Activists Briefing Issue 25

24th April 2007

IN THE NEWS

Railfuture President and Media Spokesman, Peter Lawrence, was busy following the publication of Network Rail's business plan in which they announced they are to spend about £2billion on maintenance between now and April 2009.

BBC Radio 4 Today programme asked Peter to record an interview on the announcement for broadcasting the following morning.

BBC Radio Five live also asked for an interview. Could Peter do a live interview at 05.30 am? Peter declined but did agree to be interviewed after 06.45 am but not before. In the end he recorded a piece late in the afternoon.

BBC Three Counties Radio telephoned at 09.00am on the same subject and asked for a live interview. Peter had just five minutes before going live on air.

On 4th April Peter received a telephone call from the Eastern Daily Press concerning the East Anglian implications for the Network Rail enhancement package.

On behalf of Railfuture East Anglia Branch Peter welcomed the replacement of the overhead lines between Liverpool Street to Chelmsford. This particular stretch of track is currently unreliable to due to the life expired overhead and has had a knock on affect to the whole system with reliability and punctuality of trains between Norwich and London. Currently three local Norfolk MPs are slagging off 'One' Railway and Network Rail in the Eastern Daily Press. Peter and Railfuture received very good press coverage in the EDP over the "enhancement" package.

Just by coincidence Peter also had a letter to the Editor of the Eastern Daily Press published the same day. Peter was unaware of the impending announcement by Network Rail and I felt it was time for some Railfuture comments on the pressure being placed by the three Norfolk MPs.

Peter points out that the Network Rail proposals obviously will improve the service but is not the only solution needed. It is difficult to run more trains when there are no more train paths available. In the long term we need Inter-City type EMUs to increase passenger capacity and of course serious consideration on completing the East-West rail link.

Peter has also received a telephone enquiry from a journalist who is writing an article for the "Countryman Magazine" on disused railways and possible re-openings. Peter spent sometime talking to him and was able to give him useful information and contact details for Jerry Alderson and Nick Dibben of Railfuture Network Development Committee.

Again on the Network Rail announcement Peter recorded over the telephone a five-minute interview with BBC Radio Norfolk.

BBC Look East TV also telephoned to arrange a TV interview at Norwich Station. There was a very noisy diesel unit in platform three and workmen were breaking up concrete on platform six so they had great difficulty in finding a quiet spot to record.

Metro Newspaper telephoned Peter on 11th April for comment on a press release from Conservative Party. Peter could only give general comments, as he had not seen the press release.

Further investigations showed the Conservatives were claiming that despite Government claims about increasing the number of carriages on the network there are now fewer trains running on the network. Shadow Transport Secretary, Chris Grayling, was commenting after it emerged that while the number of locomotives went up from 249 to 251 in the past year, and the number of carriages rose by 10 to 1,131, the number of diesel multiple units fell by 59 to 2510, and the number of electric multiple units dropped by 220 to 6,625 - and overall fall of 267. (Conservative Party Press Release Tuesday April 10, 2007)

Following speculation in the media that the discussions have taken place between the Labour Party in Scotland and Network Rail concerning Network Rail running the Scotland franchise when the current franchise expires a reporter from the Glasgow Herald telephoned Railfuture Chairman, Mike Crowhurst. Mike explained the difficulties likely to be encountered; not least the probable need for changes to Westminster legislation before Network Rail would be permitted to run a franchise. A BBC Radio Wales researcher telephoned Peter Lawrence for Railfuture views on possible re-nationalising the rail network. Peter gave a general view neither advocating nationalisation nor retaining the existing position. This did not lead to a radio interview.

NEWS FROM RAILFUTURE BRANCHES

Railfuture London & SouthEast branch have held a postal ballot to elect Officers and Committee for 2007-8. Keith Dyall continues as Chairman, Roger Blake is the new Vice Chairman and Eric Wright the new Secretary.

The Spring 2007 issue of Rail Wales, the newsletter of the Railfuture Wales branches, includes a detailed article by Paul Jeffries on the complexities of timetable planning. Mr. Jeffries has recently retired after working on timetable planning for Valley Lines, Wales and Borders and Arriva Trains Wales. If anyone would like to see a copy of the article please email david.harby at ntlworld.com.

At the Railfuture Severnside AGM the attendance was 60% up on 2006 and the committee has enlarged considerably. The Western Daily Press has published a letter from branch secretary, Nigel Bray, welcoming a statement by Rt. Hon. Des Browne MP in favour of reopening Corsham station.

RDS AGM

If you are intending to attend the AGM in Preston but have not returned your booking form please send it to Lloyd Butler as soon as possible.

RAIL USER CONFERENCE, ELY 3RD NOVEMBER 2007

As part of the Rail Users Conference in Ely Rail User Groups have the opportunity to highlight their activities. We are looking for 3 or 4 short 10 minute presentations from Rail User Groups outlining how they set about campaigning for an improvement or protecting to their local rail service or station. We are looking for examples of good practice in getting the local media/ councillors / MP / train companies to support the campaign. Further details from NickDibben nick.dibben at btinternet.com.

DFT REVIEW OF COMMUNITY RAIL STRATEGY

The DfT has published a review of the Community Rail Development Strategy, which was launched in November 2004.
This review reports the progress made since the launch of the Strategy also looks to the future by suggesting where further cost reductions might be found. They are examining the possible use of lighter rail technology. There is also an emphasis on the link between community rail and regeneration, both social and economic, and news that regeneration has been added as a fourth objective of the Community Rail Development Strategy. The review can be found at:

http://www.dft.gov.uk/pgr/rail/strategyfinance/strategy/community/revcomrail

ROUTE UTILISATION STUDIES

Greater Anglia:

The consultation document for the Greater Anglia RUS was published on 18 April 2007. The deadline for consultation responses is 13 July 2007. Railfuture East Anglia branch (nick.dibben@btinternet.com) will be taking the lead on this. Any other Railfuture responses must be cleared with East Anglia branch before submission. Copies of the RUS and the earlier scoping study can be found on the Network Rail website. http://www.networkrail.co.uk

Brighton Main Line:

The Ministerial statement about the implementation of the Brighton Main Line RUS that retains the Gatwick Express service can be found at:
http://www.dft.gov.uk/press/speechesstatements/statements/implementbrightonmainlinerus
A stakeholder briefing giving a summary of the responses and outlining how the key decisions were reached can be found at:
http://www.dft.gov.uk/consultations/closed/brightonmainlinerusconsultation/briefingdocument

NETWORK RAIL FUTURE INVESTMENT PROGRAMME

The Network Rail Future Investment Programme, where they plan to spend nearly £2.5 billion on enhancements to the network in the next two years, mentioned in “In The News” above can be found on the Network Rail website.http://www.networkrail.co.uk/aspx/3851.aspx There is also an investment map to see where the money is to be spent.

OFFICE OF RAIL REGULATION NEWS

National Rail Trends, for Quarter 3 2006-07 has been published. This covers the period from October to December 2006. The full document can be downloaded using this link (1MB): http://www.rail-reg.gov.uk/upload/pdf/320.pdf

On 20th April 2006 ORR published a Sustainable Development Policy that sets out the way in which it intends to contribute further to the development of a sustainable railway. The consultation paper ORR's sustainable development and environment duties is available from the ORR website at http://www.rail-reg.gov.uk/upload/pdf/304.pdf . Consultation responses can be viewed at http://www.rail-reg.gov.uk/server/show/ConWebDoc.8527.

PLEASE SUPPORT THE ONLINE PETITION TO REOPEN ASHINGTON BLYTH & TYNE

The South East Northumberland Rail User Group (SENRUG) have set up an online petition to 10 Downing Street to campaign for the re-opening of the Ashington Blyth & Tyne Railway Line. SENRUG understand there are now two studies going on into different aspects of the ABT re-opening:

(1) The North East Assembly are leading a study into re-opening the Morpeth - Choppington - Bedlington section. This should report back in May 2007 and SENRUG are involved as a non-funding partner in the study.
(2) Nexus are leading a study from the same consultants in to re-opening the Ashington - Bedlington - Northumberland Park section. SENRUG are aware but not so far formally involved.

SENRUG are requesting that Railfuture members log in and sign the petition. The link is http://petitions.pm.gov.uk/ABTreopening/

SNIPPETTS

The Publications section of the Passenger Focus website, www.passengerfocus.org.uk, has some documents that readers might find interesting. Among these are:
 Passenger experiences of overcrowding on routes in the Bristol area
 Getting to the station -meeting demand for access to railway stations in the Greater Anglia route utilisation strategy area
 Mystery shop of rail ticket retailing

Details of the statistics that DfT plan to publish over the next 12 months can be found at:
http://www.dft.gov.uk/pgr/statistics/recentforthcomingpublications/forthcomingstatisticalpublic5470

I have pdf files of Northern Rail’s stakeholder magazine for Spring 2007 plus their Cycling and Community Strategies. If anyone wants copies of these then email david.harby at ntlworld.com.

Activists Briefing - Issue 24

18th March 2007

IN THE NEWS

The Daily Mail telephoned Railfuture President, Peter Lawrence, on Wednesday 28 February concerning an incident at West Dulwich station sometime ago when someone fell on the track. They asked Peter what Railfuture recommendations would be for improving safety at this or any other station. Peter's viewpoint was that no two stations are alike in layout so different solutions may be needed for each station. For a busy station more platform staff may be the answer or extra CCTV installed.

The News of the World telephoned Peter and sought our opinions on fares. They had picked up the situation whereby by booking two legs of a journey £s could be saved on the cost of rail ticket. Peter said the present fares position is a jungle and we, like other bodies, are calling for a more simplistic fares structure. While Railfuture agrees that Train Operating Companies have to make profits it is important that all fares are regulated.

It was an early start for Peter on 14th March when Three Counties Radio and ITN News telephoned him at 06.45am for interviews from Railfuture regarding the proposed announcement that 1,000 new railway carriages are to be built to ease overcrowding. Peter's view was one of welcoming the announcement and accepting that London & SouthEast need the help together with Leeds, Manchester and Birmingham. Also on some Community Rail Partnerships where we have seen increased growth extra stock was needed in the peak hour periods.

Birmingham Post/Mail? then telephoned for comment on Birmingham New Street. It appears that only five information screens were working and there was a major event in Birmingham on Saturday. They wanted Railfuture views. Peter passed them on to West Midlands branch.

An independent news station service in East Anglia then telephoned Peter around noon also for an interview, which was due to, be broadcast in Ipswich, Norwich and other commercial radio stations in East Anglia.

Shortly after the BBC Radio in London telephoned and asked if Peter would give interviews to three local radio stations from the Norwich studios. When he arrived three turned out to be seven: BBC Radio Newcastle, Southern Counties, Oxford, Northampton, Hereford and Worcester, Cornwall and Derby. It is a long time since Peter gave ten radio interviews in one day.

Keith Dyall, Railfuture London and SouthEast chairman, also gave an interview to Three Counties Radio on 14th March.

The Sunday Mirror asked Andrew MacFarlane for Railfuture views on the Pendolino accident but they were not reported in the paper.

NEWS FROM RAILFUTURE BRANCHES

Railfuture Wales has been consulted by the Wales Audit Office as part of its' scoping study for its' audit of Integrated Transport in Wales. The WAO will agree with Welsh Assembly Government the areas it will finally study and publish a report in 2008.

Railfuture Wales also intends to publish in late 2007/early 2008 its' findings on Integrated Transport in Wales and any contributions from members including good examples of integrated transport outside Wales would be appreciated.

Railfuture Wales have produced a bi-lingual membership leaflet for use in Wales.

After holding the position of branch secretary of Thames Valley branch for 20 years Martin Smith did not seek re-election at their recent AGM. The new branch secretary is David Eldridge.

At the Railfuture East Midlands AGM on 17th March Roger Skilton did not seek re-election as branch chairman as he has moved to Yorkshire. Roger was a founder member of the East Midlands branch 20 years ago and has been involved in branch activities ever since. He is now living in Leyburn on the Wensleydale Railway and has already started helping them as a volunteer. The new branch chairman is Terry Holt.

NEW REGISTERED OFFICE FOR THE RAILWAY DEVELOPMENT SOCIETY LTD

Following on from the note in last month's Briefing the Registered Office of The Railway Development Society Ltd has moved to 12 Home Close, Bracebridge Heath, Lincoln LN4 2LP with effect from 5th March 2007. Can Officers and Branch Officials please change any templates they have on their computers.

REGISTERED OFFICE MUST NOW BE ON ALL EMAILS AND WEBSITES

New regulations concerning Railfuture websites and emails have been introduced under The Companies (Registrar, Languages and Trading Disclosures) Regulations 2006. The Company name, Registered Office number and address must now be on all Railfuture websites' home page or contact us page. The definition of business letters has been clarified to include emails and order forms. This means that all emails sent of behalf of Railfuture must now include the same information as on our stationery. According to the briefing your editor has received from his trade association anyone acting on behalf of a company which fails to comply is personally liable and could be fined so please do try to remember to include the details on all emails you send.

One of the reasons why this regulation has been introduced is as a protection for anyone purchasing goods via websites. As readers may have read in the press there have been instances where purchases have been made via websites and then, when the goods have not arrived, the purchasers have been unable to take action against the seller as they have been unable to find a postal address for the seller.

See http://www.nortonrose.com/html_pubs/view.asp?id=11326 for more information.

CLARIFICATION OF RULES CONCERNING BRANCH AFFILIATION TO OTHER ORGANISATIONS

London & SE branch has asked the Board to clarify when, or if, they are allowed to affiliate the branch to other organisations. The Board discussed this on 3rd March and they have asked for the following clarification to be put in this briefing so that all branches are aware of the situation.

Affiliation is permitted by Article 56 of the Articles of Association, which states as follows. “Other organisations may be invited to affiliate with the Company upon such terms as may be settled by the Board. The Board shall have the power to seek affiliation to other bodies. Such affiliations shall not compromise the Aims and Objectives of the Company or restrict the activities of the Company or its Branches.”

