The latest Passenger Voice bulletins, both the National version and our Welsh bulletin.
The Passenger Voice bulletins will give you a snapshot of the work Passenger Focus are undertaking on behalf of passengers in our region and throughout Great Britain.
If you are interested in seeing the summer and our regional bulletins you can click the links below to access in pdf format.
Passenger Focus Summer 2008 Issue 5 Passenger Voice
Passenger Focus Summer 2008 Passenger Voice Wales
"Please check out the programme below in which STAG is featured"
22:35 to 23:05 on Tuesday 10 June 2008,
BBC One Wales - "Week In Week Out"
The Railway Blues
Britain's leading writer on rail, Christian Wolmar, takes a return trip from Paddington to Wales to ask just what is wrong with our railways?
For a decade First Great Western have run trains on Brunel's famous old line - and now the company is in danger of losing its franchise.
But in this, the 60th anniversary year of rail nationalisation, he asks who should really take the blame for such expensive tickets and, all too often, our late and overcrowded trains.
website link: http://www.bbc.co.uk/wales/programmes/sites/weekinweekout/index.shtml
******
May Timetable Changes
No drastic changes, though of interest to passengers will be:
East/North bound
Monday to Friday
06.25 Cardiff to Portsmouth Harbour (06.55 STJ) leaves 5 minutes earlier at 06.20 (06.50 STJ). Will now stop at Patchway (07.03)07.00 Cardiff to Newcastle (07.25 STJ) will now go to Edinburgh
21.00 Cardiff to Westbury SB (21.24 STJ) No longer runs, but is partly replaced by an additional 21.30 Cardiff to Bristol (21.56 STJ)
Saturdays until 06/09/08
09.00 Cardiff to Newcastle (09.25 STJ) no longer stops at STJ19.50 Cardiff to Exeter St David’s (20.14 STJ) now terminates at Bristol
Saturdays from 13/09/08
09.00 Cardiff to Newcastle does stop at STJ at 09.25
Sundays
Buses replace FGW trains all day
West bound
Monday to Friday
All XX.19 departures from Bristol now depart XX.21, except the 21.19 departure16.22 Portsmouth Harbour to Cardiff now stops at STJ (19.15) this is the Bath 18.35/BristoI 1854 train.
17.22 Portsmouth Harbour to Cardiff service only runs as a through train on Fridays. Mondays to Thursdays the train terminates at Bristol although there is an additional 19.59 Bristol to Cardiff , but this train does not serve STJ
Saturday until 06/09/2008
20.22 Portsmouth Harbour to Cardiff terminates at Bristol Parkway at 2304 for a bus forward to Severn Tunnel Junction and Cardiff
Sundays until 07/09/08
Buses replace FGW trains all day.
· Severn Tunnel Action Group announce appointment of Promotions Officer· Appointment results from recent meeting with First Great Western Trains
Aim is to increase awareness and use of Severn Tunnel Junction by off-peak travellers
*please click on the image below to access a larger photograph
Photo: Colin James, the new STAG Promotions Officer
Colin James, a retired geography school teacher with strong family connections with the rail industry, has today (Monday March 10) been appointed Promotions Officer by the Severn Tunnel Action Group (STAG).
Commenting Mr. James said ‘I am delighted to be offered this opportunity to be involved with such a prestigious project. The development of Severn Tunnel Junction into a transport hub for South East Wales and Forest of Dean area seems certain to progress. I look forward to playing an important part in this.’
Chairman of STAG, David Flint, commented that Colin had been a member of the action group for over twelve months. He felt certain Colin would bring a fresh and powerful new focus to the team.
Colin comes to the role with an established appreciation of the local area, a clear recognition of the importance of vital stakeholder relationships, and a conviction that the railway has a vital role to play in the future of the area’s economic and social development.
The appointment has been made following a recent meeting with First Great Western Trains. At the meeting STAG lobbied for extra stops at Severn Tunnel Junction by the Cardiff to Portsmouth trains. They argued for this as Bath and Salisbury were among the most popular destinations from the station. However, STAG conceded that use of Severn Tunnel was low outside of the core commuter times.
