| Archived Save the Train forum articles - 2005 to 2010. See below
Future Analysis - 421/1243 Written by Lee on Sunday, 20th August 2006 Here is the Rail Freight Group's response to the Greater Bristol Strategic Transport Study (link below.) http://www.rfg.org.uk/policy/responses/?edname=17459.htm&ped=17459 Quotes from the above link : "Portishead to Bristol Re: Future Analysis - 421/1246 Written by Lee on Monday, 21st August 2006 [quote author=Lee link=topic=421.msg1243#msg1243 date=1156084504]"Freight and passenger services - working in harmony. Rail freight exists comfortably on the rail network alongside ESSENTIAL passenger services. Many freight trains can run in the evenings, during the middle of the day and at night when passenger demand is lower. Most freight trains run at average speeds which are similar to a semi-fast passenger service so their impact on network capacity is less than fast intercity or slow all-stations trains. Freight trains don Re: Future Analysis - 421/1252 Written by Lee on Tuesday, 22nd August 2006 [quote author=Lee link=topic=421.msg1243#msg1243 date=1156084504]The Greater Bristol Strategic Transport Study recommended building a guided busway over the Severn Beach line. I had a conversation with a very reliable source a few weeks ago who suggested that a Severn Beach - Bristol guided busway would not be feasible because there would be insufficient capacity on the main line section running into Bristol Temple Meads. I agree. However , I do think that there is a dangerous possibility that a guided busway could be built over the line from Avonmouth to the road just after Montpelier station with buses then turning right towards Junction 3 of the M32 to join one of the proposed Showcase Bus Routes into Bristol city centre.[/quote] Not sure how a guided busway works? Here is a handy guide (link below.) http://www.firstgroup.com/ukbus/yorkhumber/bradford/qualitybus/qualitybus/index.htm [quote author=Lee link=topic=421.msg1243#msg1243 date=1156084504]There is also a possibility that the HoldFast method could be used to "mothball" the rail route described above and turn it into an A4 toll relief road. The problem with this would be the tunnel sections. However , HoldFast must be confident that such obstacles can be overcome , otherwise they wouldnt have shortlisted the Portishead line (link below.) http://www.thisissomerset.co.uk/displayNode.jsp?nodeId=150802&command=displayContent&sourceNode=150790&contentPK=14561569&folderPk=84815 Unlike the Portishead line , there is very little (if any) freight traffic that would displaced on the Avonmouth - Montpelier route. As the link above says , HoldFast are on record as saying that they want to install their system on several other routes around Bristol.[/quote] It is important to note that we are not talking jugganaughts here. The HoldFast system can only carry cars and light vans weighing less than 2.5 tonnes. Note also that First run freight trains (link below.) http://www.gbrailfreight.com/gb-railfreight-intermodal-container-business-daily-container-services/p_96/ Re: Future Analysis - 421/1264 Written by Lee on Wednesday, 23rd August 2006 [quote author=Lee link=topic=421.msg1243#msg1243 date=1156084504]Here is a link to the JSPTU Rail Vision. http://www.jsptu-avon.gov.uk/publications/documents/railstrategy.pdf You will notice from the Figure B map on page 5 of the link above that only certain stations were proposed to be served by First Great Western. The rest were proposed to be served by a "future local service TOC." Does anyone honestly believe that such a TOC will be set up? The signs dont look good to me.[/quote] [quote author=Lee link=topic=421.msg1243#msg1243 date=1156084504]The Future Of Transport White Paper also states that rail may not always be the best solution and that alternatives (both to existing and future rail services) should be considered. One of these alternatives is about to become reality in the form of the Bristol Showcase Bus Routes Scheme (links below.) http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/bristol/4747277.stm http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/bristol/5157322.stm The funding for this scheme is split as follows : DfT Re: Future Analysis - 421/1318 Written by Lee on Thursday, 31st August 2006 Here is a link to the Friends Of Suburban Bristol Railways view on this. They have joined other local groups in criticising the Draft Regional Spatial Strategy (RSS) for the South West. The final document, produced by the South West Regional Assembly , will shape policy over the next 20 years until 2026. FOSBR argue that the overall approach to transport is muddled and unsustainable. They say the RSS should prioritise investment in local rail , rather than airport expansion , road building and a 'Greater Bristol Bus Network'. http://www.fosbr.org.uk/RSS.htm I have additional concerns about the Draft RSS (see below.) [quote author=Lee link=topic=36.msg1256#msg1256 date=1156259794] [quote author=Graham Ellis link=topic=36.msg1254#msg1254 date=1156244360] In other words, a moderate increase in traffic could be caused by a removal of the majority of passenger trains and a massive increase in freight, and that is what you're foreseeing?