The Board has now formally agreed that branches have delegated authority to affiliate or join local bodies in their area. This is subject to the proviso that the decision to affiliate or join must be made, and minuted, at a branch committee or general meeting (not at divisional level) and that the National Chairman must be notified of this decision before the affiliation decision is actioned. The Board reserves the right to overrule affiliation decisions made at branch level. Affiliation to national bodies is determined only by the Board. Once such affiliation is in place at national level branches may make appropriate arrangements at local level. Such arrangements currently exist with Transport 2000 National Transport Activists Roundtable and ACoRP.

Branch chairmen/secretaries are requested to notify Mike Crowhurst (or David Harby by email) of all affiliations or memberships that branches currently have.

RDS AGM

Everyone should have received a booking form for the AGM in Preston with the latest Railwatch. If you are intending to attend please send your booking form to Lloyd Butler in good time.

Are there any volunteers to host the 2008 AGM? We are in the North this year so it is hoped to have a Southern venue next year.

FREIGHT ROUTE UTILISATION STUDY PUBLISHED

The Freight RUS was published on 5th March 2007. Also published on the Network Rail website were the submissions to the RUS Consultation. Railfuture Freight Committee and NorthEast, Scotland and West Midlands branches sent submissions.

The RUS can be found on the Network Rail website at http://www.networkrail.co.uk.

NEWS FROM DFT/FRANCHISE NEWS

Intercity Express Programme – On 8th March DfT initiated the procurement process for the new fleet of trains for the Intercity Express Programme (IEP) which will replace the HST fleet. An order of between 500 and 2,000 new vehicles is expected. The main fleet is to be introduced across the network from 2014 with pre-series trains being deployed on the East Coast Main Line from 2012.

Summary and Overview http://www.dft.gov.uk/pgr/rail/pi/iep/summaryandoverview

The Stakeholder Briefing Document for the ICEC franchise is now available on the DfT website. The bidders will receive an ITT document on 8th March 2007 setting out the specification and the issues that bidders will need to address, and contains commercially sensitive material to enable bidders to formulate and deliver their bids. Bidders are required to submit their final bids to the DfT by 6th June 2007. The winner of the franchise will be announced in summer 2007.

Summaries of the consultation responses from stakeholders, including Railfuture Lincs, North East and Yorkshire are in the Stakeholder Briefing Document which can be downloaded from http://www.dft.gov.uk/pgr/rail/passenger/franchises/icecf1/stakeholderbriefingdocument?version=1

Bus and light rail statistics Great Britain: October - December 2006 are now on the DfT website. The bulletin presents the latest quarterly data from the Bus Passenger Satisfaction Survey and also includes statistics on bus reliability and bus and light rail patronage. See http://www.dft.gov.uk/pgr/statistics/datatablespublications/public/buslightrail/200607/buslightq306?version=1

The 1,000 new carriages that Peter Lawrence gave interviews about on 14th March were announced by Douglas Alexander in a speech to the Rail magazine conference. In the speech he says that the new carriages will be specified in the High Level Output Specification this summer. He anticipates that this will significantly increase the number of carriages on the network by 2014 but he also said “if the price is right” so we might actually end up with considerably less than 1,000. The speech can be downloaded from the DfT website at http://www.dft.gov.uk/press/speechesstatements/speeches/railmagazine?version=1

GOVERNMENT ATTEMPTING TO RESTRICT FREEDOM OF INFORMATION REQUESTS

In October 2006 the government announced proposals to make it easier for public authorities to refuse Freedom of Information (‘FOI’) requests on cost grounds. The proposals severely restrict the amount of information that could be obtained under the Act. At the moment, an FOI request can be refused if the cost of dealing with it exceeds £600 for a government department, or £450 for any other public authority. In calculating whether these limits have been reached authorities can take into account the costs of searching for and extracting the requested information.

The proposed changes to the rules would allow authorities to include the cost of the time spent reading the information, consulting others about it and deciding whether it should be released. The cost of unrelated requests made by the same individual or organisation to an authority could be aggregated and refused if their combined cost exceeded the £450 or £600 limits.

It is already difficult for campaigners to discover essential information from secretive train operating companies which use "commercial sensitivity" to hide information from both passengers and campaigners. With so many different agencies, governmental, semi-official and completely private companies and individuals involved in running the railways, it is important that there is as much transparency as possible.

Railfuture have written to the Department for Constitutional Affairs opposing these proposed changes.

The consultation paper can be downloaded from - http://www.dca.gov.uk/consult/dpr2007/cp2806-condoc.pdf. Further information is available from Campaign for Freedom of Information website http://www.cfoi.org.uk/feesproposals.html

SNIPPETTS

The House of Commons Transport Committee published a report, “Local Transport Planning and Funding”, on 29 October 2006. The Government's response to this report was published on 27th February and can be downloaded from http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm200607/cmselect/cmtran/334/334.pdf

Does anyone recognise a hand-written code 'HAD' on a membership application form of 2005 vintage? If so please let David Harby know what it stands for.

FORTHCOMING EVENTS

• Saturday 24th March 2007

Railfuture Lincolnshire branch AGM at St Mary le Wigford Church Hall, Lincoln (alongside Central station) 11.45hrs. Main speaker from Network Rail
Railfuture Passenger Committee, Seckford Arms London,

• Saturday 31st March 2007

Railfuture International Committee, Calthorpe Arms, London 13.00hrs
Railfuture Wessex AGM, The Point, Eastleigh at 14.00hrs.

• Saturday 7th April 2007

Railfuture Severnside branch AGM, GWR Staff Association Club near Temple Meads Station, Bristol at 14.00hrs.

• Monday 16th April 2007

Railfuture London & S.E. branch AGM, London Welsh Centre, Grays Inn Road, London at 18.45hrs

• Saturday 12th May 2007

RDS Ltd AGM, County Hall, Preston

• Saturday 2nd June 2007

RDS Board meeting, Carrs Lane Church Centre, Birmingham

• Saturday 9th June 2007

Railfuture Policy. Lobby and Campaigns Committee, London

• Saturday 16th June, 2007

Yorkshire branch meeting Saltaire

• Saturday 23rd June 2007

Railfuture Summer Conference, Glasgow

• Saturday 30th June 2007

Railfuture Passenger Committee Birmingham,

• Saturday 7th July 2007

Railfuture Network Development Committee, London

• Saturday 28th July 2007

Railfuture Freight Committee, Derby

• Saturday 29th September 2007

Community Rail Festival, Hastings and surrounding areas.

• Saturday 3rd November 2007

Railfuture Rail User Conference, Ely

Activists Briefing - Issue 23

18th February 2007

NEWS FROM RAILFUTURE BRANCHES

On 6th February Andrew MacFarlane, on behalf of Railfuture North West, attended a public exhibition about the Crewe Rail Gateway Project. The scheme incorporates the redevelopment and refurbishment of Crewe Rail Station. Work could start in 2009 with completion anticipated in 2011. The deadline for comments to Cheshire County Council is 30 April 2007. Details are at www.cheshire.gov.uk/crewerailgateway . Andrew filled in a comments form on behalf of Railfuture North West making the following points:
1. The need to protect the platform 12 island platform from development so that it is available to cater for future growth in demand.
2. It would be better to have escalators down to the platforms (currently more and bigger lifts are planned).
3. The need for adequate cycle parking.
4. The need to cater for rail replacement buses.

Railfuture East Anglia are pleased to note that from 20th May 2007, train operator 'one' Railway will be providing a weekend service at two small stations next door to RSPB reserves. Lakenheath (on the Norwich-Ely-Cambridge line) for RSPB Lakenheath Fen, which is alongside the railway and the visitor centre a short walk from the station (see: http://www.rspb.org.uk/reserves/guide/l/lakenheath/index.asp), and Buckenham (on the Norwich-Gt. Yarmouth/Lowestoft, 'Wherry Lines') for RSPB Buckenham Marshes (next to the station) and RSPB Strumpshaw Fen (a short walk), which gives free admission to visitors coming by train (see: http://www.rspb.org.uk/reserves/guide/b/buckenham/index.asp, http://www.rspb.org.uk/reserves/guide/s/strumpshawfen/index.asp).

2007 ELECTIONS FOR DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS

There have been insufficient nominations to necessitate a ballot for Directors and Officers this year. A vacancy still exists for Sales Officer.

RAILFUTURE BRANCH AGM'S

Some branch AGM's have already taken place. Dates etc. for all the others that have been confirmed are listed in Forthcoming Events.

Railfuture Scotland Spring Meeting and AGM is provisionally fixed for 24th March at 14:00 in Royal Over-Seas League, 100 Princes Street, Edinburgh. Richard Burningham from the Devon and Cornwall Rail Partnership has agreed to speak at Railfuture Devon & Cornwall AGM. The provisional date is March 31st, but they are currently having trouble fixing a venue.


WHO'S WHO 2007-2008 AND MEDIA SPOKESPERSONS FOR 2007-2008

After their AGM's can branches please advise David Harby of their branch contact details for insertion in the 2007/8 Who's Who. We also intend to update the Railfuture Media Contacts listed on our website. Can branches therefore please give some thought to who they would like listed as their branch media spokesman. Please bear in mind that when the media are trying to cover a story they usually want to speak to someone quickly whilst the story is still in their headlines. By the following day they have moved onto something else. Ideally a media spokesman should therefore be contactable by telephone during working hours.

REPORTS OF BRANCH ACTIVITY IN 2006

As in recent years would Branch Chairmen/secretary please send Membership Secretary, David Harby, a brief report of their branch activities in 2006. A copy of the Chairman’s or Secretary's report to the AGM is usually sufficient. The intention is to collate all of these into a single document for consideration by the RDS Board and for circulation to branch contacts.

WANTED – RAILFUTURE ARCHIVIST

Scattered around the Country in member's offices, attics, garages etc. are many examples of old leaflets etc. from Railway Development Society and even some from the time of the Railway Invigoration Society and Railway Development Association. It would be a shame if this was all consigned to the recycling bin when members die. We would therefore like to appoint an archivist to sort through old files etc. and catalogue it. The idea is that material could be scanned and stored electronically for future reference. If anyone is interested in this task would they please contact David Harby.

FRANCHISE NEWS

After consultation with branches along the ECML Railfuture North East have submitted a Stakeholder Consultation response to DfT. Some branches have also sent their own letter to DfT supporting the North East response and highlighting issues of local interest. If anyone would like a copy of the response please email David Harby.

ORR

ORR's proposed approach to consideration of applications for track access rights relating to the East Midlands, West Midlands, Cross Country and West Coast franchises are now on their website. See http://www.rail-reg.gov.uk/upload/pdf/cons_em_wm_xc_frns-180107.pdf

PDF Access options: a consultation paper setting out the ORR position, and a number of key principles, in relation to the way in which applications submitted to ORR for the approval of an access option will be considered is on the ORR website. End of consultation: 23 March 2007. See http://www.rail-reg.gov.uk/upload/pdf/313.pdf

In October 2006 ORR held a sustainable development consultation. Copies of the responses can be downloaded as PDF files from http://www.rail-reg.gov.uk/server/show/ConWebDoc.8527

ON LINE PETITIONS TO NO 10

Readers will by now almost certainly have heard of the petition from the roads lobby calling on the government to abandon the idea of road pricing. There are now at least two opposing petitions in favour of road pricing: http://petitions.pm.gov.uk/yes2roadpricing and http://petitions.pm.gov.uk/TRACK-CARS/

Roger Ford would like you to sign his online petition to No. 10 calling on the government to implement a national electrification strategy. Roger would like to get the electrification petition to at least no. 2. Then we can nudge a minister to ask a question in the house. If you support electrification please click on this link http://petitions.pm.gov.uk/Electrify/ and ask all your friends to join in - and note, the petition is simply worded, without lots of additional riders which make many of these petitions complex and, in the end, useless. Source: Tony Miles/Roger Ford on uk.railway newsgroup.

There is also an online petition to scrap the Cambridgeshire guided bus scheme. http://petitions.pm.gov.uk/huntingdonbusway/. Please consider it on its own merits and sign up if you decide you agree with it.

An attempt has been made to lodge the following petition: but it has been rejected.
"We the undersigned petition the Prime Minister to Make the provision for Bicycles on Trains Free and Compulsory by all train operators."

The rejection is detailed on http://www.pm.gov.uk/output/Page10943.asp. Briefly this says that DfT encourage TOCs to carry bikes on trains whenever possible in line with the Cycling Policy document first published by the former Strategic Rail Authority in 2004 and recently adopted by DfT. They have asked Cycling England, their advisory group on cycling, to look into how they might better encourage bike and rail journeys. Cycling England have accepted this remit and are now looking to see where progress can best be made to further improve bike and rail integration.

SNIPPETTS

The February edition of RFG News is now on the Rail Freight Group website www.rfg.org.uk/news/newsletter. It leads with news of a new Purfleet Grangemouth service for TDG and of more reductions in the Channel Tunnel rail freight trains. Other news covers the Non-Intrusive Crossing, coal by rail in Wales again, progress on freight projects shortlisted for the Transport Innovation Fund and of Network Rail and the NAO. The Opinion columns cover Eurotunnel, the 24% hike in charges for rail freight and the ORR's need to be bold in fixing Network Rail's efficiency targets.

Activists Briefing - Issue 22

17th January 2007

IN THE NEWS

The Eastern Daily Press telephoned Railfuture President, Peter Lawrence, on Thursday 21 December. They had just picked up the story from the Sunday Observer regarding the comments made by John Armitt recommending some rail closures. Peter gave his comments from the point of view of the Norwich area and said rather than closures it was more likely we would see some expansion of rural services mainly due to the increase in commuter travel into Norwich. Local peak hour travel is at capacity and 'One' are currently trying to find solutions. Rail cuts in Norfolk would be unlikely.

