Railway Cuttings 79

16th October 2004

IN THE NEWS

Under the new InterCity East Coast franchise the SRA says it wants to stop the last from King's Cross train to the North East calling at Morpeth and Alnmouth. If the move were approved, the last service would depart at 15:30 rather than 17:30hrs.

Martin Murphy, Chairman Railfuture North East branch, is quoted on the BBC website as follows: "This is just not good enough. We are quite clear that we need the long distance connections from London and also the cross country services we now have that connect us with Edinburgh and the north, and the Midlands and the South West. Typically, 40 to 50 people get off that train in Alnmouth and Morpeth together, quite apart from those who get off in Berwick and Dunbar. It's a vital part of life in the area and we really cannot afford to do without it."

To see the SRA's views read the BBC report: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/tyne/3692762.stm

NEWS FROM RAILFUTURE BRANCHES

The latest edition of Railfuture Scotland News was published on 28th September. A PDF copy is in the 'News' section of their website at www.RailFutureScotland.org.uk. The next Branch Meeting is on Saturday 20th November at Quality (Central Station) Hotel, Glasgow at 14.00. Speaker is Alistair Watson (Chair of Strathclyde PTA)

Tim Shoveller Operations Director, MML Ltd, will be giving a talk entitled “Outdoing Them All” to East Midlands Branch at City Rooms, Hotel St., Leicester on November 13th at 2 p.m. All welcome.

A second edition of ‘'On Track for the 21st Century: A Development Plan for the Railways of Wales and the Borders” was released in September 2004. 54 pages in A4 format plus two-coloured foldout A3 maps. Printed copies are available at cost price for members - £3 including p&p. Order from Peter Clark, 84 North Street, Abergavenny NP7 7ED. It is also available for downloading from the Welsh branches website at http://www.chartist.demon.co.uk/rdsw//dev-planupd.htm.

Lord Berkeley of the Rail Freight Group is the guest speaker at the next meeting of Railfuture East Anglia branch. The meeting is at Little St.Mary's Church Hall, Trumpington Street, Cambridge on 4th December 2004. Meeting starts at 14.00 and finishes around 16.00. The venue is about 15 minutes walk from the station or you can get a bus (every few minutes) to the Downing Street stop in the City centre and then walk along Downing Street to the Church Hall. All Railfuture members are welcome. Further details from Nick Dibben (branch secretary) tel: 01480 495101, email: nick.dibben at ukgateway.net.

RAILFUTURE HAS A NEW MEMBERSHIP LEAFLET

A new membership leaflet has been printed and copies have been included with each October Railwatch. Extra supplies are available from the Railfuture office. As a tri-folded A4 leaflet it has been designed to fit into standard leaflet racks as found on stations etc. There are also some Railwatch back numbers available to any branch that wants to use them for membership promotion. For further information please contact Peter Harris by telephone or fax on 0161 798 8661, or e-mail peter.harris at railfuture.org.uk

RAILFUTURE ANNUAL DRAW

If anyone needs further supplies of Annual Draw tickets please contact Chris Precey on 01455 616824. Profits from the draw are used to assist re-opening campaigns with the distribution being administered by Railfuture Network Development Committee.

RAIL USERS’ CONFERENCE 2004 AND 2005

Members are reminded that John Lee must receive booking forms for the 2004 Rail Users’ Conference no later than 27th October 2004. Thoughts are now turning to the arrangements for the 2005 Conference. Would any branch like to host the event? Offers to Mike Crowhurst please.

ERIC F LAYFIELD

I am sorry to have to inform members that Eric F Layfield (Freight Committee Secretary & Budget Holder) is in hospital following a stroke. He is talking and stable though will remain incapacitated for some time.

On behalf of Railfuture the Freight Committee Chairman, Garry Tinsey, has sent our best wishes to his wife for his full recovery.

Please send all freight correspondence to Gary Tinsey until further notice.

NEW CONTACT NUMBERS AND ADDRESS FOR THE RPC NETWORK

The RPC network is changing the way it interacts with passengers. From 11th-October 2004 there will be one national point of contact to offer help and advice to passengers on the issues that affect them. The new RPC contact centre will be open from 8am to 8pm Monday to Friday and 8am to 4pm Saturday and Sunday.

Details for the contact centre are:

Tel: 08453 022 022 Fax: 0845 850 1392 Textphone: 0845 850 1354 E-mail: info at railpassengers.org.uk
Address: Rail Passengers Council, Freepost WA1521, Warrington, WA4 6GP

The council and committees numbers are also changing. From 27 September a new integrated phone network was introduced. All RPC contacts will have new direct dial telephone numbers and the following new main office numbers:

Rail Passengers Council: 0870 336 6000, RPC Eastern England 0870 336 6065, RPC Midlands 0870 336 6075, RPC North Eastern England 0870 336 6085, RPC North Western England 0870 336 6095, RPC Scotland 0870 336 6105, RPC Southern England 0870 336 6115, RPC Wales 0870 336 6125, RPC Western England 0870 336 6135.

GLASSHOUGHTON STATION DUE TO OPEN ON 12TH DECEMBER

West Yorkshire PTE have confirmed that it is their intention to open the proposed station at Glasshoughton on the day of the major timetable change on 12th December 2004.

ST.IVES LINE

Atkins Rail are the consultants that Cambridgeshire County Council has used to try to discredit CAST.IRON's plan for a rail service on the Cambridge-St.Ives line, which would ultimately extend to Huntingdon and link up to the East Coast Main Line. The huge effort put into this exercise shows that the County sees a rail scheme as a serious possibility.

Atkins Rail have produced a 74-page critique from CAST.IRON's costed plans that it gave Cambs County a first look at on 2nd December 2003. They have assessed the 20-minute timetable as unworkable, conveniently having got the distances between stations wrong and therefore costed additional infrastructure and train sets to provide the commuter service. On top of this they added 57% for maximum "optimism bias" onto all of CAST.IRON's figures despite CAST.IRON having received written quotations from rail infrastructure companies to perform much of the work. In total, Atkins has claimed that it would cost £354.5m to reinstate a 19-mile Chesterton Junction to Huntingdon ECML railway. The route mile cost is the same as the major West Coast Main Line upgrade, and is twice the cost per track mile!
Source: Railfuture East Anglia branch news snippets http://freespace.virgin.net/martin.thorne/snippets/

CAMBRIDGESHIRE GUIDED BUSWAY INQUIRY EXTENDED BY THREE WEEKS

It was intended for the CGB public inquiry to be complete in six weeks, however, owing to the number of individuals who wish to speak, a schedule has been produced that sees the inquiry sit for 32 days, from 28th September to 2nd November. This is likely to delay the inspector’s report by at least six weeks. Railfuture/St.Ives 'et al' have been allocated about a day, with CAST.IRON receiving more than two days. Both organisations are among the five groups given a 10-minute allocation in the opening and closing speeches. The other three are Save the Lakes, Trumpington Environmental Action Group and Histon/Impington Parish Councils.

Despite the risk, some would say probability, that the guided busway will not be given approval, Cambridgeshire County Councillors have decided to risk £3m of the public's money - £1m from government and £2m from Section 106 funds - of progressing the guided busway scheme, so that if approval is given, its construction can take place as soon as possible. The money may also be wasted if the scheme is approved but with substantial changes.
News item: http://w3.cambridge-news.co.uk/news/cambridge/story.asp?StoryID=61110.
Guided busway site: http://www.cambridgeshire.gov.uk/sub/eandt/planning/raptrans/index.htm
Cast Iron: http://www.castiron.org.uk/index.php

MORE PROGRESS WITH FELIXSTOWE TO LONDON AND WCML GAUGE ENHANCEMENT BUT SOUTHAMPTON TO WEST MIDLANDS IS DEFERRED

On 24th August the SRA announced that the Nuneaton to Birmingham corridor is now open for 9’ 6” high container traffic on standard wagons. This follows the recent completion of the work in Ipswich tunnel. It is anticipated that by the end of 2004 the remaining work will be completed to open up Daventry and Manchester Trafford Park to 9’ 6” high container traffic from Felixstowe. Gauge enhancement for traffic using the Port of Tilbury was completed in June 2004. This work has permitted the handling of 9’ 6” containers on standard wagons between Tilbury and Garston (Merseyside) and Coatbridge (Lanarkshire).

This was followed on 14th October by an announcement that the route from Felixstowe to Nuneaton is completed. The upgrade was projected to cost nearly £40 million, but has been delivered for under £30 million – a significant cost saving - and has been completed ahead of schedule. It involved work at 31 key locations along the route

This leaves the port of Southampton at a competitive disadvantage as the route from Southampton to the West Midlands is still to be cleared for 9’ 6” containers. In their September 2004 newsletter the Rail Freight Group are reporting that “development work on this gauge enhancement has actually stopped, with the SRA instructing Network Rail to disband its project team allegedly to save £2m next year.” The RFG have written to Dr Kim Howells suggesting that some of Network Rail’s unused budget for this year should be spent on continuing the Southampton project.

Sources: SRA press release http://www.sra.gov.uk/news/2004/8/nuneaton_birmingham and RFG newsletter no 54 (which can be downloaded from the RFG website http://www.rfg.org.uk/)

NEWS FROM THE OFFICE OF RAIL REGULATION

There is an article by Chris Bolt, Chairman of the Office of Rail Regulation, entitled “The ORR: evolution or revolution?" in the September 2004 issue of The Utilities Journal. This is a 2-page résumé explaining how the ORR will operate in the light of the rail review at http://www.rail-reg.gov.uk/server/show/nav.001007

On 22 September the ORR issued a Consultation document: “Implementing The Future of Rail: ORR’s Role and Proposed Work Programme”. Responses to this consultation document should be sent to the ORR no later than 1700 on Friday 5 November 2004. Link: http://www.rail-reg.gov.uk/server/show/nav.00100700400d

NEWS FROM THE SRA

National Rail Trends April to June 2004 (Quarter 1) was issued by the SRA on 23rd September 2004. http://www.sra.gov.uk/news/2004/9/nat_rail_trends

The SRA has started the next stage in letting the new InterCity East Coast franchise by inviting the four pre-qualified companies to submit detailed bids. The SRA expects to announce the preferred bidder early in 2005 with the new franchise operating from 1 May 2005. A ‘Stakeholder Briefing Document’ outlining the franchise specification is available on the SRA website: http://www.sra.gov.uk/publications/consultation_default
Source: SRA press release http://www.sra.gov.uk/news/2004/10/intercirty_east_coast

SETBACK FOR KESWICK TO PENRITH PLANS

Despite a vigorous campaign against the proposal Eden District Council have now granted planning permission for a road through the trackbed at Flusco Industrial Park near Penrith. The council refused an offer by CKP Railways to provide an independent engineer to attend a site meeting and answer questions about the project. This decision was made despite the current planning policy stating that development along the line of a disused railway will not be permitted if the use of the route for recreational purposes or the reopening of the railway is prejudiced.

This is a warning to all campaigners that we must constantly be monitoring planning applications in our local areas and looking out for any proposal that might prevent the future reopening of a closed line. Even when Structure Plans safeguard disused railway trackbeds for future rail use councillors seem to be able to ignore these safeguards if they wish. Source: http://www.newsandstar.co.uk/news/viewarticle.aspx?c=190&id=141176

REVIEW OF BTP FUNDING JUDGES IT TO BE PIECEMEAL AND UNSYSTEMATIC

On 22 April the Secretary of State for Transport met with Ian Johnston, Chief Constable of the British Transport Police (BTP). At the meeting it was agreed that the DfT would undertake a short review of the BTP working with the Force and the Home Office.

This review has now been published. Some of the findings are:
 Industry and passengers receive significant benefits from a dedicated force. The BTP should continue in its role as a specialist rail police force.
 The BTP should continue as a functional Force for the railways and should not be merged with Home Office Forces.
 The BTP should consider the possibility of agreeing more co-operative agreements with County Forces.
 The BTP should continue as a specialist Force for the railways and should not be a multi-modal Force.
 The review supported the BTP's ambition to enhance its counter-terrorism role.
 The costs of the BTP should remain largely funded by the rail industry. Therefore the Force should not be funded directly by the Department
 The establishment of the British Transport Police Authority (BTPA) will create an opportune moment to ensure that the industry is paying enough to secure effective policing of the railways.
 The Department should work with the newly established Authority to look at the possibility of capital funding to cover some of the most pressing shortfalls in BTP funding.
 The Department and the Authority should consider whether the BTP should have access to central funding from the Home Office or DfT where it is involved in initiatives that benefit the wider public interest or benefit national policing initiatives.
 The establishment of the BTPA provides an opportunity for developing better co-operation and collaborative working arrangements in relation to the role and funding of the BTP.
 There is an urgent need for the Authority to assess the BTP's counter-terrorism funding requirements.
 There is a need to develop clear guiding principles setting out BTP access to central funding. This should set out how it would work, when it can be considered and how it would be implemented. The Department should take the lead on developing this piece of work in conjunction with the Authority, the BTP and where relevant the Home Office.

The Executive Summary and full report can be downloaded from http://www.dft.gov.uk/stellent/groups/dft_control/documents/contentservertemplate/dft_index.hcst?n=12086&l=2

BRANCH ANNUAL GENERAL MEETINGS

Branches will soon be setting the dates of their next AGM. Two are already listed in ‘Forthcoming Events’. When branches do set a date would they please advise me so that I can give it a mention.

Railway Cuttings 78

14th September 2004

EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES

The Railfuture Equal Opportunities policy is currently being rewritten so as to comply with the latest legislation. To some members this may seem to be just a paper exercise. Equal opportunities is however much more than that. The Board have a duty to ensure that not only is all legislation complied with but also to monitor our activities so as to demonstrate that we are taking equal opportunities seriously.

Equal opportunity monitoring also brings us opportunities. It highlights where our membership does not reflect the diversity of the population and where there is potential to recruit new members. One only has to attend Railfuture meetings to see that the majority of our active membership is white, male and over 50. On all my recent rail journeys the majority of passengers have been students and families with young children. We campaign as ‘a voice for rail users’ and we do endeavour to represent all their views but we do need to find ways of reaching out to a new generation of rail users and recruit them into Railfuture.

Once the Board has approved the policy the next stage is implementation. The position of Equal Opportunities Officer is still vacant so does any ‘Cuttings’ reader have experience of this or do they know someone else who is prepared to take on the task of implementation. If so, please contact David Harby at david.harby at ntlworld.com.

RAILFUTURE OFFICE – NEW ADDRESS

The office move to the new address of Room 205 at The Colourworks has been completed. The new telephone line has been installed and is now working. The telephone number 020 7249 5533 is unaltered. Please note however that the fax number has changed to 020 7249 5533.

ORR REMINDS NETWORK RAIL THAT THEY MUST PROVIDE TIMETABLE INFO 12 WEEKS IN ADVANCE

As most readers will be aware Network Rail has been failing in its obligation to provide TOC's with details of timetable changes at least 12 weeks in advance. Many APEX tickets, especially Virgin Value, have been unavailable because the operators have not known which trains will run until a few days in advance. This has prompted the ORR to take action.

On 2nd September The Office of Rail Regulation announced that it had sought and obtained a commitment from Network Rail to restore compliance with its obligation to provide accurate information about revisions to the national timetable at least twelve weeks in advance of operation.

Chris Bolt, Chairman of ORR, said: "Experience over the August Bank Holiday has shown, once again, that the current position on the provision of advance timetable information is unacceptable, a point highlighted by the recent Rail Passengers Committee report. Network Rail is failing to meet its licence requirement to make timetable information available to train operators 12 weeks in advance, so that passengers can plan journeys, reserve seats and access the full range of fares.

Network Rail has committed to delivering a recovery plan that provides for a staged improvement through to full compliance in September 2005, with major milestones designed to improve conditions at key holiday periods. The first milestone will be to provide revised timetable information for all seven days of the week four weeks in advance, with effect from 20 November 2004. This will improve on the position experienced over the August Bank Holiday period, when some information was only available less than one week in advance, and ensure that passengers will have accurate timetable information for the Christmas and New Year period at the latest from the beginning of December.

