 2019 17 Your views Railfuture Needs You! Railfuture seeks to recruit more Fuel for future active campaigning members Chris Austin in Railwatch 158 ‘Can do’ attitude rewarded to ensure it continues to be an does a thorough and useful job organisation of significance Railfuture board member is such an honour both to West within the railway industry. in explaining why the phasing Roger Blake travelled to Carn- Coast and also the fabulous out of coal-fired power stations forth in January to present an support Tim Farron gave too.” So it is also looking for people will affect the supply of coal for with specific skills to help in this award to Patricia Marshall, Tim said: “I was absolutely steam locomotives on heritage managing director of the heri- transformation. railways, but does not mention delighted to receive the award tage train operator West Coast from Railfuture alongside West We need people to work with that the main reason why coal Railways, and Tim Farron who us to drive this transformation is being phased out is because Coast Railways. The service is MP for Westmorland and that the guys at West Coast pro- process. the problem of climate change is Lonsdale. APPEAL: Wendy Thorne now understood to be very much vided was absolutely first class If you have specific skills or Picture: NORTH WEST EVENING MAIL WEST Picture: NORTH West Coast stepped into the and they showed our multi- more urgent than was once interests in areas such as event breach on the Lakes Line after million-pound rail companies speakers and venues or are thought. management, recruitment or the official franchise holder a thing or two about how you willing to help with tasks on the social media training then we day please get in touch. So the burning of coal for any Northern suspended services run a train service. would love to hear from you. purpose is now seen as wrong. between Oxenholme and Wind- We also need to ensure that “We were overwhelmed with We are currently looking for Nobody will want to ban the ermere for a month in the chaos the amount of people that our branches have the support after the May timetable. members to join our Conference and training they require in all burning of coal on a small scale got in touch to say how glad Organising Committee. by heritage railways, but it would The MP worked with Network they were to have this service aspects of social media, so if be good for the image of these Rail and the Department for and it was just great to see You will join a small team anyone is able to provide this railways if they were seen to be Transport to clear the way for people enjoying travelling on who oversee the organising of much needed resource, again we making efforts to reduce their the reliable and free Lake- the Lakes Line again. It was a Railfuture’s Annual National would love to hear from you. dependence on coal. lander service provided by common-sense solution, and a Conference and future AGMs. Please contact Membership Wood-burning steam Carnforth-based West Coast, victory for the can-do over the If you are experienced in Director Wendy Thorne by locomotives operate on some which carried 17,000 passengers can’t-do. event management, enjoy the email: heritage railways abroad and in a fortnight. “But more than anything, it challenge of finding interesting [email protected] can be a better alternative if the The Railfuture Judges’ Special showed that when our commu- fuel comes from sustainable Award was handed over in nity gets left behind by those in ISSN 0267-5943 www.railwatch.org.uk woodland. a ceremony at the Carnforth power, we do not just give up railwatch The renewable fuel pellets now RESPECT: Patricia Marshall, Roger Blake and MP Tim Farron, right, with the Railfuture award station museum on 18 January – we come together, roll up our is edited by Ray King, 4 Christchurch Square, London E9 7HU occasionally burned in industrial 2019. Patricia said: “The award sleeves and get things done.” Tel: 020 8985 8548 [email protected] boilers (and at Drax power Printed by Print-Out, High Street, Histon, Cambridge CB4 4JD station) are unsuitable for firing such trains were introduced on seems to have been reluctant to there, with only five to/from Paris for absorbing displaced or new concerned about getting as Tel: 01223 232709. Railfuture members receive ­Railwatch free. locomotives, but research and main lines in Britain. increase its service levels, with and four to/from Brussels. With passengers is disappointing, many bums on seats as possible Railwatch abides by the National Union of Journalists’ code of conduct. development on a comparable Arnold Pacey, North Street, completely full trains running at the introduction of a third service and undoubtedly the short-haul to increase their revenue, with Non-members can subscribe online at www.railfuture.org.uk/shop or by Addingham, Ilkley LS29 0QY summer weekends and at