Railfuture spokesmen have responded to media enquiries about the usual New Year fare increases. On Tuesday 2nd January Vice President Michael Caton was interviewed by Three Counties Radio. On the same day Peter Lawrence went to the BBC Norwich studios to give a live interview to BBC News 24 on the increased fares announcement. While he was waiting to be interviewed the BBC TV Look East team interviewed him and after the BBC News 24 interview the BBC Radio Norfolk team also gave him an interview. What he expected to be a 15 minute interview in fact lasted 75 minutes in the various studios. Later, on arriving home there was a message from BBC Wales also seeking an interview. However, on ringing back they had already arranged with someone for an interview on the fares increase

Peter also received a telephone call from Radio 5 Live from Manchester asking me to take part in a phone in on "Rail Fares". He was told that the Communications Director Virgin Trains was to be questioned and they wanted someone to put opposing views. Radio Five later came back and said Peter could do two spots, the second subject being the latest figures from BT Police on rail station violence. It appears that Leeds Central is the most dangerous. Peter was due to go on air at around 23.05 but because an item over ran on smoking it was 23.40 before he went on air. The discussion continued to 24.15. The whole programme centred on Virgin Trains but Peter was able to get some useful points in on the high cost of fares, Premium payments made by TOCs, competition from domestic airlines, Europe v UK rail fares etc. The item on BT Police was scrubbed because of running out of time.

Cambridge Evening News telephoned Peter on 4th January to ask for Railfuture opinions on the recent fares increases.

On 3rd January Andrew MacFarlane was at Manchester Piccadilly station at 13.30 to be interviewed by Channel M, a Manchester-based Cable TV station (also on SKY channel 203), about the rail fare increase. The footage was due to be shown at 17.00, 17.30 and half-hourly to 19.00.

NEWS FROM RAILFUTURE BRANCHES

On behalf of all Railfuture Wales Branches and members living along the Borders, Railfuture South Wales have sent a submission to Arriva Trains Wales commenting on the ATW May-December 2007 draft timetable.

Railfuture Lincolnshire President, Brian Hastings, was interviewed by Scunthorpe Telegraph for an article on crime at Scunthorpe station. Brian pointed out that crime figures were actually very low with only 29 offences reported in 2006. This was quoted but Brian's additional comments about the recent improvements in security (CCTV etc) were not reported.

The 1st East Urban Regeneration Company (URC) Area Action Plan (AAP) Preferred Option and Draft Sustainability Appraisal for Great Yarmouth and Lowestoft Local Development has been launched. Our President Peter Lawrence, who also chairs The Wherry Lines CRP, wishes to hear from any Railfuture member their views on any matters likely to affect the development area surrounding Great Yarmouth and Lowestoft Stations. Do remember one plan suggested is to move Lowestoft Station. Your views are welcome. While the consultation period ends on 19 February 2007 these plans are ongoing so do let Peter know your views as soon as possible even after the closing date. More information can be obtained from the following web sites:

www.great-yarmouth.gov.uk, www.waveney.gov.uk, www.1st east.co.uk

Please send your comments and views by post or Email to and mark subject "Future plans for Great Yarmouth and Lowestoft station areas".

Railfuture Severnside held a public meeting at Gloucester Leisure Centre on 21 October 2006 The meeting was attended by 30 people including David Drew, MP for Stroud. In the chair was John Walker, Railfuture Severnside Chairman, and the speakers were Mike Obst, Principal Transport Planner (Rail), Gloucestershire County Council; and Andrew Griffiths, Regional Manager (Severn & Solent), First Great Western. A report on the meeting is available on the web at http://glostransporthistory.visit-gloucestershire.co.uk/Railfutur211006.htm

We are pleased to be able to report that Railfuture Scotland Secretary, Mike Harrison, is continuing to recover from his accident last year. He has however had to move to a more mobility friendly property which has limited storage space. Mike has therefore requested that, wherever possible, members communicate with him by email so that he can store documents electronically. His email address remains Secretary at RailFutureScotland.org.uk.

2007 ELECTIONS FOR DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS

Readers are reminded that nominations forms for the 2007 Board must reach the Returning Officer by 1st February 2007. Forms for completion can be downloaded from the Railfuture website or by post from Railfuture Returning Officer, PO Box 7690, Hinckley, Leicester LE10 9WJ. All candidates and their proposers must be paid up members at the time of nomination.

It is anticipated that the Board will hold 4 or 5 meetings in 2007/8. The first meeting after the 2007 AGM will be in Birmingham. In the last 2 years meetings have been/will be held in London, Birmingham, Leicester, Peterborough and Derby but this list is not exhaustive if somewhere else is more convenient to the new board.

RAILFUTURE BRANCH AGM'S

Dates etc. of branch AGM's for Cambrian, North East, North West, West Midlands, Yorkshire, East Anglia, Thames Valley, London & SE and Lincolnshire are listed in Forthcoming Events. East Midlands is likely to be on 10th or 17th March. They are still trying to find a suitable venue on a date when the speaker is free. Can other branch Chairmen/Secretaries please let Mike Crowhurst and myself know your dates as soon as they are fixed.

WANTED – LOTTERY ORGANISER

Due to a change in family circumstances Elisabeth Jordan will be resigning as Lottery Organiser later this year. The organiser basically records payments, conducts a monthly draw and sends out the payment cheques. The Lottery, which only takes up about 3 hours per month, is a useful regular source of funds which are allocated to the Fighting Fund. If anyone is interested in taking over from Elisabeth please either contact Mike Crowhurst or David Harby.

DEPARTMENT FOR TRANSPORT NEWS

This web page provides links to information on personal travel, based mainly on data from the National Travel Survey. This is a continuous survey designed to monitor long-term trends in personal travel in Great Britain. The survey collects information on where, how and why people travel as well as factors which affect personal travel such as car availability, driving licence holding and access to key services. http://www.dft.gov.uk/stellent/groups/dft_transstats/documents/divisionhomepage/037582.hcsp

The South Eastern and Southern Regional Planning Assessments for the Railways have been released and can be found at http://www.dft.gov.uk/stellent/groups/dft_railways/documents/page/dft_railways_614113.hcsp. The notice from DfT says that it is the Government's intention to publish the Thames Valley RPA covering west London, Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire, later this year.

FRANCHISE NEWS

A reminder that a Stakeholder Consultation process has started for the ECML Franchise with a deadline for responses of 15th February 2007. Martin Murphy from Railfuture North East is co-ordinating the Railfuture response and all branches are asked to send copies of individual branch responses to Martin before they are submitted to DfT. For full details of the Stakeholder Document etc see DfT website http://www.dft.gov.uk/stellent/groups/dft_railways/documents/divisionhomepage/613780.hcsp

There are reports in RAIL magazine that the management agreement does not include continuation of GNER franchise commitments such as support for bus and coach links, additional car park spaces and provision of additional cycle storage facilities. If anyone knows of any formal announcement of the provisions in the management agreement please pass them on to David Harby so that it can be included in the next briefing.

Many words (farce, shambles and chaotic being just a few) have been used to describe the introduction of the First Great Western timetable in December 2006. I am sure readers can think of a few more appropriate comments. The following links might help them.

The Oldfield Park blogspot, http://oldfieldparktrains.blogspot.com/, is a somewhat depressing saga of the experiences of a commuter on the Westbury to Bristol line. The letter from DfT of 12th January is worth a read if your want an example of typical Civil Servant speak. This tries to try to appease passengers without actually setting any measurable or enforceable targets for FGW, i.e. a way for the DfT to save money without explicitly implicating itself in the fallout. The letter says "First Great Western has discretion to vary its timetable where there is commercial justification and operational practicability.". What the letter omits is that FGW need extra units to run extra services, and the DfT has to guarantee the lease of those units. Question: Who decides what commercial justification is required for them to sign the lease agreements on additional dmu's? Answer: The DfT?

The story of the fight against cutbacks at Melksham is also worth a read: http://www.savethetrain.org.uk/sofar.html
See also http://www.moretrainlessstrain.org.uk/ http://www.thisisbath.co.uk/displayNode.jsp?nodeId=163490&command=displayContent&sourceNode=163316&contentPK=16379572&folderPk=89126&pNodeId=163047
http://www.thisisbath.co.uk/displayNode.jsp?nodeId=163490&command=displayContent&sourceNode=163316&contentPK=16388666&folderPk=89126&pNodeId=163047
Angry commuters plan fare boycott - http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/somerset/6259027.stm
Severn Tunnel services - http://www.saveseverntunnel.co.uk/index.htm
Friends of Bristol Suburban Railways - http://www.fosbr.org.uk/index.php
Lib Dems under fire over train subsidies - http://www.thisisbristol.co.uk/displayNode.jsp?nodeId=144936&command=displayContent&sourceNode=144919&contentPK=16405413&moduleName=InternalSearch&formname=sidebarsearch
See http://www.firstgreatwestern.co.uk/NewsList.aspx for First Great Western press statements.
Peers are also complaining http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/wiltshire/6264911.stm

Special thanks to uk.railway newsgroup contributors who provided most of the above details.

NETWORK RAIL

The formal consultation for the ECML Route Utilisation Strategy is now expected in late Spring.

Network Rail has been given responsibility for developing the Wales Route Utilisation Strategy (RUS). They are about to launch the RUS process and have invited stakeholders, including Railfuture, to meetings in February where the process will be explained in more detail. The Scoping Document for the Wales RUS is now available from the Network Rail website. In you have any views on the RUS please send them to the South Wales Secretary, Roland Pittard, at rowlandpittard1 at yahoo.co.uk. The scoping document is on the Network Rail website at http://www.networkrail.co.uk/browse%20documents/rus%20documents/route%20utilisation%20strategies/wales/wales%20rus%20draft%20scope.pdf

ORR

National Rail Trends 2006-2007 Q2 is now on the ORR website: http://www.rail-reg.gov.uk/server/show/nav.68

The Railways Act 2005 (the 2005 Act) sets out statutory procedures concerning proposals for the closure of passenger services, passenger networks and stations. The 2005 Act placed a duty on Scottish Ministers and the Secretary of State to publish closures guidance outlining how such proposals should be assessed and processed. The “Railways Closure Guidance” was published on 18 October 2006 and came into effect on 1 December 2006. Links to the ORR’s “Procedures for reviewing closure references” and the “Summary of responses to ORR’s consultation on closure procedures” can be found at http://www.rail-reg.gov.uk/server/show/nav.1478. This web address also gives a link to the Railfuture response.

A copy of ORR's letter to Network Rail on North West Draft RUS, January 2007 can be found at http://www.rail-reg.gov.uk/server/show/nav.1480

As part of the Periodic review 2008, ORR believe that the compensation mechanism for possessions should be reviewed. A letter from ORR to Network Code Industry Steering Group (ISG) setting out what ORR think is wrong with the current mechanism and the remit for a review by ISG of the arrangements is on the ORR website at http://www.rail-reg.gov.uk/upload/pdf/pr08-toc_comp.pdf


SNIPPETTS

The next Regional launch in the Growing the Railways campaign is the South West Launch on 19 January 2007 in Bristol. Speakers, who include Jenny Agutter actress and patron of Transport 2000, Dan Okey of the RDA, Nigel Hutchings of Business West and David Drew MP, will make the case for why we think expanding south west rail is critical. The event will also be attended by Sardine Man, the Growing the Railways mascot.

Are there any remaining services (outside of Wales, Scotland, PTE's and London) which are still receiving revenue support from Local Authorities, RDA's etc? If members know of any services can they please notify David Harby. He already knows of Robin Hood and Ivanhoe line services where funding is to be taken over by DfT in the new East Midlands franchise.

Derek Monnery FRICS, Chairman, Essex Rail Users Federation has produced an excellent and concise review of the Eddington Transport Study. This is only four pages long, a better read than the 64 of the original report. If anyone would like a copy please email david.harby at ntlworld.com.

Transport 2000 are looking for anecdotal evidence of very overcrowded services. If you know of a rail service that is regularly subject to severe overcrowding can you please advise david.harby at ntlworld.com who will pass on the information.

Activists Briefing - Issue 21

18th December 2006

IN THE NEWS

Railfuture has issued a press release on 4th December expressing our concerns about the proposed reduction of Eurostar services calling at Ashford. We recalled that it cost Government £100 million to rebuild Ashford station to accommodate Eurostar services and we point out that this is now a serious misuse of funding, if the station is only to be served by 4 Eurostar trains each way with none of these being a direct service to Brussels.

We said that Eurostar should provide an increased regular service, with trains calling 2-hourly alternately at Ebbsfleet or Ashford, both to Paris and Brussels. The cross-border Eurostar service to Calais by 2-3 trains a day are also appallingly few, compared to the frequent tunnel shuttle and ferry services available to motorists, but not always to foot passengers.

Railfuture President and media spokesman, Peter Lawrence, has had the following contacts from the media over the past month.

The Press Association telephoned to ask Peter's opinion on the announcement that Network Rail had made a profit. He replied that he was delighted that Network Rail had made a profit but pointed out that we now need to see this cash translated into investment into the rail structure. There is a lot of work to be done.

Eastern Daily Press telephoned Peter for his views on the increase in rail fares on 'one' from January 2007. his view was that passengers would be concerned over the level of increases, particularly due to the continual troubles experienced by rail travellers on the Norwich to London line because of the repeated overhead line problems during the past few months.

Cambridge Evening News wanted views on the 'one' fare increase from the Cambridge area. Peter gave CEN the telephone number of Peter Wakefield, Railfuture East Anglia Branch Chairman, who lives in Cambridge.

BBC News 24 wanted views on Northern Rail who propose to introduce security guards on trains. Peter gave them the telephone number of Ian Walker, Railfuture North East Branch Secretary, who lives in Durham.

On 1st December Peter was interviewed by BBC Radio Essex on the contents of the Eddington Report.

An interview with Peter was printed in the Eastern Daily Press on Saturday, 9 December 2006. This follows the report that Richard Bowker, Chief Executive of National Express, has hinted the firm should be seeking a bigger platform to exploit its image. Bowker has suggested that the 'One' brand name should be replaced by the name National Express. Peter's view was that passengers did not like the change of brand name from Anglia Railway and having now become used to the new name a change now could be very expensive.

Peter received a telephone call from Radio Live 5 on 17th December. They were interested in interviewing him on the press release from the Observer, but they seemed only interested in talking to someone who would support the closure of branch lines and reinvesting the money in expanding commuter lines. Peter was perfectly willing to be interviewed on the article but clearly he could not support the closure of branch lines and he explained Railfuture views on the reasons why. Whether they will change their minds or not about an interview remains to be seen. Observer article is at http://observer.guardian.co.uk/uk_news/story/0,,1973823,00.html

NEWS FROM RAILFUTURE BRANCHES

The following item taken from the latest edition of Railfuture East Anglia's newsletter, raileast, is a useful reminder that official figures are not always correct.