ORR will be monitoring the position carefully and if Network Rail fails to deliver on the commitment it has made, ORR will consider what further action is required to achieve compliance with the licence requirement.”
Source: ORR press release http://www.rail-reg.gov.uk/server/show/ConWebDoc.6632

£44.5 MILLION HUMBER INTERNATIONAL TERMINAL EXTENSION ANNOUNCED

ABP has announced plans to build a £44.5 million extension to the Humber International Terminal on the back of term agreements with BHP Billiton, Drax Power Ltd, and EDF Energy. The terminal predominantly handles coal from some of the UK’s major energy suppliers. This second-phase development of Humber International Terminal will be capable of handling 7.5 million tonnes of coal each year, and will be rail connected. Work on this project has already commenced, and the terminal is expected to handle its first shipment of imported coal by mid-2006.
Source: ABP press release http://www.abports.co.uk/news20043442.htm

BLI CEMENT AWARDS EWS SEVEN YEAR BULK HAULAGE CONTRACT

EWS announced on 7th September that it has won a major 'new to rail' seven year contract from BLI Cement, a Tarmac Central company. The contract will see EWS move cement from BLI Cement's new £115 million cement works at Tunstead Quarry, near Buxton to depots at Leeds, Walsall and Willesden.

The depots were built with the assistance of a £12 million freight facilities grant awarded to BLI Cement in February 2002. This grant also enabled the purchase of thirty 90 tonne gross tank wagons to move the cement. The new to rail traffic will remove 24,000 lorry movements and 4.5 million lorry kilometres from the road network each year.

EWS has already started operating trains to Leeds and Walsall under pre-commissioning work, before the cement works at Tunstead Quarry are formally opened. Services for Willesden will commence later this year.

Source: EWS press release http://www.ews-railway.co.uk/cmsystem/news_article.asp?guid={DC24432C-110C-4344-9305-3D97C4E4E0E4}

SRA PUBLISHES GUIDE FOR PROMOTERS OF NEW STATIONS

The Strategic Rail Authority has published a comprehensive 60-page guide for promoters of new railway stations. The new guide entitled ‘New Stations: A Guide for Promoters’:

 Sets out for the first time in one document the approach that developers, local authorities and others should follow when proposing new stations. The rail industry will consider new stations only where their economic and environmental benefit to society outweighs any impact on the network’s capacity and the operation of existing passenger and freight services.
 Makes clear the practical limitations on the number of new stations that could be introduced onto the existing rail network. The document notes that 55 new stations have opened since 1994. It also notes that there are plans for 350 new stations, but that large numbers of these will not be acceptable to the industry.
 Explains that introducing new stations is a complex process that requires detailed assessment and appraisal. This work needs to consider a wide range of issues including the commercial / economic, operational and technical impacts of the proposal. It also makes clear that with limited funding available to the rail industry, the financing of proposed station developments – both in terms of capital costs and ongoing revenue support – should be considered from the outset.

There is a 6-stage process. In future, developers and passenger groups would be expected to do a lot of the stage 1 work in order to convince local authorities to take up the ideas. The issues for Stage 1 are:

a) Consistency with local planning policy
b) A capacity utilisation statement
c) Site suitability - compliance with guidelines e.g.:
 Any gradient greater than 1 in 270 may not prove feasible.
 HSE station guidance requires that new station platforms should be straight.
 Location – problem of significant demand being abstracted from existing stations.
 Is the railway in a cutting/on an embankment/difficult to access? Extra construction costs associated with DDA implementation requirements. Availability of land for parking and bus interchange facilities must be considered.
 Signalling considerations – ability of capacity to accommodate additional stops or services. Will equipment require relocation?
 What type of service is currently provided along the line? Can extra station stop be accommodated without detriment to existing services?
d) Preliminary cost estimate - Indicative station costs are:
 Single platform station, on single-track railway with small station building and little requirements for trackworks. - £2m to £4m
 Two platform station on twin track railway with booking hall, toilets and minor infrastructure changes. - £5m to £7m.
 Four platform station, on four-track railway with appropriate station buildings and need for significant track, signalling and overhead line changes. £15m to £20m.
e) Preliminary appraisal in accordance with the Government /SRA appraisal criteria: environment, safety, economy, integration and accessibility.
f) Transport needs statement including assessment of alternatives

Promoters should consider private sources of funding such as Section 106 agreements. Even if stations are provided free to the rail industry the long-term impact on rail industry finances need to be considered.

New station proposals must not have a negative effect on network performance.

In the SRA’s view schemes that encourage very short distance commuting by rail need to be carefully assessed against other public transport options that may provide more cost effective solutions. There is an emphasis on only approving new stations if the new station represents the optimal, i.e. cheapest, means of delivering public transport access. Bus, light rail and community transport need to be considered first.

The guide will be discussed at the Railfuture Network Development Committee meeting on 25th September. If you have any comments please either post to Richard Pout, Committee Chairman, or send by email to Nick Dibben nick.dibben at ukgateway.net to arrive by 23rd September.

Some questions you may like to comment on are:

Question 1. Would Railfuture be able to do most of the stage one work?
Question 2. How many of the schemes being put forward by Railfuture would meet the new criteria?
Question 3. Should we challenge these rules?
Question 4. Should we be giving money or spending time on projects that do not meet the criteria by a large margin?

The guide can be accessed via http://www.sra.gov.uk/publications/strategy_default

NEW TRANSPORT TEAMS FOR LABOUR AND TORIES

Transport Minister Kim Howells replaces Alan Johnson at higher education with Transport Minister Tony McNulty being promoted to Minister of State within the transport department. Charlotte Atkins is the new Parliamentary Under-Secretary at transport.

The Tory reshuffle sees shadow transport secretary Damian Green leave the front bench. Shadow Environment Secretary Tim Yeo adds Mr Green's transport brief to his responsibilities.

CROSSRAIL CONSULTATION ROUND 2

Crossrail has launched a series of information centres across London in a step up of its Public Consultation Round 2 which began on 5 August 2004. These will complement the two information exchanges already running at Farringdon and Spitalfields, which will continue.

The centres will run over two days each time in various locations along the route of Crossrail line 1 as follows:

Maidenhead, Slough, Iver, Hayes & Harlington, Southall, West Ealing, Ealing Broadway, Acton Main Line, Ladbooke Grove, Paddington, West End, Farringdon, Liverpool Street, Spitalfields, Whitechapel, Isle of Dogs, Stratford, Ilford, Romford, Brentwood, Custom House, Woolwich, Abbey Wood, Erith, Dartford, Ebbsfleet

The Information Exchange in Farringdon is open every Monday and Thursday from 12noon to 8pm. Spitalfields is open every Tuesday and Wednesday 12noon to 8pm at Second Floor, Old Truman Brewery, 91 Brick Lane, E1 6QL.

If you wish to be registered on the contacts database please call the Helpdesk on 0845 602 3813 (24-hours, 7-days a week). Email: helpdesk at crossrail.co.uk Fax: 020 7941 7703 or write to:
Crossrail
FREEPOST NAT6945
London
SW1H 0BR

http://www.crossrail.co.uk/pages/launchofinformationcentres.html

NEWS FROM THE SRA

The good news is that the SRA has confirmed that a case exists for a new parkway station at Gloucester. Of the sites assessed, the location at Elmbridge has the strongest case to be progressed. Further feasibility work is needed before the SRA and wider rail industry can commit finally to a new station. However the SRA say that, although the initial work indicates that a commercial case exists for the station, they have no funds available to implement a station at this time. Third parties will be sought to determine their interest in investing in the project.
http://www.sra.gov.uk/news/gloucester.html

A draft Route Utilisation Strategy has been released for the Brighton Main Line. The deadline for responses is 3rd December 2004.

According to the SRA the key benefits of the draft RUS, the second of a series planned for Britain’s busiest and most congested main lines, include:
 More frequent Gatwick Express service, running every ten minutes from London Victoria and Gatwick, calling at East Croydon, with extensions to coastal towns, integrated into the overall service pattern. This will also provide an enhanced service, in terms of speed, quantum and quality, from coastal towns to Gatwick and London;
 More seats for commuters on the main line north of Gatwick, achieved by running all peak hour trains in 12-car formation. This will reduce overcrowding on the Brighton Main Line fast services (currently 130%)and increase patronage on the relatively lightly-loaded Gatwick Express services (often no more than 50%), such that on average, main line trains will be 80% full on leaving Gatwick for Victoria in the morning peak hours;
 Better train punctuality throughout the route, and faster journey times to many destinations on the South Coast. This will be achieved by measures such as reducing complex train moves between lines, abandoning the splitting and joining of trains at Haywards Heath, and tailoring timetables to the speed profile of new trains;
 All-day hourly fast services to Uckfield from London Bridge;
 A regular and frequent suburban service on all the corridors from London Victoria and London Bridge, with some peak hour improvements.
 In order to facilitate the major improvements, a number of other changes would need to be made. They include the curtailment of the Hastings – Eastbourne – Gatwick – Victoria service at Eastbourne (but there will be an additional Brighton – Ashford fast service using brand new diesel rolling stock) and the alteration, in the interests of performance, of the Watford – Brighton service into a Watford – Clapham Junction train.

http://www.sra.gov.uk/news/2004/9/bml_rus.html

FORTHCOMING EVENTS
Saturday 18th September
Railfuture Yorkshire Branch meeting, Ilkley
Railfuture East Anglia Branch meeting, Assembly Rooms, Norwich 14.00
Monday 20th September
Railfuture North East Branch meeting, St Margaret's Church Hall, North Road, Durham 19.00. Slide show outlining both the history of, and future plans for the Weardale Railway. Details from Ian Walker - Secretary 0191 372 0538 Martin Murphy - Chair 01665 608150
Saturday 25th September
Railfuture Freight Committee meeting, Carrs Lane Church Centre, Birmingham
Railfuture Passenger Committee meeting, Carrs Lane Church Centre, Birmingham
Railfuture Network Development Committee meeting, FOE Warehouse, Birmingham
Thursday 30th September
Railfuture London and S.E. Branch (Guildford Division) open meeting at Guildford Institute, Guildford (10 min walk from station) 19.30 - 22.00. Surrey County Councillor and Railfuture member, John Pincham, will talk about the latest Airtrack proposals. Details from htjones at raildev.fsnet.co.uk.
Saturday 2nd October
BRTA Conference at De Pary’s Hotel, De Pary’s Avenue, Bedford. 10.30am — 5.00pm. Details from Richard Pill, BRTA Chairman, 24c St Michael’s Road, Bedford, MK40 2LT, phone: 01234 405268 or see www.brta.org.uk
Saturday 23rd October
Railfuture Policy, Lobby and Campaigns Committee, Calthorpe Arms, London
Saturday 6th November
Rail Users Conference 2004. Carrs Lane Church Centre, Birmingham. Booking forms will be included with Railwatch, which will be despatched later this month.
Saturday 13th November
Railfuture Board meeting, (Venue to be confirmed)
Railfuture Scottish Branch Meeting at 1400. Venue TBA
Saturday 27th November
Railfuture International Committee meeting, VAT & Fiddle, Nottingham at 13.00.
Saturday 4th December
Railfuture Passenger Committee meeting, Nottingham (to be confirmed)

Railway Cuttings 77

19th August 2004

RAILFUTURE’S OFFICE IS ON THE MOVE

The Railfuture office is moving to Room 205 at The Colourworks. The move is expected to take place on or about 1st September. At present all telephone and email links to the office are, due to reasons beyond our control, out of order. It is hoped that they will be working again by the time of the move. In the meantime any contact with the office should be done by letter.

IN THE NEWS

Railfuture President, Peter Lawrence, received a telephone call from Metro (London Newspaper) on 21st July after the Rail Passenger Council had announced that there had been a one third reduction in the number of complaints to the RPC. Peter’s views to Metro were that punctuality was slowly improving but that there was still a lot to do in certain areas to bring about improvement. The RPC figures were encouraging and will bring greater confidence to rail users.

Peter was telephoned by The Daily Mail on 14th August to ask his opinion on the cost of Euro Star fares and whether they were too expensive. Peter’s answer was yes and fares should be reduced in order to generate more passengers.

Network Rail/Railtrack has had a lot of stick since rail privatisation but the good news is that Network Rail is on target to complete the Ipswich Tunnel on schedule. In view of this news and to show that we support good news from the rail industry, Peter has written a letter to a number of papers saying "Well done" to Network Rail. His letter has been published in the Eastern Daily Press.

RESPONSES TO GOVERNMENT TRANSPORT STATEMENTS

Both BBC Online and Eastern Daily Press contacted Peter Lawrence, on 19th July about the forthcoming announcement from Alastair Darling. BBC Online were interested in Railfuture views on what may be announced for the general rail system, whereas EDP wanted our views on Cross Rail which was expected to be given the go ahead the next day.

Railfuture Board member Andrew MacFarlane was interviewed on BBC Radio Lancashire on 23rd July talking about the disgraceful decision not to proceed with the Manchester Metrolink extensions and the modernisation of the Blackpool Tramway.

Metrolink issued a statement on 20th July saying that “This is a major blow to Greater Manchester and an appalling decision which, in our view, fundamentally fails to recognise the inherent success of Metrolink to date and its contribution to the continued regeneration of the area. The decision is all the more disappointing at a time when there is increasing evidence that other departments of state are recognising the pivotal role this City Region should play in the economic revival of the Northern regions, to counterbalance the growth and development of London and the South East.

“We remain steadfast in our determination to bring an expanded Metrolink to the area, and will continue to impress upon Ministers the central importance of this scheme to our future economic success. We are asking for an urgent meeting with the Secretary of State and will also work with Greater Manchester MPs to ensure that Government better joins up its decision-making and that the area’s transport requirements are properly reflected in national spending decisions.”
Source: Metrolink press release

Railfuture Devon and Cornwall branch issued a press statement giving a cautious welcome to the Review White Paper. Branch Secretary, Stuart Walker said: “We welcome the simplification in the timetable planning process as this has been a major problem in providing integrated rail services in our region. However, it is not clear how stakeholders such as ourselves will be able to suggest improvements to the timetable and we hope there will be a pro-active local Network Rail contact we can talk to”

Other aspects Stuart welcomed were the transfer of rail safety issues to the Rail Regulator, and promises that the SRA’s Community Rail Strategy will be continued.

One constant theme throughout the White Paper is concerns about costs. The White Paper says that there should be investment in rail “.....where it is most effective, but ensuring that where other transport modes can provide a more appropriate service for passengers, funding can be made available for this”. Stuart said:

“This is a clear warning that rail’s cost effectiveness will be compared with other modes and where cheaper alternatives provide the same or better service, it is possible that these will be used instead of rail. This is worrying especially as the Government has failed to do anything about the excessive costs of leasing trains - a major overhead of our branch lines. Devon and Cornwall’s branch lines will clearly have to prove themselves as a viable alternative to the private car or bus in order to survive”.

The Rail Freight Group welcomed the Review and said that they believed it was generally good for freight. In their July newsletter they point out that in the new structure, it is not clear who will put pressure on Network Rail to get its costs down. They urge the Government to keep the expertise, up to now administered by the SRA’s sponsorship team, and use it since, without it, “there is precious little sign that NR is serious about getting costs and their causes down.”

“Where is the incentive for NR to reduce unit costs rather than reduce the size of capability of the network?”

Source: Rail Freight Group press release and July newsletter at http://www.rfg.org.uk/

GOOD NEWS FOR CUMBRIAN RAILWAY TRUST

The mothballed Eden Valley Railway between Appleby and Warcop in Cumbria is one step closer to carrying passengers again. The Eden Valley Railway Trust, the charity behind plans to reopen the six-mile railway is celebrating the granting of the Eden Valley Railway (Transport and Works) Order. The order, which came into force on the 3rd August, transfers the statutory powers required to operate the railway from the British Railways Board to the Trust. The Trust hope to begin a passenger service early in 2005

Plans are now being made to sell £250,000 worth of shares in the Eden Valley Railway Company, the Company formed to operate and develop the railway on behalf of the Trust. Volunteers from the Trust will supplement the core workforce employed by the company. The money raised by the share issue will provide the working capital needed to launch the passenger service.

Talks have already been held with the Police who want to use the line for a park and ride service for the annual Appleby Horse Fair to help ease traffic congestion in the market town of Appleby. There is also potential for the Army to use the line to carry supplies to their Warcop training area and for thousands of tons of road building materials to be brought in by rail for the proposed A66 road improvement scheme adjacent to the railway in the Warcop area.

Source: - Press release from The Eden Valley Railway Trust, www.evr.org.uk.