other to Amsterdam from 11 June this renewable fuel would be airlines are grateful for this. I less concern about luggage sending £8 (cheque payable to Railfuture) to: Alan Cocker, 11 Derwent desirable. [email protected] holiday periods. summer at 11.04 non-stop to hope Eurostar can resist these space. What is really needed is Road, Ipswich, Suffolk IP3 0QR. Some heritage railways would Indeed when extreme bad Brussels (none returning yet), further service deteriorations. a return of the old guard’s van also gain in public esteem and Eurostar: Do better weather, industrial disputes the 10.58 St Pancras to Brussels Ian McDonald, Douglas Road, which catered for bulk luggage, Copy deadlines: For the next issue, published in June/July, please email serving both Ebbsfleet and Lille interest if they were to display While Eurostar services suffered (such as the SNCF actions from Maidstone, Kent, ME16 8ES (including bicycles), together ­material as early as possible to [email protected] will be withdrawn. the future of motive power as from the financial downturn in April to July 2018), accidents, [email protected] with adequate dwell time at Late copy: Friday 10 May. Emergency late news: Up to Friday 24 May. well as the past. train or power failures, trespass We can also expect that when stations to allow disembarking Postal address: 4 Christchurch Square, London E9 7HU. 2008-9, their customer levels direct return services are Hydrogen-powered trains are have gradually increased incidents, lineside fires, etc. Luggage space passengers to remove Advertising: Full page: £190. Half page: £95. Quarter page: £45. cause cancellations or even eventually introduced, Lille and under active development in again since then, not least due their luggage. Sadly, since Small ads are free to members. Otherwise: 30p per word. complete service withdrawal, Ebbsfleet stops will suffer the I fully sympathize with the three Germany and, if a cheaper to the rising tourist numbers privatisation this level of service passengers find that the same fate on those journeys too. rebuttals of Tim Mickleburgh’s Please report any problems with the delivery or condition of your copy of source of hydrogen could be from China and elsewhere, tends to be overlooked, as the next alternative services are So, convenient connections at attack on buggies on trains. Railwatch to [email protected] or to the E9 7HU address above. arranged, would be a wonderful and the decline in the value companies put profit before often fully booked for a day Lille for the south of France or of the pound after the 2016 The main issue is that there passenger welfare! advertisement for any heritage or many days! Of particular elsewhere will also be lost, as Railfuture railway that hosted trials before referendum. However Eurostar is simply not enough room David Bailey, North Lodge concern especially to those well as the ability to travel to/ for luggage on today’s trains. Close, Dawlish, Devon EX7 9QD is independent and voluntary. Railfuture Ltd is a not-for-profit company living anywhere in Kent or East from Kent without travelling via The train companies are more [email protected] limited by guarantee. Registered in England and Wales No 05011634. Sussex is the lack of services London to access the remaining ­Registered Office: 24 Chedworth Place, Tattingstone, Suffolk IP9 2ND. from Ashford, which saw 10- services. The operational dates Join 12 trains daily when Eurostar of services to Marne-la-Vallee Media enquiries Get four copies of Railwatch magazine a year, early-bird services started more than 20 and Marseilles have also been Win With Railfuture Bruce Williamson, 29 Granby Hill, Clifton, Bristol BS8 4LT. discount for our annual national conference years ago. reduced from previous years. THE Railfuture Lottery is a vital or send a cheque for a multiple Tel: 0117 9272954 Mobile: 07759 557389 and the chance to help improve Britain’s railways Now on most dates, apart Whenever I travel at any time fundraising scheme – and it of £12, payable to Railfuture Email: [email protected] YOU CAN JOIN AT www.railfuture.org.uk/join from the seasonal ski trains, of year there are always few can also benefit members! The Lottery to Railfuture Lottery, 24 Marseilles, and Marne-la-Vallee spare seats available, or none Membership £18 per year. Pensioners, n Individual £18 per year Lottery raised over £1,300 for Chedworth Place, Tattingstone, services, only two trains a day at all. While the economics of students and unwaged: £14. Joint: £20. n Joint £20 our campaigning, and also paid Suffolk IP9 2ND. run to or from Paris, and only international railway operations User groups, community and parish councils: £21. Businesses: £35 n Pensioners, students and unwaged £14 out a similar amount in prizes, RECENT WINNERS: September 2018: one a day to or from Brussels! can be demanding, such rigid You can join using PayPal