“A passenger survey at Whittlesea Station has indicated that far more people are using the station than official figures suggest. At the start of October, a group of Branch members spent the day at Whittlesea Station counting the number of passengers getting on and off each train. The total passenger figure for the day was 89. This is rather more than the 50 users a day contained in the Office of the Rail Regulation official figures.

And the difference is important as the official figures are increasingly used by Government not just to establish the level of train service, but also the amount of Government grant offered for station improvements, such as improving disabled access.”

(Ed. Earlier this year I heard of two instances in the London area where passenger counts by user groups had shown that the actual footfall was well in excess of the official figures.)

In Newsletter No 69 from Pembrokeshire Rail Travellers Association D.G. Watts reports on two talks he has given about the Pembrokeshire Rail System. Before the lectures, he gave a questionnaire to find out what they know about our trains. These were only small samples (each 16 people); but they were mostly educated, intelligent people. Most lived within a mile or two of a Station, but over 70% never use the train, and the others use it rarely. Their answers show that most consider the train totally irrelevant to them. And the overwhelming majority have little or no idea of what the railway can offer them (e.g all those who said there were too few trains thought that there were less than half the actual number) Even those who have used the train this year had little idea of the facts.

This survey may have been in Pembroke but would the answers have been any different in your own locality? If we want to see more people using the train we need to get the facts across to people who never use the train. Advertising at stations is almost useless, since few people ever go to a station. Information must go to the non rail users. There is a huge market awaiting.

Candidate Sites - Part of the Local Development Plan process in Wales is the identification of Candidate Sites for land use purposes. Anybody can propose a Candidate Site for consideration. The Welsh branches are looking at sites adjacent to railway stations for car parks and bus interchanges and we would also encourage commercial development such as shops and offices. They are also looking at safeguarding land for new sidings and railway routes as proposed in our second development plan. Suggestions for possible sites to Rowland Pittard email: rowlandpittard1 at yahoo.co.uk

2007 ELECTIONS FOR DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS

Readers are reminded that nominations forms for the 2007 Board must reach the Returning Officer by 1st February 2007. Forms for completion can be downloaded from the Railfuture website or by post from Railfuture Returning Officer, PO Box 7690, Hinckley, Leicester LE10 9WJ.

It is anticipated that the Board will hold 4 or 5 meetings in 2007/8. The first meeting after the 2007 AGM will be in Birmingham. In the last 2 years meetings have been/will be held in London, Birmingham, Leicester, Peterborough and Derby but this list is not exhaustive if somewhere else is more convenient to the new board.

RAILFUTURE BRANCH AGM'S

Dates etc. of branch AGM's for North East, North West, West Midlands, Yorkshire, East Anglia and Lincolnshire are listed in Forthcoming Events. Can other branch Chairmen/Secretaries please let Mike Crowhurst and myself know your dates as soon as they are fixed.

REMEMBER MEMBERSHIP SUBSCRIPTIONS INCREASE ON 1ST JANUARY 2007

Can branches who have membership rates listed in their newsletters etc. please remember to update these with the new rates from 1st January 2007. (£21 ordinary and RUGs, £14 concessions)

NEW A-Z OF RAIL REOPENINGS

Network Development Committee are currently producing a new edition of A-Z of Rail Reopenings. This will differ from previous editions of this title (for example it will, for the first time, include a chapter on light rail) and will also contain more photographs all of which will be in colour. We are also aiming for a higher, more professional, quality of production.

We do therefore need good quality colour prints of new and reopened stations. Whilst the photographs should be fairly recent the stations depicted in them need not be, since we are aware that there have not been many new stations opened in recent years. However, the fact that a station opened 20 or 30 years ago is still open for business is, in itself, a good advertisement for rail development.

Photographs should show busy station scenes (no photos of empty platforms please) preferably showing a good mix of different types of people in order to convey the message that not only are the railways thriving, but also that railways are for everyone. We also want to see pictures showing attractive modern trains, or older trains that have been refurbished to a high standard.

We would also welcome photographs showing attractive station buildings or those illustrating best practice in the design of station facilities. This could include: bus-rail interchange; access for disabled passengers; cycle parking or park and ride car parking; passenger information and security systems; or anything else that makes the station more convenient and welcoming for passengers.

Any suitable photographs that members can supply should be sent to Nick Lewis at 36 Common Road, Stotfold, Hitchen, Herts SG5 4DB by January 2007. Please enclose the following information with each photograph: the name of the station, the name of the photographer, plus any other information that you consider relevant. This will enable us to include the correct information in the picture captions. Also, please indicate if you want your photos returned after use. If you have any questions please email jerry.alderson at virgin.net.

PLEASE LOBBY YOUR MP ON CROSS COUNTRY FRNACHISE CHANGES

There are still concerns that DfT are ignoring all lobbying about the service changes proposed in the new Cross Country franchise, especially the plans for more passengers to change at Birmingham. There is an Early Day Motion from Tim Farron (see below) about the franchise. A number of contacts within Railfuture and TravelWatches have requested that I ask Railfuture members to contact their MP's and urge them to sign this motion. The EDM is number 175 and the last time I looked it had 34 signatures.

“That this House regrets that carbon emissions from transport are expected to rise by at least 10 per cent. between 2000 and 2010, undermining reductions in carbon emissions in other sectors; notes that the average person travelling by rail generates around half the carbon dioxide emissions of the average person travelling by car; notes with concern recent suggestions by the Department for Transport in Cross Country franchise consultation that trains previously travelling directly from stations between Warrington and Glasgow to the South and South West should all terminate at Birmingham; believes that such suggestions will inconvenience passengers, leading many to drive instead of taking the train; and calls on the Department for Transport to ensure that passengers are put first in any changes to the rail network.”

DEPARTMENT FOR TRANSPORT NEWS

The DfT has announced that GNER's franchise to run the East Coast Main Line will be re-let with GNER continuing to run it until April 2008 on a new management contract basis. Effective from 10 December, it commits GNER to delivering a half-hourly service between Leeds and London, improving stations and continuing with a £30m programme to install new engines and new interiors in our HST trains. For full details see DfT website http://www.dft.gov.uk/stellent/groups/dft_railways/documents/divisionhomepage/613780.hcsp

A Stakeholder Consultation process has started with a deadline of 15th February 2007. The lead branch for Railfuture will be notified to all branches ASAP. Will all branches involved please ensure that they co-operate with the lead branch. Would any branch like to volunteer to take the lead?

Source: DfT press release and GNER letter to stakeholders.

NETWORK RAIL

The formal consultation for the ECML Route Utilisation Strategy is expected from December.

If branches find they have communication or other difficulties with Network Rail, Mike Crowhurst (or via David Harby by email) would like to hear about them.

Readers will recall that the Summer 2007 edition will be the last printed copy of the National Rail Timetable. The National Rail Timetable is however now available in electronic form as a set of downloadable pdf files – one file per Table in the printed edition, plus the supplementary pages and maps. Download the index which includes links to individual tables.

The eNRT (electronic National Rail Timetable) is available at http://www.networkrail.co.uk/aspx/3828.aspx

ORR

On 5th December 2006 announced a consultation on freight access charges and implementation of a reservation charge. The proposals, to take effect from April 2009, concern caps for freight charges and the implementation of a reservation charge on the network.

ORR are also consulting on the possible introduction of a reservation charge, levied on unused capacity reserved by operators. This would provide a financial incentive for operators to not to hold unnecessary track access rights, and incentivise efficient use of the increasingly scarce capacity on the network.

Copies of the consultation documents can be obtained from the ORR website. The freight charges consultation document is at http://www.rail-reg.gov.uk/upload/pdf/310.pdf and the reservation charges document is at http://www.rail-reg.gov.uk/upload/pdf/311.pdf.
Source: ORR press release

On 29th November 2006 ORR announced that it is minded to refer the passenger rolling stock leasing markets to the Competition Commission (CC) for further investigation. It is now consulting key stakeholders on its findings before taking a final decision whether to make a reference to the Commission.

The consultation document Review of passenger rolling stock leasing markets is available from the ORR website at http://www.rail-reg.gov.uk/upload/pdf/308.pdf
Source ORR press release

On 17th November the ORR made a finding of anti-competitive behaviour against English Welsh and Scottish Railway Limited. The ORR has decided that the company has infringed the prohibition contained in Chapter II of the Competition Act 1998 and Article 82 of the EC Treaty. The decision is based on their findings that EWS concluded contracts whose terms had the effect of excluding competitors from the market for coal haulage by rail and that it had also pursued discriminatory and predatory pricing practices in the same market. A non-confidential copy of this decision will be available on the ORR website in due course.

Source: ORR press release

SNIPPETTS

There is a National Audit Office report on the West Coast program, (price £13.50 from HMSO) which praises the work of the SRA in trimming Railtrack's bloated costs for the scheme.

Members interested in track diagrams will be pleased to know that the new colour computer-drawn 'Quail' track maps for the Eastern region - see http://www.trackmaps.co.uk/news.htm. This is the third in the series with Midlands and North West and Western being the first two.

I have been told about another on line magazine Rail Manager OnLine. Issue no 72 is now available at http://www.keepingtrack.co.uk/railmanager/072/RMOL72_27NOV2006.pdf

As MPs prepared to debate the environmental aspects of the Queen’s Speech, RMT issued a press release to put forward for discussion an eight-point action plan aimed at harnessing public transport to help combat global warming. The eight points are:
● Introduction of statutory targets for ‘modal shift’ in transport use from private car and air travel to trains, buses and trams
● The Climate Change Bill to include statutory targets, averaged over three years, for the reduction of carbon emissions in the transport sector.
● A statutory requirement for the Department for Transport to publish a strategy for reducing carbon emissions in the transport sector.
● Regulated and simplified rail and bus fares structured to encourage modal shift, rather than dictated by commercial considerations.
● Investment for significant increases in rail and bus capacity to be supported by ring-fenced revenues from road pricing.
● Increased investment and research into the production of carbon-efficient buses, trains cars and aeroplanes.
● An immediate review of the government’s road-building and airport-expansion plans.
● Amendment of the ACAS Code of Practice and legislation to give trade-union environmental representatives the same rights as industrial and health and safety reps.
Source: RMT press release

DEFRA has published experimental CO2 emission estimates for 2004 for local authority areas and also aggregated to Government Office Region level. A summary explaining the key issues, a full methodological report from AEA Energy and Environment, and a spreadsheet with the detailed results are available at: www.defra.gov.uk/environment/statistics/globatmos/galocalghg.htm
Source: NECTAR bulletin

The DfT figures on past traffic growth by region are on: http://www.dft.gov.uk/stellent/groups/dft_transstats/documents/page/dft_transstats_027414.hcsp

Road Block has created a new information section on its website on road building Costs and escalation. See http://www.roadblock.org.uk/costs.htm

Activists Briefing - Issue 19

19th October 2006

IN THE NEWS
A Railfuture delegation had a meeting with a delegation from ATOC on 12th September. Topics discussed at the meeting included Fares (level of fares, Saver fares, variety and complexity of fares and restrictions and availability), the difficulties encountered in trying to buy International tickets, cease of publication of the National Rail Timetable and availability of alternatives (especially because in their own timetable leaflets TOC’s often omit services from other TOC’s on the same route), infrastructure (more electrification) and community railways.

A Railfuture delegation has had a meeting with DfT Transport Minister Tom Harris MP. More details next month.

Radio Coventry interviewed Michael Caton on 15 September about Virgin fares and reduced availability of cheap rates on London services.

John Pitcher of Railfuture London & S.E. Kent Division has given an interview to his local BBC Radio about the downgrading of services at Ashford International.

Railfuture London & SE Chairman, Keith Dyall, was interviewed by Southern Counties Radio at 7.05 am on 17th October. The interview was about Double Deck trains. Keith said he was not against them but there are drawbacks. Even if a train can be designed to fit within UK loading gauges these trains would be trying to squeeze a lot into a small space. They would have to have end loading doors so station dwell times would be increased which could reduce the number of trains per hour on those lines. Fitting in disabled facilities would not be easy.

NEWS FROM RAILFUTURE BRANCHES
The next meeting of Railfuture London & S.E. Kent Division will be at 2pm on Saturday 18th November at the Elwick Club, Church Road, Ashford. The downgrading of services at the International station has become quite an issue locally so they are hoping for quite a turnout because of it. Strictly speaking this is a matter for the International Committee, though because of their geographical position members in Kent are obviously involved. For that reason it would be good if RDS 'international' people could turn up as far as possible to make sure we are all singing from the same hymnsheet. Firhter details from Railfuture London & South-East Branch, Kent Division Organiser: John Pitcher, 205 Elms Vale Road, Dover, Kent CT17 9PR john.pitcher at ic24.net

Railfuture Lincolnshire are exhibiting at the Spalding Model Railway Club 2006 Exhibition at Springfields Events Centre, Springfields, Camelgate, Spalding, Lincolnshire PE12 6ET on 11th and 12th November. The Events Centre adjoins the Springfields Outlet Shopping Centre and the 25 acres of Festival Gardens.
http://www.springfieldseventscentre.co.uk/default.asp

Railfuture Wales are planning a report on Transport Integration in Wales. Possible topics are integration of information, fares and through ticketing, rail services, rail/bus/car/cycle and walking etc. If you have examples of good practice in integrated transport from the rest of the UK and Europe, both large urban schemes and small rural initiatives, the Railfuture Wales secretary, Rowland Pittard, 61 Chantal Avenue, Penyfai, Bridgend CF31 4NW would like to hear from you.

WALES TRANSPORT STRATEGY
Railfuture Wales have responded to the Wales Transport Strategy Consultation. They support the broad principles laid down in the Strategy but would like to see a much clearer programme of delivery and targets set to make a sustainable integrated transport system for Wales available to all potential users.