[/quote] Here are some more quotes , the first two from the Network Rail Business Plan 2006. On future capacity requirements : "changes to the timetable structure to reduce the mix of different train types and the number of conflicting moves." "Between Didcot and Oxford the mix of non stop passenger and freight services with local services calling at little used stations reduces the ability to maximise capacity." [quote author=Graham Ellis link=topic=377.msg1140#msg1140 date=1154843862] I quote from FGW's web site ... [i]Over the term of the franchise we will invest Re: Future Analysis - 421/1585 Written by Lee on Sunday, 8th October 2006 Here is a link from the Friends Of Suburban Bristol Railways website entitled "Birmingham does it better." http://www.fosbr.org.uk/Birmingham.htm Quotes from the above link : "Rail campaigners have discovered that Birmingham's local rail services are miles ahead of those in Bristol. Friends of Suburban Bristol Railways (FOSBR) visited local transport experts in Birmingham to ask them how Bristol can learn from their success." "The local transport experts in Birmingham both said that a half hourly service was considered a minimum in their city, and that 'stop and go' services (so frequent that a timetable is not needed) were the preferred option. Peter Hughes from Rail Futures explained 'If a local line's going to be worth using it's got to be two trains an hour'. Bristol's local rail services are every hour or even more infrequent." "The rail campaigners discovered that there are two main differences in approach to transport between Birmingham and Bristol. One is that Birmingham has a Passenger Transport Executive (PTE), which means that more priority is given to an integrated public transport system. Bristol City Council is itself a Passenger Transport Authority with the same theoretical powers as Centro (Birmingham's PTE), but it doesn't use them." See the link below for practical proposals along the above lines for Bristol. http://www.savethetrain.org.uk/forum/index.php?topic=410.msg1517#msg1517 However , it would be a mistake to assume that everything is rosy for the wider Birmingham rail network. If the current driver shortage continues then it , along with engineering work , will have a significant impact on passenger figures , in much the same way as it did in the case of Melksham (links below.) http://www.rmtbristol.org.uk/2006/10/driver_shortage_brings_rail_ch.html#more http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/west_midlands/4802085.stm http://www.savethetrain.org.uk/forum/index.php?topic=539.msg1572#msg1572 http://www.savethetrain.org.uk/melkshamrailway/138_Lies_damned_lies_and_statistics.html In my view , the main danger for both Birmingham & Bristol lies in the possibility that slower , traditional , stopping trains will make way for faster inter - urban links. I also believe that the way the future Cross - Country Franchise has been structured makes this more likely south of Birmingham. The links below emphasise my concerns on this. http://www.savethetrain.org.uk/forum/index.php?topic=264.msg697#msg697 http://www.savethetrain.org.uk/forum/index.php?topic=510.msg1554#msg1554 Growing concern at the Cross Country Franchise proposals is also highlighted in the link below , entitled "Alexander told to put the brakes on rail plan meddling." http://www.rmtbristol.org.uk/2006/10/alexander_told_to_put_the_brak.html#more One final quote from the Friends Of Suburban Bristol Railways link : "The other difference is that Birmingham's councillors have the political will to prioritise local rail. They are actively pushing for central government investment in their railways, as well as contributing financially themselves Re: Future Analysis - 421/1586 Written by Lee on Sunday, 8th October 2006 [quote author=Lee link=topic=421.msg1585#msg1585 date=1160311270]However , it would be a mistake to assume that everything is rosy for the wider Birmingham rail network. If the current driver shortage continues then it , along with engineering work , will have a significant impact on passenger figures , in much the same way