via www.railfuture.org.uk or by post, please n Rail user groups, community and parish councils £21 with six available every month, Philip Odell, Janice Uphill, John Bugler, Even Ebbsfleet has seen a adherence to predicted peak n Businesses £35 ranging from £40 downwards. Philip Bisatt, John Henderson, Graham ­contact Railfuture Membership, 1 Queens Road, Barnetby le Wold decline in services stopping demand with little spare capacity It only costs £1 per month for Collett. October: Mike Kneen, A.T. Hill, DN38 6JH. Email: [email protected] each entry – though there is John Barfield, Frank Connolly, David Name ...... Brady, John Davis. November: David nothing stopping you having Peters, Anthony Cleveley, Elizabeth Renewals and other membership queries: Every Passenger Matters more than one! You can pay by Address ...... James, Lindon Stone, Peter Wilson, Use PayPal on the website or send a cheque to PayPal (see www.railfuture.org. Charles Appleby. December: Roger Railfuture Renewals, 24 Chedworth Place, ­Tattingstone, Suffolk IP9 2ND. Railfuture’s inaugural annual national conference is being uk/lottery), internet banking Blake, Elizabeth James, Robert Burrows, ...... Postcode ...... Email: [email protected] planned at an exciting new venue only three minutes walk from or by cheque . . . and you can Mark Edgell, Ian & Jane Appleyard, Bristol Parkway Station. Speakers are being sought from the rail Michael Savage. January 2019: A T Email ...... receive your winnings using any Elections Board elections held annually. Nomination forms can be industry who have the expertise in delivering for passengers. of these methods too. Hill, Keith Porter, John Barfield, Nigel obtained from www.railfuture.org.uk/Elections Send to Railfuture, 1 Queens Road, Barnetby le Wold DN38 6JH The conference, with the theme Every Passenger Matters, will be Perkins, Martin Adams, Elizabeth James. For more information, check February: Roger Bastin, Alan Colquhoun, Many other useful contact details can be found on the Cheques payable to Railfuture. Email: [email protected] Who’s Who open to members and to members of the public. Please book the www.railfuture.org.uk/lottery/ Martin Yallop, William Morrison, Peter ­Railfuture website: www.railfuture.org.uk date in your diary: 21 September 2019. More details later. email: [email protected] Hutchinson, John Davis. 18 railwatch April 2019 Twitter: @railfuture www.railfuture.org.uk ◆◆◆◆ European Rail Timetable available at http://www.europeanrailtimetable.eu railwatch April 2019 19 Scotland

Going for growth in sustainable style janeann.liston @railfuturescotland.org.uk Throughout Railfuture’s history rail development but it must there has always been a good be recognised that strategic nNew stations

reason for campaigning. improvement relies on the Results of the third stage of the Picture: ALEX CLARK The reason has, however, varied twin issues of capacity and Scottish Transport Appraisal Guide from threats to rail including governance being addressed. investigation into the plan for new several rail reorganisations, to Currently we have strategy stations at Beattock, Thornhill and recession and political change. without funding, as well as East Riggs are expected soon. Occasionally, opportunity has project and service delivery nStrathclyde presented itself, resulting in without proper governance new stations or even new lines. and organisation. Railfuture welcomes reports that StARLink’s signal of hope for reopening Up to 1984, however, the Railfuture intends to have a the busy Westerton-Milngavie line trend was a gentle decline in strong voice in addressing is to be doubled with a new station Campaigners marked the 50th Anstruther railway; secretary ridership and the accepted strategic issues so that our at Allander. This would be a great anniversary of the last train to Dita Stanis-Traken; treasurer view was that rail was going campaigning at local level on help to Glasgow commuters. arrive in St Andrews, close to Richard Batchelor, holding a nowhere in the modern world. specific initiatives, such as the exact spot where the train photograph of the last train’s line openings, can be seen as arrived. Left to right: John arrival; and convenor Jane I still have a 1985 “All systems part of a national initiative. BR timetable” which I keep as Purvis, patron of STARLINK, Ann Liston. The signal is the a reference point for the most Reopenings, including the campaign to reinstate distant signal from Edenside boring timetable ever produced Portishead, Ashington, the railway to St Andrews, near Guardbridge, found in a in terms of rail service on offer Wisbech and Levenmouth, wielding the silver shovel used ditch back in 1989, where it in Britain. can cover operational costs, by his ancestors to cut the had probably lain undisturbed contribute significantly to the first sod on the St Andrews- for the previous 20 years.