They point out that Wales has lost, or soon will lose, many through services to English and Scottish destinations. The need for affordable walk-on period and day fares is stressed along with a request for the half price coach travel for senior citizens and young people to be extended to rail transport. The provision of easily understood, standardised and easily accessible timetable information is essential. As is integrated transport with good seamless connections and top quality interchanges for residents and visitors to gain the best possible experience of travel in Wales and add to the prosperity of the Welsh economy.
Freight is as important as passenger traffic and the rail network must be robust enough to accommodate all traffic with small-scale enhancements as required

The Wales Transport Strategy can be found at:
http://new.wales.gov.uk/about/departments/dein/consultation/walestransportstrategy?lang=en

DISTRIBUTION OF SPECIALIST COMMITTEE MINUTES
In recent months some branches have asked for arrangements to be put in place so that they receive copies of specialist committee minutes. In some cases members of specialist committees keep their local branch up to date with committee activities but there do seem to be instances where this is not happening. To try to improve on the current situation would branch chairmen/secretaries who do not currently see minutes, but wish to do so, please contact David Harby specifying whether they are required in paper or digital format.

DO YOU USE ONE OF THESE TRAINS

Railfuture London & SE Chairman, Keith Dyall, is appealing for members who use preferably these trains or trains on those routes in or near the peaks to contact him urgently please. Email .

08.33 Thames Sutton to Luton operated by Thameslink – 50% overcrowding
07.51 London Victoria to London Bridge operated by Southern – 49%
18.06 Paddington to Oxford operated by Great Western 43%
06.38 Margate to Cannon Street operated by South-Eastern 42%
06.42 Haslemere to Waterloo operated by S.W.Trains 41%
17.50 Victoria to Rochester operated by South-Eastern 38%
07.03 Weybridge to Waterloo operated by South West Trains 37%

DEVELOPERS MAY PAY FOR REOPENINGS

In the Times on October 12th their Transport Correspondent, Ben Webster, is reporting that developers have offered to pay a roof tax of £10,000 per home built so that disused lines can be rebuilt. The routes identified with the most potential are Lewes to Uckfield, Buxton to Matlock, Oxford to Cambridge and the Tamar Valley line extended to Tavistock.

Source: Times 12th October http://www.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,2-2399599.html

BRIGHTON MAIN LINE ROUTE UTILISATION STUDY

The Brighton Main Line RUS was published in February 2006. DfT are now seeking comments from stakeholders on four potential options for delivering the strategy. These options aim to fulfil the principles of the strategy by delivering improvements to commuters who use the route whilst meeting the needs of airline passengers travelling to and from Gatwick Airport. The four options listed below are described in detail in the Consultation document:

1 Extra South Coast trains option (All Day)
2 Retention of dedicated Airport Service option (All Day)
3 Splitting and Joining at Gatwick Airport option (All Day)
4 Peak/off-peak option

The Consultation Document is at www.dft.gov.uk/stellent/groups/dft_railways/documents/page/dft_railways_612621.pdf
Responses wanted before: 22/12/06

Railfuture London & SE Chairman, Keith Dyall, will be co-ordinating the Railfuture response so all comments under the Railfuture name must be approved by Keith before they are submitted.

RAIL USERS’ CONFERENCE 2006

A Reminder that all bookings for the RUC Conference in Reading on 4th November 2006 must be received by Monday 23rd October.

Stephen Hammond MP, Shadow Minister for Rail is speaking on “New thinking on the railways and transport from the Conservative Party”.

Other speakers and topics are:
 “Rail for the booming South East” by Martin Tugwell – Planning Implementation Director, South East England Regional Assembly.
 “Reading Station: on the verge of transformation” by Pat Baxter – Head of Transportation, Reading Borough Council.
 “Rail Users’ must be heard” by Chris Irwin formerly Chair of South West Transport Users’ Forum.
 “Rail’s electrifying Future” by Reg Harman FCILT

DEPARTMENT FOR TRANSPORT NEWS

The DfT has issued the 2006 edition of a booklet summarising surface public transport information. This bulletin continues the annual series of Transport Statistics Bulletins with tables of data for land-based public transport in GB. Targets that apply to a particular mode of public transport are highlighted in tables within the introductory chapter.

The bulletin includes data from the 2005/06 survey of Public Service Vehicle operators, bus and rail data from Transport for London, vehicle data from DVLA and information from rail and tram operators. It also summarises data on characteristics of public transport users obtained through the National Travel Survey, and summarises opinions gathered by the quarterly Bus Passenger Satisfaction Survey. Data are also incorporated from the Department's annual survey of Blue Badge parking schemes and data from modules sponsored in the ONS Omnibus survey regarding awareness of concessionary fare schemes for the elderly.

The 71-page bulletin can be found here www.dft.gov.uk/stellent/groups/dft_transstats/documents/downloadable/dft_transstats_612535.pdf

SURVEY RELEASED ON PUBLIC EXPERIENCES OF AND ATTITUDES TOWARDS RAIL TRAVEL

On 14 September 2006 the Department for Transport published the findings of an ONS Omnibus Survey from February 2006 covering public experiences of and attitudes towards rail travel. Key findings of the survey, designed to improve understanding of the public's opinion of rail services, include:

• 49% of people surveyed had travelled by rail in the previous year and 9% of adults were frequent rail travellers who made short distance rail journeys at least once a week.
• Respondents were positive overall about rail services. 63% of respondents rated short distance services as good; 20% as poor. For long distance services the respective figures were 62% and 14%.
• Users of services were generally more positive than non-users. 70% of users rated short distance services as good, 56% of non-users. For long distance services, the respective figures were 68% and 56%.
• Aspects of short distance services that received the highest ratings were: number of destinations; information about train times; and frequency of trains. The aspects of the services least likely to be rated as good were in relation to fares and personal safety.
• The main reasons people do not use trains or only do so infrequently are the perceived convenience of other modes of transport, the location of stations, and the cost of rail fares. The most common factors mentioned as likely to increase use of rail services were a reduction in the cost of fares, better location of stations, and improved frequency, reliability or speed of services.
• A fifth of short distance rail users felt their recent experiences of the service were better than expected and 72% felt that their expectations were met. On long distance services, 33% said their recent experiences were better than expected, and 7% felt they were worse than expected.

Source: http://www.gnn.gov.uk/environment/fullDetail.asp?ReleaseID=227073&NewsAreaID=2&NavigatedFromDepartment=False

DPTAC CONSULTS ON 2007-2012 STRATEGY

The Secretary of State for Transport set up the Disabled Persons Transport Advisory Committee (DPTAC) in the Transport Act 1985, as an independent statutory body advising him on the transport needs of disabled people. On 22nd September the DPTAC launched a 12 week consultation on its draft strategy for the 2007-2012 period.

Neil Betteridge, DPTAC Chair, said: "The current DPTAC Strategy runs from 2005 to 2007. This new strategy will ensure that we have a clear and agreed framework describing what we plan to achieve over the next three years, with the resources that we have. I look forward to the comments of disabled people and the transport sector on our draft plans."

Source: Press release http://www.gnn.gov.uk/environment/fullDetail.asp?ReleaseID=229027&NewsAreaID=2

GOVERNMENT RESPONDS TO TRANSPORT SELECT COMMITTEE REPORTS

On 19TH October the Government published responses to Transport Select Committee Reports on “Future of the British Transport Police” and “How fair are the fares? Train fares and ticketing” The responses can be found at http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm/cmtran.htm

From a quick read of the response to the fares report the Government seems to be trying to tell us that, with a few minor exceptions, everything is fine as it is and we have nothing to worry about. They think the Transport Committee understate the availability and flexibility of pre-book fares and justify this by saying they can be bought up to 18:00 the evening before. (I wonder when a Government Minister last tried booking a cheap APEX fare let alone on the day before?)

The response says that “since 2004 all new franchise agreements require the operator to monitor their ticketless travels on each route, and to produce and maintain a revenue protection strategy.”

For the passenger railway, over the last 10 years, usage has grown by 44%, revenue in real terms by 47%, costs in real terms by 37% but the whole industry costs per passenger/km have fallen by 6%.

EUROPEAN PASSENGERS’ FEDERATION AGM AND CONFERENCE 2007

The EPF AGM and Conference will be held on Saturday March 10th at Telekomhotel, MUNICH. The theme is ‘New possibilities for European Rail Passengers’. For full details, when available, send SAE to Trevor Garrod, 15 Clapham Rd South, Lowestoft, NR32 1RQ. Munich can be reached in a day by train from London and various places in Southern England.

SNIPPETTS

BRTA advise me that they have cancelled both their Cambridge and Flitwick events (21st April and 15th September respectively for 2007).

A few commitments from Ministers at Labour Party Conference – read the speeches here:
David Miliband, including a commitment to audit every transport decision for its environmental consequences
http://www.labour.org.uk/index.php?id=news2005&ux_newsid=opportunityofthecentury&cHash=fdd0a06753
Douglas Alexander, including a commitment to give bus powers to local authorities:
http://www.labour.org.uk/index.php?id=news2005&ux_newsid=improvebusservices&cHash=7455390545
Source: NECTAR e-Bulletin October

'Road Casualties Great Britain: 2005 - Annual Report ' is published on the Department For Transport web site (http://www.dft.gov.uk/transtat/casualties).

DfT published the North West Regional Planning Assessment for the railway on 19th October. A link to the Statement and publication can be found here: http://www.dft.gov.uk/stellent/groups/dft_control/documents/userinformation/dft_whats_new_page.hcsp Also on this link are numerous documents connected with the announcement that the Secretary of State for Transport and the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government have decided to grant legal powers and planning consents to Network Rail in respect of its Thameslink 2000 rail enhancement scheme. What I cannot see is how it is going to be paid for.

On 11th October John Barrett, Lib. Dem. MP for Edinburgh, West initiated a Westminster Hall debate on High Speed Rail. The debate including a speech where DfT Minister, Tom Harris, managed to speak for a long time, whilst saying very little, can be accessed via this link. http://www.libdems.org.uk/transport/parliamentaryreport.html?id=5948

Activists Briefing - Issue 20

15th November 2006

IN THE NEWS

A Railfuture delegation met with Tom Harris MP, Minister for Transport, on 10th October. Among the issues raised were:

• New Cross Country franchise - Inconvenience, extended journey times and likely overcrowding at Birmingham New Street The failure of DfT to produce information requested under the Freedom of Information Act to substantiate their proposals (This was also raised by some delegates to the Passenger Focus Conference in Birmingham on 8th November.)
• The complexity of rail fares. We pointed out that a recent survey has shown that passengers no longer regard them as value for money.
• The Minister said that the Government was not in the business of carrying fresh air around (Ed. How many times have we now heard that phrase?) We pointed out the average load factor of cars was much lower than trains and there was far more fresh air carried about on roads.
• We highlighted the inequitable Optimum Bias that remains at 57% for rail projects and 32% for roads and guided busways.
• We expressed disappointment for the Government's current 900 lane km road building programme in spite of escalating costs and concerns about global warming.
• We discussed costs and waste due to HSE and DDA regulations.
• We expressed concern about the FCC restrictions on cheap day return tickets which was applied with full knowledge of DfT Rail Group but without prior consultation with TfL, PF, London Travel Watch and user groups.
• We expressed a need for a rolling programme of electrification.

The Inaugural meeting of the Norfolk Rail Alliance took place on Friday 10 November 2006

The Norfolk Rail Alliance is a new lobby group seeking rail improvements and investment within the county of Norfolk and consisting of Norfolk and Suffolk MPs, Norfolk Rail Policy Group representatives, County Councillors and a broad spectrum of supporters from parish councils, district councils, business, the Chamber of Commerce and other interested parties.

Railfuture President, Peter Lawrence attended as Chairman of the Wherry Lines Community Rail Partnership and was also able to convey views on behalf of Railfuture.

All the issues raised by the Alliance have been fully discussed by Railfuture East Anglia Branch at length in the past and will continue as important topics of concern to the branch who will take action as appropriate. A further meeting of the Alliance will take place in February 2007.

NEWS FROM RAILFUTURE BRANCHES

Wales has responded to Welsh Assembly Governments consultation on TAN 18 (Technical advice Note for Transport).They have asked for

• Developments to be near Railway Stations and not motorway interchanges
• Railway stations to be developed as the focus of community activities as in Germany
• New developments to be designed for the use of public transport i.e. housing estates with room for full size buses and links to integrated exchanges at railway stations
• Public transport to be provided at new developments from the outset and not as an after thought with funding from the developer -planning gain
• Land to be safeguarded for public transport developments
• Consideration to be given to cyclists and walkers with routes to public transport 7 consideration to be given to movement of freight by rail and sea and not by road

In their October branch newsletter Railfuture West Midlands quote the following interesting details of transport funding per head for 2005/06. These were extracted from HM Treasury Public Expenditure Statistics Analyses 2006.

London £631, South East £222, South West £208, North West £278, East Midlands £221, North East £201, West Midlands £248, Eastern £221 and Yorks/Humberside £197.

(Ed. - As a resident of Lincolnshire I can't help thinking how much better our rural transport services would be if we had as much money spent per head on transport in our area as they do in London.)

NEW A-Z OF RAIL REOPENINGS

Work is progressing on the revised A-Z rail re-openings. Network Development Committee has agreed to change the format of the re-openings aspirations section. Rather than a long list, the new book will concentrate on around 20 key future re-openings. Suggestions from members as to which schemes to include are invited. Please send to Nick Dibben at nick.dibben at btinternet.com by 16 December.

The committee is also still looking for photographs of re-opened stations especially from Scotland, West Yorkshire and Manchester areas.

RAILFUTURE BRANCH AGM'S

Readers will see that West Midlands and Yorkshire branch AGM's are listed in Forthcoming Events. Could other branches please notify dates and venues to David Harby as soon as they are arranged.

