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Railfuture in the news

Railfuture is frequently quoted by the media in newspapers, transport magazines, online and on radio and television.

Below are some recent examples of Railfuture being reported. If you know of any we've missed, then email media at railfuture.org.uk with details.


2024


4th December - LBC

The government has announced the timetable for renationalising the train operators. What will be the impact for passengers? Railfuture chair Chris Page appears on the early breakfast show to offer his thoughts. Listen here or download here.

21st November - Oxford Mail

"New East West Rail route from Oxford lacks platform capacity" is the headline of a story that goes on to say that rail services will still be possible without the new platforms. Dave Richardson of Thames Valley branch is quoted: “This is good news, as there had been fears that without the extra capacity at Oxford station, East West would be restricted to one train per hour or not be able to start operating at all.”

19th November - BBC Radio Somerset

The Office of Rail and Road has given conditional approval for Go-op to run services between Taunton and Swindon via Westbury. What will this mean for passengers? Railfuture spokesman Bruce Williamson appears on the breakfast show. Listen here or download here.

4th November - Cambridge News

It could cost £230 million to reopen the railway to Wisbech, the paper reports. "At a transport and infrastructure committee meeting this week Peter Wakefield, vice-chair of Railfuture East Anglia, called on the Combined Authority to “stop the procrastination and commit to building the railway back to Wisbech”."

2nd November - inews

Journalist and political adviser Andrew Gilligan writes an opinion piece entitled "Make no mistake, the great train fare robbery is under way". He fears that off-peak fares will be scrapped across the network, following the LNER trial, and mentions Railfuture: "The group Railfuture found the same as I have, with effective increases of up to 130 per cent. But last month the scheme was extended to more stations on and off the LNER route, and soon it is likely to be rolled out on many more, perhaps all, long-distance journeys.".

26th October - Wisbech Standard

A report from Network Rail has been published, setting out the business case for a shuttle service between Wisbech and March. A spokesperson for East Anglia branch is extensively quoted, including the words:

"Wisbech is the only major town in Cambridgeshire without a railway station. Towns approaching its size, St Neots, Huntingdon, Ely, all have railway stations that are used by thousands of their residents each day for journeys long and short... People want a new station and service that inspires pride."

A similar story appears in the Fenland citizen.

15th October - LBC

George Osborne has come out in favour of "HS2 light", a slower cheaper version of the line between Birmihgham and Manchester. Railfuture spokesman Bruce Williamson appears on the early breakfast show to offer his thoughts. Listen here or download here.

14th October - BBC Radio Somerset

Railfuture spokesman Bruce Williamson is invited onto Simon Parkin's morning show to talk about the past and future of the railways in Somerset. Listen here or download here.

5th October - Oxford Mail

"CrossCountry to face critics about 'cut' Oxford services" - the paper reports on
a public meeting organised by Thames Valley branch to discuss future service levels through Oxford with Richard Gibson, stakeholder manager West & Wales for CrossCountry,

The outcome of he meeting is reported a few days later on the BBC News website.

4th October - LBC News

Railfuture director Neil Middleton is interviewed about passenger crowding problems at Euston and plans to improve the passenger experience there. Listen here or download here.

4th October - LBC Radio

London & South East regional branch Vice-Chair Roger Blake is quizzed by Shelagh Fogarty about the Transport Secretary's intervention in the Euston station controversy and the 5-point plan to improve passengers' experience there. Listen here or download here.

25th September - LBC Radio

Board Director Roger Blake is interviewed again about the resolution of the long-standing industrial action, on the date he noted which is exactly three months before Christmas Day and people will now be wanting to start booking their festive season rail travel with greater certainty in rail services operating as advertised.

18th September - LBC Radio

Board Director Roger Blake is interviewed about "what an agreement to end strike action by train drivers might mean for the future of the rail industry?" Stability and confidence, he said.