VIRGIN CROSS COUNTRY FRANCHISE

The SRA announced on 6th August that it had not received an acceptable offer from Virgin Rail Group (VRG) in the renegotiation of the CrossCountry rail franchise. They said that “a Best and Final Offer for a single-tender deal running to 2012 was significantly too high to pass the value for money test that the SRA undertakes on behalf of taxpayers and that as a consequence, the SRA was ending negotiations on the CrossCountry franchise.

VRG will continue to operate the CrossCountry franchise under a ‘Letter Agreement’ between the SRA and VRG that has been in place since July 2002, and which supplements elements of the franchise agreement which commenced in 1997. The agreement provides for an annual budget for the franchise to be agreed between the SRA and VRG or, if necessary, determined by the SRA, in order that VRG receives no more money than is necessary to operate the services under a defined profit margin.”

VRG responded by issuing a press statement saying that it “is disappointed that its highly competitive bid to run the CrossCountry franchise until 2012 has not been accepted on value for money grounds by the SRA. Re-negotiating as a single-bidder has proved frustrating for all parties. If an open competition results from the SRA’s deliberations over the franchise it will allow VRG to escape the assumptions of the closed bid and offer new ideas for developing the fast-growing CrossCountry business.”

"Given the significant fixed infrastructure and rolling stock costs that are the same regardless of who runs the franchise, we are confident that VRG has and would submit the only credible bid that delivers on safety, best value and quality of service to passengers, while ensuring the long-term financial viability of the franchise."

Sources:
Press releases from the SRA http://www.sra.gov.uk/news/2004/8/virgin_cross_country, Virgin Trains: http://212.104.140.178/index.cfm?articleid=537

NATIONAL AUDIT OFFICE VALUE FOR MONEY STUDY: IMPROVING BRITAIN’S RAILWAY STATIONS

The NAO are currently undertaking this study and have invited Railfuture to comment on two issues viz:
 To what extent stations currently met passengers’ needs.
 Ideas on how improvements can best be promoted and achieved.

They would like to receive our comments by 25 August if possible. In view of the short notice it will not be possible to ascertain the views of branches and formulate a national response. Any branch that wishes to submit comments with examples can they please send their responses directly to the NAO at ian.derbyshire at nao.gsi.gov.uk or richard.rees-jones at nao.gsi.gov.uk.
More info at: http://www.nao.org.uk/publications/workinprogress/improvingbritainsrailwaystations.htm

MEETING TO FOCUS SUPPORT FOR A REOPENED NORTHAMPTON – BEDFORD RAIL LINK

Bedfordshire Railway and Transport Association (BRTA) are holding a meeting on Sat 18th September at 1.30pm at the Friends Meeting House, Wellington Street, (next to Grosvenor Centre), Northampton. The meeting is aimed to focusing support for a reopening of a Northampton-Bedford rail link and promoting pro-active support in the Northampton area. They hope to form a team of people who can work credibly and constructively towards getting a proper feasibility study, protection of the old route and remaining tracks at the Northampton end and generate income and support. All welcome. Free admission and refreshments available plus sales stall. Further details www.brta.org.uk or Tel Richard Pill 01234 405 268 or Alan Vaughan 01234 856 560.

WILL THE WAVERLEY LINE REVIVAL BE DROPPED

In an editorial on 21st July ‘The Scotsman’ reported that proposals for a reopened Waverley route as part of a revitalisation of the Borders look likely to be dropped. The editorial goes on to say that the reasoning behind this decision is that it would be provocative to the English regions to reopen precisely the sort of railway that the government wants to close down in England. It cynically points out that there are few Labour votes in the Borders.
Source: http://news.scotsman.com/index.cfm?id=829782004

STUDY SHOWS THERE IS A DEMAND FOR REOPENING FROM CAMBRIDGE TO HAVERHILL

A study commissioned by the Cambridge to Colchester Railway Development Company has shown that there is evidence of a demand for 6,000 or more single journeys per week on a Haverhill to Cambridge railway. The Company are now looking for funding in the region of £30,000 to proceed to stage 2 of the project, which is an investigation into the engineering requirements of the proposed railway. Further information may be obtained from the Company chairman, Rev. Malcolm Hill, at malcolm.hill12 at btinternet.com

GOOD NEWS FOR THE KESWICK TO PENRITH REOPENING SCHEME

In July 2004 the Department of Transport formally approved the first stage of the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) submitted for the new Keswick to Penrith line. The Department asked that CKP Railways plc continues to consult with English Nature to ensure that all relevant ecological issues are covered, and to pay particular attention to road traffic issues around the proposed stations.

The relatively fast response from the Government, without placing any specific demands or restrictions on CKP, is seen as a major success. Everybody involved sees this as recognition of the professionalism of the team and the thoroughness of the work already done. A number of detailed studies will be needed to fill the gaps in available information about the environment along the route and these will now be pursued as quickly as possible.

More than 800 Bonds have been issued, raising over £300,000. This spring about £1,000 per week was received on average. The single largest application was for £10,000.

The promoters of the scheme consider that Keswick to Penrith could become a model for a new generation of 'Community Railways' - a modern Railway and train service designed, built and operated to meet future local and regional needs.

Source: Return to Keswick Update 27 Summer 2004, website at http://www.ckp-railways.co.uk/

NEWS FROM THE SRA

Nick Newton who is currently Deputy Chief Executive of the SRA has been appointed as Chief Executive during the transition to a new industry structure. His appointment takes effect from 11th September 2004.

The SRA announced on 9th August that 1000 new carriages are now in service on the Southern Region commuter networks. Network Rail has completed the ‘super-critical’ sites for the power supply upgrade and this means power supply is no longer holding back the introduction of new carriages into service. http://www.sra.gov.uk/news/2004/8/train_carriages_on_southern_region

THE FINESSE PROJECT AIMS TO TRANSFER FREIGHT TO RAIL

The FINESSE project is a transnational partnership aiming to develop new and sustainable intermodal freight transport services between the UK and mainland Europe. It is match funded to the tune of half a million Euros by the European Regional Development Fund. They have commissioned the Stamford Research Group to undertake the studies which will enable the production of business and action plans for the launch of new services.

The underlying policy objective of the FINESSE project are to shift freight from road to rail and the objectives of the studies now commissioned are to:
 Examine the policy and market environment within which intermodal rail and ferry services could be launched on the Dover Straits freight corridor between the UK and mainland Europe, involving the Ports of Zeebrugge, Boulogne, Calais, Dunkerque and Dover.
 Establish the key issues relating to the rail network, land availability and other surface access in the hinterlands of the five ports.
 Provide the FINESSE project partners with the information required to develop detailed business plans for services, secure operators, examine funding issues for specific services and develop an Action Plan leading to the launch of the services themselves, where feasible, between Belgium and Dover, and between Boulogne, Calais, and Dunkerque and Dover.

Source: South East England Development Agency press release: http://www.seeda.co.uk/news_&_events/press_releases/2004/20040700b.asp
FINESSE website: http://www.nweurope.org/page/projet.php?p=31&id=474

EWS LAUNCHES ONLINE TIMETABLE

EWS have launched an online timetable to provide users with departure and arrival times on EWS’s intermodal, express freight, European (Channel Tunnel), and mail and parcels services. By using the timetable existing and potential customers can quickly select the information they require to use an EWS multi-user service, as well as making it easier to make a booking or request further details.

The timetables can be viewed at www.ews-railway.co.uk
Source: EWS press release http://www.ews-railway.co.uk/cmsystem/news_article.asp?guid={F31903D3-3193-4943-A4A4-6AB1FB7F66EE}

Railway Cuttings 76

19th July 2004

IN THE NEWS

Our President Peter Lawrence addressed the University of East Anglia Retirement Association on 9 June 2004. The rail subject was "The Three Norwich Rail Terminals - Victoria, City and Thorpe Stations".

BBC Politics Show telephoned Peter Lawrence and requested a copy of the Railfuture Rail Review submission. Peter had a call from Sky News on 7 July. It appears that a number of people are ignoring No Smoking signs on Brighton trains. Sky News asked for his opinion on what action could be taken. Peter suggestions included reporting the incident to the Conductor/Guard if there is one and reporting to the British Transport Police. Sky News were due to run the story on 9 July.

On 8 July Peter received a telephone call from the Northern Echo saying that Virgin had pulled out of the bid for the East Coast franchise. His response was one of surprise that Virgin had pulled out. (This was before the announcement of the withdrawal by the Virgin, Stagecoach and Deutsche Bahn consortium.)

On 9 July Peter received a call from Anglia Television asking him to do an interview on the forthcoming Ipswich Tunnel closure. The interview took place at Norwich Station on the same afternoon and as usual only a short section of the interview was transmitted. Peter managed to make the point that although closure would result in inconvenience and a nuisance for rail travellers "One" Anglia and Network Rail had made every effort to make the journey transfer from rail to bus at Ipswich and Manningtree as easy as possible. Ever since the announcement by Network Rail of the tunnel closure, stakeholders have been involved in several meetings and briefings. Railfuture East Anglia Branch together with Rail Passenger Committee, Line User Groups, District and County Councils and other interested parties have been able to voice their views.

RAIL STAFF June Newsletter mentions the changes to Railfuture leadership and the formation of Railway Development Society Limited. http://www.railstaff.co.uk/artman/publish/

Railfuture East Anglia Branch Secretary Nick Dibben recently gave a talk to the Bury St Edmunds Society on current and future rail developments in the region.

At the invitation of Network Rail, Railfuture Lincolnshire branch Chairman, Brian Hastings, and Vice Chairman, David Harby attended an event on 7 July to celebrate the start of construction of the Allington Chord. To mark the end of a long campaign for the chord by Lincolnshire branch and the local User Group, South East Lincolnshire Traveller’s Association, Brian was invited by Network Rail to give the vote of thanks at the end of the meeting. Nick Newton, Deputy Chief Executive of the SRA mentioned in his address that the Allington Chord was being discussed as long ago as 1959 when it was mentioned in a British Railways Board report. When the chord opens in December 2005 Nottingham to Skegness services will be able to call at Grantham without having to cross both the up and down tracks of the ECML. Brian also did an interview with BBC Radio Lincolnshire.

THE FUTURE OF RAIL

The railway White Paper, ‘The Future of Rail’ was published on 15th July. Railfuture spokespersons were kept busy responding to media enquiries on that day. At the time of writing I have been told of interviews given by Peter Lawrence (BBC Radio Norfolk and BBC Three Counties Radio), Mike Crowhurst, Railfuture Chairman, (BBC Radio Leeds and Talk Radio), Brian Hastings, Chairman Lincolnshire branch (BBC Radio Lincolnshire and the Lincolnshire Echo).

A brief summary of the White Paper is given below. The full text of the document can be read at: http://www.dft.gov.uk/railways/whitepaper/

As widely predicted the SRA will be abolished. Government will set the strategic direction and the private sector takes charge of delivery. Network Rail will be responsible for operating the network and for its performance.

The Government will be responsible for deciding:

• The overall size and shape of the network;
• The key timetable outputs;
• Policy on regulated fares;
• Minimum performance targets;
• Enhancement priorities; and
• Policy on information provision and accessibility.

• ORR to be the safety regulator for all rail based systems i.e. mainline railways, London Underground, other metro systems, heritage and light rail. On safety in general “Train operators and Network Rail…need to move away from a culture where standards are followed unquestioningly, whatever their impact, and move to a risk-based safety system where decisions are taken based on a proper analysis.”
• The formal federal structure of the RPC regional committees will be dissolved but the RPC will remain. LTUC remains in place.
• Fewer passenger franchises more closely aligned with Network Rail’s regional structure.
• The penalty regime will be reformed and simplified. “contracts will include provisions on train and crew availability, which are by far the largest factors in delays attributed to train companies, and are clearly within their control”
• “Where an operator does start to fail financially, they should expect that they will have to surrender that franchise, rather than receive any additional Government support.”
• Concerning ROSCO’s the “Government believes that these observations suggest the markets in rolling stock financing and maintenance established at privatisation are not working in the way that they were expected to, and that there is a case for looking to see how the operation of those markets can be improved.” There is no indication of what action is planned, if any.
• “A group of key routes will be identified on which freight operators will have more assured rights of access, for which an appropriate price will be set by the ORR. Where lines carry only freight, and no passenger services, the freight operators will pay its full costs.” (Ed - I read this as saying that charges to freight operators are likely to increase)
• “The Government will reform the funding arrangements for PTEs so that they bear directly the financial implications of their decisions on services and fares, and have more flexibility to make trade-offs between rail and other modes.” This is followed by a comment about choices to be made as to whether buses or light rail can provide a better and more flexible alternative.
• “Where Elected Regional Assemblies are established in England, they will be able to spend money on improving rail services, or to identify savings from reducing rail services that might be used to fund alternative transport provision.” (Ed – After the last 2 items will we need to update and republish ‘Bustitution – The case exploded’?)
• The DfT are to continue to develop the SRA’s Community Rail Strategy. The Government is to ask the ORR to calculate the specific level of funding currently being paid to support each line. (Ed – I trust the ORR will not be digging out the files from the Beeching Report to learn how to massage figures to produce the desired answer.)

The RDS Board held a short discussion on the White Paper at their meeting on 17th July. The consensus reached was that it is good in parts but that there are concerns about other elements. We need to know much more about the ‘fine print’ especially in relation to funding of PTE’s and Regional Assemblies. There may be more information in other announcements expected during July, especially the Transport Strategy.

WARNING: MAJOR TRANSPORT DECISIONS AHEAD

Transport 2000 has issued an excellent media briefing guide on the transport issues to watch out for in the Government announcements expected this month. It is well worth the effort of downloading and reading it.
http://www.transport2000.org.uk/news/maintainNewsArticles.asp?NewsArticleID=179

RAILFUTURE DELEGATION MEETS WITH LIBERAL DEMOCRAT TRANSPORT SPOKESMAN

On 7 July Railfuture President Peter Lawrence, Vice-Chairman Ray King and London & South East branch member Ian MacGrath met John Thurso MP, Liberal Democrat Shadow Secretary of State for Transport. A report of the meeting will be given to the Railfuture Board and Policy, Lobbying and Campaigns Committee.

CIRCULATING RESPONSES TO CONSULTATIONS

At both national and branch level Railfuture frequently responds to consultations arising from the House of Commons, SRA, RPC, Regional Assemblies and others. Details of ongoing consultations and who is preparing the Railfuture response are circulated in Railway Cuttings but the mechanism for keeping track of these once completed so that all arms of Railfuture can easily refer to them is not as good as it should be. The Board would like the views of branches as to their preferred methods of archiving them.

Suggestions already received are publishing them on the website, keeping copies at the national office for issue on request and publishing an index in Railwatch.

This item is due to be discussed at the RDS Board meeting in September so if branches have any comments to make please send them to John Lee john.lee@rdsadmin.freewire.co.uk by 31st August.

FUTURE ARRANGEMENTS FOR ELECTION OF OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS OF RDS LTD

At the AGM there were motions proposing a reappraisal of voting arrangements and Terms of Office etc. Proposals were that:
The Board is elected on a three-year cycle.
The Officers be selected by the Board from among their number.
The Board has the power to co-opt.
The Chairman is restricted to two consecutive three-year periods.
No member or officer may serve for more than six consecutive years.

Before any changes may take place they have to be approved by not less than two-thirds of members voting in person at a General Meeting. The meeting would also have the power to submit the motion to a postal vote. The Board is due to discuss these proposals at their meeting in September. Before doing so they would like to hear the views of branches and members in general and specifically on the following questions. Comments to John Lee john.lee@rdsadmin.freewire.co.uk by 31st August 2004 please.

Do we want to change voting arrangements at all and, if so, how quickly?
Which Officer posts should be included or remain directly elected?
Is a three-year rotation desirable?
Do we want to limit terms of service?
How much co-option should be allowed (other than for filling vacancies)?

PARLIAMENT DISCUSS TRANSPORT IN THE EASTERN REGION

On 29th June Mr. Patrick Hall (Bedford - Lab) introduced a debate in Westminster Hall on issues relating to transport in the eastern region. In his speech he praised the merits of the East-West Rail link. The link was also supported by Chris Mole (Ipswich - Lab) and Dr Phyllis Starkey (Milton Keynes, South West – Lab) who reminded members that the wartime code-breaking station was in Bletchley Park precisely because it was on the Oxford to Cambridge Railway. She said that the link between two major academic centres is just as vital now. Kelvin Hopkins (Luton North – Lab) spoke in favour of Translink.