as it did in the case of Melksham (links below.) http://www.rmtbristol.org.uk/2006/10/driver_shortage_brings_rail_ch.html#more http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/west_midlands/4802085.stm http://www.savethetrain.org.uk/forum/index.php?topic=539.msg1572#msg1572 http://www.savethetrain.org.uk/melkshamrailway/138_Lies_damned_lies_and_statistics.html[/quote] This has also happened in the case of the Coventry - Nuneaton line (link below.) http://www.savethetrain.org.uk/forum/index.php?topic=249.msg688#msg688 You may have noticed that Kenilworth made the Third Party Promoted Schemes list on page 32 of the Cross Country Franchise Consultation Document (link below.) http://www.dft.gov.uk/stellent/groups/dft_railways/documents/page/dft_railways_611834.pdf Here is a further link on Kenilworth. http://www.savethetrain.org.uk/forum/index.php?topic=419.msg1239#msg1239 Have a look at the link below , which shows the proposed route of the SPRINT "Streetcar" bus scheme. This will run from Kenilworth - Nuneaton. http://www.sprint-there.co.uk/downloads/plan.pdf [quote author=Lee link=topic=267.msg707#msg707 date=1151243759]Of course , the HoldFast method would not be suitable for the majority of secondary lines which in many cases are projected to achieve medium or high - level growth. One idea that is currently being consulted upon has as its focus the Coventry - Nuneaton corridor. (link below.) http://www.sprint-there.co.uk/ Here is a map of the proposed route , which also serves Bedworth. http://www.sprint-there.co.uk/downloads/plan.pdf Here is a link to some technical information on Sprint , which is described as "The bus that thinks it's a tram" http://www.sprint-there.co.uk/content.asp?ThreadNo=3&PagesID=561&size= As you can see from the photo contained in the link above , one of the vehicles compatable with Sprint is First's "Streetcar" (link below.) http://www.firstgroup.com/ftr/home.php Sprint is part of the "Futurebus" concept unveiled by Douglas Alexander in York recently. Here is a link to his speech on this. Sections 1 - 6 are relevant to Sprint. http://www.dft.gov.uk/stellent/groups/dft_about/documents/page/dft_about_611647.hcsp Here are some links to the Future Of Transport White Paper. http://www.dft.gov.uk/stellent/groups/dft_about/documents/page/dft_about_031274.hcsp Quotes from the above link : "5.17 We intend to give Passenger Transport Authorities the ability to choose whether to channel subsidy towards rail or other forms of public transport. In some cases, buses might provide both a better service and better value for money. 5.18 We recognise that Passenger Transport Authorities may not be willing to consider this unless they can be certain that bus routes, timings and fares will meet passenger needs and work well with the national timetable. We will amend the Transport Act 2000 to make it easier for Passenger Transport Authorities to introduce Quality Contracts as part of a strategy that includes modification of rail services. The official name for the DfT Closure Guidance is "Railways act 2005: Implementation of network modification provisions." 5.19 Passenger Transport Authorities will be able to decide whether to take greater control of their bus routes and associated budgets by deciding which rail routes are best value and which would be more efficiently replaced by bus services." http://www.dft.gov.uk/stellent/groups/dft_about/documents/page/dft_about_031273.hcsp Quotes from the above link : "There will be an increased role for the Scottish Executive, the Welsh Assembly Government and the London Mayor, and more local decision-making in England Central government is not always best placed to take decisions on the transport needs of different communities. In future, the devolved administrations will take on increased responsibilities for passenger services and, where appropriate, infrastructure. In England, the Passenger Transport Authorities (which manage transport provision in some of the main metropolitan areas) will be able to buy additional services, and to transfer funding between rail and other transport modes. Transport for London will also have an increased role with regard to rail services in the capital. And the Government will promote the role of Community Rail Partnerships in improving the management of local branch lines. " "A better deal for freight will enable the industry and its customers to invest for the long term Because of the high up-front investment costs for rail freight, businesses using these services need to be sure about their access to the network. But this has to be balanced with the fact that freight users only pay for the cost of operating their