15th September - inews.co.uk

Greater Anglia and West Midlands operations could be nationalised at short notice, as contract terms have expired. Railfuture vice-chair Neil Middleton is quoted:

“Passengers in cities like Norwich, Coventry and Birmingham are better off if the contracts for Greater Anglia and West Midlands Trains are extended for a short time, rather than their operators being plunged into the uncertainty of a part formed GBR in the near term.” 

14th September - BBC News

The direct train service between between Bristol Temple Meads and Oxford has been restored. The website says:

"Richard Stow, chairman of Thames Valley branch of national campaigning group Railfuture, welcomed the news and said it would "boost the case" for a new Wantage & Grove station."

4th September - North Devon Gazette

Tarka Rail Association's outgoing co-Vice Chair Tim Steer offers his "Reflections on my rail campaign" - the ACE Rail campaign, now absorbed within the Railfuture-convened Northern Devon Railway Development Alliance.

1st September - Evening Standard

Railcard discounts will be reduced from 34% to 33.4% from 15th September. Railfuture spokesman Bruce Williamson is quoted: “Whilst this represents a very tiny increase in fares for some passengers, it’s a step in the wrong direction. As the slogan goes, every little helps, so why risk irritating passengers for a few pence?”

The same story is also picked up by The Express, Telegraph, Daily Mail, Mirror, BBC News, The Railway Magazine and many more outlets.

28th August - LBC News

With Avanti's poor performance, there's talk of ending its contract early. How realistic is this? Railfuture spokesman Bruce Williamson appears via a troublesome phone line to offer his thoughts. Listen here or download here.

16th August - BBC Radio 4

Lincolnshire branch chair David Harby speaks to The World At One from Manchester Piccadilly station about the effect of rail strikes on LNER. Listen here or download here.

15th August - ITV Yorkshire

Yorkshire branch chair Nina Smith appears on he regional news programme Calendar to comment on the recent news story of fare evasion prosecutions being annulled.

11th August - LBC News

Scotrail has been suffering from poor performance, with an average of 10 trains per day being cancelled last year. Railfuture director Neil Middleton appears on the breakfast show to discuss. Listen here or download here.

31st July - BBC Radio York

Haxby station reopening is threatened by government cutbacks. Yorkshire branch chair Nina Smith is invited on to the breakfast show to offer her views. Listen here or download here.

30th July - Daily Telegraph

Under the headline "Labour scraps dozens of planned railway lines in blow to small town Britain", Railfuture director Neil Middleton is quoted:
“The Restoring Your Railway fund could have been a key way for the Government to deliver on its strategic objectives in terms of transforming infrastructure, promoting social mobility and tackling regional inequality. This isn’t HS2. The amounts of money involved are no more than rounding errors in the wider scheme of things, but the difference to isolated communities is huge. It’s just the sort of investment that we need to make if this country is to be more efficient and effective.”

30th July - BBC Radio Bristol

The government's announcement that it is scrapping the Restoring Your Railway fund has cast doubt on the Portishead line reopening. Railfuture spokesman Bruce Williamson appears on the breakfast show to discuss. Listen here or download here.

25th July - North Devon Gazette

"Torridge District Council joins push for North Devon Rail Link - Torridge District Council backs feasibility study for new rail link with Northern Devon Alliance" says the report of the Council's recent Community & Resources Committee's unanimous decision, including quotes from Railfuture members Tarka Rail Association Vice-Chair Tim Steer and Infrastructure & Networks Director Roger Blake.

17th July - BBC Radio Five Live

The King's Speech is expected to include renationalisation of the railways. What difference will this make to passengers? Railfuture spokesman Bruce Williamson is invited on to the breakfast show to discuss. Listen here or download here.

15th July - The Scotsman

Wheelchair user David Redgewell had an unpleasant experience after attending Railfuture’s AGM in Edinburgh, ending up stranded on a platform with no working lifts. Railfuture Scotland secretary Jane Ann Liston, who is also a Fife councillor, is quoted:

“This is the sort of horror story that we thought was a thing of the past.
What a dreadful impression of Scotland's railway he will take back to England after this experience. I have asked ScotRail for an explanation and details of the steps they will take to ensure that this does not happen to any other passenger.”

