Severn Beach Line Gets Funding for Extra Services

[madhattie]

From the Bristol Evening Post

SUBURBAN RAIL ROUTE GAINS EXTRA TRAINS

BY RUPERT JANISCH R.JANISCH

02 March 2007

Campaigners have welcomed news that extra trains will run on the Severn Beach railway line.After a decision taken at the budget meeting of the full city council on Monday night, money has been set aside to improve the service.

The new scheme was suggested by the ruling Lib Dem cabinet and supported by both opposition parties in response to a campaign by Friends of Suburban Bristol Railways (FOSBR).

It is now expected that trains will run more frequently - every 30 to 40 minutes - from Bristol Temple Meads to Avonmouth, for a trial period running from December 2007 until March 2010.

The investment will see ú450,000 spent over the next three financial years.

FOSBR campaigner Julie Boston said: "We're absolutely delighted by the decision. It shows the council wants to use the local rail network to cut congestion - and it sends a message to central Government that Bristol is serious about investing in public transport. We're looking forward to working with the council and with [rail operator] First to make sure the trial period is a success."

FOSBR sent 561 campaign postcards calling for the investment in response to the council's budget consultation. Strong support for the campaign came from Labour, the Conservatives and the Greens.

Last year the council was accused of cutting funding for the line after an annual subsidy of ú136,000 was withdrawn when First took over the rail franchise for the South West.

To increase the regularity of the trains from the current service of around every 75 minutes, the council has now decided to allocate ú140,000 to support improved services between winter 2007 and spring 2008. The rest of the money has been allocated in the council's Medium Term Financial Plan for 2008/9 and 2009/10, with the money expected to be spent providing one extra train.

Negotiations are currently taking place with First Great Western.

Council leader Barbara Janke said: "It is critical that local authorities and their council tax payers are not seen as a soft touch who will provide a blank cheque to private companies such as rail and bus companies.

"We are not here to put money into the pockets of rail company shareholders and have a duty to ensure best value for the people of Bristol."

[Bartonhillbum]

Hi
Just to let you know that the curse of 'Worst group' have come to the SBL, in that the fares are set to rise by up to 114% for a 7day ticket between Stapleton Road/Lawrence Hill and Temple Meads
For a 'Day Return' between Clifton Down/Redland and BTM the increase will be 53% Stapleton Road/Lawrence Hill and BTM the increase will be 122% how will this inflation busting increase help to help increase the usage.

F.O.S.B.R have campaigned for years for a half hourly service and with Bristol council support the move is afoot to improve the service - but it seems the passengers are paying for the 'improvements'

Within the 'development plan' is the sentance "The advantages of rail - particularly speed - mean that it should command a premium price compared to the bus."

These fares are due to be implemented in May 2007

[jules]

Hi

What's your source of this information about the Fares Increases? You mention a development plan?

Could you publish a link or forward it to me?

Thank you very much!

Julien