Colin’s principal role will be to promote the use of rail travel from Severn Tunnel Junction. In this regard he will be liaising with local councils, tourist organisations, chambers of commerce, and the media. He will also be working with the train operating companies to ensure there is maximum local awareness of special offers, services or events.
A meeting and presentation was held on Wednesday 27th February for a cross party discussion with Members of Parliament (Jessica Morden MP, David Davies MP and Mark Harper MP) at Portcullis House, Westminster, London.
*please click on the image below to access a larger photograph
Photo of the STAG presentation at Portcullis House, Westminster.
Left to right David Davies MP, Jessica Morden MP, Mark Harper MP,
David Flint Chairman STAG and Jim Jenkins Chairman BT4C.STAG was represented at the meeting by David Flint, Paul Tidmarsh, Phil Inskip and Jim Jenkins with Simon Pickering from Passenger Focus The National Rail Consumer Watchdog.
The meeting was to agree tactics for ensuring that the DfT are aware of the importance of connections, of Severn Tunnel Junction in planning timetable changes for next December, and any other future rail plans affecting South East Wales and the Forest of Dean.
STAG invited to a meeting at Welsh Assembly Government in Cardiff on 6th February 2008.
The aim of the Meeting was to agree tactics to ensure that WAG and DfT are aware of the importance of Severn Tunnel Junction Station in the planning of timetable changes for December 2008, and any other future transport plans that might affect South East Wales and the Forest of Dean
David Flint and Jim Jenkins representing STAG with Simon Pickering representing Passenger Focus The National Rail Consumer Watchdog, gave a presentation to AMs (John Griffiths {Labour}, Mohammed Asghar {Plaid}, Mike German {Liberal} & Nick Ramsey {Conservative}.
AM's agreed a cross party letters will be sent to DfT and also call for a meeting with SEWTA. A letter will also be sent to First Great Western signed by six AMs - John Griffiths, Mike German, Mohammed Asghar, Nick Ramsey, William Graham, and Jocelyn Davies.
Following the meeting with AM's, STAG needs to send John Griffiths AM. a list of questions regarding economic and housing development in the area. This information is needed to create case for improved rail services as suggested by Andrew Griffiths FGW.
FGW introduced a new information system for commuters details below:
A new free service from First Great Western designed to help rail commuters adjust their journeys more efficiently when faced with service disruptions, is introduced this week.
The JourneyAlert system, will text or email customers with any cancellations, alterations, or route disruptions to their train services. JourneyAlert will provide information about delay causing events - such as flooding on the line, track infrastructure problems and resulting disruptions.
The ‘intelligent’ web based system will allow commuters to receive personalised text messages and emails that will alert them to any changes to their regular services, as well as provide further updates on request. The facility can be set up by the user to tell them about service changes before leaving the office or home.
Subscribers need to register with the system and choose the number and type of alerts they wish to receive. Each part of a journey needs a separate alert setting up.
JourneyAlert customises route information and complements existing delay information presented via First Great Western’s web site and station departure boards.
Paul Higgins, Customer Information Manager, First Great Western, says: "We know that sometimes things don’t go as planned, so this free service means we can let our customers know what’s happening so they can make any changes to their journey plans with information readily available."
Journey Alert is now available and customers can register via the First Great Western web site FirstGreatWestern.co.uk – where sign-up and route choice options and details will be displayed.
The service is free, however it is possible that mobile providers may charge for receipt of texts: the delivery of emails to mobile devices can incur charges from providers.
Notes from the First Great Western Stakeholder Conference 2008
Bristol 26/02/081. 08:55 Cardiff to Portsmouth - Bristol Turnaround.
1.1. Took opportunity to use the 08:55. It was the refurbished three car 158 set. It was about a minute late from Severn Tunnel Junction.
1.2. Forty two Passengers joined, which shows that the long period of overcrowding and disruption has limited the growth in demand. Based on the general growth trends and the surveys last June should be around fifty by now.