15th July - Eastern Daily Press

An article discusses locations for potential new Norfolk railway stations, and Railfuture gets a mention. East Anglia branch advocates Forncett St Mary, near Long Strattonl, but the county council does not support it.

10th July - Rail magazine

"Railfuture says that restoring passenger services between Stenson and Sheet Stores Junctions (bypassing Derby) would provide the fastest journeys between Nottingham and Birmingham, now that the HS2 eastern leg will not be built. It would also provide the opportunity to reopen the station (closed in 1930)."

26th June - New Civil Engineer

"Candidates standing for election to parliament for West Suffolk are backing a proposal to restore the railway link between Haverhill and Cambridge, which has a strong case according to a recent study.

The Haverhill to Cambridge Railway link closed in 1967 and over the past decade or so an organisation called Railfuture East Anglia has been working on a campaign to restore it.

Railfuture East Anglia commissioned a study by Jonathan Roberts Consulting which was released in April this year to study the A1307 transport corridor."

4th June - BBC News South West

Lunchtime Spotlight news bulletin leads with item about Bideford including reference to new Northern Devon Railway Development Alliance, whose inaugural event was organised by founder member Railfuture on 1st March - see below for extensive media coverage throughout March and April.

2nd June - BBC News

The BBC website reports on Greater Anglia timetable changes, which have been welcomed by Ian Couzens, chairman of East Anglia branch. He is quoted: "The improvement in the Norwich to Liverpool Street timings are also good to hear,..It's important that steady progress is made towards achieving the 'Norwich in 90' target in the long run."

1st June - Cambridge News

"The Cambridgeshire town that used to have 3 train stations but now has none" is the headline, and refers to Wisbech. The article says: "Railfuture East Anglia is currently campaigning for a tram-train network to connect Wisbech to Cambridge. The proposed network would include a service running every half an hour between Wisbech and Cambridge, as per Railfuture's plans. A petition calling for the reopening of Wisbech rail has already garnered over 4,000 signatures."

31st May - Sky News

Wales branch spokesman Peter Kingsbury was the surprise face on the "Breakfast with Kay Burley" news programme when he did a live interview from the platform of Cardiff Bay station. The 3 minute slot was arranged to cover the timetable upgrade to the Core Valley lines from the 2nd June which includes through running from Cardiff Bay to Pontypridd for the first time in several decades.

31st May - CambsNews.co.uk

The website publishes an opinion piece by Ian Couzens, chair of East Anglia branch, entitled "Railfuture East Anglia – a rail manifesto for the next Parliament".

30th May - Suffolk News

The Conservative candidate to become the next MP for West Suffolk has voiced his support for Railfuture's campaign for a rail link between Haverhill and Cambridge. Nick Timothy said: "“I want to commend the work of Railfuture East Anglia and Jonathan Roberts Consulting in laying out not only the case for a rail link, but setting out how a new line between Haverhill and Cambridge might work."

29th May - North Devon Gazette

Tim Steer in Devon & Cornwall regional branch responds to the question "Why Barnstaple-Bideford, not Barnstaple-Tiverton?" - citing some Railfuture research data - in the third of his occasional columns.

20th May - BBC Radio Kent

Eurostar wants to expand its services with a fleet of new trains, but what hope is there for services returning to Ashford and Ebbsfleet? Chris Fribbins of Kent branch is interviewed on the breakfast show. Listen here or download here.

27th April - TalkTV

Railfuture spokesman Bruce Williamson discusses the state of the railways, including Labour's plans to renationalise the railways. Click here to watch it.

26th April - railfreight.com

"Go for good now, not perfect net-zero later, says Railfuture" is the headline. The article continues: "Waiting for the perfect solution to carbon emissions is the wrong strategy. Rail freight can deliver a good solution now, which is better overall, says Railfuture, the influential pressure group that promotes rail development in the UK."

25th April - LBC News

Labour has published its proposals to renationalise the railways. Railfuture spokesman Bruce Williamson appears on the breakfast show to offer his thoughts on how this will pan out. Listen here or download here.