Summing up the Lib Dem spokesman Paul Marsden (Shrewsbury) stressed the importance of the East-West link but the Conservative, Chris Chope (Christchurch) concentrated on road schemes and made no mention whatsoever of rail. Replying for the Government Tony McNulty said how well the region did out of the last local transport plan settlement with Translink and the Cambridge guided bus scheme. (Ed. Are guided bus schemes really something to be proud of?) He said very little about rail except that in respect of East-West rail link “an announcement will be made in due course”
http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm200304/cmhansrd/cm040629/halltext/40629h03.htm#40629h03_head0

MEETING WITH THAMESLINK

Railfuture London and S.E. branch Chairman, Keith Dyall, held a meeting with Richard Dean of Thameslink in early July. Issues discussed included:
Non stopping of up Thameslink services at West Hampstead between 07.30 and 09.30, inaccurate information on destination screens, the need for an improved evening Metro service, Translink, Bus connections, route capacity, possible new stations, service enhancements after opening of CTRL, Thameslink 2000, First Class and timetable problems and plans.

For a detailed report of the meeting contact Keith at keith.dyall@tesco.net

ERTMS CRITICISMS

Did you know that Network Rail are planning to erect 2,022 microwave radio masts, each at least 33 metres tall? They say that these are a necessary part of the installation of level 2 European Rail Traffic Management System (ERTMS) which is needed to comply with the EU Directive on interoperability.

As may be expected this is a contentious issue. Some masts will be in Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty and there is also some concern over the potential health effects of long term exposure to low intensity microwaves. Needless to say groups are campaigning to stop the masts. My information has come from one of these, Mast Sanity, who have a website at www.mastsanity.org/actions/railmasts/netrail.htm. They review most of the issues involved e.g. planning permission, alternative technologies, cost effective methods of improving rail safety and the safety of the microwave emissions and as might be expected come down against the need for the masts.

By coincidence in the July issue of Modern Railways Roger Ford has an article that reviews ERTMS implementation. Looking at attitudes in the rest of Europe and the costs involved in installation in the UK he comes to the conclusion that “Quite simply, as it stands ERTMS is unaffordable.”

Railfuture does not currently have a view on the mast issue but we do have concerns as to the costs of installing level 2 ERTMS. There are also doubts as to whether the system will give much more than marginally improved levels of safety now that TPWS has been fitted network wide.

KLAUS MEYER

It is with deep regret that we have to announce the death of Railfuture member Klaus Meyer. Klaus was a long-standing member of the International Committee.

BRTA CONFERENCE

Bedfordshire Railway & Transport Association (BRTA) are organising a Conference on Saturday 2nd October 2004 at the De Pary’s Hotel, De Pary’s Avenue, Bedford (10.30am — 5.00pm). Guest speakers are Allan Dare, Business Development Manager, Chiltern Railways, Glenn Barcham, Principal Transport Policy Officer for Bedfordshire County Council and Chris Wright, Secretary, Oxon & Bucks Rail Action Committee. The fee of £15 per person, includes lunch and tea/coffee. More details on BRTA website: www.brta.org.uk

AIRTRACK TALK

The Guildford Division of Railfuture London and S.E. branch have arranged an open meeting at Guildford Institute, Guildford (10-min walk from station) on Thursday 30 Sept 2004 (19.30 - 22.00) when Surrey County Councillor John Pincham will talk about the latest Airtrack proposals. He is a Railfuture member and major supporter of the Direct Link North scheme.

The AirTrack proposals call for a line linking Heathrow Airport with South London and towns such as Guildford, Woking and Reading by means of a spur from the Windsor line to the north of Staines. A link to a summary of the AirTrack business case can be found at http://www.surreycc.gov.uk/sccwebsite/sccwspages.nsf/LookupWebPagesByTITLE_RTF/New+Airtrack+study+finds+in+favour+of+south-east+rail+scheme?opendocument

MEDIA WORKSHOP

Railfuture President and media spokesman, Peter Lawrence, has recently received an enquiry from a branch about media training. Some years ago we did organise a workshop in Leicester but have not done anything recently. If there are any branches that would be interested in attending a media-training workshop please contact Peter direct by email to <peter.lawrence@paston.co.uk> marking the subject "Media Training". Please indicate what type of training you think would be useful to you.

The initial suggestion is that we would run “mock” interviews etc conducted by members who are experienced in dealing with the media but the workshops could be tailored to meet the attendees needs. If anyone can offer skilled assistance in running the workshop could they also contact Peter.

BEECHING REPORT NOW AVAILABLE ONLINE

For those who may need to look up Dr Beeching’s notorious report it is now available online at http://www.beechingreport.info/

NEWS FROM THE SRA

The Port of Tilbury has become the first port in the UK to begin full-scale operational handling of 9’ 6” high container traffic on standard wagons by rail. Further gauge enhancement work is being carried out between Felixstowe and Ipswich, Ipswich/Harwich and London, Nuneaton and Birmingham, and Crewe and Manchester, allowing ports and terminals such as Daventry, Felixstowe, Hams Hall, Birmingham, and Manchester Trafford Park to handle more of these bigger boxes by the end of 2004. http://www.sra.gov.uk/news/2004/6/tilbury1506

Serco-NedRailways Announced as Preferred Bidder for new Northern Rail Franchise http://www.sra.gov.uk/news/2004/6/preferred_bidder_northern_rail

Record Investment Levels in Britain’s Railway - Provisional figures suggest that there was over £5 billion invested in Britain's Railway in 2003-04, an increase of 24 per cent on the previous year. http://www.sra.gov.uk/news/2004/6/record_investment-levels

The SRA has made bylaws relating to the national rail network and intends to apply to the Secretary of State for Transport for confirmation of these bylaws. After reading the bylaws they appear to be a nationwide replacement for the present bylaws from individual TOC’s. The new bylaws can be read at http://www.sra.gov.uk/publications/general_default

INSTITUTE OF CHARTERED ACCOUNTANTS SUPPORT COMMUNITY RAILWAYS

For the early risers (05.45) on 1 July there was an interesting item on the Radio 4 Farming Programme. To formulate their input to the SRA Consultation Document on Community Railways the Institute of Chartered Accountants surveyed their 136,000 members. 74% said that it is very important that we have an efficient local rail branch line service. Over 50% said that rail services are a key factor for tourism as they allow visitors to move around the area and visit congested rural towns without the need for using a car. Members considered rail services are the third most important factor to them after recruiting staff and dealing with red tape. Respondents to the survey also said that rail improvements are just as important as road improvements.

WHO IS CAMPAIGNING AGAINST THE RAIL PASSENGER COUNCIL?

Railfuture East Anglia branch secretary, Nick Dibben has received a package of documents regarding the future of the RPC. They were very generally critical of the organisation, especially of the National Committee. There was no name or any information on who had produced it. Does anyone know anything about this campaign? If they do please advise myself and Nick nick.dibben@ukgateway.net.

ECML FRANCHISE CHANGES

The Virgin, Stagecoach and Deutsche Bahn consortium has pulled out of the race for the ECML franchise citing issues "relating to the structure of the UK rail franchising system"
http://www.stagecoachgroup.com/sgc/investorinfo/rns/2908719?id=1089294892nRNSH6466A
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/3877793.stm
http://www.sra.gov.uk/news/2004/7/icec0807

EWS is taking a 29.9% stake in a newly formed company established by DSB to bid for the franchise.

FORTHCOMING EVENTS
Saturday 11th September
Railfuture Board meeting, Leicester
Saturday 18th September
Railfuture Yorkshire Branch meeting, Ilkley
Saturday 25th September
Railfuture Freight Committee meeting, Carrs Lane Church Centre, Birmingham
Railfuture Passenger Committee meeting, Carrs Lane Church Centre, Birmingham
Railfuture Network Development Committee meeting, FOE Warehouse, Birmingham
Thursday 30th September
Railfuture London and S.E. Branch (Guildford Division) open meeting at Guildford Institute, Guildford (10 min walk from station) 19.30 - 22.00. Surrey County Councillor and Railfuture member, John Pincham, will talk about the latest Airtrack proposals. Details from htjones@raildev.fsnet.co.uk.
Saturday 2nd October
BRTA Conference at De Pary’s Hotel, De Pary’s Avenue, Bedford. 10.30am — 5.00pm. Details from Richard Pill, BRTA Chairman, 24c St Michael’s Road, Bedford, MK40 2LT, phone: 01234 405268 or see www.brta.org.uk
Saturday 23rd October
Railfuture Policy, Lobby and Campaigns Committee, Calthorpe Arms, London
Saturday 6th November
Rail Users Conference 2004. Carrs Lane Church Centre, Birmingham
Saturday 13th November
Railfuture Board meeting, (Venue to be confirmed – London or Peterborough)
Saturday 27th November
Railfuture International Committee meeting, VAT & Fiddle, Nottingham at 13.00.
Saturday 4th December
Railfuture Passenger Committee meeting, Nottingham (to be confirmed)

Railway Cuttings 75

17th June 2004

IN THE NEWS

Whilst on holiday in Pembrokeshire Peter Lawrence, Railfuture President and media spokesman, was still in demand by the media. Radio Wales (Cardiff) left a message on his mobile as they wished to interview him about the forthcoming RMT strikes. Unfortunately by the time Peter was able to return the call they had fixed up an alternative interviewee. This is the first time Radio Wales had contacted Peter. Another BBC researcher contacted Peter looking for Rail User Group contacts.

The Eastern Daily Press was interested in the possible RMT strike. Peter’s comments were published the next day, Saturday, 22 May 2004. He was pleased to see that he had been given a three inch column.

The Metro Newspaper, London contacted Peter about a London to Eastbourne train that was apparently delayed by five hours recently because of a lack of power. Gwyneth Dunwoody has now got her fangs into this issue and it is now before the Transport Select Committee. A one-off evidence session on the Southern region power supply upgrade was announced for 9 June 2004 but has been postponed.

Railfuture Midlands branch member Alan Bevan was interviewed as part of an item on BBC R4 ‘You and Yours’ on 1st June. This looked into local services on the Trent Valley route being replaced by buses whilst the WCML upgrade is ongoing. Alan said that Railfuture was concerned that there may be a policy of reducing services to local stations to such a point that it was effectively closure by stealth.

COMPETITION COMMISSION RAISING CONCERNS ABOUT NATIONAL EXPRESS ACQUISITION OF GREATER ANGLIA FRANCHISE

The National Express Group's acquisition of Greater Anglia Franchise is raising concern about a possible monopolistic situation developing in the public transport market. The Competition Commission is inviting representations and evidence regarding any conflicts envisaged between this take-over and the public's interests. Find out more at: http://www.competition-commission.org.uk. Written comments have to be with the Competition Commission by 17th June.

Railfuture’s East Anglian branch was asked by the Office of Fair Trading to comment on this issue back in March 2004. The branch responded to the effect that they have no problem with the competitive effects of National Express running the franchise. Specific comments were:

 Under the old franchise two operators ran services between London and Colchester/Ipswich. Railfuture would want to see that cheap fares designed to encourage off-peak travel retained.
 On the rural routes parallel bus services tend to serve different villages en-route so the train is much faster than the bus.
 Much of the rail network in East Anglia is close to capacity. Therefore there is little scope for new passenger train operators. Any spare train paths would be better used for freight services. This issue is independent of who operates the franchise.
 National Express also operates long distance coach services from Cambridge, Stansted Airport and Norwich to London. However under the old franchise National Express operated WAGN so there is no change in competition from Cambridge or Stansted.

Railfuture London and South East branch have also responded. They said that they had at the moment no competition concerns and are unable to foresee any realistic problems in the future. Whilst many of our members may well support the work of the commission, they do feel that in relation to public transport different rules should apply. The majority of journeys by public transport are done using either different modes of transport or different operators. If there is not co-operation and co-ordination between them in relation to service provision, and the inter-availability of ticketing, then travel by public transport becomes unattractive, and the consequences of that are dire.


VIRUS INFECTED MAIL

There is a virus infected email circulating which is reported to come from editor at railwatch.org.uk. However on investigation it appears that the email was sent from mailserver host2.ortonpeterborough.co.uk though this may be a spoof address. If the virus is working the way our expert thinks it is then the email user with the virus infected machine also has Ray King editor at railwatch.org in their address book.

Therefore if you have editor at railwatch.org in your address book please make sure your anti virus software is up to date. If it is not you could be heading for serious problems with your PC.

RAILFUTURE APPOINTS A MEMBERSHIP PROMOTION AND FUND RAISING OFFICER

At their last meeting the Railfuture National Executive confirmed the appointment of Peter Harris as Membership Promotion and Fund Raising Officer. Peter will be working for us for three days a week. He will be based at the Railfuture Office in the Colourworks and can be contacted by email to peter.harris at sundonconsultancy.co.uk. As Peter’s job title suggests his specific remit is to raise funds and support our efforts to increase membership.

RAILFUTURE WELCOMES NEWQUAY TRAIN BOOST

Railfuture Devon and Cornwall branch have issued a press release welcoming improvements to the Newquay branch timetable that started with the new National Rail timetable on Monday 24 May. After a number of years where Newquay had to make do with just four trains a day (six in July and August) from May 24 the Monday to Friday service was doubled to eight trains a day. The change results from a partnership including Wessex Trains, the Devon and Cornwall Rail Partnership and Cornwall County Council.

Stuart Walker, Secretary of Railfuture Devon and Cornwall said: that “This was a long overdue improvement for the train service to one of Cornwall’s largest towns. Railfuture have been campaigning for years to have a two hourly service to Newquay and from Monday 24 May it will be a reality. It is a pity that this improved service will only run in the summer and may be reduced back to four trains a day for the winter period”.

Elsewhere in Cornwall, the St Ives Branch line timetable has been revised with the emphasis clearly on maximising demand from the Lelant Saltings Park and Ride scheme. As a result some connections with main line trains at St Erth have been lost.

Stuart commented that “It is now clear that Wessex Trains, the operator of the branch line, feel it is more important to serve park and ride traffic than ‘traditional’ rail passengers making connections at St Erth. The new Summer timetable increases the number of trains serving Lelant Saltings but those making connections with the main line on weekday afternoons and on Sundays will find they have some very long waits at St Erth. Wessex Trains regularly tells Railfuture that ‘only’ 30% of passengers make connections with main line services. They feel that the needs of these passengers should be placed second to park and ride traffic. Ideally we should have a timetable that serves all passengers well. Relocating the Park and Ride operation to St Erth station would probably achieve this and Railfuture thinks this option should be explored”.

MAKING THE CASE FOR RAIL – A NEW RAILFUTURE PUBLICATION

A new booklet entitled The Case for Rail has just been published. It is packed full of arguments for rail campaigners and statistics to back up arguments – enlightenment for the unconverted! For instance the original TGV route from Paris to Lyon now carries 65% of all journeys, with 30% by road and only 5% by air. The Tokyo to Osaka Shinkansen line transports 362,000 people a day, the equivalent of a jumbo jet every two minutes.

Written by Norman Bradbury and edited by Keith Dyall, it is available for £2.75 including post and packing from the Railfuture Office, Room 206 The Colourworks, 2 Abbot Street, London E8 3DP. Please make cheques payable to Railfuture.
A new edition of ‘A-Z of Rail Reopenings’ is being prepared. It is planned to have this published in time for the Rail Users’ Conference in November.

