Ref: thisisbath.co.uk - 11:00 - 02 August 2005
http://www.thisisbath.com/displayNode.j ... K=12939618
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PASSENGERS LEFT 'OUT IN THE COLD' BY NEW BLUEPRINT ON SERVICES
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11:00 - 02 August 2005
A New attack on a blueprint for the future of rail services in the west has been launched. The Strategic Rail Authority (SRA) has been consulting organisations across the region about its specifications for a new rail franchise for the west country.
The document foresees an increase in some high speed links, but envisages reductions in other services, including the loss of an early morning train between London and Bath.
Now the South West Regional Assembly has issued its detailed response to the franchise document.
The assembly, made up of politicians from throughout the region, says the SRA has underestimated the demand for future rail travel.
It says failing to expand services will lead to overcrowding and could even drive passengers away.
Julian Johnson, who chairs the assembly's planning and transport group, said: "These sums just won't add up for the south west."
He explained that in areas such as Bristol, demand had increased annually by ten per cent each year.
He added: "The rail industry anticipates growth of 1.9 per cent each year, which will leave an awful lot of passengers out in the cold."
Other concerns include losing services through Melksham.
Possible service losses (?)
Rail Passenger Growth Off Track
Similar but slightly different story in the Western Daily Press:
RAIL PASSENGER GROWTH OFF TRACK
Click!
09:30 - 02 August 2005
Estimates of potential rail passenger growth in the West are "too pessimistic" and could turn commuters away from trains, it was claimed yesterday. The Strategic Rail Authority (SRA) has outlined its "minimum requirements" to train companies bidding to run the new Greater Western franchise from April 2006.
Three companies - First Great Western, National Express and Stagecoach - are battling it out to win the 10-year "super-franchise" which will see most of the West's rail services brought under the control of one company.
But the South West Regional Assembly fears the SRA has underestimated the region's projected passenger growth and claims that could lead to travellers outnumbering seats on trains.
The Assembly said the SRA's plans could drive train passengers on to the region's already congested roads because fewer trains would be running and services would be more crowded.
Julian Johnson, chairman of the Assembly's Planning and Transport Group, called for the SRA to rethink its plans for the Greater Western franchise.
He said: "These sums just won't add up. On average, demand for rail travel in the region increases five per cent each year, but in busy urban areas like Bristol demand has increased annually by 10 per cent.
"Unfortunately, the rail industry anticipates growth of just 1.9 per cent each year, which will leave an awful lot of passengers out in the cold." Under the proposed SRA plans, smaller stations such as Keynsham could see 45 per cent fewer trains to Bristol Temple Meads.
Off-peak services from Bristol Parkway to London could also be cut from half-hourly to hourly.
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Similar story, but makes me just as mad
RAIL PASSENGER GROWTH OFF TRACK
Click!
09:30 - 02 August 2005
Estimates of potential rail passenger growth in the West are "too pessimistic" and could turn commuters away from trains, it was claimed yesterday. The Strategic Rail Authority (SRA) has outlined its "minimum requirements" to train companies bidding to run the new Greater Western franchise from April 2006.
Three companies - First Great Western, National Express and Stagecoach - are battling it out to win the 10-year "super-franchise" which will see most of the West's rail services brought under the control of one company.
But the South West Regional Assembly fears the SRA has underestimated the region's projected passenger growth and claims that could lead to travellers outnumbering seats on trains.
The Assembly said the SRA's plans could drive train passengers on to the region's already congested roads because fewer trains would be running and services would be more crowded.
Julian Johnson, chairman of the Assembly's Planning and Transport Group, called for the SRA to rethink its plans for the Greater Western franchise.
He said: "These sums just won't add up. On average, demand for rail travel in the region increases five per cent each year, but in busy urban areas like Bristol demand has increased annually by 10 per cent.
"Unfortunately, the rail industry anticipates growth of just 1.9 per cent each year, which will leave an awful lot of passengers out in the cold." Under the proposed SRA plans, smaller stations such as Keynsham could see 45 per cent fewer trains to Bristol Temple Meads.
Off-peak services from Bristol Parkway to London could also be cut from half-hourly to hourly.
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Similar story, but makes me just as mad