RAIL USERS' CONFERENCE, READING 4TH NOVEMBER 2006

The conference was a successful event with 90 delegates attending. The keynote speech entitled “New Thinking on the Railways and Transport from the Conservative Party” was from Stephen Hammond, MP Conservative Shadow Rail Minister
Some of the views expressed by Mr Hammond were:

• The biggest issue for passengers and freight is how we increase the capacity of the rail system.
• Neither Network Rail (NR) nor the Government (HMG) is getting to grips. HMG seems bent on pricing people off the railway. This can’t be the right way forward environmentally.
• HMG is also interfering too deeply in the detail of running of the railway. It is wrong for Civil servants to write new timetables, and wrong that there is a lack of incentive for Train Operating Companies (TOCs) to invest strategically. Politicians shouldn’t try running the railway.
• The structure is now quite different from at privatisation, but with hindsight Conservative Party (CP) think that track and train separation was a mistake that now slows down decision-making.
• CP is now launching a review of the operation of railways with particular regard to the track and train split. CP intends to use the next three years to ensure we get what they think is the correct method. All interested parties, both in the industry and lobby groups, are invited to contribute and CP will welcome any input. CP doesn’t know the answer and wants to learn. The status quo is not the answer to required capacity increases.
• Beyond their review, CP wants to see scope for more long-term investment, such as it not possible under current franchise arrangements. Chiltern Railway is a successful example of longer franchises.
• CP will protect the interest of rail users and continue the shift from road to rail.
• Mr Hammond is privately sceptical about a north-south high-speed rail link, although he is open to persuasion.
• He was not in favour of MAGLEV etc, but had an open mind on NR who didn’t even have capacity mentioned in their Mission Statement.
• The Chairman warned Mr. Hammond to beware of vertical integration if it means breaking up NR, and warned him to be sceptical of unproven technology like MAGLEV, mindful of past difficulties with the Advanced Passenger Train (APT) and moving block signalling.
• Mr Hammond admitted there might be some tension between CP front bench people and CP policy groups, but he and Chris Grayling will make the final decisions.

DEPARTMENT FOR TRANSPORT NEWS

The Secretary of State's has given approval for Luton Translink. To quote from the decision letter “The Secretary of State is satisfied that the Translink scheme is capable of delivering significant transportation, regenerative and socio-economic benefits for the Luton/Dunstable conurbation, by offering an attractive and reliable public transport service that would improve accessibility, integrate well with the existing transport network and reduce reliance on the car. Whilst he recognises that the scheme would have some adverse impacts, as referred to in this letter, he agrees with the Inspector that, with the proposed mitigation measures in place, the benefits of the scheme would significantly outweigh its disbenefits. He is satisfied that no better alternative has been put forward.”

The decision letter is at: http://www.dft.gov.uk/stellent/groups/dft_about/documents/page/dft_about_613566.hcsp

DfT announced on 9th November that 45 stations in England and Wales have been included in the second round of the Department for Transport's Access for All funding. In addition, the Government has allocated an additional £2.5m in the second round of Small Schemes funding.

Access for All is a ring-fenced fund of over £370 million through to 2015. It is to make stations easier for disabled people to use with an obstacle free, accessible route from station entrances, to and between all platforms. The funding is over and above commitments made in franchises, the ongoing renewal of stations and major station improvement projects.

This announcement brings the number of stations to be improved to 92, with a third round of stations expected to be announced next year. Work will be carried out by Network Rail and completed between 2009 - 2011.

Further information about Railways for All, Access for All and progress are on the DfT website: http://www.dft.gov.uk/stellent/groups/dft_mobility/documents/divisionhomepage/031014.hcsp
Details of the Small Schemes funding can be found at http://www.dft.gov.uk/stellent/groups/dft_mobility/documents/divisionhomepage/611398.hcsp

On Thursday 2 November 2006 the Department for Transport published Transport Statistics Great Britain 2006 - 32nd edition. Topics covered include Modal comparisons, Aviation, Energy and the environment, Freight, Maritime, Public transport, Roads and traffic, Transport accidents and casualties, Vehicles and International comparisons

Transport Statistics Great Britain is also available free from the Department's web-site http://www.dft.gov.uk/transtat. The tables on the web-site are due to be updated during the course of the year, as new data become available.

Plans to extend the Nottingham tram moved a step closer on 25 October when Transport Secretary Douglas Alexander gave programme entry approval to the scheme and announced that Government will contribute £437m.

Link to all DfT press releases: http://www.dft.gov.uk/stellent/groups/dft_about/documents/page/dft_about_610025.hcsp

Revised worked examples (Annex D) to accompany the 'Network modifications' (i.e. Closures) guidelines were published on 9th November. As previously that concludes that the line should be kept open.
See: http://www.dft.gov.uk/stellent/groups/dft_railways/documents/page/dft_railways_613611.pdf

FRANCHISE NEWS

Franchise payment profiles for the South Western, Southeastern, First Greater Western, and First Capital Connect franchises were published on 31 October 2006
http://www.dft.gov.uk/stellent/groups/dft_control/documents/userinformation/dft_whats_new_page.hcsp

Invitations to Tender (ITT) for bidders for three new rail franchises, New Cross Country, East Midlands and West Midlands were issued by the Department for Transport on 31 October 2006. The announcement and links to the Stakeholder Briefing Documents can be found at http://www.dft.gov.uk/stellent/groups/dft_control/documents/userinformation/dft_whats_new_page.hcsp. Included in the Briefing Documents are summaries of consultation responses. There were numerous responses critising the DfT plans to truncate some Cross-Country routes but DfT have carried on regardless.

TRANSPORT SELECT COMMITTEE REPORTS

Two Transport Select Committee Reports of interest to transport campaigners have recently been published. Local Transport Planning and Funding was published on 29th October and Passenger Rail Franchising was published on 5th November 2006 The reports can be found at http://www.parliament.uk/parliamentary_committees/transport_committee.cfm

LONDON 2012 ‘PUBLIC TRANSPORT GAMES’ PLAN LAUNCHED

The Olympic Transport Plan was unveiled by the Olympic Delivery Authority (ODA) on 30th October. At the heart of the plan is the goal of encouraging 100% of spectators to travel to the Games by public transport, walking and cycling. The Plan is now going out to consultation.
The Plan outlines that:

• One train every 15 seconds will serve the Park, with the rail system carrying 240,000 people per hour – an increase of 100,000 on the usual daily rate;
• The Javelin rail service, the bullet train at the heart of the rail plans, will speed spectators from Central London to Stratford International Station in the Olympic Park in just 7 minutes;

Transport plans will be sustainable, minimising environmental impacts wherever possible. The on-going renewal of the bus, train and taxi fleets will ensure that London’s transport is at the forefront of low emissions technology and walking and cycling will be encouraged - with new cycle lanes and walking routes connecting the Park into the wider London networks.
The full document – the Transport Plan for the London 2012 Olympic Games and Paralympic Games It is available from the Olympic Delivery Authority (ODA) via the London 2012 website: www.london2012.com
Source: ODA media release

SNIPPETTS

The National Rail website has a useful table outlining the services that the TOCs will be running over the Christmas and New Year period. See: http://nationalrail.co.uk/service_bulletins/index_xmas_week_info2006.html

North West Route Utilisation Strategy Draft for Consultation was published by Network Rail on 7th November. It can be found on the Network Rail website:
http://www.networkrail.co.uk/browseDirectory.aspx?dir=\RUS%20Documents\Route%20Utilisation%20Strategies\North%20West&pageid=2895&root=

The Yorkshire & Humber RUS Scoping Document is also on the NR website at:
http://www.networkrail.co.uk/browseDirectory.aspx?dir=\RUS%20Documents\Route%20Utilisation%20Strategies\Yorkshire%20and%20Humber&pageid=2895&root=

Renaissance Trains Ltd have indicated that they are considering making some open access applications including a service from South Humberside to Stratford. Links to correspondence on open access issues between the Office of Rail Regulators and various train companies can be found on the ORR website at: http://www.rail-reg.gov.uk/server/show/nav.205

Activists Briefing - Issue 18

16th September 2006

IN THE NEWS

A Railfuture delegation had a meeting with a delegation form ATOC on 12th September. The meeting has been described as useful but no further details are available at present.

NEWS FROM RAILFUTURE BRANCHES

Since 1997 Railfuture East Anglia had been working towards getting a suitable memorial put up at Watlington station to Ron Callaby. Ron, who died in 1991, was a long time member of RDS since the days of then Railway Invigoration Society and was the leading force in getting the station re-opened in 1975, following its closure under Beeching in 1968. The station lacked suitable cycle storage facilities and Railfuture East Anglia decided to (part) fund a cycle shed. WAGN had promised Railfuture EA that they would match what we raised, but in the event they provided enough for a shed costing £5000. We had raised about £700 with sponsored cycle rides, sales stands and donations.

Saturday 19th August saw the final stage of the project, in the unveiling of a memorial plaque on the shed by Mrs Dorothy Callaby. At least thirty people, from Railfuture, the local area and the Callaby family, attended the event which received good cover by the local press. Clara Zilahi gave an interview to Radio Norfolk.

Railfuture Severnside are holding a public meeting entitled ‘Developing Gloucestershire’s Railways’ on 21st October. There will be speakers from First Great Western and Gloucestershire C.C. Venue is Gloucester Leisure Centre starting at 14.00. Contact Nigel Bray, Severnside branch secretary, for further details.

Railfuture South Wales have been granted partner status on the South West Wales Integrated Transport Consortium (SWWITCH) and are therefore able to attend and speak at board meetings.

The next Railfuture North East branch meeting will take place at 7pm on Wednesday 27th September at Eastbourne Methodist Church, Yarm Road, Darlington. The venue is 5 – 10 minutes walk from Darlington Bank Top (mainline) Railway Station. Leave down the ramp at the north end. At the bottom of the station approach turn right onto Yarm Road. The church is straight ahead beyond the traffic island. The speaker will be from the management of Northern Rail. The meeting will focus on Community Safety in relation to the rail network although there will be an opportunity to raise other pertinent local issues.

RAILFUTURE NORTH EAST AT ACORP COMMUNITY RAIL FESTIVAL, DARLINGTON

A reminder that Railfuture North East will be running a stand at the ACoRP Festival on the 23rd and 24th of September. They would also welcome the chance to distribute any leaflets produced by other Railfuture branches or RUGs. Offers to help staff the stall would also welcome. If you could cover for say an hour this would greatly assist in covering meal breaks and the like. Please contact Gordon Barclay by e-mail at firstnorthumbria at tinyworld.co.uk or telephone 01670 505958 (evenings after 19.00).

DO YOU HAVE ANY EXPERIENCE OF PRODUCING A RAIL PROMOTION TOOLKIT?

Railfuture East Anglia branch are looking at producing a Rail Promotion Toolkit which would, for example, produce leaflets encouraging use of a local station by people living nearby. They wish to ensure that they do not 'reinvent the wheel' and would like to hear from any other branches involved in such an activity. Please contact Tony Albert through branch chairman Peter Wakefield (petawake@yahoo.com).

WHEN IN WESSEX WHY NOT TRY THE ‘FOODY TRAIL’

After the success of the ‘Rail Ale Trail’ Railfuture Wessex Branch have now created the ‘Heart of Wessex Line Foody Trail’. They have selected 11 places to eat on the line between Clifton (Bristol) and Weymouth. These are described in an attractive A3 leaflet. There are 6 character restaurants, and 5 pubs serving quality food, who all prepare meals on the premises using locally sourced produce. Research for the trail was done by Peter and Tom Argent, David Greening, Jeremy Sleightholm and David Stevenson and funding was provided by the Heart of Wessex Rail Partnership’s Local Grants Scheme.

CONSULTATIONS

Network Rail published the Cross London RUS in August 2006. It is expected to become established in October. Consultation started in August 2006 on the Scotland RUS and in September 2006 on the Freight RUS.

Network Rail is currently working on seven more route utilisation strategies. Click on the link below for the consultation documents. It is noticable that, unlike the SRA, Network Rail are including User Groups in the pre-consultation phase of their RUS' but so far have not listed either Railfuture or its Branches in this category. It could simply be that we have never asked to be included! Branches should perhaps study the published calendar to see when work involving their
area is planned.

http://www.networkrail.co.uk/browseDirectory.aspx?dir=\RUS%20Documents\Route%20Utilisation%20Strategies&pageid=2895&root=

RAIL USERS’ CONFERENCE 2006

Stephen Hammond MP, Shadow Minister for Rail has agreed to speak at the Railfuture RUC in Reading on 4th November 2006. His topic will be “New thinking on the railways and transport from the Conservative Party”.

Other speakers and topics are:
 “Rail for the booming South East” by Martin Tugwell – Planning Implementation Director, South East England Regional Assembly.
 “Reading Station: on the verge of transformation” by Pat Baxter – Head of Transportation, Reading Borough Council.
 “Rail Users’ must be heard” by Chris Irwin formerly Chair of South West Transport Users’ Forum.
 “Rail’s electrifying Future” by Reg Harman FCILT

A booking form will be sent out shortly with Railwatch 109.

The date and venue for the 2007 Rail Users' Conference has now been confirmed as Ely Maltings on Saturday 3rd November 2007.

DEPARTMENT FOR TRANSPORT NEWS

Tom Harris MP has replaced Derek Twigg MP as Parliamentary Under Secretary of State with responsibility for Rail. Derek Twigg is now Under Secretary of State for Defence. Tom Harris is aged 42 and has a background in journalism. He was elected MP for Cathcart in 2001. Following boundary changes he was elected member for Glasgow South in 2005. For a full biography see http://www.tomharris.org.uk/biography.php

NATIONAL RAIL REVIEW

On 21st August the ORR published the first of the new quarterly National Rail Reviews. The new review draws on the Network Rail Monitor and National Rail Trends to assess performance, progress and the key issues being addressed by the rail industry.

1. The National Rail Review is available on the ORR website at http://www.rail-reg.gov.uk/upload/pdf/301.pdf
2. National Rail Trends is available on the ORR website at http://www.rail-reg.gov.uk/server/show/nav.129
3. The Network Rail Monitor and a commentary is available on the ORR website at http://www.rail-reg.gov.uk/upload/pdf/300.pdf
Source:ORR press release

RAILFUTURE MEMBERSHIP – HOW DO WE RECRUIT MORE MEMBERS AND KEEP THE ONES WE ALREADY HAVE?

This is the title of a paper written by David Harby but incorporating ideas from papers by Clara Zilahi, Trevor Garrod, David Harby and Peter Harris. The intention of the paper is not to be a blueprint of where we go from here but to stimulate discussion of membership promotion at national and branch level. Some of the ideas suggested could be taken forward now by national officers and branches but others are not possible without more active help being available, especially at branch level. The paper has already been sent to branch contacts and membership secretaries. Anyone is welcome to comment on the points made or put forward other new ideas. Copies of the paper can be obtained from and comment sent to .