1.3. Eleven standing in centre coach on departure from Severn Tunnel Junction, indicating similar number standing (Approx. 30) from Survey last June.
1.4. About thirty seconds late leaving Filton Abbey Wood. Delayed at Bristol East waiting Platform.
1.5. Arrived Temple Meads a minute and a half late. Despite Guard chatting to colleague on the Platform, the train left on time exactly at 09:22.
1.6. Advised by First Great Western there is a minimum requirement of five minutes for turnaround at Bristol. The Public Timetable shows four minutes for the Portsmouth services.
1.7. The service actually turned round in two and a half minutes, despite being the busiest and most heavily loaded morning service. This is useful practical information for our meeting with First Great Western timetable team on 14th March.
2. Conference
2.1. As Name Badges only had name and not organisation, also wore the STAG Name Badge, which worked well in gaining introductions and raising profile.
2.2. Took opportunity to talk to as many First Great Western Managers / Directors as possible.
3. Andrew Haines - First Great Western Chief Operating Officer -
3.1. Confirmed details in recent press notice. It appears that First Great Western proposed that instead of a fine for the failure to meet the Contractual arrangements, they proposed to invest more than the level the fine would have been directly in improvements which was agreed by DfT, hence the £29m. The contravention was level of cancellations too high and also failure to report correct levels. Pointed out First Great Western realised that they had failed to correctly report and advised DfT of their failing.
3.2. Other comments - Genuine passion for improvement, Putting Customer first (Same as comments by Charles Howeson at Exeter) not just delivering to contract minimum but going above it where customers concerned, Real Engagement, re-investing in the business.
4. Ian Hudspeth - Councillor Oxfordshire County Council
4.1. They have a Rentabike scheme - uses swipe cards to release and take the bike as per the schemes in France. In view of the proximity of our cycling paths, once we have the station developed under way suggest Ian would be a good contact to vist / follow up on bike schemes.
4.2. Have found Community Rail a real success, in Oxfordshire the County Council has supported groups in setting up. (Mark Youngman said he would investigate interest).
5. David Ward - Route Director Western Region , Network Rail
5.1. Developing joint improvement plan with First Great Western.
5.2. First modular station has been built in Kent, took six weeks to build, intention is to reduce this timescale.
6. Stuart Baker - Divisional Manager Network Rail Projects Department for Transport
6.1. High demand for long distance high speed services to London.
6.2. Reading has become a significant destination onit's own. (Interestingly based on last 12 months statistics it is the eighth most popular destination from Severn Tunnel Junction following Bristol, Cardiff Newport Bath, FAW, Chepstow and London).
6.3. Reading proposal is now for fly under rather than fly overs, taking the main lines on a new route through part of the site of the Diesel Depot giving a grade separation form the Berks & Hants and Arriva Cross Country services. Intention is to have additional platforms to allow parrallel moves on the down to avoid blocking back awaiting free paltforms that happens regularly now. (I have a note in my diary that the PWI [Permanent Way Institute] have a talk on the Reading Remodelling at 12:00 in theGW Hotel Exeter on Tuesday 2nd April) The present plan for Reading has a benefit cost ratio of 71 !!!!!! I have never heard of a scheme that has got into double figures, reaching 3 is good!
6.4. DfT will be publishing for consultation in May a plan for the next ten years for First Great Western.
6.5. Replacement for HST consider it as an EMU with integral Power source for when not under the wires. Will be in longer 260m and shorter 130 m configuration. Anyone interested I believe the invitaion to tender is in the public domain on the DfT site.
6.6. Question on allocation of the published additional rolling stock not coming our way. Response going to highest need locations throughout the country. If want more need to convince the Treasury.