Later the same morning he is interviewed by Simon Parkin on BBC Radio Somerset. Listen here or download here.

18th April - Devon Live

"Fresh moves to restore Devon rail link" reports Devon Live, following Torridge District Council's vote to join the new Northern Devon Railway Development Alliance following its inaugural event organised by Railfuture.

12th April - North Devon Gazette

"Key developments in Bideford's railway revival hopes" declares the North Devon Gazette, in a follow-up report again mentioning the new Northern Devon Railway Development Alliance and its inaugural event on 1st March organised by Railfuture.

10th April - North Devon Gazette

"Rail link revival group gets backing" reports the North Devon Gazette, following Torridge District Council's vote to join the new Northern Devon Railway Development Alliance following its inaugural event organised by Railfuture.

9th April - Radio Exe

"Bideford/Barnstaple rail link backed" reports Radio Exe (Devon) in a Top News story, following Torridge District Council's vote to join the new Northern Devon Railway Development Alliance following its inaugural event organised by Railfuture.

8th April - Cambridge Independent

Under the headline "New research supports calls for reinstatement of railway between Cambridge and Haverhill" the paper covers East Anglia branch's campaign for this reopening.

4th April - Cambridge News

The paper publishes an opinion piece by East Anglia branch under the headline "OPINION: Report demonstrates ‘strong case’ for Haverhill to Cambridge railway".

4th April - North Devon Journal

"Rail line is most successful for GWR and alliance can help aid growth" - the newly-founded Northern Devon Railway Development Alliance's inaugural event on 1st March is again reported in the North Devon Journal (see also 22nd March) following its inaugural event organised by Railfuture; group photo includes Policy Director Ian Brown CBE and Infrastructure & Networks Director Roger Blake.

3rd April - BBC One

Railfuture spokesman Bruce Williamson comments on Network Rail's investment plans on BBC News at One on BBC1 TV. The same report also appears on the 6pm edition. View it here

2nd April - The Sun

The paper runs its usual seasonal knocking copy about engineering works with the headline "Rail firms to get £50m compensation for Easter engineering works — but axe payouts to suffering passengers". Railfuture spokesman Bruce Williamson is quoted: “The way money moves around the rail industry will be a mystery to most ­passengers. Easter works are essential, but it’s understandable passengers would want compensation.”

2nd April - Devon Live

"New Devon rail link could radically transform deprived town" - illustrated coverage of the Northern Devon Railway Development Alliance’s proposal to connect Bideford back onto the rail network, with local MPs Sir Geoffrey Cox KC and Selaine Saxby expressing support at its inaugural event organised by Railfuture; group photo includes Policy Director Ian Brown CBE and Infrastructure & Networks Director Roger Blake.

28th March - Suffolk News

"Restoration of Haverhill to Cambridge railway gains support from new Railfuture East Anglia study" is the headline on a story about a new report published by Railfuture, which you can read here.

The story is also picked up by the Cambridge News.

25th March - The Voice FM

Railfuture, and Railwatch, are mentioned several times in an interview with Tarka Rail Association's Tim Steer about the new Northern Devon Railway Development Alliance, and recent Community Rail Awards. Listen here or download here.

22nd March - North Devon Journal

"New alliance is formed to fight for rail upgrade" - the newly-founded Northern Devon Railway Development Alliance's inaugural event is reported in the North Devon Journal following its inaugural event organised by Railfuture.

18th March - Falkirk Herald

The possibility of opening a station in Grangemouth seems to be gradually increasing. Railfuture Scotland gets credit in the article for a report it produced "about having a Scottish rail network fit for the 21st century."

15th March - BBC Radio Devon

Railfuture director Roger Blake is interviewed about Northern Devon Railway Development Alliance's aspirations to link Bideford to Barnstaple. Listen here or download here.

13th March - E-Rail

E-Rail quotes Railfuture's Infrastructure & Networks Director Roger Blake on Land Value Capture, the pioneering financing model supporting delivery of the Northumberland Line.