TRANSPORT SELECT COMMITTEE REPORTS INTO THE BRITISH TRANSPORT POLICE AND NATIONAL RAIL ENQUIRY SERVICE ARE PUBLISHED

The Report into the NRES can be viewed at: http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm200304/cmselect/cmtran/580/58002.htm
and the Report into BT Police can be viewed at: http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm200304/cmselect/cmtran/488/48802.htm

NEWS FROM THE SRA

The Strategic Rail Authority have announced, in a progress report on the fitment programme for the European Rail Traffic Management System (ERTMS), that the system would begin `live' testing along the Cambrian Line in mid-Wales in 3 years' time. It is claimed that once successfully trailed, the system has the potential to reduce train delays by up to 20%. ERTMS is required under EU Directives on 'Interoperability' and is programmed to become standard across all of Europe's mainline networks as existing systems are renewed. (See http://www.sra.gov.uk/technical/european for more information on the EU Interopability directive)

FirstGroup plc has been announced as Preferred Bidder for New Scottish Passenger Rail Franchise. http://www.sra.gov.uk/news/2004/6/110604news


NEWS FROM THE ORR

A Consultation Document discussing reforms to the rail industry dispute regime was issued on 4th June. No, the Rail Regulator is not getting involved in industrial disputes – the document mainly refers to track access disputes and proposes the establishment of a Railway Industry Mediation and Arbitration Service (RIMAS), made up of experts who can be appointed to deal with railway industry disputes referred to arbitration, mediation or expert determination, and available to all railway industry players, not just parties to access contracts.
The Annual Report 2003-2004 can also now be viewed at / downloaded from the ORR website. Both documents at http://www.rail-reg.gov.uk/server/show/nav.00100700400d

COLNE – SKIPTON ROUTE PROTECTED IN LANCASHIRE STRUCTURE PLAN

SELRAP, the group campaigning to see the Colne-Skipton railway line re opened, has welcomed the report of the Inspecting Panel which has been examining the Joint Lancashire Structure Plan (2001-2016). The Inspecting Panel's report says that there should be no change to the wording of the Draft Joint Structure Plan, which says that, while construction of the proposed A56 "Villages By-Pass" should not be delayed, nothing should be done to jeopardise the possible re-opening of the railway, and that in the meantime the trackbed through the county should be protected, as a transport corridor, from development.

The "Villages By-Pass" is currently envisaged to be built in the 2010-2016 timeframe, which SELRAP also sees as being realistic for the reconstruction of the railway. The Draft Joint Structure Plan notes that the two projects are not mutually exclusive. Website: www.selrap.org.uk

SELRAP has also announced that they have received a grant in excess of £3000 from Pendle Community Network. "The grant will totally transform the way we are able to operate," says SELRAP chairman Steve Broadbent. "Firstly, we can equip our Membership Secretary with computer equipment and internet access to greatly speed up the increasing amount of work that he does. Next, we plan on improving our publicity effort, especially by the provision of more supporting literature and better display stands for exhibitions."

"But even with those major items under our belt, there will still be money left over, and the committee will be discussing over the coming months how to make best use of every penny - and we will certainly need every penny as our future strategy unfolds. We are indeed grateful to the Pendle Community Network - which administers the Community Chest Grant fund on behalf of the Neighbourhood Renewal Unit.- for agreeing the grant, and we look forward to working closely with them in the future."

There are Neighbourhood Renewal Community Chests, worth £75m over 2001-06, in 88 Neighbourhood Renewal Fund Areas. Neighbourhood Renewal Community Chests are aimed at increasing and enhancing community activity in deprived areas and further details can be found at www.neighbourhood.gov.uk/commchest.asp

NEWSPAPER LICENSING AGENCY

Will all members and branches please note that Railfuture have declared to the Agency that we do not, as a policy, take or distribute copies of press cuttings. To comply with the NLA regulations and copyright legislation branches and members must not take or distribute copies of press cuttings.

RAIL USERS CONFERENCE 2004

It has been confirmed that this conference will be in the Main Hall of Carrs Lane Church Centre, Birmingham on Saturday 6th November 2004.

RAILFUTURE AGM 2005

It is anticipated that the 2005 AGM will be held in East Anglia on Saturday 7th May 2005.

FUTURE RAIL 300

Future Rail 300 is the newsletter for the Campaign to build high-speed railways in Britain. Copies of the latest edition, which has just been released, can be obtained by email from Graham Nalty at graham at grahamnalty.co.uk.

SET AGREE THAT BELTRING CAN BE USED WITH ALL IN TICKET TO THE HOP FARM

It was reported in Cuttings 72 that even though Beltring station is only a short walk from The Hop Farm the rail inclusive ticket is only valid via Paddock Wood and a courtesy bus link. Barry Doe now reports in RAIL 489 that after a RAIL reader complained about this he was assured by SET’s External Relations Manager that the combined ticket may be used to Beltring if the passengers prefer to walk (or cycle). Beltring is currently served by 40 trains a day though these will be reduced to one Parliamentary train a week if the SRA proposals for the Integrated Kent Franchise come to fruition.

THE PLANE TRUTH

Some interesting facts from the May 2004 edition of GNER’s electronic newsletter ‘Inside Track’. During 2003 for journeys from Edinburgh, Newcastle and Leeds to London GNER services were more punctual than corresponding air flights. Overall 80% of trains arrived within 15 minutes of the scheduled time but only 70% of flights were within 15 minutes.

For longer journeys such as Edinburgh to London the plane is faster than the train for the actual journey but this does not include check in, baggage collection and travel between the airport and city centre. If there was a high speed rail link between our major cities, as is becoming increasingly common in the rest of Europe, these rail journeys would be even faster.

RDS LTD - VACANCY FOR HON. AUDITOR

There is a vacancy for an auditor for the RDS accounts. Ideally we would like to find someone to do this on a voluntary basis but a fee will be paid if necessary. If anyone is interested themselves or knows someone who may be then further details can be obtained from Railfuture Treasurer, Tony Sheward. (Phone 01234 823045 or email tony.sheward at btinternet.com)

POSSIBLE HOUSING THREAT TO EPPING – ONGAR ROUTE

Potential outline planning applications for residential development on land associated with the disused Epping - Ongar Railway are being discussed with Epping Forest District Council planning officers. If approved, the potential applications for land at Ongar and North Weald could form part of a negotiated settlement to transfer the main railway holdings to Essex County Council. This used to be the eastern extremity of LUL's Central Line.

The discussions are focusing on retirement homes in Ongar and dwellings at North Weald. The railway line along with ancillary land and buildings could be transferred from Epping Ongar Railway Ltd to Essex County Council if such applications were approved.

Such applications would be considered by the District Council's Development Control Committee. Although no dates can be set until the potential applications have been processed, the Council expects to register them in the next few weeks.

London Underground Ltd (LUL) originally sold the Epping - Ongar line with a clause that should a rail service not be restarted within certain timescales, the new owners must offer the line back to LUL, Essex County Council and Epping Forest District Council. Since no trains ran and LUL are unwilling to buy back the line, the challenge of negotiating a new deal has fallen to Essex County Council. The article doesn't indicate whether the homes are planned on the trackbed or on former areas off to the side, clearly a story that needs watching!

Our understanding is that only the track is being offered back to the ECC but on condition that the present owners can be given permission to develop land at North Weald and Ongar Stations. The Ongar Railway Preservation Society is still hopeful of getting the right to run some sort of railway if the track is purchased by the County.
Source: http://www.eppingforestdc.gov.uk/news/railway.asp and local contacts

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Railway Cuttings 74

16th May 2004

IN THE NEWS

A few months ago Peter Lawrence was asked by the East Norfolk Travellers Association to help with their bid for lottery funds. Peter is pleased to say that their bid for £5,000 for new notice boards, colour printer etc was successful and has been paid in full.

Peter Lawrence has twice been interviewed by the Guardian. The first was a story about Stagecoach deciding to increase their dividends to shareholders after making an increased profit on rail operations. The second was about an article in Country Living magazine. At some stations car parking is at a premium with rail travellers having to arrive in station car parks before 07.00 to be sure of a parking place. In some cases it is reported that there is a four year wait for spaces.

Following a report in the Eastern Daily Press concerning speculation that the SRA were taking a different attitude towards the East West rail link Peter replied with a letter which was published. This resulted in a lunch time interview with Radio Norfolk.

Railfuture North East branch arranged for the Railfuture AGM to be mentioned on Teletext (Ceefax)

BEDFORDSHIRE CC ‘U TURN’ ON TRANSLINK SCHEME

At a special meeting on 19th April Bedfordshire County Council’s Executive decided to reconsider the Council’s position on the Translink scheme. The Council are now to discuss with Luton Borough Council and the Government Office of the Eastern Region how the original joint application can proceed.

The official reason given is that new information has come to light. However the Bedfordshire on Sunday newspaper is reporting that County bosses were hauled over the coals at meetings with Go-East, the Government's regional office, the Department of Transport and the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister.
Source: http://www.seriousaboutnews.co.uk/bos/page.html?pageID=3&storyID=26265

CAST.IRON ANALYSIS REVEALS MASSIVE AMOUNT OF PUBLIC SUBSIDY WILL BE NEEDED FOR GUIDED BUSWAY

Cambridgeshire County Council claims that it supports the guided busway because it would not require any long-term subsidy, but a reopened railway would. However, CAST.IRON has produced a thoroughly researched 40-page analysis of the costs of operating a guided busway, and believes that an average of £873,000 subsidy is required each year just to maintain the busway. After allowing for initial loss-making bus services, prior to new houses being built, a total of £11.6m subsidy is predicted. This is the first ever analysis not performed or funded by the schemes backers.

CAST.IRON's 40-page busway analysis: http://www.castiron.org.uk/analysis

INTEGRATED TRAVEL AND THROUGH TICKETING IN WALES AND BORDERS

This is the title of a report issued by the South Wales branch of Railfuture. Based on research undertaken by branch committee member Roger Ellis the report reviews current integrated provision and finds evidence of significant inconsistencies and barriers to both understanding and use of the facilities.

Key concerns are:-
Failure of some Plus-Bus schemes to meet fundamental needs as regards prime destinations (including tourist centres)
In some cases of joint services through tickets (even Wales flexi-pas) are not accepted by all operators.
Confusion over ticket validity on local authority funded services.
Lack of clear definition of the scope of validity of some products.

The report makes recommendations to overcome the problem and make through tickets more ‘passenger friendly’. The report can be downloaded from the Branch website: www.chartist.demon.co.uk/rdsw/dre-buslinks.doc

THE SAGA OF FELIXSTOWE BEACH

After Saxon Press, the sole occupiers of Felixstowe Beach station, moved out ESTA committee members went into action, and in conjunction with local District and Town Councillors, explored the possibility of having the building listed and so prevent its destruction and wanton vandalism. Part of the case was that the station could well have a new lease of life as a station when the planned South Seafront project comes to fruition. A meeting was hastily arranged with Network Rail and the issue was given widespread coverage on both "Look East" and "Anglia News" programmes as well as local radio stations.

Sadly all the campaigning was unsuccessful as, within a fortnight, it was announced that the demolition would go ahead, the companies involved having given appropriate notice under environmental legislation. The official position was that the building "had no foreseeable railway use" and the cost of making the building safe was estimated at £100,000!

The demolition of the 1877 station was filmed by TV crews on Sunday morning, 11th May. It took just two hours!

YORKSHIRE BRANCH PRODUCE NEW RECRUITMENT LEAFLET

Yorkshire branch has produced a recruitment leaflet highlighting local aspirations and successes. This follows a similar one from Lincolnshire Branch last year and has been designed so that other branches could adapt it for their own recruitment drive. For sample copies send SAE please to Graham Collett, Railfuture Yorkshire Branch Membership Secretary, 16 Wilstrop Farm Road, Copmanthorpe, York YO23 3RY.

UCKFIELD-LEWES REINSTATEMENT

The latest threat to this comes from the Government Office for the South East, who propose to delete the scheme from their Draft Regional Transport Strategy. The Wealden Line Campaign is urging people to submit objections to this proposed deletion and to stress the need for this long-missing link to be reinstated. This has to be done on a special form & submitted by May 21st. Full details on their website http://home.clara.net/wealdenline

EASIER RIDE FOR CYCLISTS TAKING THE TRAIN?

The SRA is consulting on new proposals to make it easier for cyclists to use train services. A draft policy published by the SRA recognises the social and environmental benefits offered by cycling and seeks to encourage the use of cycles through improved access and parking at stations, improved bike-rail integration, and clearer information about services available to cyclists. The SRA's aspiration is to see cycle parking facilities at all but the most lightly used stations within five years. The draft policy says TOCs should promote the carriage of cycles on off-peak trains. During the peak, carrying cycles should be left to the TOC's discretion, depending on circumstances such as passenger numbers. The carriage of compact folding cycles should be promoted on all services.

It is expected the Railfuture Cycling sub-committee will be replying to this consultation document on behalf of Railfuture.

NATIONAL AUDIT OFFICE REPORT ON LIGHT RAIL PROJECTS

The National Audit Office has issued a report on recent light rail projects. The report examines the funding of the seven schemes that have been constructed since 1980. There are questions raised about:

Overestimating the number of users
Claims about social and economic benefits
Lack of integration with other public transport
Why other countries in Europe can do these things better.

The NAO have identified five barriers hindering the wider take up of light rail and a range of issues that need to be tackled if future systems are to be improved: A summary can be found at: http://www.nao.org.uk/publications/nao_reports/03-04/0304518es.pdf

BEDFORDSHIRE RAILWAY AND TRANSPORT ASSOCIATION

BRTA have been greatly encouraged by the amount of objections to the proposed Willington rowing lake which would encroach on the route of the Bedford-Sandy Rail Link They encouraging people to write to John Prescott and Bedfordshire County Council and demand an inquiry so all sides can be represented. Likewise they still need to realise the sums of money needed for leaflets and the target of £5000 for a Bedford-Sandy pre-feasibility study. This is a key part of the East-West rail link.

Tim Philips, Chairman of Cast.Iron will be giving a talk entitled “The fight to save the Cambridge - St Ives - Huntingdon Rail Link” at 3pm on Saturday 10th July 2004. Venue: Friends Meeting House, 5 Lansdowne Road, Bedford, (off Union Street). 5 mins walk from Bus Station and 10 mins walk from Railway Station. In view of the ‘Translink’ U turn by Bedfordshire C.C., reported above, this is a great opportunity for Guided Bus opponents to compare notes.

Further details available at www.brta.org.uk" rel="external">http://www.brta.org.uk www.brta.org.uk

VALE OF GLAMORGAN LINE REOPENING ON TARGET FOR MAY 2005

After campaigning for nearly 10 years the South Wales branch of Railfuture are hopeful that the Vale of Glamorgan line will reopen to passenger trains in May 2005. The line will connect the rail network to Cardiff International Airport. Contracts have been let by Network Rail for the track, signalling and station works with actual work due to start in June 2004.

PLANS TO REOPEN BEDALE STATION SUFFER A SETBACK

Reopening the station at Bedale on the Wensleydale line is part of regional development agency Yorkshire Forward's Renaissance Market Towns programme. The plan aims to boost tourism and increase facilities in the town. However Hambleton District Council are not so keen and councillors have deferred a decision on approving an application for change of use of town's former station. Maurice Cann, head of development said: "Clearly, to open up a railway station means that you are wanting to attract passengers to the station and there are issues of how they are going to get there, both for pedestrians and people in cars."
Source: http://www.thisisthenortheast.co.uk/the_north_east/archive/2004/04/09/A9l7sm.na.html

GNER BOSS, JAMES SHERWOOD CALLS FOR BEEECHING MK 2
While speaking at a rail industry forum in London Mr Sherwood, president of Sea Containers, called for the scrapping of unprofitable rail lines, saying regional services that run empty should go "to hell". He said: "We need to get the Government focused on trimming off the unnecessary bits that very few people use.” “We have got to get commuters and long-distance travellers to their destinations and on time, but to hell with freight and regional railways which are running around virtually empty.”

Clive Gossop, the regional director of the Rail Passengers Committee, defended rural services and said the comments were ill-informed. “It is the regional services that Arriva operate that feed into the James Sherwood's trains. GNER really struggles to provide sufficient car parking spaces. By shutting down, what he deems unprofitable, it would increase demand on parking spaces. It would also put more pressure on the roads. It is the regional services that get people to the bigger stations."

A spokesman for GNER said: "GNER is not advocating the closure of regional railways, given that 30 per cent of our revenue comes from connecting traffic." Source: http://www.thisisyork.co.uk/york/archive/2004/05/04/york_news_local26ZM.html

Ed. Comment: Perhaps Mr Sherwood should study what happened when Dr Beeching closed many so called “unprofitable” branch lines. Many passengers did not then go to the main line station and catch a train – they made the whole journey by road.