7. Malcolm Drury has taken over as Route Director West; He will be based at Bristol.
7.1. Suggest I wait for response from Catherine Glanville regarding meeting with John Curley.
8. James Burt - First Great Western Customer Services Director -
8.1. In discussion, the subject that Charles Howeson mentioned at the Exeter Conference of having a member of First Great Western staff at stations such as Cardiff was raised. Recounted the problems I had seen there and the way Central (Arriva Cross Country) managed quicker turn round by cleaning and ticketing before arrival at the departure platform. He will pass on suggestions. Subsequent discussion with Rowland Pittard of Railfuture the only limiting factor may be the water Bowsers. Does anyone know where Arriva Cross Country top up their water tanks, I do not recall seeing this at Cardiff? Jim do you know as it is obviously a factor in turn-round time.
9. Dave Beynon - Bridgend Council
9.1. In discussion he said he was not going to the next First Great Western Cardiff - Portsmouth Meeting and that Mark Youngman was going instead.
9.2. As part of response on other matters to Mark have re-iterated STAG's position and that SEWTA formally fully backed us in the official response to First Great Western timetable consultation.
10. Philip ?Dredge? - Ivybridge Users Group
10.1. Andrew Griffiths introduced me to Philip, I need to go back to Andrew as we never had time to exchange full contact details.
10.2. In Ivybridge a Private Taxi Company runs a circular 'Hail and Stop' service that runs on a regular timetable basis and goes round the Housing Estates, Shops and the station. The Council does not need to financially support this.
10.3. The User Group has involved local school in Art Decoration at the station to get involvement / ownership. (This reminded me of discussion with Colin James about Newport that had School art displayed in the Buffet)
11. Peter Morris - First Great Western & Arriva Customer Panels
11.1. Discussed and he re-affirmed what Katharine Fenn (First Great Western Customer Panel) had said that he would raise items with Arriva Trains Wales for us as he is on their Customer Panel as well as the First Great Western Panel. Thanked him for offer and said we would be in touch if required but at present are liaising direct with Mike Vaughan and Rachel Woodsford.
12. Tim James - Welsh Assembly Government Head of Rail
12.1. Expected to meet up with Tim to agree revised date for our meeting. He should have been there I had seen his badge when I arrived, but he did not show. Will follow up with him in a week or two if I have not heard back by then.
13. Ian Murray - President Railfuture
13.1. Diuscussed and commented that he considered STAG's approach of engaging the politicians was exactly the correct approach to get further with the Cardiff - Portsmouth services. He again offered to help us in any way if we need it.
14. Mark Hopwood - First Great Western Performance Director -
14.1. Discussed with him the KPIs (Key Performance Indicator) on the number and quality of connections at timetable change that I had suggested to Charles Howeson. Charles had passed to Mark for consideration.
14.2. He is not going to introduce the proposed KPIs. He felt it was too complex and there are too many connections to put in place a practical system to produce KPIs. First Great Western are concentrating on their PPM at present.
14.3. He said that owing to another commitment with Andrew Haines he would not now be able to join Alan and me at the timetable meeting next week as he had told Alan at the Taunton conference.
14.4. He said he would be happy to come and discuss any particular issues. - David I think it would be worthwhile inviting him to meet STAG and cover the items we have on connections in our Presentation.
15. Andrew Pennington - First Great Western Head of Train Planning
15.1. Introduced myself and explained what we wanted to achieve at the timetable meeting next week, namely to understand the process and the relationships between TOCs and Network Rail in the process.
15.2. I said we had copies of the National Rules of the Plan and also copies of the Midlands (G. Western) Rules of the Plan - 2009 Timetable, and also access to Rules of the Route documentation.
15.3. He is aware we want to talk about the 08:30 from Cardiff.
15.4. In discussion he was talking about the differences between times in the Published Passenger Timetable and the Working Timetable. I said we had the PB volume but had hoped to have had sight of the PC volume prior to the meeting to understand the Bristol Temple Meads issues better.
16. Andrew Griffiths - First Great Western Regional Manager, Central Severn & Solent
16.1. Discussed and said David would be contacting him regarding Colin James role within the group.
16.2. Explained we were looking at growing both the local outwards and and also incoming tourist trade.
16.3. Asked who would be the best contact for Colin and he said that initially him, would later be other First Great Western staff that deal with Community Rail Groups.