services and not for the costs of the underlying infrastructure. Freight operators will be given greater certainty about their rights on the national network, and a group of key routes will be identified on which freight will enjoy and pay for more assured rights of access." " 4.25 While central Government will have overall control of our rail network, regional and local players need to have the means to influence services in their own areas. Rail may not always be the most cost-effective or appropriate transport solution. Rail should be considered alongside other forms of transport, including bus and light rail, to provide a coherent solution to local issues that delivers the best service for the lowest cost. We believe that decisions are often best taken at a local level, and will ensure that an effective system is put in place. We will give local players an incentive to invest or find savings. " Here is a link to the Network Rail Business Plan. http://www.networkrail.co.uk/documents/3115_Route%2017%20West%20Midlands.pdf Page 10. "The SRA Gauging Policy set out a proposed intermodal freight network cleared for the transportation of 9 Re: Future Analysis - 421/1591 Written by Lee on Monday, 9th October 2006 A relevant Parliamentary Written Question has been asked (link below.) http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm200506/cmordbk1/61009w01.htm Chris Grayling (Epsom & Ewell):To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether he plans to permit the West Midlands Passenger Transport Authority to be a co-signatory to the West Midlands franchise. Re: Future Analysis - 421/1637 Written by Lee on Monday, 16th October 2006 Here is the answer (link below.) http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm200506/cmhansrd/cm061012/text/61012w0013.htm#06101336000782 Chris Grayling: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport whether he plans to permit the West Midlands Passenger Transport Authority to be a co-signatory to the West Midlands franchise. Mr. Tom Harris: As set out in both the Transport and Rail White Papers, the Government are keen to devolve greater decision making to local and regional bodies. Local decision making can only be effective and efficient where the body making the decision is exposed to the financial implications of that decision. The published DfT guidance note Re: Future Analysis - 421/1638 Written by Lee on Monday, 16th October 2006 You may also be interested in this Parliamentary Written Question (link below.) http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm200506/cmordbk1/61016w01.htm Mrs Caroline Spelman (Meriden):To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, if he will make a statement on his proposals to elect directly the six metropolitan passenger transport authorities. Re: Future Analysis - 421/1701 Written by Lee on Monday, 23rd October 2006 Mrs. Spelman: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make a statement on his proposals to elect directly the six metropolitan passenger transport authorities. Gillian Merron: We have no such proposals. Re: Future Analysis - 421/1810 Written by Lee on Thursday, 2nd November 2006 [quote author=Lee link=topic=421.msg1585#msg1585 date=1160311270]Here is a link from the Friends Of Suburban Bristol Railways website entitled "Birmingham does it better." http://www.fosbr.org.uk/Birmingham.htm Quotes from the above link : "Rail campaigners have discovered that Birmingham's local rail services are miles ahead of those in Bristol. Friends of Suburban Bristol Railways (FOSBR) visited local transport experts in Birmingham to ask them how Bristol can learn from their success." "The local transport experts in Birmingham both said that a half hourly service was considered a minimum in their city, and that 'stop and go' services (so frequent that a timetable is not needed) were the preferred option. Peter Hughes from Rail Futures explained 'If a local line's going to be worth using it's got to be two trains an hour'. Bristol's local rail services are every hour or even more infrequent." "The rail campaigners discovered that there are two main differences in approach to transport between Birmingham and Bristol. One is that Birmingham has a Passenger Transport Executive (PTE), which means that more priority is given to an integrated public transport system. Bristol City Council is itself a Passenger Transport Authority with the same theoretical powers as Centro (Birmingham's PTE), but it doesn't use them."[/quote] Here is a further quote from the FOSBR link : "In Birmingham, over 50% of commuters travel into the city by public transport. In Bristol, 11% travel by public transport (89% travel by car). 