Nine years earlier came a bright economics of the rail system Picture: BARRIE FORREST spot, the High Speed Train or and regional economies. Battle for Borders Rail also clocks up 50 InterCity 125 diesel train, which was a BR invention. This opportunity for rail to RELIC: An old station sign play a greater part in the The HST appeared because from Reston unearthed by nation’s transport system campaigner Barrie Forrest the Government believed and the economy comes at a electrification was expensive, time when our railways are over-specified and slow in seen by some commentators coming, while replacement as a political nightmare, trains were needed urgently. with the Government short It is worrying that, 30 years on, PADDINGTON 2019: British Rail’s IC125 diesel is still providing good service among the newer on solutions while holding this situation exists again. electric trains built by Hitachi (background) and trains built by Siemens tightly on to the purse Madge Elliot with David Steel strings. MP and the Earl of Dalkeith MP Pictures: BRUCE McCARTNEY Any fair commentator would INSET: Bedford station queue as hard-pressed ticket office staff struggle to cope with demand with the Waverley line petition agree that BR did the job of Leadership from “hanging in there”, providing not sufficient to secure a proper government, from the trade the basis on which to expand. place for railways in addressing unions and from the industry Growth was not expected these wider issues. Railfuture itself is at rock bottom. has tabled its Blueprint for and there was no national In the immediate future the North (“search: Railfuture RESTON: Closed 1964. Now recognition that rail could there are many real threats, blueprint”). the Rail Action Group, East of form the basis of a strategic some self imposed. The Scotland is campaigning to and comprehensive transport This is a bit controversial and opportunities are potentially ensure it is reopened system for the future. not to everybody’s taste, but much greater. This puts So what has changed? The growing economics of once- in Scotland and elsewhere. it is designed with a specific meaning into Railfuture’s Contacts: purpose, particularly at a time railways killed the canals, declining cities are crucial. Everybody is jumping up and campaigning, particularly PIPES OF PROTEST: Young Campaigner Greg Cuthbert when the industry is agonising Rail Action Group, East of Scotland buses killed trams, the motor The very thing that caused down about these, but there through our branches. Kim Elliot and his mother addresses villagers at the site about current problems. (RAGES): car killed regional railways and rail’s decline, the motor car, will be more, even with the Railfuture’s membership has www.rages.org.uk/ Madge on the way to No 10 of the former Newcastleton air travel killed long distance Williams Review. We propose doubling the Downing Street in 1969 has in a strange way caused its a tremendous knowledge Beattock Station Action Group: level crossing passenger trains. Or did they? resurgence. There is a structural reason. Yes, capacity of the rail network in base across the country the next 15 years and providing www.beattockstationactiongroup. Campaigners fighting for the by the Campaign for Borders We tend to think about this in The business case for Crossrail the industry must work harder and the local, regional and org.uk/ effective governance to Borders Railway to be reopened Rail at Stow, which is on the terms of the technology, with in London was all about on cost efficiency, and we need increasingly national contacts implement a railway that meets St Andrews Rail Link campaign beyond its current Edinburgh- section of line which reopened each development being faster sustaining city growth, and to organise for a seven-day- to go with it. regional objectives. (StARLink): Tweedbank route to Hawick and in 2015. and more flexible than before. the most cost-effective way of week, more resilient railway. Please join in and use this Railfuture branches in the www.starlink-campaign.org.uk/ Carlisle have recalled the closure It was attended by David Steel Autonomous cars are currently sustaining the growing city. strength wisely as we facebook.com/StARLinkCampaign North West, North East and of the line 50 years ago which (an MP in 1969 but now Lord bedazzling the media. campaign for a much bigger These factors, probably not the Response Yorkshire will be tabling LevenMouth Rail Campaign: was marked with a barrage of Steel, aged 80) who was on the performance of the railway railway that can facilitate Railfuture’s response to the specific proposals. a much better one. I look www.lmrc-action.org.uk/ protests, including halting the last train. He fought against the City growth itself, nor privatisation, are Williams Review (“search: facebook.com/LevenmouthRail/ final train by barricading a level closure and now supports the the reason why journeys on Outside Railfuture, we have forward to seeing a further But the railways remain the Railfuture williams”) provides Capital Rail Action Group (CRAG): crossing at Newcastleton in the reopening campaign. Britain’s rail network have seen a series of strategies such doubling of use of the rail