The theme of the conference is Integration: from vision to reality and will focus on practical ways of developing closer links between bus and rail.

The conference will hear from senior figures in the bus and rail industry about their ideas for closer co-operation, said TR&IN director Dr Paul Salveson.

With new franchises being let for Wales, the North of England and East Anglia we hope this will be an opportunity for bus and train operators to work together more closely and provide additional passenger benefits.

Delegates will hear about leading-edge schemes in Oxfordshire, North Lancashire, Essex and Yorkshire.

For instance there is a high quality smaller interchanges at Carnforth, demand-responsive services from stations at Holmfirth and Coggeshall and dedicated bus links aimed at reducing car trips to Bicester station.

The event is organised by Transport Research and Information Network (TR&IN).

Full details from TR&IN on 01484 549737 or www.platform8.demon.co.uk.

TR&IN’s new report on local management of rural railways has just been published. Re-inventing the local railway: how locally-managed railways can be at the heart of a rural renaissance features detailed case studies of the Esk Valley Line (Middlesbrough-Whitby), Liskeard-Looe in Cornwall, Island Line (Isle of Wight) and Dartmoor Railway in Devon.

The study has examples of successful schemes in Germany, the Netherlands and Sweden where local management, working with regional and national agencies, transformed the fortunes of little-used rural railways.

The report shows how investment in local railways can bring wider benefits to the community through new jobs, business development and less car-dependence.

The report is available to the public at £25 plus £1.50 post and packing.

Transport Research and Information Network
Brian Jackson Centre, New North Parade, Huddersfield HD1 5JP
Phone: 01484 549737 Fax: 01484 544234
Email: paul at banktop.fsworld.co.uk