20% of peak hour travel in Birmingham is by rail, compared to 1.5% in Bristol." Upcoming PWQ : Mr John Spellar (Warley): To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment his Department has made of levels of road traffic congestion in the Bristol area. Interestingly , John Spellar was Transport Minister from 2001 - 2003 and Warley is a constituency on the western outskirts of Birmingham (link below.) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Warley_%28UK_Parliament_constituency%29 Re: Future Analysis - 421/1820 Written by Lee on Friday, 3rd November 2006 [quote author=Lee link=topic=421.msg1585#msg1585 date=1160311270]However , it would be a mistake to assume that everything is rosy for the wider Birmingham rail network. If the current driver shortage continues then it , along with engineering work , will have a significant impact on passenger figures , in much the same way as it did in the case of Melksham (links below.) http://www.rmtbristol.org.uk/2006/10/driver_shortage_brings_rail_ch.html#more http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/west_midlands/4802085.stm http://www.savethetrain.org.uk/forum/index.php?topic=539.msg1572#msg1572 http://www.savethetrain.org.uk/melkshamrailway/138_Lies_damned_lies_and_statistics.html[/quote] Judging by the latest FOSBR newsletter , problems similiar to the ones in the above quote affecting the Severn Beach Line are getting worse. Thankfully though , as always , FOSBR are putting up a fight. Here is an item from their website : "Problems on the line In the last couple of months, there have been more problems than usual on the Severn Beach line. Inadequate rolling stock and staffing problems have led to numerous delays and cancellations. Schoolchildren have been left on the platform because of overcrowding. These problems are the result of a franchise made in the context of inadequate financial support for local rail. It reflects the fact that the local trains are not taken seriously by local government in Bristol. People who choose to go by train rather than by car are penalised for their choice, rather than rewarded. Let Re: Future Analysis - 421/1824 Written by Sion Bretton on Friday, 3rd November 2006 What about the Melksham line who is best to write to re cancellations etc. Re: Future Analysis - 421/1825 Written by Lee on Friday, 3rd November 2006 [quote author=Sion Bretton link=topic=421.msg1824#msg1824 date=1162555880]What about the Melksham line who is best to write to re cancellations etc.[/quote] Good question , Sion. I suppose , using the FOSBR list as a template , it would be : Andrew Griffiths, Regional Manager, Central (Severn & Solent), First Great Western andrew.griffiths@firstgroup.com With copies to the following Melksham Save The Train Campaign Graham Ellis graham@wellho.net David Phillips ,Transportation & Development , Wiltshire County Council davidphillips@wiltshire.gov.uk Devizes MP Michael Ancram tel: 020 7219 4435 ancramm@parliament.uk Re: Future Analysis - 421/1831 Written by admin (Graham Ellis) on Saturday, 4th November 2006 [quote author=Lee link=topic=421.msg1825#msg1825 date=1162563163] I suppose , using the FOSBR list as a template , it would be : Andrew Griffiths, Regional Manager, Central (Severn & Solent), First Great Western andrew.griffiths@firstgroup.com With copies to the following Melksham Save The Train Campaign Graham Ellis graham@wellho.net David Phillips ,Transportation & Development , Wiltshire County Council davidphillips@wiltshire.gov.uk Devizes MP Michael Ancram tel: 020 7219 4435 ancramm@parliament.uk [/quote] Can I add a couple of comments .... My list would be: 1. Andrew Griffiths but it is very much his role to accept such inputs and perhaps mitigate them as far as the First group are concerned. Re: Future Analysis - 421/1832 Written by Lee on Saturday, 4th November 2006 [quote author=Graham Ellis link=topic=421.msg1831#msg1831 date=1162647552]5. By all means cc me - there's little more that I can do that I'm doing already (but tell me if you think differently or have other ideas) and you might also like to contact the MRDC or WWRUG (Melkahsm rail Development Group and West Wilts Rail user group)[/quote] I cant seem to find e-mail addresses for MRDG or West Wilts Rail user group. Do they have them? Re: Future Analysis - 421/1833 Written by admin (Graham Ellis) on Saturday, 4th November 2006 Lee, I don't think that either of the organisations has a web presence, although I understand that the WWRUG has budgeted to train up one of its officers and provide such a site within the next year or so. Re: Future Analysis - 421/1843 Written by Lee on Monday, 6th November 