most effective answer to our considered response to the www.capitalrail.org.uk/ middle of the night. Other speakers included Kim doubled in the past 15 years. as Transport for the North’s network over the next problems created by the growth question areas raised. £70 billion plan to transform 15 years. Newburgh Train Station campaign: This year campaigners relived Elliot, who, as a schoolboy, The rail system was able to of cities and population while There is a lot to be done to the North’s economy, Greater Railfuture contends that http://newburghtrainstation.org.uk/ the dramatic event, gathering at accompanied his mother Madge respond to demand, which also providing the answer to improve the rail industry and Manchester’s Blueprint for the a rail system achieving its the same level crossing to show to present a petition to 10 has now increased to the Forth Rail Link (Dunfermline- environmental concerns. incentivise it to provide good North and the West Midlands’ true potential is part of how strong the feeling is for the Downing Street. point where the available value for passengers and Draft 30 year rail strategy Kincardine-Alloa): We need to show rail can solve . the solution to the UK’s return of the railway. Campaign for Borders Rail: infrastructure is fully taken freight customers. We will www.forthraillink.com problems and is not just a Manchester’s strategy calls for economic, transport and facebook.com/forthraillink/ There was also a rally organised www.campaignforbordersrail.org/ problem – requiring subsidy up, and pinch points limit the continue to campaign in these new stations and routes but environmental issues. Thornhill Station Action Group: for the perceived minority of capacity and performance of areas, particularly given the the capacity has to be there the whole network. knowledge base within the Thankfully, our voice is [email protected] Appeal for more Highland rail investment users who rely on rail, or like for such developments. We increasingly being heard. to use it. Wider developments We have seen various fiascos membership of Railfuture. know it is clearly not there at Bonnybridge Railway Campaign: MSP Kate Forbes has called on ScotRail to invest further in the such as the increase in general such as the Northern timetable The big worry is that all this is the moment. It is rewarding to o Ian Brown CBE FCILT is http://bonnybridgerailway.scot Highland rail network after the latest figures from the Office of mobility, more wealth and the debacle, and crew shortages really necessary but patently see so many bodies planning Railfuture policy director www.facebook.com/ Rail Regulation showed a six per cent annual increase in station bonnybridgerailway use across her Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch constituency. 20 railwatch April 2019 Twitter: @railfuture www.railfuture.org.uk ◆◆◆◆ Join Railfuture online at www.railfuture.org.uk/join railwatch April 2019 21 London & South East [email protected] Why are we still waiting for Portishead railway? nRailfuture’s input to key schemes By Dave Chillistone Railfuture members have recently presented a Portishead is 10 miles west of united front on several key issues. We backed Bristol on the Severn estuary, the Department for Transport’s proposal to Picture: EAST MIDLANDS Picture: EAST with only one A-road (A369) close Angel Road station in May to make way in and out of the town, and for the new Meridian Water station, which frequent traffic jams at junction is predicted at some stage in the future 19 of the M5. to handle four million passengers a year, compared to Angel Road’s 33,000. We also The B3124 runs south-west from PictureS: RAILWATCH supported Network Rail’s proposed Croydon the town, a direction with little area remodelling scheme and Transport for traffic demand. An unclassified London’s idea for a Sutton Link tram extension CORBY: EMT’s Millie Purton displays 10 road runs south-east from the to Merton. town but is unsuitable as a The first-ever transport strategy produced commuting route. by the City of London Corporation won our Reopened Corby Portishead’s traffic congestion GROUP RAILWAY Pictures: PORTISHEAD support. We also contributed to Railfuture’s and pollution problems have national response to the Williams Rail Review been dire for more than 20 years and to Railfuture Thames Valley’s work on and are getting worse. East West Rail’s Bicester-Bedford plans. celebrates 10 Submissions can be found on the Railfuture The tenth anniversary of Corby reopening saw BBC Like most British cities, Bristol 2017: Official notice at the The existing single-track website. Search the website for “consultations”. Radio Northampton join in the celebrations with once had a network of railways, Avon Gorge, Bristol, alerting section of the line in Avon a breakfast show from the station on Saturday 23 including a line to Portishead people that a new station is Gorge, Bristol, to Pill (and BRISTOL RAIL LINES: Portishead could be reconnected nTake your partners please February. The previous day, MP Tom Pursglove with a station at the end of High to be built at Portishead and Portishead) which is now Street. Pill station reopened long overdue for reopening The Hastings & Rother Rail Users Alliance joined Lawrence Bowman of East Midlands Trains pollution and health damage. most overcrowded cul-de- of local rail user groups goes from strength and Ed Akers of Network Rail at Corby. The line opened in 1867 but Much of the traffic is along the sac in Britain.” Portishead’s to strength in East Sussex. It has received closed to passengers under Despite this need, the line was Corby station opened its doors in 2009 with a service relaid from Bristol to Royal route between Portishead and population has increased by a Railfuture award and has built a good of one train per day to and from London, but by the 1960s Beeching cuts, when Bristol. Despite this widely over 40% since 1999 and the partnership with train operator Govia Portbury Dock between 2000 April that was boosted to a train every hour, plus a Portishead’s population was a known situation, on 22 January point Dr Fox clearly stated back Railway. Refinements were made little over 7,000. Freight traffic and 2002, but only to “freight” through service to Melton Mowbray. Since then, the standards, not to “passenger” 2019 the Government criticised in 2005 is now more obvious. to the Railfuture-inspired Ashford-Eastbourne station has seen in excess of 2.3 million journeys. ceased in 1981. Bristol for unacceptable timetable in December, which helped standards. Is the massive environmental For decades Railfuture campaigned for the The need to reopen the line is pollution in the city. Joined-up commuters to London. More improvements The three miles of track Green, Easton-in-Gordano and health damage caused by reopening – and it finally happened in 2009, largely now desperate. Here is why: thinking? are expected this year. between Portishead and and Portbury have also grown all these developments in any thanks to Railfuture members Elisabeth Jordan By 1999, Portishead’s Where is the funding Railfuture attended the first of three Portbury Junction was left significantly over a similar way acceptable? The continuing and the late Jim Wade, plus the station’s current population had trebled to 21,000 for alternative transport stakeholder workshops organised by derelict. Consequently, the period, and they too would be lack of full funding for champion, Railfuture member David Fursdon. but it was about to undergo a infrastructure in the wider Transport for the South East (an alliance of whole line now needs to be served by the reopened railway. reopening the Portishead line local authorities). We also recommended At the moment the line from Bedford to Corby is single massive transformation, relaid to current “passenger” Bristol area? Local finance, suggests that some in power The reopened line would serve other rail user groups be invited. TfSE is being electrified, with the prospect of even better the like of which had not standards. including devolved regional think it is. compiling a draft transport strategy for the occurred outside of a British city a catchment population of money, is insufficient to close services for the town in future. From December North Somerset Council wisely To others, it is obvious that years up to 2050. 2020, the service will be doubled to two trains per environment. 50,000 and rising. It would also this funding gap. purchased much of the derelict benefit an additional 180,000 rail regeneration schemes, Railfuture collaborates with five community hour in each direction between Corby and London Portishead’s huge “brown Meanwhile, Portishead’s justified by well-researched, rail corridor, thus preserving people along the route. Best rail partnerships which are involved in 20 St Pancras in each direction. Railfuture’s David field” dock area would be development continues, thus healthy business cases, the ability to reinstate the line. of all, the profit from the line different lines in Railfuture’s London and Fursdon said: “There can be no doubt the reopening redeveloped as a marina, with increasing environmental should be co-funded by would help fund other rail South East area. The CRPs’ work is guided of Corby station has boosted the town’s ongoing houses and flats all around it. The local authorities have and health damage. For central government and local by the DfT’s Connecting Communities with a clear and joint interest in regeneration in the wider regeneration and given Corby citizens access to the A large tract of adjoining land example, a recent proposal sponsorship. the Railways development strategy which providing integrated transport Bristol area. greater UK rail network.” would also be developed for seeks to demolish a trading was launched in November. Sussex CRP’s in the wider Bristol area, estate (removing sources of Only then can rail regeneration Steve Jones, secretary of Railfuture East Midlands, housing. The overall scheme Although reopening the North Downs line has spawned three sub- including reopening the local employment) and build schemes, using a mix of heavy said: “The Corby reopening was a major East was at one time the largest Portishead line is long overdue, groups to address local rail development Portishead line and other lines. yet more homes to meet the rail and light rail solutions, Midlands rail network development. Corby was