17. Julie Boston - FoSBR
17.1. Approached as the Severn Beach line have a pathing clash with Arriva Cross Country and were looking for a contact in Arriva Cross Country.
17.2. Have send contact details and suggested approach.
Improving performance on First Great Western
Press statement
The Transport Secretary, Ruth Kelly, has today announced measures to address unacceptably high levels of train cancellations on the First Great Western franchise.First Great Western is being issued with a Remedial Plan Notice for exceeding the threshold on cancellations in the second half of last year.
Severn Tunnel Junction vs. Magor - Latest NR Route Plans
As you know we still wait for Mon C.C. to make a Cabinet decision regarding Severn Tunnel Junction vs. Magor, and in the absence of the backing by the County Council, First Great Western are not prepared to commit much further and we are reaching the limit of what they are prepared to do at this time - quote " until /when the station is developed as a Park and Ride".
However events continue to overtake the Council's decision making process. Following the DfT announcement that STJ is one of the stations to be evaluated / funded by the DfT for disabled access, I now enclose extracts from last March and the latest October Network Rail Rote Plan 13.
You will note that Magor now no longer appears in the text and Severn Tunnel Junction now appears with proposed passenger facilities and car parking.Extract from March 2007 Network Rail Route Plan 13 - GW Main Line
SEWTA (the South East Wales Transport Alliance) is a consortium of ten unitary authorities, which works in partnership with the Welsh Assembly Government, Network Rail and transport operators towards the development of transportation strategies for the region. During 2005 a strategic review of SEWTA rail policy commenced in order to create a framework for future investment over the period 2009-2018. New stations at Magor with Undy, Llanwern, Coedkernew and St Mellons are proposed. A new station at Llanharan is under construction, and is due for completion in time for the start of the December 2007 timetable.Extract from October 2007 Network Rail Route Plan 13 - GW Main Line
Facilitated by the Newport Area Signalling Renewal (NASR) we plan to upgrade Pilning goods loops to passenger status with increased linespeeds and greater operational flexibility for routes through the Severn Tunnel. Relief Line speed increases between the Severn Tunnel and Cardiff will improve reliability by creating additional capacity for both freight and local passenger services, freeing up the main lines for higher speed services. This also facilitates the development of a new station on the relief lines between Severn Tunnel Junction and Newport, as proposed in the SEWTA rail strategy. We also propose to upgrade Severn Tunnel Junction station by re-instating of the fourth platform and improving passenger facilities and car parking.
.Also for information discussion continues with Andrew Griffiths regarding the additional trains, the 18:35 from Bath which is agreed from next May and the 08:30 from Cardiff that has been blocked by Network Rail.
Further information from Andrew indicates that the problem is actually at Salisbury where there would be a clash if the service ran a minute or two later.
Provisionally Alan and I are booked to meet FGW Head of Train Planning on 13th March. There is still hope as our research shows that the 09:30 has a two minute 'recovery' - actually designated as 'Extra time for Pathing Requirements' that does not appear for the existing 08:30 or for that matter the 10:30 and following services.
I would have expected this to appear for all the non stopping Portsmouth services as they are all timetabled to leave Cardiff five minutes after the up HST and also to leave Newport five minutes after the HST.
According to the latest Network Rail 'Rules of the Plan - 2009 Timetable' the headway between Newport and STJ is four minutes, and through the Severn Tunnel itself it is seven minutes. This means with the service timetabled to follow five minutes behind the London service it needs to loose two minutes before entering the tunnel (2 Minute Extra Time for Pathing Requirements). Based on examination of the 06:30 and 07:30 that both stop at the Junction, the stop adds a total of 2 1/2 minutes based on the Working Timetable times through Pilning.
Thirty seconds stands between us getting the services or not. Something I think is worth continuing to fight for.