2006 [quote author=Lee link=topic=421.msg1585#msg1585 date=1160311270]However , it would be a mistake to assume that everything is rosy for the wider Birmingham rail network. If the current driver shortage continues then it , along with engineering work , will have a significant impact on passenger figures , in much the same way as it did in the case of Melksham (links below.) http://www.rmtbristol.org.uk/2006/10/driver_shortage_brings_rail_ch.html#more http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/west_midlands/4802085.stm http://www.savethetrain.org.uk/forum/index.php?topic=539.msg1572#msg1572 http://www.savethetrain.org.uk/melkshamrailway/138_Lies_damned_lies_and_statistics.html In my view , the main danger for both Birmingham & Bristol lies in the possibility that slower , traditional , stopping trains will make way for faster inter - urban links. I also believe that the way the future Cross - Country Franchise has been structured makes this more likely south of Birmingham. The links below emphasise my concerns on this. http://www.savethetrain.org.uk/forum/index.php?topic=264.msg697#msg697 http://www.savethetrain.org.uk/forum/index.php?topic=510.msg1554#msg1554 Growing concern at the Cross Country Franchise proposals is also highlighted in the link below , entitled "Alexander told to put the brakes on rail plan meddling." http://www.rmtbristol.org.uk/2006/10/alexander_told_to_put_the_brak.html#more[/quote] Lines between Highbridge & Burnham and Taunton will be closed from 20 November to 8 December (links below.) http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/somerset/6120738.stm http://www.firstgreatwestern.co.uk/NewsItem.aspx?id=405 First Great Western services will be replaced by a bus between Weston-super-Mare and Taunton , serving Highbridge & Burnham Station and Bridgwater Station. Passengers travelling between Taunton and Bristol are advised to use Virgin CrossCountry train services , which will be diverted via Westbury and Bath Spa (there is no indication that this will affect Melksham services.) Chris Gibb, Virgin CrossCountry Re: Future Analysis - 421/6073 Written by admin (Graham Ellis) on Tuesday, 3rd July 2007 [quote author=Lee link=topic=421.msg1832#msg1832 date=1162648499] I cant seem to find e-mail addresses for MRDG or West Wilts Rail user group. Do they have them? [/quote] They didn't at that time .... but yiou might like to look at www.mrdg.org.uk for MRDG (Melksham Rail Development Group) and www.wwrug.org.uk for WWRUG (West Wilts RailWay User Group) Not - I do get confused as whether it's "Melksham Rail Development Group" or "Melksham RailWAY Development Group" ... and whether it's link to index of articles |
|||
Save the Train was the campaign to bring an approriate train service back to and through Melksham. Most big contributors are still around writing at the Coffee shop forum where new members are very welcome. The train has been saved - sort of - we have stepped back up from an unusable service to a poorish one but it's doing very well. We did that through setting up the TransWilts Community Rail Partnership. That fulfilled its early objectives; it has been taken over by local and regional government types who are now doing medium and long term work. The team from this forun can also be found at the Melksham Rail User Group (which was the Melksham Rail Development Group at the time these articles were written and we had no users. We mustn't loose sight, though, that the train service remains poor and needs our community support in marketing and campaigning to keep it going in a positive direction ... and all the more so when we're expecting to find a different normallity once we get out of the Coronavirus Pandemic and head for zero carbon via the climate crisis. Yes, it's saved ... it's now a key community facility ... the need for enhancement and the strong and near-universal local support remain, and the rail industry and goverment remain slow to move and provide the enhancements even to level us up with other towns. Please support the Melksham Rail User Group - now very much in partnership rather than protest with the rail industry and local government, including GWR, TransWilts and unitary and town councils. And please use the trains and buses, and cycle and walk when you can. -- Graham Ellis, (webmaster), February 2021 | |||
|
|||
Further Information:
Home
Current Summary
Daily update
User forum
Consultation
Service now
Service future
Future Analysis
Recent Statistics
Recent letters
Letter to DfT
Save the train
Presentation
Support us
Other Maps
Station facilities
Station approach
Pictures
Trains diverted
History
About Melksham
Site Map
About this site