one single urban development in it remains in limbo because of play their part in reducing issues in Guildford, Dorking and Reigate. The To achieve their integrated insufficient funding. Government’s housing target. Bedfordshire Rural Communities Charity has of the largest towns in Britain without a rail service, Europe – in a town of (then) the environmental and health so the return of regular trains was very welcome. The 21,000, with limited access. aim they formed a project Central government has The traffic capacity assessment damage of private motoring. recently added a new Bedford-St Albans CRP definition and management refers to the inhabitants of to its portfolio, joining the and town gained an impressive new station and a high- Portishead’s population is now made numerous encouraging approaching 30,000. group, MetroWest, a part of the proposed new dwellings Central government continues Marston Vale CRPs. quality through service to and from London. These statements but seems unwilling to set targets for house building, have played a major part in Corby’s recovery after The 1999 prospectus for this whose work has been planning to provide part-funding, commuting predominantly by nMaps for better interchanging reopening the Portishead line. rail – but the railway is derelict! but funding for additional the loss of its traditional industries.” massive development included despite having clean air infrastructure must be provided Railfuture members have notched up some A downside of the Corby reopening, however, is reopening the railway to Bristol. The business case for reopening obligations which reopening With few other employment if rail is to help reduce the “small but beautiful” successes with changes at Luton and Bedford where one rail campaigner As a result, thousands of people is impressive, with a benefit the line would help make opportunities beyond high reliance on individual carbon- street businesses, the vast to the latest maps for London & the South East said: “All well and good, but the consequence of bought their new Portishead to cost ratio of 2.15. The BCR attainable. fuelled transport. rail services and London’s Rail & Tube services homes believing the railway estimates the £s of benefit from majority of Portishead’s ever- Corby reopening was the loss of two trains per Portishead’s inadequate Local authorities can usually (formerly London Connections). Interchanges hour semi-fast services from Luton and Bedford would reopen. each £ spent. transport infrastructure growing working population will continue their daily find ways to fund road are now shown for the likes of Ash Vale-North northwards to Market Harborough, Leicester and The wider population of The areas around Pill, Ham causes massive traffic queues, Camp and Dorking-Dorking Deepdene (less commute by car. improvements. However, other destinations. Under Corby electrification it is Portishead believed the same. those same authorities who than 15 minutes walk). London interchanges more than likely that Parkway, Luton, Twenty years later there is More journeys + lower journey are shown for the likes of Camden Road- speeds = much higher pollution also need to reconnect their Bedford and Wellingborough passengers will have still no railway, for want of £50m rail regeneration funding model now much larger local area Camden Town and Kent House-Beckenham to change out of electric services at Kettering for £32million – just 28% of the total levels. Road-Clock House (less than 10 minutes walk). £50 million per annum ring-fenced and added by central communities by implementing stations north along the Midland main line.” required funding. The other government to Network Rail’s five-year control period funding This long-standing toxic rail regeneration schemes nMonthly updates from Railfuture £84 million is ready and would part-fund two, maybe three rail regeneration schemes mix of traffic and pollution should take heed of the funding Railfuture members, and others, can subscribe waiting, sourced from devolved in each five-year control period. led the local MP, Dr Liam impasse that currently prevents Railwatch welcomes articles and pictures West of England development Fox, to state in the House of free to our monthly e-newsletter inter-railse Local authorities and local enterprise partnerships would reopening the Portishead line, from rail users and rail user groups funding and money provided Commons back in 2005: “The which fills the gap between the quarterly justify the needs and fund the stations, roads, bus bays, car despite its obvious “no brainer” by the four local councils: consequence of the growth railse, sent to branch members with each Send your material to: The Editor, 4 Christchurch parks and drop-off zones. status. Railwatch. You can find them on the Railfuture Square, London E9 07HU Bristol City, Bath & North-East in housing and population n Central government’s £50 million per annum would fund Dave Chillistone is a website by searching for “inter-railse”. Email: [email protected] Somerset, North Somerset, and in Portishead, combined South Gloucestershire. The need Network Rail to design and provide the rail infrastructure, after with inadequate transport committee member of https://www.railfuture.org.uk/ Please use email if possible but include your postal agreed business cases have justified the needs. Portishead Railway Group London+and+South+East address. Postal and email addresses may be published to reopen the Portishead line infrastructure, has resulted Twitter: @RailfutureLSE unless writers ask for them to be excluded. has been obvious since 1999. in what is now probably the www.portisheadrailwaygroup.org