10th March - Devon Live

"Major step forward in creation of new Devon rail link" - the third newspaper to pick up on our press release about the launch of the Northern Devon Railway Development Alliance.

5th March - North Devon Gazette

"North Devon railway alliance launched to restore historic rail link" - our press release about the inauguration of the Northern Devon Railway Development Alliance is picked up again.

3rd March - The Guardian

The Guardian is one of many media outlets to pick up on our press release about fare rises, including inews, The Independent, LBC, London Evening Standard, Sky News, GB News, The Mirror, and the Telegraph.

Railfuture spokesman Bruce Williamson is interviewed on Matthew Wright's show on LBC (listen here or download here), whilst Railfuture director Neil Middleton appears on its sister station LBC News (listen here or download here).

The next day, he is interviewed on the BBC Radio Berkshire breakfast show. Listen here or download here.

2nd March - Rail Advent

"New North Devon Railway Development Alliance is formed" - our press release about the inauguration of the Northern Devon Railway Development Alliance is picked up.

1st March - Chime Whistle Publishing

"Big plans for North Devon rail as The Northern Devon Railway Development Alliance is launched" - the first blogger to pick up on our press release.

1st March - Crediton Courier

"Northern Devon Railway Development Alliance launched to push for new rail link" - the first newspaper to pick up on our press release about the launch of the Northern Devon Railway Development Alliance, with the aim of securing a new rail link between Bideford and Barnstaple and upgrade of the North Devon (Tarka) Line between Exeter and Barnstaple.

16th February - Daily Mail

The Mail is one of many media outlets to pick up on our press release about LNER's fare structure change. Railfuture director Neil Middleton is quoted: 'The removal of the Super Off-Peak ticket is an awful move. Just the possibility or having to pay over £192 for a railway ticket to travel between King's Cross and Newcastle is enough to put you off travelling by train, possibly forever."

The story appears in the Telegraph, Express, Guardian, Independent, Mirror, GB News, MSN, Yahoo! and many others.

Neil is also interviewed on LBC News. Listen here or download here.

31th January - BBC Radio Sheffield

Yorkshire branch vice-chair Andrew Dyson is invited onto the breakfast show to discuss the impact of the latest rail strikes. Listen here or download here.

30th January - Sky news

Railfuture director Neil Middleton discusses fares, investment and the general state of the railway.


30th January - LBC

With yet another round of strikes taking place, Railfuture spokesman Bruce Williamson is invited onto the drive time programme to discuss the impact on the railway. Listen here or download here.

23rd January - City A.M.

"I’ll never take Eurostar again" is the headline of an article describing some of the problems that have affected cross-channel rail services. Railfuture director Jerry Alderson is quoted: "Management seems unable to cope with such problems, appearing to have no procedures in place to manage customers or their personal situation. Too many passengers encounter serious delays and a lack of support resulting in an ‘I’ll never take Eurostar again’ response. No business can afford this.”

17th January - Greatest Hits Radio

A frustrated commuter has used an FOI request to obtain data about the number and causes of delays on the GWML. Railfuture spokesman Bruce Williamson is quoted: "We know the industry is not doing it deliberately, they want to run a reliable railway as well, but in the real world things do go wrong, break down, people get sick, infrastructure crumbles there's weather-related incidents, there's all sorts of causes. I think any rail passenger who experiences delays or cancellations has a right to feel frustrated. We all want a railway that is reliable, that is affordable that works for passengers."

16th January - LBC News

LNER has simplified its ticketing in a two year experiment. Is this good news for passengers? Railfuture spokesman Bruce Williamson offers his thoughts. Listen here or download here.

12th January - Cambridge News

The paper prints an article on East Anglia branch's plans to reopen the Cambridge to Haverhill railway line.

The story is also picked up by the Cambridge Independent.




Click HERE for previous examples of Railfuture in the media.

Media - For more information please contact:
Bruce Williamson, media spokesman
Tel: 0117 927 2954
Mobile: 07759 557389
Email: media at railfuture.org.uk

Apply to join Railfuture now - click HERE.