February 2008
Talks with First Great Western lead to more trains and better support for Severn Tunnel JunctionFirst Great Western consider STAG as the most effective consumer action group they’ve come across
Plans agreed for future improvements
Last week First Great Western assured the Severn Tunnel Action Group (STAG), who represent the interests of rail users from Severn Tunnel Junction, that a service would be added when this May’s timetable comes into place. The additional train promised is that which currently leaves Bath at 18:35, and Bristol Temple Meads at 18:54, arriving at Severn Tunnel at 19:15.First Great Western commented that Severn Tunnel was the only station in the First Great Western Severn-Solent region getting an extra train at this time. They added that it was only because STAG had put such a strong case for its’ re-instatement.
Following the withdrawal of most trains destined for Portsmouth Harbour in December 2006, First Great Western lost thousands of passenger journeys from Lydney and Chepstow. Apart from the re-instated commuting services that STAG campaigned for, there are now no reasonable connections between the Bristol line and Gloucester line services.
This last December Bath commuters were hit by further timetable changes, and only following strong representations did STAG win a couple of concessions. The added service from May is principally designed to help those Bath commuters, and late shoppers, get home without a delay and having to change trains at Bristol Temple Meads.
Since STAG won back trains lost in the December 2006 timetable cuts, they have gone on to encourage further developments such as:
The car park has recently been fully surfaced with lane markings, and there is now improved security with new and better lighting
The County Council has passed a 2008-2009 budget allocation of £99,000 to be spent on infrastructure improvements
Further additional train services have been added including a direct link via Gloucester to Cheltenham Spa, additional services to Bath and Bristol, and a promise of three additional Cross Country services on the Nottingham route from next December.
First Great Western are currently providing a coach for commuters who may not be able to get on the 07:55 to Bristol each morning. This has been since maintenance and refurbishment forced FGW to replace the usual three car set with only a two carriage train, and Next year Network Rail will be re-opening Platform 4 at the station.Commenting on the talks John Pockett, First Group’s General Manager in Wales, said that STAG had put forward such a strong case that they had wanted to add another train going to Bath in the morning, unfortunately Network Rail have turned this down.
Phil Inskip, Chair of STAG’s Technical Committee, said of the talks ‘We put such a strong case that First Great Western have invited some of our representatives to meetings with other Action Groups for us to share the logic that is proving so effective in driving improvements at Severn Tunnel Junction.
Philip continued ‘Our vision is for a Park and Ride Station on this site and with all the modern buildings and facilities that such a station would be expected to offer. We have a ten year plan and First Great Western support this concept! Next month we speak with local Assembly Members and Jessica Morden (MP for Newport East), David Davies (MP for Monmouth) and Mark Harper (MP for the Forest of Dean) about how we can work together to make Severn Tunnel the transport hub of South East Wales’.
At the end of the talks both sides know what is needed to develop Severn Tunnel Junction. Along with STAG, the First Group are committed to providing whatever support they can so long as it is commercially viable.
Tuesday 26 February 2008 07:38
Department for Transport (National)Improving performance on First Great Western
Stock market/Press statementThe Transport Secretary, Ruth Kelly, has today announced measures to address unacceptably high levels of train cancellations on the First Great Western franchise.
First Great Western is being issued with a Remedial Plan Notice for exceeding the threshold on cancellations in the second half of last year.
The Remedial Plan sets out a plan for reducing cancellations. This includes milestones which the Department for Transport will monitor and review. It also outlines additional rolling stock and employment of more drivers, guards and technicians to secure a more reliable service and drastically reduce the number of cancellations.
The company is also being issued with a Breach Notice for misreporting its cancellations. This stipulates the steps First Great Western must take to rectify the problem.
In addition a £29m package of passenger benefits, fully funded by First Great Western, has been agreed. This will address areas of passenger concern and tackle the high level of train cancellations. These include:
* Passenger compensation - as previously announced, between January 2008 and January 2009 First Great Western will double its compensation rates under the passenger charter. This will benefit any passengers who suffer disruption as well as season ticket holders who renew their tickets. These are the customers who have been most affected by the unacceptable performance. From January 2009 to January 2010 there will be a fifty per cent increase in compensation rates.