22 railwatch April 2019 Twitter: @railfuture www.railfuture.org.uk ◆◆◆◆ Railfuture rail users conference at Bristol Parkway 21 September 2019 railwatch April 2019 23 ) gregfoster.org.uk Picture: GREG FOSTER (

DEBATE: Jane Ann Liston addressing the Scottish Lib Dems conference. Inset: StARLink and Railfuture badges on her jacket Rail reopenings boost the economy Railfuture campaigner rail network is of huge social transport secretary to create a Alston-Tavistock, Heathrow Councillor Jane Ann Liston and environmental benefit to Network Development Fund southern and western accesses, addressed the Scottish Liberal Scotland, particularly for those specifically to help the most Thornton-Levenmouth, Democrats’ conference who live in rural areas that beneficial projects to get built.” Leuchars-St Andrews and at Hamilton in February, have been cut off from public Railfuture’s Bruce Williamson Cambridge-Haverhill. persuading delegates to back a transport for too long.” supported the CBT idea: “We Railfuture has also issued a call for the Scottish Government The clamour for rail reopenings hope this fund could help kick- ten-point Rail Challenge to to carry out a review into is getting ever wider and louder. start a new wave of rail revival. Government, industry and reopening railways. More than 30 rail lines should be “The money would fund the campaigners: Speaking towards the end reopened, argues the Campaign research needed to identify 1. Customer service. Put rail of the debate and wearing for Better Transport in a report the most economically viable users first, be proactive and badges of Railfuture and The Case for Expanding the Rail schemes, which will then give responsive, keep promises and StARLink (the St Andrews Network, published in February. local authorities the confidence show you care. rail reopening campaign), she Reopening a line can transform to invest further. It is about 2. Industrial relations. Find summed up the debate and an area, boosting the local breaking the log jam that has solutions! also called for new stations to economy, creating better places held up so many reopening 3. Punctuality. Focus on be opened on existing lines. to live and reducing carbon schemes over the years.” operation. The motion listed Levenmouth, emissions, said CBT. Railfuture has a proud history of Glasgow Crossrail, Alloa- The CBT identified three as campaigning for rail reopenings 4. Seven day railway with no Dunfermline, Grangemouth, top priority: March-Wisbech, but has targeted those with cancellations. Reform rostering. St Andrews, Borders railway the freight-only Totton-Hythe- a cast-iron business case.We 5. Fares and ticketing. Move to Carlisle, Peterhead, Fawley line in Hampshire, want to see speedy action on from RPI to CPI on regulated Edinburgh’s Abbeyhill Loop and Ashington, Blyth and 12 schemes, including Skipton- fares in January 2020. and South Suburban Line as Tyne. Steve Chambers, public Colne, Kirby-Skelmersdale, 6. Information. Provide real prime candidates. MSP Mike transport campaigner at Oxford-Cowley and Bristol- help to passengers. Rumbles said: “Expanding our CBT, said: “We are asking the Portishead. Others include Bere 7. Resilience. Focus Network Rail investment on maximising Maths genius who campaigned for trains resilience. 8. Projects. Manage with The funeral of Railfuture member Simon Norton intelligence and authoritative took place in February, attended by many leadership. transport camapigners as well as family and friends. Recognised as a mathematical genius, 9. Devolution. Transfer powers he died aged 66 after a lifetime of passionate to bodies such as Transport for campaigning for better train and bus services. He the North and Transport for the left £3 million to the Foundation for Integrated South East Transport which he set up and chaired. 10. Williams Rail Review. Make Simon’s story was told by Alexander Masters, his tactical improvements and focus former Cambridge tenant, in his book The Genius Picture: JAMES S WELLING on performance delivery. in my Basement: The Biography of a Happy Man. For more detail, search: He belonged to a wealthy family with Iraqi railfuture challenge origins, won a maths scholarship to Eton, and ISSN 0267-5943 went to Trinity College, Cambridge, after gaining 59 a first class degree in maths at London University. He worked at Cambridge University until 1985. WINNING WAYS: Simon Norton with Summer At Cambridge he is believed to have suffered Dean, left, and Emily Yates of the Association some sort of breakdown, but he continued to of British Commuters at the Sheila McKechnie publish papers on mathematical problems – and Foundation awards in 2017. Simon was a judge to campaign for trains and buses. while the ABC pair were runners-up 9 770267 594000