NEWS FROM THE SRA

Rail Industry Formally Seeks New Deadline (31st December 2005) for Slam Door Train Removal. http://www.sra.gov.uk/news/2004/Folder.2004-03-29.7340788589/srntp
A progress report on the delivery of the West Coast Main Line Strategy was published on 27 April. The full 52 page report can be downloaded from http://www.sra.gov.uk/

TREASURY FUNDING GRIP IS PREVENTING CROSSRAIL FINANCING SAY LONDON ASSEMBLY

The London Assembly has made a call for greater financial flexibility. The economic and social development committee’s report into alternative methods of funding for regeneration found the Treasury’s tight grip on local government finance at odds with ‘a pressing need’ for creative mechanisms to secure investment for projects such as Crossrail and the Thames Gateway. Source: http://www.newstartmag.co.uk/news638.html

Railway Cuttings 73

15 April 2004

IN THE NEWS

Peter Lawrence, Railfuture Chairman, has been busy giving press interviews.

He was interviewed by the Eastern Evening News concerning SPADS. Recently a Anglia Railways train driver allegedly passed signals at red while using his mobile telephone.

Pulse Radio of Bradford asked about rail safety in the light of the Madrid bombings. They were particularly concerned regarding services in the Leeds-Huddersfield - Manchester area.

The Daily Express asked about a Network Rail statement that pre Hatfield reliability service levels will not be reached until 2007. (The National Rail Trends October to December 2003 reliability figures are now on the SRA website)

Eastern Daily Press and Eastern Evening News asked Peter to comment on Network Rails' announcement of proposed local rail investment. Infrastructure improvements have been announced for Brundall, Brandon and Shenfield.

The Daily Mail were concerned about 'Easter Rail chaos' whilst sections of the system were closed for maintenance and infrastructure work. Peter's comments were picked up by ITV and as a result Keith Dyall was interviewed for the programme London Tonight.

Nick Dibben, Railfuture East Anglia branch secretary, reports that "various Railfuture members were at the launch of the new GA franchise on 1st April. The new company will be called "one" to signify the single operator for the region. Expect lots of "one" jokes and puns in the media. Existing route brands such as West Anglia, Great Eastern, Anglia Intercity and Stansted Express will stay.

Alistair Darling officially launched the new franchise at Liverpool Street and named a class 90 locomotive Readwald of East Anglia after one of the region's Saxon Kings. Also in attendance were Richard Bowker, an assortment of local football mascots and some guys dressed up in Saxon outfits complete with axes and swords. How they got past security I am not sure.

Nick was also quoted in the Hunts Post commenting on the increases in parking charges at Huntingdon and St Neots stations and the fact that parking is no longer free at weekends. This was stuff he sent in about a month ago, so it was hardly news!

Also in the paper, news that punctuality figures are rising plus the usual CAST.IRON v Busway letters. More detail at:
http://www.huntspost.co.uk/man/news/?tbrand=HPTOnline&tcategory=NEWS

Keith Dyall, Chairman London & South East Branch, has a letter in the current issue of Rail (485) criticising the MML route capacity plan as a missed opportunity. He is concerned about the potential for poor punctuality on Thameslink 2000 (if it is ever implemented) and the lack of planned infrastructure work. During the consultation the branch had suggested some improvements that would increase capacity significantly but would be of minimal cost.

RAILWAY DEVELOPMENT SOCIETY AGM

A reminder that if you are going to the AGM John Lee would appreciate your booking form by Friday 30th April. If you require lunch you MUST book and pay for it by this date at the very latest. If you have not already voted in the elections for Vice Chairman and National Executive members your ballot papers must be received by John Lee by 24th April 2004.

ACoRP CONFERENCE ON COMMUNITY RAIL DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY

This was held in Peterborough on 26th March. The keynote address was made by Chris Austin from the SRA. There were further contributions from ACoRP, The Railway Forum, RPC, National Express, Network Rail and Porterbrook. Most of the discussion covered issues in the SRA consultation paper. Some of the additional comments were:

Chris Austin (SRA):

• With reorganisation there is a danger of institutionalising the current high cost base. We need to get a grip on costs before this happens.
• He is committed to continuing the link of fares between community railways

and the national Rail system.

• It takes 12 weeks to get a local promotional fare into the system. We need

to find a better way of doing this so that local lines can respond quickly to opportunities that arise.

• The intention is to schedule less trains at less busy times of year so that

all maintenance can be done at this time.

• He is keen to look at opportunities for freight. If unit costs can be reduced by using innovative methods then freight could be got back onto lines where there is none now.
• By talking about a 12tonne axle load 'Sprinter' railway he is not advocating

the banning of loco hauled services. It is perfectly possible to run the
occasional charter or heavy freight without doing damage to track maintained
to the 12T limit.

• Systematic regular maintenance is more efficient than 'fire brigade' work

when tolerances have been exceeded. If the system is correct work will be
done before the tolerances are exceeded.

• There is not much scope to reduce staff numbers where most stations are

already unstaffed but efficiency could be greatly improved by multiskilling.

• This is a genuine consultation. The strategy will not be written until he has taken on board the responses. (Ed: What does this tell us about other SRA consultations?)
• There is much bureaucracy imposed by the 1993 Railways Act. e.g. if you want to move a toilet or shorten a platform to install a disabled ramp you need to go through a complicated statutory process set up by the Act.
• There is provision in his budget for 'pump priming' of pilot projects.
• Match funding from the local community will be needed. Also funding will have to come from savings within the schemes.
• AEA Technology Rail have been commissioned to develop some in-depth proposals on alternative rolling stock options. The work is being funded by the Rail Passengers Council and the Countryside Agency.
• There are over 500? bus/rail tickets now available but they are not being marketed widely enough to be well known to the general populace.

Paul Salveson (ACoRP):

• ACoRP are commissioning work on bus/rail integration. The ACoRP conference in Carnforth on 6th May will be looking at this issue.
• If we can get costs down by a third as has happened in Germany then reopenings could be back on the agenda, especially if a new set of group standards can be agreed.
• If Regional Assemblies come about then, is already happening in Scotland,

there are better prospects of reopenings - funding would come from more
local sources that better know the local situation.

• If pilot schemes are to succeed they will need local investment.
• All sectors of the rail industry are well represented at the conference except the trade unions. As the unions have expressed their concerns about the proposals it is disappointing that they have not taken the opportunity to hear more about them.

Adrian Lyons (The Railway Forum):

• Community rail could be a test bed for technology trials.
• Bio diversity - community rail could sell itself as a green lung on urban

lines. There is opportunity for using spare land for environmental schemes.

• 50% of people in this country think that rail is a waste of time. This is because they have not thought seriously about the issue. We need to get out

and encourage them to do some serious thinking.

• We need to be looking at safety systems, such as telemetry, from the motor

industry as these are much cheaper than those in the rail industry.

Rupert Brennan-Brown (Porterbrook Leasing):

• A 2 car Pacer unit has an annual lease cost of £84,000 including maintenance.
• Porterbrook are very keen to find a home for around 150 Mk3 coaches coming off lease from Virgin. One idea is to use them for services on main lines, such as Bristol - Penzance, so as to free up DMU's to strengthen branch line services. The main difficulty to be overcome will probably be finding suitable traction to haul them.

The full text of the ACoRP response to the consultation can be read on their
website. http://www.acorp.uk.com/

DID YOU KNOW?

• Between 1995/6 and 2002/3 passenger kilometres travelled increased by over 32% and freight net tonne kilometres carried increased by over 40%.
• Passenger journeys made are growing by 3% a year which is one of the fastest rates of increase in Europe.
• Since privatisation average rail fares have increased by only 4.6% but bus fares have risen by 9.1% and disposable income has rose by 36.5%.
• Over 2,000 new rail vehicles have entered service since privatisation. At peak capacity Eurostars travelling on CTRL will be able to carry approximately 40 million passengers a year - equivalent to 250,000 short haul flights.
• Significant train accidents are currently running at their lowest rate ever - 0.122 per million train miles, a 4% improvement on the 2002/3 figure.
• Rail is around 8 times safer than car and is broadly comparable in safety terms to bus and coach travel.
• On average passenger rail emits 36% less carbon dioxide per passenger mile kilometre than road and 78% less than short haul air.
• 60% of passengers on the regional railway network are from low income groups.
• 27% of overseas visitors to the UK use the railways to travel around the

country.

All information from a booklet "Britain's Railways Facts and Figures March 2004" produced by the Railway Forum. www.railwayforum.com

WAY TO GO

In response to the postcard campaign most Labour MP's are just sending a copy of a letter from Kim Howells by way of reply. If anyone has received a more detailed reply indicating that their MP personally supports the campaign can they please advise me. (david.harby@ntlworld.com) In these cases we are asking the MP to agree to us sending a congratulatory press release to their local papers. Could you also please advise if you have seen any local press coverage of the campaign.

RAC QUESTIONS RAIL EMPHASIS IN PUBLIC TRANSPORT BUDGET

An RAC Foundation report issued on 23rd February 2004 has concluded that public transport expenditure discriminates against low income households. The study found that the poorest one fifth of households: spent a quarter of their income on motoring; travelled more than twice the distance by bus and coach as people in the most affluent fifth; and rarely used the rail network, which accounts for 40% of all public spending on transport. To some degree this must reflect the extraordinarily steep rises in walk-on train fares and the inability of poorer travellers to acquire the web access and debit/credit cards necessary to obtain the cheapest book-ahead train fares. Many families without cars were found to undertake more journeys in cars than by public transport. There is much criticism of the failure of traditional transport surveys to achieve representative samples and of government reluctance to understand the variations in travel behaviour between different types of locality and different categories of resident. There is an implication that by publishing average data for average households many travel problems are regularly concealed or camouflaged which impairs appropriate policy responses. Britain however is found to be ahead of most other industrialised countries in exploring the interrelationships between transport policy and social cohesion.

From the seven research papers looking at the G7 countries' experience, it would appear that France and the USA have the most experience in terms of the practical delivery of projects to address the transport needs of socially excluded people, although the main policy emphasis is primarily on providing access to employment as part of a wider welfare agenda. France is probably the most advanced in its analysis and understanding of social exclusion as both an area-based problem and at the level of individual participation in mainstream society. The arrangements made for funding and organising public transport in France are quite different to those in the UK. It is asserted that transport inequality is most pronounced in the USA despite car ownership levels being virtually at saturation level.

The report gives background information on the various researchers and suggests older research papers in this field that you might want to seek out.

To see the full report visit http://www.racfoundation.org/index2.html

EAST WEST RAIL LINK

The East West Rail consortium have produced a new four-page glossy leaflet promoting their scheme, and focusing on the western end (as far east as Bedford). A copy can be found on their web-site: http://www.eastwestrail.org/docs/ewrail_leaflet.pdf.

They estimate a capital cost of £65m to reopen the Bletchley to Claydon Junction route, and a new spur to Aylesbury, along with other track upgrades to passenger standard as well as a new platform at Bicester Town and a new station at Winslow. The western end of the scheme has an average benefit-cost ratio of 1.9. The consortium hopes for an initial allocation of £1.5m to proceed with the detailed design assessment.
East West Rail web-site: http://www.eastwestrail.org.

MICHAEL HOWARD (CONSERVATIVE PARTY LEADER) SPEAKS ON TRANSPORT TO THE AA

A few extracts from Michael Howard's recent speech at the AA Awards Dinner.

"You won't be surprised to learn that I think the Government is failing to deliver in all sorts of areas. And that includes transport. When politicians talk about transport, what they normally mean is trains and buses. It's vital that we get policies in these areas right, as Britain needs a first-class public transport system. The Government is taking more and more control, tying up the railways in red tape.

"But despite the importance of our railways and buses, politicians have to recognise the fact that most of our journeys – almost 90% - are made by car. So I want to rise to the challenge that Brian Shaw has set me, to make motorists feel like customers, not like victims. The car is at the heart of our transport system and it needs a Government that supports it rather than persecutes it. There's no point being anti-car. We should all be pro-travel. A properly balanced transport policy would support every kind of transport so that people can get about in the way that suits them best.

"Over the years, the car has become safer, more efficient and less polluting. We should celebrate that. The car enhances the quality of all our lives. It means that we can visit friends or relatives, go shopping, enjoy the countryside. The car gives independence and control to millions of people, and I want to keep spreading that independence and control.

"Nothing sums up better the Government's wrong-headed approach to the car than the whole issue of speed cameras. They are the classic example of a government determined to intrude to an astonishing degree into people's everyday lives. They epitomise big Government. And they are yet another example of a Labour stealth tax.

"A Conservative Government would be the intelligent friend of the motorist. I don't think the car is evil. I don't even think it is a necessary evil. I think it is a necessity, which for many people remains a pleasure.

"We are also looking at other important areas. We have suggested a review of speed limits, raising the maximum on motorways to 80 miles per hour while reducing the maximum on our most dangerous roads. In the coming months we will be producing more policies covering road safety, tackling the problem of our most dangerous drivers, helping the emergency services with their use of the roads, and the many other key practical issues that face us. We'll be working closely with the AA to make sure we get them right.

"Our approach to transport policy is based on three key principles:

• Governments should give people a genuine choice about the mode of transport they choose.
• Long-term transport success will come from steady and predictable investment policies, not from incessant political interference.
• The necessary investment levels will require private sector money, and that is as important for roads as it is for railways and buses.

Source:
http://www.conservatives.com/news/article.cfm?obj_id=90036&speeches=1

Editor's comment - The missing bits:
Which party privatised the railway and created the red tape by fragmenting it? He speaks of working closely with the AA to produce road policies. There is no mention of working closely with rail users to produce a rail policy. Perhaps someone should write and ask him if he is interested in working with rail users? There is no mention of reducing road traffic. (There is a comment that if John Prescott had succeeded in his claim, when he became transport minister in 1997, to reduce the number of journeys by car "it would have meant a significant diminution in the quality of people's lives.") There is no mention of working towards any form of integrated transport system.

CAMBRIDGE (MIS)GUIDED BUSWAY ATTRACTS 3000 LETTERS

Martin Thorne, Anti-Guided Bus (Technical) Officer for CAST.IRON, thanks all those who sent letters of objection to the DfT regarding the Cambridgeshire (mis)Guided Bus scheme.

The leading news story in the Cambridge Evening News on 9th April reported that more than 3000 letters have been sent to the DfT indicating the huge strength of feeling about the scheme. It is not yet known how few of the letters were in support but Tim Phillips, chairman of CAST.IRON, told the News: "We are sure there will have been a huge number of objections, with letters of support just a tiny minority. In view of that, we call on the council to scrap the scheme now.

"The response of 3,000 letters is eight times the number of public objections that rolled in for a similar bus scheme proposed between Luton and Dunstable, and authorities there went on to scrap the idea. Cambridgeshire's scheme is even more of a white elephant and the public inquiry will cost £2 million. The council must not waste any more taxpayers' money by carrying on with it."

A News website poll, asking whether people felt the guided buses would benefit them, produced a big no vote - 2,000 people voted, 83 per cent of them against the scheme.

The public inquiry into the project is scheduled for September. Source:
http://w3.cambridge-news.co.uk/news/cambridge/story.asp?StoryID=52466

DUNSTABLE TOWN COUNCIL LOOKING INTO RAIL ALTERNATIVE TO TRANSLINK

Now that Luton Borough are the only Council supporting Translink serious consideration is being given to reopening Luton to Dunstable as a railway. Dunstable Town Council's finance and general purposes committee are recommending that an extra £7,000 should be earmarked for the study into ideas to revive the rail link.

With support from Houghton Regis Town Council, there are plans to hire a consultancy company to conduct a travel survey to assess the actual travel needs of the area. The consultancy company would analyse the responses to a questionnaire and conduct further research. Dunstable Town Council has also commissioned another consultancy company to look into the feasibility of reopening the Luton to Dunstable railway.

The study will focus on the practicability of an "at grade" junction at Luton station and the operational impact of introducing a train service to Dunstable and beyond on Thameslink and other existing services.

Students at Cranfield University conducted their own feasibility study into reopening the railway link ten years ago. They concluded that introducing the most preferable rail service would have three stops – Dunstable North (near Tavistock Street), Dunstable South (Station Road) and Luton station.

Details of the Laing Rail plans to reopen the line were reported in Railway Cuttings 72. Source: http://www.lutontoday.co.uk/ViewArticle2.aspx?SectionID=543&ArticleID=766263

DFT CLAIM TO HAVE CUT BUREAUCRACY AT NETWORK RAIL

The Department for Transport, working with the Cabinet Office's Regulatory Impact unit, have undertaken a 'Making a Difference' project aimed at reducing or removing unnecessary bureaucratic or administrative burdens relating to information and data requirements placed on Network Rail's delivery staff.