* Fares offers - an additional 500,000 of the cheapest off-peak tickets will be made available for a selection of First Great Western's most popular destinations. Fares offers will commence from 1 April of this year until 31 March 2009.
* Additional trains on the Cardiff-Portsmouth route - from summer 2008 until summer 2011 every through train will have an additional carriage to provide extra capacity. This will increase trains from 2 carriages to 3, an aggregate increase of 40% capacity. This will mitigate the crowding on one of First Great Western's most popular routes, which runs through Bristol.
* Upgrade of station customer information systems - new and additional high quality information equipment will be installed at more stations. This will include additional modern monitors. This will finish by end of December 2010.
* Accelerating the refurbishment of Thames Valley commuter trains - First Great Western will refurbish these trains earlier than contracted and will spend double the previously agreed amount. Refurbishment of Thames Valley commuter trains will commence this year and will be completed by 2011. Refurbishment will include the modernisation of carriage interiors to a far higher standard than originally planned. Lines to benefit will include London to Reading, Oxford, Newbury and Reading to Gatwick.
Failure to deliver these new commitments would be a default of the franchise agreement which could lead to the Government terminating First Great Western's franchise.
Ruth Kelly said:
"The performance of First Great Western has fallen persistently short of customers' expectations and has been unacceptable to both passengers and Government.
"The £29m package of benefits agreed with First Great Western will make a real difference to passengers. It includes over 500,000 cheaper tickets on the busiest routes, extra carriages between Cardiff and Portsmouth and vastly increases investment in the refurbishment of Thames Valley commuter trains.
"The measures I have announced today will lead to a reduction in train cancellations and also provide a substantial package of benefits to First Great Western's customers."
ENDS
Notes to editors:
1. A Remedial Plan is a function of an operator's Franchise Agreement.
2. The Breach Notice has been issued under Section 55 of the Railways Act.
3. More information on the First Great Western franchise is available on the DfT website http://www.dft.gov.uk
Thursday 31 January 2008 10:22
Department for Transport (National)More rail stations to be made accessible
Rail Minister, Tom Harris, today announced additional funding for upgrades to railway stations across England and Wales, to make rail travel more accessible for disabled and older people and parents with pushchairs.
The Department for Transport's £370m Access for All programme funds the redevelopment of station infrastructure to provide step-free access from the station entrance to platforms, in addition to a range of more accessible facilities, such as improved lighting, hearing induction loops and passenger information screens.
Forty more stations, including Stalybridge, Rotherham, Walthamstow Central, Peterborough, Hemel Hempstead, Canterbury West, Alnmouth and Severn Tunnel Junction, will benefit under Main Scheme funding, paving the way for obstacle-free routes to be installed. A new selection of stations in Scotland will also be announced by DfT in due course. Network Rail will carry out feasibility studies at each station over the next 18 months to determine what changes need to be made, before they launch into the design and construction of the enhanced facilities. The upgrades are planned for completion between 2012 and 2015.
In addition, the Department will contribute £6.5m from the Small Schemes fund towards a £16.7m total investment, match-funded by train companies and local authorities, to upgrade facilities at a further 223 stations during 2008/09. This funding is set to deliver a wide range of infrastructure including more ramps and lifts, blue badge parking spaces, and improved passenger information systems. The Small Schemes programme is forecast to continue every year until 2015.
Rail Minister Tom Harris said:
"More people than ever before are taking the train but for some it can be like facing an obstacle course. That is why we have already invested £18m under Small Schemes funding to update train stations and make catching a train as easy as possible. I'm happy to announce this latest tranche of stations to receive Access for All funding, which will make a significant improvement to people's journeys."
Robin Gisby, Network Rail Director of Operations and Customer Services said:
"These essential new facilities will make station and platform access much easier for existing and new passengers, particularly people with disabilities, those carrying heavy luggage and parents with prams. "Our dedicated project team will conduct feasibility studies to identify the improvements necessary to provide level access. These could include, for example, lifts or ramps to subways and footbridges."