One of the more radical suggestions already received is that we should stop printing a glossy membership form and instead just run off copies on normal paper as and when they are needed. By doing this we would be able to ‘tweak’ the leaflet as circumstances change and also make small changes to target different groups. Does anyone have experience of what other groups do?

THE COLNE-SKIPTON RAIL LINK - CONFERENCE

Andy Shackleton, Liaison Officer SELRAP, has asked me to pass on details of a conference on Friday 13th October 2006 to raise the issues and the importance of reconnecting Skipton to Colne and the rest of East Lancashire into the national network of Network Rail. To be held at the Old Stone Trough Country Lodge and Inn, Colne Road, Kelbrook, the conference centre adjoins the track bed of the old railway line.

With the growing interest in the regeneration of the old mill town of Colne, the need to see the reinstatement of the rail link is of great importance. This would bring Manchester, Liverpool and Leeds and wider areas in the Northern region of England into easy reach as well as form greater links with the rest of the country. For the purpose of this conference and the reinstatement of the Colne-Skipton rail link, Colne Connected (a Market Town Initiative) have joined together as partners with the Skipton East Lancashire Rail Action Partnership (SELRAP).

Speakers include:
Brian Simpson MEP & Director, North West Rail Investment Campaign.
Ian Yeowart & Sean English (Respectively) Managing Director & Operations Director, Grand Central Railways.
David Curry MP & Gordon Prentice MP, SELRAP’s Patrons.
Drew Haley, Stakeholder Manager, Northern Rail.

The booking fee for this Conference to individual delegates is £20. This will include a buffet lunch. Should you require overnight accommodation, the Old Stone Trough Country Lodge and Inn, Colne Road, Kelbrook (Tel. 01282 844844) do have rooms available, which you will need to book with them personally.

Bookings and requests for more information should be sent to Peter Nowland, c/o. Blackburn Diocesan BSR, The Olive Branch, St Anne's Church Hall, Wheatley Lane Road, Fence, Lancashire, BB12 9ED. The booking fee is £20.00 and cheques should be made payable to SELRAP. David Harby david.harby at ntlworld.com has a copy of the booking form and can email it to anyone who wants it.

SNIPPETTS

BRTA are organising a conference at Homerton College, Hills Road, Cambridge on Saturday 21st April 2007. Full details and booking forms via their website www.brta.org.uk or via Russell Pratt 115 Kimble Drive, Bedford, MK41 9SZ 01234 300815 membership at brta.org.uk.

The date of the next Railfuture Network Development Committee has changed from 7th October to the 28th October.

We have purchased a 5ft x 2ft pvc banner with the Railfuture logo printed on it. The banner will be in use at the ACoRP Festival in Darlington and is then available for use by branches and committees etc. It can be rolled up and inserted into a cardboard tube for posting. If branches would like to use it for an event please contact david.harby at ntlworld.com.

The “Growing the Railways” campaign in the regions was launched in the North West on 15th September. The regional manifesto can be read at http://www.transport2000.org.uk/news/NW_Rail_manfesto_11_Sept.pdf

Mike Crowhurst has asked me to remind branches that, if they have not already done so, he would like them to draw up a short rail strategy document for their area listing the key points.

FORTHCOMING EVENTS

Saturday 23rd September
Railfuture Freight Committee meeting, PCVS office, Peterborough

Saturday 30th September
Railfuture Passenger Committee, Calthorpe Arms, London,

Saturday 21st October
Railfuture Policy, Lobby Campaigns Committee, London (subject to venue availability)

Saturday 28th October
Network Development Committee meeting, PCVS office, Peterborough.

Saturday 4th November
Rail Users’ Conference, South Street Arts Centre, 21 South Street, Reading. Commence at 11.00.

Saturday 25th November
Railfuture International and EU Committee meeting, Brunswick, Derby

Saturday 2nd December
Railfuture Passenger Committee, Birmingham

Saturday 16th December
Railfuture Freight Committee meeting, subject to confirmation

Saturday 12th May 2007
RDS Ltd AGM, County Hall, Preston

Activists Briefing - Issue 17

16th August 2006

IN THE NEWS

Graham Larkbey, lead member for the Railfuture Sudbury Hill Campaign has a letter in Rail 546 asking why if Chiltern can manage to stop at Sudbury Hill in the peaks it can’t stop at evenings and weekends when capacity is less stretched.

NEWS FROM RAILFUTURE BRANCHES

Railfuture Lincolnshire are exhibiting at the Grantham Rail Show, Central Technology College, Rushcliffe Road, Grantham on 2nd and 3rd September. 10.00 – 17.30 (17.00 on Sunday). Details from david.harby at ntlworld.com

Following the publication of the December 2006 First Great Western timetable Derek Buttivant, vice chair Railfuture Devon and Cornwall, was quoted in Western Morning News on 29th July. He voiced his concerns about the absence of some services such as the through services to the south coast and Cardiff. Source: http://www.westernmorningnews.co.uk/displayNode.jsp?nodeId=141529&command=displayContent&sourceNode=141513&contentPK=15019404&moduleName=InternalSearch&formname=sidebarsearch

RAILFUTURE NORTH EAST AT ACORP COMMUNITY RAIL FESTIVAL, DARLINGTON

Railfuture north east branch will be setting up a small stall to help promote Railfuture & Rail User Group activities at this years 'Community Rail Festival' to be held at Darlington on the 23rd and 24th of September. They hope to display various Railfuture publications and various leaflets produced by Rail User Groups in the region. They would also welcome the chance to distribute any leaflets produced by other Railfuture branches or RUGS. Offers to help staff the stall would also welcome. If you could cover for say an hour this would greatly assist in covering meal breaks and the like. Please contact Gordon Barclay by e-mail at firstnorthumbria at tinyworld.co.uk or telephone 01670 505958 (evenings after 19.00).

The Community Rail Festival is now annual event and many members may well remember the large event held at the National Rail Museum in York in recent years. The Darlington event will be similar in character but on a smaller scale. In addition to the exhibits and displays to be held at the Bank Top station in Darlington, two excellent railway museums are located in the area, the North Road museum in Darlington and the National Railways Museum's 'Locomotion' museum at Shildon. Both these sites are served by Northern Rail services on the Bishop Auckland branch. For those wanting an escape from things railway, Darlington is a very attractive market town in its own right!

Hertfordshire Rail Tours will be running a charter train to Darlington from London on the Saturday for the event. In addition they will also be running two trains from Darlington the scenic Boulby Branch, normally only served by goods trains!

Details of the ACoRP event from their web site http://www.communityrailfest.org.uk/

CONSULTATION RESPONSES

Railfuture West Midlands and Railfuture North East have both submitted responses to the DfT consultation on the Cross Country Franchise. Railfuture North East views were highlighted in the Newcastle Journal on August 7th under the headline 'Cheap and nasty rail service' plans. the article can be read at http://icnewcastle.icnetwork.co.uk/journallive/thejournal/tm_objectid=17521591%26method=full%26siteid=50081%26headline=%2dcheap%2dand%2dnasty%2drail%2dservice%2d%2dplans-name_page.html

Martin Murphy writes: “There seems to be a deep concern about the DfT proposals for the new CrossCountry franchise. There are many aspects of the DfT proposals which are unacceptable and which have been picked up in the consultation submissions which I have seen. However, a simple issue which I thought would reflect the general mood is the proposal to cut most of the through trains and impose changes of train in Birmingham New Street.

The suggestion has been made that, 'The only thing which might cause Ministers to cease automatically signing letters written by their officials and to instead look into the issue, would be a cross-party lobby of MPs reflecting all of the regions from Glasgow to Penzance'. The spread of concerns I have seen suggests that we ought to be able to initiate such a lobby but it is the purpose of this note to find out your views, as between us we cover the whole CrossCountry network. Indeed you may all be ahead of me and already lobbying your MPs. It would seem to do no harm if more than one MP were to be persuaded to set the ball rolling, as long as we ensure that all interested MPs are put in touch with each other.”

If you have contact with your MP and think you could persuade him to get involved Martin would like to hear from you on murphy.martin at btinternet.com

Norman Bradbury has submitted a paper on behalf of Railfuture in response to a consultation by the All Party Parliamentary Climate Change Group.

NEW NATIONAL RAIL CONDITIONS OF CARRIAGE

New National Rail Conditions of Carriage, and Conditions for the Carriage of Luggage, Articles, Animals and Cycles, come into effect from the 24th July 2006, and copies of the booklet should now be available at all staffed Ticket Offices. The booklet can also be downloaded as a pdf file from http://www.nationalrail.co.uk/times_fares/nrcc/

Many of the conditions have been renumbered, and there are several additions, including an entire section devoted to Electronic Tickets. There's a new Condition (17) relating to using return tickets and expanded rules on using a combination of tickets (Condition 19). There are several other rewordings and changes.

DEPARTMENT FOR TRANSPORT NEWS RELEASES

The Birmingham and West Midlands Rail Capacity Review was published by DfT on 25/7/06.
See : http://www.dft.gov.uk/stellent/groups/dft_railways/documents/page/dft_railways_612183.hcsp

OFFICE OF RAIL REGULATION NEWS

Station usage statistics for 2004/5 are now available on the ORR website in the form of an Excel file Station usage excel sheet (2004-2005). These should be read in conjunction with the 2 pdf files dated 26th July (Notes on station usage Excel file (2006) and Station usage report (2004-2005)) as these explain some apparent inconsistencies. In particular it should be noted that where there are group stations e.g. Maidstone tickets sold from “Maidstone stations” might all be allocated to one station. See http://www.rail-reg.gov.uk/server/show/nav.129

The Office of Rail Regulation published on 24th July the final report by the Independent Investigation Board set up by HSE to oversee their investigation into the Hatfield train derailment that occurred on 17 October 2000.

'Train Derailment at Hatfield: a Final Report by the Independent Investigation Board' available for download from:
http://www.rail-reg.gov.uk/upload/pdf/297.pdf

GROWING THE RAILWAYS CAMPAIGN REGIONAL LAUNCHES

The Growing the Railways campaign is led by T2000 and endorsed by 21 other groups including Railfuture. Plans for Regional launches in the first four regions are now well advanced. Each launch will include:
 a regional manifesto including rail priorities, pinch points which need attention etc (positively focused)
 a press release
 a local celebrity (if possible) to spearhead the launch;
 collaboration with a key regional newspaper (if possible); and
 open invitation to regional: press, stakeholders, MPs, activists/RUGs etc. etc.

Provisional dates are:
North West - Friday 15 September at Crewe Station (to be confirmed)
East Midlands - Thursday 28 September in Nottingham
North East - Friday 22 or Saturday 23 (to be confirmed) in Darlington to include a stall on Darlington’s Bank Top station as part of the ACoRP Community Rail Festival 2006 in Darlington.
South West - 25, 26, 27 or 29 September (to be confirmed according to celebrity’s availability) probably at Bristol Temple Meads Station.

DEBATE ON LONDON ORBITAL RAIL NETWORK

There was a House of Commons (Westminster Hall) Debate on London Orbital Rail Network on 19th July. Tom Brake (Lib Dems), Chris Grayling (Conservative) and Stephen Ladyman (Labour) all spoke in the debate. The Hansard report of the debate can be found at http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm200506/cmhansrd/cm060719/halltext/60719h0353.htm
Source: Liberal Democrat briefing: http://www.libdems.org.uk/transport/parliamentaryreport.html?id=5908

RAILWAY CONVERSION - THE IMPRACTICAL DREAM

This recently published book by E.A. Gibbins claims to be the first critical analysis of the railway conversion idea that began in 1954. According to a flyer from the author the book:

"Proves that conversion to roads is impractical. Only 250 miles of 10,000 miles of railway closed since the idea was first advanced are 'converted', Most were short lengths that had to be widened by a factor of up to eight. Road transport makes such poor utilisation of roads that there would be no space for existing road traffic on converted main lines. Most closed lines have been converted to footpaths and cycleways, for which the limited width of railways is not a problem.

"The conversion lobby claims that inevitable below-standard road widths and bridge heights on converted railways would be adequate. On that basis, road delays could be cut by reducing lane width on motorways and concreting verges to create five or more lanes.

"The traffic claimed to be on roads is being overestimated, so that road/rail disparity is exaggerated. Unsafe practices have held down road transport costs and undermined competition by railways.

"Conversion of railways to guided busways - a new and costly gimmick - will give another subsidy to bus operators, who now enjoy free bus lanes, red routes, shelters, lay-bys and raised pavements. They will not pay all infrastructure costs for a converted railway. Hence they are not financially comparable with rail. Complications for the concept, arising from thousands of public, private and farm level crossings are ignored.

Pages 220, 24 Photos, Pbk. Price £ 13.95 Published by: Leisure Products, 11 Bedford Grove, Alsager, Stoke-on-Trent. ST7 2SR

SNIPPETTS

Can all branches please note that requests for mailing labels should normally be sent to David Harby at least 2 weeks before they are needed. They are usually produced quicker than this but there are times e.g. holidays when a quicker printing cannot be done.

Peter Lawrence has asked me to tell all branches that he has an email distribution list of around 400 media contacts etc. If you have a press release etc that would benefit from a distribution beyond your normal branch contacts then it can be sent to Peter, , for distribution.

The June 2006 issue of the Environmental & Sustainable Technology Journal includes a two-page feature article on the subject of hybrid railways. Authored by John Parry and Caspar Lucas of Parry Associates, it identifies the benefits of lightweight suburban railway technology to both the environment and society. Also mentioned is a new community interest company being set up to provide lightweight railcars for lease to rail operators. The June 2006 Issue (Vol 4 no 4) can be downloaded from http://www.eastjournal.co.uk/ Source JPM Parry and Associates Press release http://www.parryassociates.com/Latest_News.htm

The August newsletter from PPM Issue 45 estimates that they could supply the materials to build a two-coach (forty metre) platform, for under £1,600. Source: http://www.parrypeoplemovers.com/newsletters.htm

On 11th August Sea Containers issued a new statement about their financial position and the GNER franchise. See: http://www.prnewswire.co.uk/cgi/news/release?id=176995

INVALID EMAIL ADDRESSES

Howard Thomas (Passenger Committee Chairman) and Elisabeth Jordan (Lottery Organiser) have both asked me to notify everyone that they no longer have an email address. Future correspondence to them will need to be by Royal Mail.