A joint project team, working closely with Network Rail, SRA, ORR and HSE, has agreed 15 practical changes to practices and procedures that will bring benefits to Network Rail's front line staff. The measures identified will -

• reduce duplication of data and information requests
• Streamline reporting requirements
• Assess the impact of changes on staff, before implementing them
• Improve communications between and within organisations
• Streamline the processes for checking information

The report and a summary document can be found here:
http://www.dft.gov.uk/stellent/groups/dft_railways/documents/page/dft_railwa
ys_028098.hcsp

SCENIC BRITAIN BY RAIL 2004

The 2004 edition of this highly popular guide, published by TML and sponsored by ACoRP and the SRA, is now available. ACoRP think it’s even better than last year: a guide to the scenic rural lines around the UK, with tourist information, rail partnership contacts and route maps. And it’s free! It is being distributed by TML, who welcome requests for multiple copies. Email Pat Neal, the publisher, at: TMLPat at aol.com.
Source: ACoRP electronic newsletter 'Train on Line' http://www.acorp.uk.com/

FORTHCOMING EVENTS

• Tuesday 20th April 2004

Railfuture London & South East Branch AGM at 19.30 in the Margaret Fell Room at the Quaker International Centre, 1-3 Byng Place, Torrington Place, London WC1E 7JH,

• Saturday 8th May 2004

Railfuture AGM Newcastle-on-Tyne

• Saturday 22nd May 2004

Railfuture National Executive meeting. Carrs Lane Church Centre, Birmingham

• Saturday 5th June 2004

Railfuture Policy, Lobby and Campaigns Committee, FOE Warehouse, Birmingham

• Saturday 12th June 2004

Railfuture East Anglia Branch meeting Venue - Ipswich

• Saturday 26th June 2004

Railfuture International Committee meeting, Calthorpe Arms, London.

• Saturday 17th July 2004

Railfuture National Executive meeting. Calthorpe Arms, London,

Railway Cuttings 72

14 March 2004

IN THE NEWS

Following a Railfuture Media Release criticising the delay in issuing reports on High Speed Railways and Community Railways and the SRA Annual Strategic Plan update Railfuture President, Mike Caton, was interviewed on the BBC Radio Hereford & Worcester breakfast programme on 16th February.

Also on 16th February Railfuture Chairman, Peter Lawrence, was interviewed on the BBC Radio 4 "PM" programme following the announcement by shadow chancellor, Oliver Letwin, of his plans to cut public spending by £35bn and freeze expenditure on transport for two years if a Conservative government is elected. Peter said that Railfuture cannot support this idea.

Recent contacts to Peter by the media have also included a interview by the Yorkshire Post on the future of rural railways and a call from the Guardian seeking the views of Railfuture on National Express taking on the Greater Anglia Franchise.

Railfuture member, Anthony Kay, was pictured in the Leicester Mercury on 4th March alongside a story about the ending of the Nottingham-Coventry service due to the changes at Nuneaton. This story was picked up by the Mercury after a letter from Anthony was published in the Loughborough Echo the previous week which informed the readers of what was going to happen to the service and encouraging them to write to the RPC(Midlands) and the SRA to complain.

Brian Hastings' Chairman's comments in the latest issue of the Railfuture Lincs Branch newsletter were quoted verbatim in the Lincolnshire Echo on 24th February. Among the topics covered Brian pointed out that overcrowding is now endemic on rail services in Lincolnshire and that the recent extension of Central's franchise contains no plans to do anything about it.

INTEGRATED KENT FRANCHISE

In the last Railway Cuttings proposed service reductions to several small stations in Kent were documented. John Pitcher, Organiser Railfuture Kent Division, reports that they are compiling a list of exactly what facilities exist, or are missing! at all the small stations threatened so Kent Division can make a detailed formal objection.

Kent Division have the support of Kent & Medway Rural Transport Partnership Officer. People in the area are waking up to what's hitting them and there has been quite a lot of coverage in the local press. At Kearsney by Dover a meeting was hastily organised by the parish council and got about 20 people at very short notice. Another worrying point is the proposed reduction of frequency on the Sittingbourne/Sheerness branch from 1/2 hourly to hourly. This is apparently so that new fast trains can be 'stabled' at Sittingbourne station. As one of our members, John Goodfellow, wrote. Talk about robbing Peter to pay Paul!

The concerns from Kent must have reached the SRA by 19th February when they issued a Press Release entitled "The Facts About Train Services in the new Kent Franchise". See http://www.sra.gov.uk/news/2004/2/kent_franchise_statement

Beltring station, which is slated for reduction to 1 Parliamentary train a week under the SRA proposals, is only a short walk from The Hop Farm ("Kent's most popular family attraction" in it's 2004 brochure). An all-in rail and entrance ticket is available including a courtesy bus link between Paddock Wood & the farm but this ticket is NOT valid at Beltring station. It is very easy to claim that a station is poorly used when you direct most of your potential users to a different station!

CAMBRIDGE GUIDED BUSWAY - GET YOUR OBJECTIONS IN ASAP

Info from CASTIRON www.castiron.org.uk/TWAobjections.php

We need you to do one very important thing before 2nd April. Please object to Cambridgeshire County Council's application to destroy our railway line to build a concrete guided busway. We are convinced that we can defeat their daft scheme (a similar one in Luton has just been abandoned), but we need your help NOW. Even if you don't live in the area, please do what you can as it only takes a few people to stop this madness
PLEASE WRITE A LETTER OF OBJECTION URGENTLY. Letters should be headed "Cambridgeshire Guided Bus Scheme, Transport and Works Act Application" and sent to:

Secretary of State for Transport Department for Transport TWA Orders Unit, Zone 3/11 Great Minster House 76 Marsham Street London SW1P 4DR

The e-mail address is: transportandworksact at dft.gsi.gov.uk. You can send a Word attachment. Letters must be received at the Department of Transport by 2nd April.

We need to show that the busway offers little benefits for £100m, and bus services on existing roads could be improved for much less. The railway line is needed for regional and national travel, not just for local bus journeys, especially since Stansted Airport is growing from 59 million to 72M passengers per year, and Alconbury railfreight distribution centre, near the end of our line, has been authorised.

After objecting then what next? You will get a response from them within about 10 days. You will be asked if you would like to appear at a public inquiry. You must reply within 2 weeks saying yes, otherwise you will be deemed to have said no. Please say YES. This is very important.

There is no obligation upon you to do anything by saying yes. It means that they will write to you again: you will be kept informed and may get invited to speak at the public inquiry. If this happens you can always turn it down. There's no cost to you.

If you get invited to present your case in public, then please contact CAST.IRON executives. They can appear as your representative if you so wish. Or will help you with your case if you wish.

TRANSLINK - LAING RAIL PUT FORWARD A RAIL LINK PROPOSAL

Despite the withdrawal of Bedfordshire County Council from the Translink busway scheme Luton Borough Council seem determined to push ahead on their own. However an alternative rail based scheme has now been put forward by Laing Rail (Operators of the Chiltern Rail franchise). Laing are proposing a dedicated rail link between Dunstable (White Lion) and Luton Interchange with immediate stations at Chaul End Road and/or Dallow Road. The scheme would be completely separate from the main line railway. Laing say that based on their own experience elsewhere they believe that capital costs would be very much less than the £36m previously estimated for a rail link or the £88m estimated for a busway.

SRA CONSULTATION PAPER ON COMMUNITY RAILWAYS

The SRA Consultation paper on a strategy for Community Railways has finally been released.
The typical line that would be eligible for Community Railway designation would:

• Have a speed limit of 75 mph or less;
• Are low frequency (normally hourly or less);
• Normally have a single operator (or one franchise operator plus freight);
• Are local or rural in character;
• Do not carry international passenger or freight traffic via the Channel Tunnel.

The list of potential routes covers 1300 route miles (12.5% of the national network) and includes 420 Stations (17%). This definition covers a wide variety of lines from short branches to the 55 mile long Grantham to Skegness line (which also carries freight, mainly from the port of Boston).

The SRA stress that there can be no 'one size fits all' solution and no overall template is therefore proposed. The approach that is proposed is to designate Community Rail routes separately from the conventional and high speed rail networks, as happens elsewhere in Europe. Consequently, they would not be covered by certain European Union regulations on issues such as interoperability – and they would have separate operational and engineering standards, appropriate for the nature of a local operation. Some routes may be suitable for microfranchising whereas for others a development of the measures that have proved successful in Community Rail Partnerships may be more suitable.

The SRA state that closures are not part of the policy. "Closures are hotly contested and the closure process takes significant senior management time to handle. With limited cost savings achievable from the limited resources devoted to these routes, it is highly debatable whether the benefits ever outweigh the costs." Ed: This does NOT say that there will be closures as can be seen from the next item about closing Etruria.

Some ideas suggested are:

• Fares: Bring into line with bus fares over the same route to allow interavailable ticketing. Consider differential pricing with a discounted rate for local users.
• Ticketing: Simpler products such as carnets and zonal tickets that could be sold through local newsagents and shops.
• Marketing: Promotion in conjunction with Community Rail Partners, local authorities, tourist boards and local visitor attractions.
• Timetables: Varying to suit local needs such as seasonal tourist demands.
• Integration: Better integration with local bus services so that they work together instead of competing for a limited market especially when both are subsidised. Timetables planned so that local buses and trains feed each others services. Integrated ticketing.
• Local management: Closer to the customer and procuring local goods and services.
• Standards and Accessibility: Look at cost reduction through ensuring standards are appropriate. Make better use of the derogation process where current Group standards are inappropriate. At the same time, reviewing standards may also help to improve accessibility of stations. The approach in recent years has been to remove foot crossings at stations with consequent limitations in accessibility, or with significant costs involved in bridging the line. This approach should be reconsidered on Community Railways, and experience with light rail systems taken into consideration, as they frequently involve street running.

Five routes have been identified for consideration as pilot schemes. They represent a broad spectrum of routes so that initiatives can be tested in a controlled way. The pilot routes are:

• The Esk Valley Line (Middlesbrough to Whitby)
• Island Line (Ryde Pier Head to Shanklin)
• Looe Valley Line (Liskeard to Looe)
• St Ives Branch (Cornwall)
• Watford Junction to St Albans Branch (Hertfordshire)

The deadline for responses is 28 May 2004 but earlier responses would be very welcome. The Railfuture submission is being put together by Peter Lawrence <peter.lawrence@paston.co.uk> If any branch are planning to make their own submission would they please liase with Peter. It is important that the SRA do not receive contradicting views from different elements of Railfuture.
Source: http://www.sra.gov.uk/publications/consultation_default

PROPOSED CLOSURE OF ETRURIA STATION

The SRA are proposing that Etruria station is closed from 25 September 2004. Reasons given are diminished usage, excessive stepping distance from the platform (after WCML upgrade work) and saving 2 minutes on the London - Manchester timings. The SRA say that the decision has been taken following discussions with the local authority (Stoke-on-Trent City Council) but the mayor of Stoke was quoted in the Guardian as saying that the decision was over-hasty and made without consultation.

The industrial decline of the area has led to a greatly reduced number of users but Stoke on Trent City Council has a regeneration project for the area. Possibilities include replacing both Etruria and Longport stations with a single road, rail and park and ride interchange.

The closure proposal is being opposed by Railfuture, North Staffs Rail Promotion Group and others. Objections may be made to the Secretary of State by Friday 26th March 2004 via Kevin Liptrott, Department for Transport, Rail Sponsorship Division, Zone 3/33, Great Minster House, 76 Marsham Street, London SW1P 4DU. Fax: 020 7944 2156. I have a draft objection letter that I can email <david.harby@ntlworld.com>to anyone who wants it. http://www.sra.gov.uk/news/2004/2/Etruria_release

SRA PUBLISH RUS FOR EAST MIDLANDS AND MIDLAND MAIN LINE

The Route Utilisation Strategy for Midland Main Line and East Midlands was published on 3rd March 2004. Claimed benefits will include 40% more seats and 14% less delays in the morning peak, potential for the introduction of an hourly Nottingham - Sheffield - Leeds service, creation of a regular capacity slot for freight through Leicester and better platform utilisation at Nottingham is promised from December 2004.

Tucked away in the detailed document is the comment that the SRA is supportive of the aims of Translink (the Luton to Dunstable guided busway) plan and will assist in future liaison between Luton Borough and Network Rail with regards to securing the transfer (and possible sale) of the former track bed between the two parties. http://www.sra.gov.uk/news/2004/2/mml_rus_final

RAIL SAFETY AND STANDARDS BOARD

The Railway Safety and Standards Board (RSSB)web-site ( http://www.rssb.co.uk ) has a mine of information on standards of trains, staff, track, structures and operations. The working manual for rail staff and the new rulebook GE/RT8000 are also there. http://www.rssb.co.uk/rgs.asp.

NEW GUIDANCE NOTES ISSUED FOR INSPECTORS HOLDING PUBLIC ENQUIRIES INTO ROAD SCHEMES ETC

You might find the following link useful. Orders which are within the scope of these notes include road (line) and side road orders (SRO), related compulsory purchase orders (CPOs), stopping up orders, guided transport systems and cycle track orders. http://www.planning-inspectorate.gov.uk/pins/appeals/rights_of_way/guidance% 20for%20orders%20special%20road%20schemes/01_chapter_one.htm

RAIL 200 EVENTS

Most readers will know that 2004 is an important year for Britain's railways. It marks the 200th anniversary of the run of the first steam locomotive to run on rails - Richard Trevithick's locomotive at the Pen Y Darren Ironworks - as well as the centenary of the first 100mph run by the City of Truro. It is also 400 years since the first recorded existence of rail track in Britain. There are celebrations being planned throughout this year and The Railway Forum's Rail 200 website http://www.rail200.com/index.php has a list of events.

MEGABUS OFFERING JOURNEYS ACROSS THE UK FOR £1

Bus (and rail) operator Stagecoach hopes to encourage travellers to switch to buses from other modes of transport through a nationwide expansion of its megabus.com brand, which allows passengers to book journeys online from as little as £1.

From 18 February passengers can use the online booking service at www.megabus.com to purchase tickets for new bus routes linking London with Birmingham, Plymouth, Exeter, Swansea, Cardiff, Bristol, Bournemouth, Southampton, Portsmouth and Brighton. The first scheduled journeys, using high-capacity double decker buses, ran from Monday 1 March.

A pilot scheme serving Scotland, Manchester, Liverpool and Leeds was launched in August last year. Passenger numbers are now approaching 200,000 and the buses have proved popular with students, commuters, families and 'silver surfers' (according to the Stagecoach press release). Source: http://www.stagecoachgroup.com/sgc/mediainfo/releases/2004/2004-02-18/

What the press release does not say is how many tickets will actually be available for £1. Will it be like the budget airlines where the very cheap tickets are almost impossible to obtain, especially if you want to book well in advance?

TRAIN DRIVING RULES TO BE STANDARDISED ACROSS THE EU

Better working conditions for train drivers could become European law, thanks to a ground-breaking agreement between the European Transport Workers' Federation (ETF) and the Community of European Railways (CER).
The driving time and rest periods agreement, which was finalised after eight months of negotiations, includes requirements for a minimum daily rest period of 12 hours and a maximum daily driving time of nine hours. The European Social Partners, the ETF and CER, decided that the agreement should become an EU directive.

A further agreement between the partners outlining a common skills standards for locomotive drivers through a European driver's licence was also negotiated. Unions are concerned that the drivers' licence will only be implemented on a voluntary basis. As a result they are pressing for the licence's conditions to be included in some form in the new European legislation.

Norbert Hansen, as Chair of the ETF Railway Section representing 76 railway trade unions across Europe, called both the agreements "an indispensable condition for a social, fair and safe European railway environment". "They were," he said, "proof that the European social partners in the railway sector have the capacity to determine social minimum standards for their sector on their own."
Source: ITF News Online www.itf.org.uk/online/english

EUROPEAN PARLIAMENTARY ELECTIONS

Railfuture's Policy, Lobbying and Campaigns Committee have asked me to remind everyone that the Euro elections will be held on June 10th 2004. Now is the time to start contacting candidates and asking for their views on transport issues. Suggested topics for enquiries are:

• Support for Eurostar services between the regions of the UK beyond London and Paris/Brussels.
• More UK rail routes to be classed as Trans European Networks (TENs).
• Need for easier availability of through tickets between the UK and Continental destinations.
• Support for high-speed lines in the UK.
• Need for a more level playing field between rail and air, e.g. by taxing aviation fuel on a pan-EU basis.

