Proposed rail service cuts - Bristol
Posted: Wed Jul 27, 2005 2:40 pm
From thisisbristol:
http://www.thisisbristol.co.uk/displayN ... K=12888535
PROPOSED RAIL SERVICE CUTS ANGER WATCHDOGS
11:00 - 25 July 2005
Transport watchdogs have said they have "great concerns" over a proposed franchise for rail services serving Bristol and the surrounding area. The Strategic Rail Authority (SRA) published its proposals for the Great Western Franchise last month, inviting a shortlist of rail operators to submit bids to run it.
The new "super-franchise", which is being introduced in April 2006, will unite services now run by First Great Western and Wessex Trains under one operator.
Among the proposals are plans to scrap off-peak half- hourly services between London and Cardiff, which would lead to the loss of some services from Bristol Parkway.
Some local services may also be cut to free up main lines for high-speed, long-distance trains.
It is these ideas, coupled with the fact that the proposals do not include any mention of reopening the Portishead Railway line, which have angered transport groups.
David Redgewell, regional director of pressure group Transport 2000, said: "The proposals will mean gridlock for Bristol. The trains which it is proposed to cut are part of the transport matrix in Greater Bristol.
"Trains along with showcase bus routes form part of the region's strategy to deliver a quality public transport system and to cut pollution.
"For part of central Government to consider cutting an element of this service against its own policy is ridiculous.
"We can't let it happen."
The Bristol Transport Forum, a consultative body organised by Bristol City Council, agreed.
It launched a stinging criticism of the plan, which it argues would be "detrimental to people living and working in the Greater Bristol area".
The forum says that the new franchise should be making "more and better use of local rail, not less", as the greater Bristol area grows.
Councillor Peter Crispin, chairman of the forum, said: "We will be writing to the Secretary of State for Transport, Alistair Darling MP, to make him aware that failure to address our local rail needs in this franchise document could have a disastrous effect on economic growth and the environment.
"We will be urging him to intervene before it is too late."
The introduction of the new franchise will mean one company will be in charge of the majority the area's services.
The SRA argues this will allow it to squeeze more capacity from the existing rail infrastructure to improve local and regional services in the Thames, Bristol, Cardiff and South West areas.
First Great Western, National Express Group and Stagecoach make up the shortlisted bidders. The tender process ends in September this year.
http://www.thisisbristol.co.uk/displayN ... K=12888535
PROPOSED RAIL SERVICE CUTS ANGER WATCHDOGS
11:00 - 25 July 2005
Transport watchdogs have said they have "great concerns" over a proposed franchise for rail services serving Bristol and the surrounding area. The Strategic Rail Authority (SRA) published its proposals for the Great Western Franchise last month, inviting a shortlist of rail operators to submit bids to run it.
The new "super-franchise", which is being introduced in April 2006, will unite services now run by First Great Western and Wessex Trains under one operator.
Among the proposals are plans to scrap off-peak half- hourly services between London and Cardiff, which would lead to the loss of some services from Bristol Parkway.
Some local services may also be cut to free up main lines for high-speed, long-distance trains.
It is these ideas, coupled with the fact that the proposals do not include any mention of reopening the Portishead Railway line, which have angered transport groups.
David Redgewell, regional director of pressure group Transport 2000, said: "The proposals will mean gridlock for Bristol. The trains which it is proposed to cut are part of the transport matrix in Greater Bristol.
"Trains along with showcase bus routes form part of the region's strategy to deliver a quality public transport system and to cut pollution.
"For part of central Government to consider cutting an element of this service against its own policy is ridiculous.
"We can't let it happen."
The Bristol Transport Forum, a consultative body organised by Bristol City Council, agreed.
It launched a stinging criticism of the plan, which it argues would be "detrimental to people living and working in the Greater Bristol area".
The forum says that the new franchise should be making "more and better use of local rail, not less", as the greater Bristol area grows.
Councillor Peter Crispin, chairman of the forum, said: "We will be writing to the Secretary of State for Transport, Alistair Darling MP, to make him aware that failure to address our local rail needs in this franchise document could have a disastrous effect on economic growth and the environment.
"We will be urging him to intervene before it is too late."
The introduction of the new franchise will mean one company will be in charge of the majority the area's services.
The SRA argues this will allow it to squeeze more capacity from the existing rail infrastructure to improve local and regional services in the Thames, Bristol, Cardiff and South West areas.
First Great Western, National Express Group and Stagecoach make up the shortlisted bidders. The tender process ends in September this year.