Activists Briefing - Issue 16

16th July 2006

IN THE NEWS

Following the release of the Network Rail ‘initial strategic business plan’ (see below) the Eastern Daily Press contacted Railfuture President, Peter Lawrence, and sought Railfuture views on Eastern England. Peter concentrated on three issues: The Beccles Loop (Lowestoft-Ipswich line); Capacity between Colchester and Shenfield; The East-West rail link.

In EDP edition 4th July, Railfuture was given front-page coverage. Peter was very pleased with what was printed, especially an excellent report by the papers’ Environment correspondent Tara Greaves. Inside pages included comments from an MP, local politicians/councillors, Network Rail and "one", etc. For the full story see http://new.edp24.co.uk/search/story.aspx?brand=EDPOnline&category=News&itemid=NOED04%20Jul%202006%2008:54:12:697&tBrand=EDPOnline&tCategory=search

NEWS FROM RAILFUTURE BRANCHES

Railfuture East Anglia branch have issued a press release expressing their concern at the high cost of car parking at many rail stations. GNER have recently imposed increases that even make bank and credit card charges seem cheap. Railfuture Lincolnshire has written to GNER to complain about the increase to £8.50 per day at Newark Northgate. The local authority controlled car park alongside Newark Castle only costs £2 per day.

East Anglia branch pointed out that:
 High charges deter people from using the train.
 For short journeys parking could be more than the train fare.
 The charges will lead to more people being dropped off at stations rather than parking so leading to more car traffic.
 Parking charges are not capped unlike some fare so are an easy target for train operators.
 Charges should be capped and increases linked to car park improvements.
 To encourage people to travel by bus to station bus fares should be made cheaper.
 Bus operators need to improve services especially early morning and late evening. A 10-minute frequency during the day dropping to every hour by 19.00 is not good enough for rail passengers who may be returning late.

Last year Railfuture East Anglia spent a lot of time responding to and appearing at the Examination in Public for the Eastern England Spatial Strategy. Their efforts, along with those of other environmental groups, appear to have paid off as the Inspector's report proposes a complete rewrite of the transport section policies. The changes include rewording to recognise the issue of climate change and the key objective to reduce the need to travel and obtain modal shift. Extra capacity for freight is also seen as a key priority. The report is also available on the Government Office website www.goeast.gov.uk

All branches are urged to look at their branch page on the Railfuture website and check to see if the content is accurate. Any requests for changes should be sent to Ray King or Jerry Alderson.

RAILFUTURE GIVE EVIDENCE TO SELECT COMMITTEE ENQUIRY INTO PASSENGER RAIL FRANCHISING

Railfuture North East, London and South East and Passenger Committees co-operated to send submissions to the House of Commons Transport Committee enquiry into Passenger Rail Franchising. Peter Cousins and Richard Pout then gave oral evidence to the committee on 5th July. An uncorrected version of the evidence can be found at http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm200506/cmselect/cmtran/uc1354-i/uc135402.htm

NEWS FROM WALES

Wales Audit Office is carrying out an audit of Integrated Transport in Wales and would appreciate experiences and comments of Railfuture members. Comments in the first instance to Railfuture South Wales secretary, Rowland Pittard, 61 Chantal Avenue, Penyfai, Bridgend, Glamorgan CF31 4NW.

The Wales Transport Strategy consultation copy is expected to be issued on 18 July 2006. Copies will be available from National Assembly of Wales publications Dept and also on the web. There will be a three-month consultation period. Railfuture responses are being co-ordinated by Railfuture South Wales. Comments to Rowland Pittard as above.

The WAG is consulting on the draft guidance for the production of Regional Transport Strategies. It is expected that the four regional consortia will produce these and in fact preparatory work is already being carried out. Railfuture South Wales is preparing a response to the consultation, which finishes on 31st July. The branch is mainly concerned about cross border co-operation and integration.

HAMPTON COURT STATION REDEVELOPMENT – EXHIBITION ON JULY 21 and 22

I have been asked by a member to publicise new proposals for the redevelopment of the station site and adjoining pub land at Hampton Court. The proposals are to be presented for public examination at the site on July 21 and 22. The station building has been allowed to deteriorate and the derelict site of the pub, being adjacent to the River Thames, opposite the palace, requires very sensitive development. There is need for a better bus interchange and easier pedestrian and cycle access.

One of the options proposed in a previous scheme, which was included as option 2 in Elmbridge council's planning brief of 1999, was to move the rail terminus towards London. Railtrack actually moved the points to the other side of the level crossing to facilitate this. A local member considers that any revival of that plan needs to be opposed with vigour since it would make the walk from the station to Hampton Court Palace and, for most users from Molesey, much longer.

CONFERENCES

The experiment of holding the Campaigns conference in Stoke over a whole weekend seems to have been a success. Delegates who stayed overnight seemed to welcome the opportunity to discuss issues with fellow Railfuture members, and some speakers, in a more informal setting over dinner and breakfast and at the Churnet Valley Railway on the Sunday. Presentations were all interesting with thought provoking and controversial comments from some speakers. It was particularly pleasing to speak to some delegates who live in the more outlying areas of the UK and who took advantage of the onsite accommodation to attend a conference they would normally not try to reach in one day.

The organisers would like to thank Staffordshire University and Churnet Valley Railway staff for going out of their way to ensure the event ran without any major hitches.

It is hoped to arrange similar events in the future and if any delegates have comments or suggestions for improvements Jerry Alderson would like to hear from them.

A booking form for the Rail Users’ Conference in Reading on 4th November 2006 is now on the Railfuture website.

Bedfordshire Railway and Transport Association are holding an Environmental and Transport Fair on Saturday 16th September. Venue is Harpur Suite, Corn Exchange, Harpur Street, Bedford. Tables cost £15 to include a buffet lunch (subject to costs). More details from 01234 300815 or www.brta.org.uk.

PHOTOS REQUIRED FOR NEW A-Z

The new edition of A to Z of Rail Reopenings is currently at the draft stage. This new edition will be broader in scope than its predecessors (for example it will contain a section on light rail) and will also be a higher quality product. Thus, it will contain more photographs than previous editions and all photographs will be colour. We also want to avoid using photographs used in previous editions or those that have appeared in other publications.

Therefore, we want recent, good quality colour prints of new and reopened stations, as well as prints of light rail systems. What we do not want are photographs showing empty platforms or tatty, dated looking rolling stock. Instead, we want to see pictures of busy station scenes with lots of (preferably happy) passengers including commuters, shoppers, family groups, senior citizens and school parties. We also want to see photographs showing attractive modern rolling stock or older rolling stock that has been refurbished to a high standard. In short, photographs should convey the message that rail development is good because it encourages more people to use the railways and, therefore, we want to see more of it.

In addition, we want to see photographs illustrating good practice in station design. This could include attractively designed station buildings, facilities for disabled passengers, bus-rail interchange facilities, cycle parking facilities, signage and information displays, passenger information systems, or anything else that makes stations more accessible and welcoming. Equally, photographs showing badly designed station facilities are useful to highlight the sort of things that should be avoided in future station designs.

Any photographs that members can supply need to reach Nick Lewis, 36 Common Road, Stotfold, Hitchin, Herts SG5 4DB. (01462 733 292.) or Jerry Alderson (jerry.alderson@virgin.net) by October. Photographs should be supplied with as much background information as possible including date, location, subject matter and name of photographer. Those supplying photographs should also indicate if they want them returned after use.

The final date for receipt of any further comments about the content etc of the new A-Z is 1st October 2006. Comments to Jerry Alderson.

NETWORK RAIL NEWS

On 6th July Network Rail announced that they had found 20 more possible train paths on the East Coast Main Line. These would accommodate three new Grand Central services between Sunderland and London King’s Cross, one additional Hull Trains service between Hull and London King’s Cross and six additional GNER services between Leeds and London King’s Cross, which would mean a half-hourly service between Kings Cross and Leeds during the day. The NR press release and a link to the ECML Timetable Development Document: are at:
http://www.networkrailmediacentre.co.uk/Content/Detail.asp?ReleaseID=2050&NewsAreaID=2&SearchCategoryID=2

The Network Rail ‘initial strategic business plan’ that outlines the company’s emerging plans for operating, maintaining and developing the rail network from 2009 to 2014 was published on 3rd July. In addition to the baseline scenario, Network Rail also outlines a strategy to deal with the forecast 30% growth in demand on Britain’s rail. This base-case details almost £8bn of development projects that would grow the network to accommodate predicted passenger and freight growth. Source NR press release:
http://www.networkrailmediacentre.co.uk/Content/Detail.asp?ReleaseID=2037&NewsAreaID=2&SearchCategoryID=2

DEPARTMENT FOR TRANSPORT NEWS RELEASES

National Statistics on the activity of heavy goods vehicles (over 3.5 tonnes gross weight) during 2005, including foreign vehicle activity in the UK, and the domestic activity of company vans during the period 2003-2005 were published on 29th June. See http://www.gnn.gov.uk/environment/fullDetail.asp?ReleaseID=210959&NewsAreaID=2&NavigatedFromDepartment=False

National Statistics on passenger satisfaction, bus reliability, age of fleet and bus and light rail patronage in Bus and Light Rail Statistics GB: January to March 2006 and on bus punctuality in Bus Punctuality Statistics: 2005 were published on 15th June. See: http://www.gnn.gov.uk/environment/fullDetail.asp?ReleaseID=208005&NewsAreaID=2&NavigatedFromDepartment=False

Regional transport funding plans from 2006-2016 were announced on 6th July. Individual announcements for each Government Region can be found by using this link and specifying DfT press releases.
http://www.gnn.gov.uk/content/default.asp?NewsAreaID=2&localeID=-1&clientID=-1&DepartmentMode=1&displayMinisters=False

OFFICE OF RAIL REGULATION NEWS

ORR published the Railway Safety Annual Report 2005 on 12th July. The ORR Chief Inspector of Railways, Linda Williams, reported that safety performance on Britain's railways is continuing to improve.

Commenting on the report Linda Williams said:
"This is my first annual report on railway safety as I took on the role of Chief Inspector from my predecessor Allan Sefton, in December 2005. This is also the first time that the report covers a complete calendar, rather than financial, year.

"I am pleased to report there were no major train incidents involving multiple injuries or fatalities. Regrettably there were 33 fatalities during the period covered by this report, including six worker fatalities and ten passenger deaths.
"The other fatalities were accounted for by 9 pedestrians, 4 road vehicle drivers, and two cyclists, all killed at level crossings, and one person killed by a tram.

"These figures indicate why we cannot afford to become complacent and must continue to work with the railway industry to manage the risks to workers, passengers and members of the public.

"Additionally, we must not forget those who died or were injured in the bombings in London on 7 July. Although not directly involved, HMRI provided advice and assistance to London Underground."

Headline figures from the report include:
 No passenger fatalities in train incidents, compared to 5 in 2004;
 6 staff fatalities, compared to 10 in 2004;
 10 passenger fatalities from all causes, compared to 13 in 2004;
 16 people killed on level crossings: 1 train driver (of a miniature train), 4 were drivers of road vehicles, 2 cyclists and 9 pedestrians, compared to a total of 17 in 2004;
 339 signals passed at danger (spads), compared to 357 in 2004;
 27 train incidents on level crossings, compared to 29 in 2004; and
 452 train incidents caused by vandalism, compared to 642 in 2004.

The report is available from the ORR website at http://www.rail-reg.gov.uk/upload/pdf/296.pdf.
Source: ORR Press Release http://www.rail-reg.gov.uk/server/show/ConWebDoc.8177

The National Rail Trends yearbook, covering the period April 2005 to March 2006, was published by ORR on 5th July. It shows the highest annual percentage of trains on time since 1999-00 – 86.4%.
Source: ORR Press Release http://www.rail-reg.gov.uk/server/show/ConWebDoc.8156

NEW ROADS GENERATE MORE TRAFFIC – WHAT A SURPRISE!

It may be obvious to most of us that new roads generate more traffic and soon become as congested as the roads they are by passing but it is taking government a long time to learn this simple observation. Further evidence to support this claim can be found in a new CPRE report "New Roads: The Damage Done and The Lessons Unlearnt". The report includes three case studies – including the Newbury ByPass - showing how traffic on new roads has grown faster than government predictions, such that 2010 levels are already being exceeded. For a link to the report see CPRE Press Release: http://www.cpre.org.uk/news-releases/news-rel-2006/29-06.htm
Source: North East Combined Transport Activists’ Roundtable Information Bulletin Issue 24 July 2006

SNIPPETTS

Transport 2000 are advertising the following job vacancies:
Travel Plans Co-ordinator - £27,346 p.a.
Public Transport Campaigner – (Job Share) 2.5 days per week £27,346 p.a. (pro-rata)
Campaigns Assistant – 4 days per week £19,826 p.a. (pro-rata)
Finance Manager - 2 days per week £27,346 p.a. (pro-rata)
Application packs can be obtained by emailing recruitment at transport200.org.uk stating which position you are interested in. Closing date for applications is 22nd August 2006.

Emails of Issue 15 sent to yahoo accounts were returned to me as ‘Host not responding’. They were resent but if they still did not arrive issue 15 is on the Railfuture website at http://www.railfuture.org.uk/tiki-view_blog.php?blogId=4

Following an independent research survey of over 2000 passengers, Passenger Focus have issued a paper outlining “Passengers’ requirements of rail fares.” Summary papers are available on the PF website http://www.passengerfocus.org.uk/news-and-publications/press-release.asp?dsid=483. Also recently added to the PF website is “Light at the end of the tunnel? - The impact of Chiltern Railways’ handling of the contingency arrangements following the tunnel collapse at Gerrards Cross on 30 June 2005” and the latest National Passenger Survey results for Spring 2006