The Labour view of Europe can be found at: http://www.laboureast-euroelections.info/resource/reslist.htm. I cannot find up to date European manifestos for the Conservative, Liberal Democrat or Green Parties. If anyone can supply links I will put them in the next Railway Cuttings.

NET NOW OPEN

The delayed Nottingham Express Transit tram system was opened by Alistair Darling on Tuesday 9th March. Timetable is available on their web-site http://www.thetram.net.

RAILFUTURE AGM

Full details of the AGM will shortly be despatched with Railwatch 99. There were no nominations for Sales Officer. Volunteers are still needed to run the monthly lottery and the annual draw. There is a very real danger that these two useful sources of income will be lost if volunteers cannot be found. Volunteers please contact Peter Lawrence.

RAIL USERS CONFERENCE 2004

Subject to final confirmation the RUC 2004 will be held in the Birmingham area on 6th November 2004.

Railway Cuttings 70

13 January 2004

IN THE NEWS

On 22 December 2003 Railfuture Chairman Peter Lawrence was interviewed by the Eastern Evening News and also Radio Broadland on the announcement by the Strategic Rail Authority concerning the Greater Anglia Rail Franchise being awarded to National Express.

Peter represented Railfuture East Anglia Branch at the Suffolk Rail Policy Group meeting in Ipswich on 5 December 2003 and Norfolk Rail Policy Group meeting in Norwich on 11 December 2003. The major topic of conversation at both meetings was the awarding of the Greater Anglia Rail Franchise.

On 10 December 2003 with others from Railfuture Peter attended the Rail Passenger Council Conference in London. In a recent survey carried out by RPC among 2,000 passengers from thoughout the UK, most passengers believed that rail services would worsen over the next three to five years. Interestingly the 250 delegates at the RPC conference were surveyed and the rail industry and rail user groups voted in the opposite direction and believe rail services will improve over the same period.

Andrew MacFarlane was on Granada Reports, the ITV local news programme for the North West of England, on 9 January talking about the end of the travelling post office trains. He followed an rail union man, who had made the point that the decision flew in the face of Government policy and environmental good sense. Andrew said that Royal Mail might be claiming a saving of £10million by making the switch but that you got what you paid for. Experience in Germany, where postal traffic was transferred from rail to road some years ago, was that users of the postal service ended up with a worse service.

CAMBRIDGE GUIDED BUSWAY - URGENT

The Government has agreed to part-fund the Cambridge to St Ives guided busway as part of its local transport funding. The county council will decide in February 2004 if t should proceed to Transport and Works Act stage. To help the East Anglian branch put forward a case against the busway we need some help and advice from other members. For starters can anyone offer help on the following. At TWA stage, will the Inspector allow alternatives such as a rail reopening to be put forward? Are there other cases where this has been done and more importantly been accepted? Part of the scheme involves new bus lanes on normal roads. These will not form part of the TWA process. It is likely that there will be local opposition to these proposals as they may involve chopping down trees, loss of cycle lanes etc. Will the Inspector allow concerns about non-TWA work to be used in opposing the scheme?

Because of bus de-regulation and the open access nature of the proposed busway, the county council will not be able to provide details of the services that would use the busway when it is opened. Is it a requirement of the Act that this information is provided?

No doubt more questions will follow. Any suggestions of ways to fight the busway welcomed, but don’t forget that the Government has accepted the costs and user numbers and the SRA has stated that it doesn’t want the line as a strategic route. Therefore if we want to challenge these issues we need facts and figures not opinions.

Offers of information, help and advice to Railfuture East Anglian branch secretary, Nick Dibben, 24 Bure Close, St. Ives, Cambridge PE27 3FE. Tel: (01480) 495101.

TRANSLINK

A briefing and draft letter has been prepared for anyone who wishes to object to the TWO for the Translink scheme. This is primarily for residents who will be affected by the scheme but the briefing could be useful for objectors from other areas. The documents are on a MS Word file which I can email to anyone on request. Objections have to be in by 9 February 2004.

‘WAY TO GO’ CAMPAIGN LAUNCHED

Later this month a coalition of environmental and social justice groups including Railfuture, Friends of the Earth, Transport 2000, Campaign for the Protection of Rural England and Sustrans are launching a joint campaign to influence the Government’s review of the Ten Year Transport Plan. The 10YP review is running alongside the next public spending review and in July 2004 ministers are expected to announce how they will roll forward investment and policy on transport through to 2016. The ‘Way to Go’ campaign is aimed at changing the focus of the transport plan. The current plan is focused on reducing congestion instead of reducing traffic and favours large infrastructure schemes such as big road projects. The Government is being urged to switch the emphasis away from these schemes and concentrate instead on small, integrated schemes that reduce traffic and offer an alternative mode of travel. We aim to show that building more roads is not the answer to traffic congestion.
There are 12 points in the campaign manifesto. The ones related to rail are:

• Quality standards that bus and rail services must meet.
• Discount nationwide railcard open to all.
• Long-term funding for urban and rural local public transport.
• Grants for rail freight.

Key activities by the ‘Way to Go’ coalition are a postcard action aimed at MPs and a website www.waytogo.org.uk. The website should be online by the end of January 2004 and the postcard will be included in the next Railwatch mailing. In addition we are asking Railfuture branches to promote the campaign at their AGMs and in their branch newsletters. A more detailed briefing is being sent to every Railfuture branch contact. If any other member would like a copy please email myself at and I will forward one by email as an MSWord file.

The campaign is due to run to July 2004 when it will be reviewed with the possibility that it will continue through to the expected general election in spring 2005.

The roads lobby have already started their campaign. On 3 January my local paper had an article from the Freight Transport Association calling for a programme of new road building followed by a statement from local hauliers a few days later calling for many local ‘A’ roads to be dualled. The roads lobby are well organised and will be putting on more pressure as the year unfolds. If you see pro-roads items in your papers get your pen (or PC) out and write a letter putting the case for rail. We cannot all afford to sit back and let the roads lobby have a clear run.

KEEPING THE COVENTRY-LEICESTER TRAINS

Railfuture Midlands have published a leaflet proposing a simple low cost track arrangement at Nuneaton that would enable the retention of Coventry-Leicester trains when the West Coast main line upgrade is completed at Nuneaton. A press release was issued on 12 January. Any enquiries to Alan Bevan (0121 745 6001) or Ron Steven (01530 835089). Railfuture North Midlands are also campaigning. See http://www.rdsnm.btinternet.co.uk/campaigns.htm

FREIGHT RECORDS BROKEN AT FELIXSTOWE THREE TIMES IN THREE WEEKS

Rail volumes at the Port of Felixstowe have broken records three times in as many weeks. 6,519 units were loaded or discharged there in the week ending 23 November 2003, a significant increase on the previous record of 6,347 units set in week ending 20 December 2002. This new record was broken in week-ending 7 December 2003 totalling 6,536 units and again in the following week when 6,676 units were loaded or discharged.

Significant enhancements in respect of rail activities are under way at the Port of Felixstowe. Freightliner Ltd launched a new service to Hams Hall last month, two months after Tibbett & Britten introduced a new freight link to its international rail terminal at Daventry, and GB Railfreight launched a new Midlands service to Hams Hall.

There are now 22 inbound and 21 outbound trains per day from the Port of Felixstowe’s North and South Rail terminals, linking the port to Coatbridge (Glasgow), Trafford Park (Manchester), Liverpool, Leeds, Cleveland, Birmingham, Cardiff, Tilbury, Doncaster, Selby, Widnes, Wakefield, Hams Hall, and Daventry. The port also handles two forest products trains per day at its dedicated paper-handling rail terminal.

Source: www.eyefortransport.com

CHRIS BOLT TO SUCCEED TOM WINSOR

Chris Bolt has been appointed as chairman-designate of the new Office of Rail Regulation. Chris Bolt succeeds Tom Winsor at the end of his five-year term of office on 5 July 2004, when the Office of the Rail Regulator (ORR) becomes the Office of Rail Regulation, under the provisions of Railways and Transport Safety Act 2003.

Biography (From DfT press release)

Chris Bolt, 50, is currently the Tube Public Private Partnership Arbiter. He was appointed to that post in December 2002 for a four-year term. Previously he was group director of regulation and public policy at Lattice Group, and a director of Transco plc. He is an economist and senior manager with direct experience of the water, rail, telecommunications and energy sectors and wide knowledge of Public Private Partnership (PPP) and Private Finance Initiative (PFI) contracts.

He also held senior roles in Ofwat (from 1989 to 1994) and subsequently ORR, and was appointed temporarily as Rail Regulator from December 1998 to July 1999. He then joined Transco as Regulation Director, before taking up his role in Transco’s parent company, Lattice, in November 2001

Source: http://www.dft.gov.uk/pns/DisplayPN.cgi?pn_id=2004_0002

ORR WANTS TO STANDARDISE STATION OPERATIONS

Rail Regulator Tom Winsor has published proposals for a stations code to transform the Contractual arrangements at Britain‚s 2,500 mainline railway stations. The proposals would sweep away the current unwieldy structure of contracts between different train operators and Network Rail. These would be replaced by a Stations Code ˆestablishing simpler, clearer contractual arrangements for all stations, and stronger remedies for when things go wrong. A draft conclusions document explains the key provisions and seeks views from consultees. Structural issues are dealt with through a radical overhaul of the existing contractual arrangements, and the existing provisions through focused review and reform, so that there would be more clarity in the expression of the rights and obligations of each of the parties.

The Regulator’s draft proposals may be read on-line at http://www.rail- reg.gov.uk/filestore/bluedocs/185.pdf.
The consultation period ends on 10 March 2004. The Regulator’s proposals follow his earlier consultations on the stations access regime. Source: ORR Press Release ORR/01/04.

MILTON KEYNES GROWTH PILES ON PRESSURE FOR EAST-WEST RAIL LINK

Milton Keynes is set to grow by a massive 70,000 new homes housing an additional 110,000 people by 2031. Under growth plans now being formulated by English Partnerships the city will become one of the fastest-growing settlements in England. The rise from the current population 210,000 to 320,000 means that the over-burdened existing infrastructure will need large-scale investment.

Last year the London to South Midlands Multi Modal Study recommended a number of major transport infrastructure schemes in the MK area. These include the widening of the M1 motorway from 3 to 4 lanes from Junction 13 (MK South ) down to the M25 and widening the A421/A428 from MK all the way to Cambridge. On the rail front, London and South Midlands Multi-Modal Study recommended the proposals for East West Rail and also a new link connecting Bedford with Northampton, as an extension of Thameslink 2000. If built, this could equally enhance the EWR scheme by providing an effective link from the WCML to the MML and to East Anglia. Although the Secretary of State for Transport has accepted the road element recommendations, some have already been included in the Highways Agency’s TPI (Targeted Programme of Improvements), the rail schemes have not been so favoured. Nor has the area-wide road-charging recommendation.

Milton Keynes was one of the four “sustainable communities” announced by John Prescott last year. The others being the Cambridge/Stansted/Harlow corridor, the Thames Gateway and Ashford in Kent.Sustainable Communities: an urban Development Area for Milton Keynes, is available at www.odpm.gov.uk

LEEDS SUPERTRAM CUTBACK FEARS

The project costs appear to be escalating and may force the network to be Cut back. Private sector partners are having to boost cost figures by writing substantial risk costs into their quotes in case unexpected events cause delay or additional work. The final cost of the scheme may rise by up to £100million above the original £500million allocated for the project.

The Department for Transport agreed to fund 75% of the £500million with the balance amounting to £125million coming from local authorities and the private sector. The three-line network of 28km would bring rapid transit to one the few major cities without such a scheme. Now transport chief are battling to ensure costs can be kept under control to avoid the need to cutback on the proposed network which will bring a major regenerative effect particularly to the deprived southern part of the city. Urban rapid transit can deliver significant uplifts in property values. The Jubilee Line extension was calculated to added over £12billion to property valuations along its route; this is in addition to the underlying growth in property prices. The Government has yet to identify an acceptable mechanism, whereby the private gain resulting from public investment in transport infrastructure could be “captured” and recycled into further “public goods”. (Answers: On a postcard to Rt Hon G Brown c/o HM Treasury. Please continue on a sheet of A4 if necessary!)

THAMESLINK 2000 BY....2006

2006 could see the long awaited Thameslink 2000 project.................started.

At a recent meeting of consortium members, chairman Mark Miller, predicted that implementation of the scheme would start in 2006, that earlier setbacks would not hold up the delivery of improvements and that the scheme will bring major benefits to businesses and residents in the South East of England. Let’s hope the SRA’s forthcoming announcement on its, also long awaited, East Coast main line strategy does nothing to dent Mr Miller’s predictions.

STANSTED TO BE BIGGER THAN HEATHROW

The Aviation White Paper published in December has prioritised a second runway at Stansted. This is the main thrust of the Government’s strategy to provide extra capacity for its predicted increase in air passenger growth, some 500 million passenger per annum by 2031.

Stansted, estimated to have moved approximately 16 million passengers in 2003, already has approval to expand to a 25 million passengers per annum. The AWP proposes an increase of a further 46 million passengers per annum. This will give it a total capacity of 71 million. By comparison Heathrow, “the busiest airport in the world”, is estimated to have handled some 62million passengers last year. Quite how the surface transport infrastructure will cope has not been spelt out by the Government.

The AWP has also authorised, in principle, a third runway at Heathrow by 2020 if environmental - mainly local air quality issues - can be resolved. Failing that, Gatwick would get the additional runway instead. Birmingham and Edinburgh are also set to receive one additional runway each. Nearly all other regional airports are scheduled to expand as well, some with runway extensions, others with more terminal capacity.

The full document is available at ww.dft.gov.uk/aviation/whitepaper

DHL AWARDS EWS CONTRACT TO MOVE PARCELS BY RAIL

At a time when the Post Office is saying that rail is uneconomic DHL, the world’s leading express and logistics company has awarded EWS a three-year contract to manage the transportation of parcels by rail between the West Midlands and Scotland.

DHL has previously used EWS services on a trial basis. By transferring haulage from road to rail, DHL says it is able to provide a faster, more reliable service to its clients, while reducing the environmental impact of road haulage.

Dave Ansell, DHL UK director of terminals and line-haulage, said: “The move from road to rail means greater speed and flexibility for our customers as well as less air pollution, which is great news for the environment. EWS has demonstrated that it can provide a punctual, reliable and effective service which allows us to give quality assurances to our customers.”

EWS trains will operate over six nights a week for DHL, transporting parcels from Walsall to Aberdeen, Inverness and Motherwell.

Source: EWS and DHS Press releases

HELP NEEDED WITH RESEARCH PROJECT ON BEHALF OF RSSB

The Human Factors Group at Cranfield University have been commissioned to undertake a study on behalf of the Rail Safety and Standards Board Ltd (RSSB). The aim of the project is to improve the probability that passengers will behave appropriately in a range of routine and emergency situations, including perturbed operations, incidents and accidents.

The researcher would like to interview passengers and rail staff who have been involved in a wide range of incidents and accidents, to determine how they behaved and how they coped with the situation. Interviews may be conducted individually or in groups, at a convenient location for all concerned and or by telephone. Any and all personal information provided during these interviews will be kept strictly confidential, in that there will be no way for any one individual to be identified from the work.
If you have any experiences to share as a passenger or member of staff please contact Caroline Kibblewhite on (01234) 750111 ext. 5186 or by email at C.kibblewhite at cranfield.ac.uk

EMAILS

I have had pleas from a number of sources who have inboxes inundated with copy emails. Is your copy email really necessary? It is all too easy to send copy emails to a multitude of recipients but before doing so please ask yourself do they all need to see it?

An email headed *Railway Cuttings 29* is again circulating. It purports to come from Peter Lawrence. If your receive it DELETE IT IMMEDIATELY and DO NOT OPEN IT as it could contain a virus. This email is probably coming from a computer with a virus that is programmed to send itself to members of the computers’ address book at regular intervals. If you still have Railway Cuttings 29 on your computer can you check to make sure you do not have a virus on your machine.