Notes for Editors
1. The forty stations to be awarded under Main Scheme funding are:
Station Name: Managed By:
Alnmouth Northern Rail
Berkhamsted London Midland
Bingley Northern Rail
Brockley Southern
Bromley South Southeastern
Camden Road London Overground
Canterbury West Southeastern
Carlisle Virgin Trains
Chippenham First Great Western
Elstree & Borehamwood First Capital Connect
Gospel Oak London Overground
Hassocks Southern
Hatfield First Capital Connect
Hemel Hempstead London Midland
Henley in Arden London Midland
Hereford ArrivaWales
Hitchin First Capital Connect
Honor Oak Park Southern
Ilford One
Laindon C2C
Leighton Buzzard London Midland
Leominster ArrivaWales
Limehouse C2C
Morpeth Northern Rail
Neath ArrivaWales
New Eltham Southeastern
New Malden SWT
Orrell Park Merseyrail
Peterborough National Express East Coast
Rotherham Northern Rail
Severn Tunnel Junction Arriva Wales
Shirley London Midland
St Erth First Great Western
Stalybridge First Transpennine
Tilbury Town C2C
Tottenham Hale One
Walthamstow Central One
West Hampstead Thameslink First Capital Connect
Winchester South West Trains
Worcester Park South West Trains
2. Details of the 223 stations to receive Small Schemes funding can be found at: http://www.dft.gov.uk/transportforyou/access/rail/railstations/ssf/smallschemes08.xls
3. A further announcement in the spring will list the five stations in Scotland to be improved under the Main Scheme funds.
4. Access for All is split into two strands: The Main Scheme which funds the construction of obstacle free, accessible routes to meet modern accessible standards under the accessibility regulations in the Disability Discrimination Act 2005. The Small Schemes fund is around £7m a year and funds locally focused and innovative access solutions at stations. The funding is available to train operators, local authorities and other third parties on a match funded basis. The fund will contribute up to 50% of capital costs up to a maximum of £250,000.
5. The £370 million Access for All programme was launched in March 2006 to fund the redevelopment of train stations across England, Scotland and Wales. To date the programme has approved 140 stations. The majority of funding is targeted at the most heavily used stations, while a proportion has also been allocated to ensure a fair geographical spread of stations across Great Britain.
6. Access for All comes under the DfT's Railways for All strategy, launched in March 2006, which sets out what the rail industry is doing to improve access. It addresses the whole journey approach, as well as the station and vehicle infrastructure. More information is available on the DfT website.
7. Prior to this announcement, 100 stations identified for upgrades had been announced with completion dates for 2009 or 2011. For a full list please look at the Network Rail website.
8. Network Rail's feasibility study is the first stage towards the upgrade and is followed by the outline design, detailed design and finally the construction, testing and commissioning of the stations' facilities.
Public Enquiries: 020 7944 8300
Department for Transport Website: http://www.dft.gov.uk
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THE GREAT TRAIN ROBBERY - The Evening Post
Bristol's public transport has been dealt another blow after it emerged that 12 refurbished trains are to be replaced by aging "railbuses".
photo: 142 Pacer trains
The recently renovated carriages are being sent to cities in the north, while Bristol and the South West will have to make do with 22-year-old 142 Pacer trains, effectively buses on rails.
Over the years, 142s have earned the nickname Nodding Donkeys due to the rough ride. The coaches are based on bus-style bench seats, mounted on a chassis of a freight or goods truck - hence their other name railbus.
First Great Western (FGW) had asked the Department for Transport (DfT) if it could extend the lease on several 158s, but the units had already been allocated to another operator.
So FGW has had to lease the 142s which will operate from December 9 when new timetable changes come into effect. It says the 142s will be used on Devon lines, but has not ruled out the possibility of them coming to Bristol in future.
The Evening Post has seen a leaked copy of a letter sent by the West of England Partnership to rail minister Tom Harris MP questioning the move. The letter was signed by transport leaders at the four local authorities in the Bristol area.
It says of the 142s: "They are far from reliable and represent a considerable step backwards in terms of quality and capacity."
It added: "The last thing we wish to see is a repeat of December 2006 with cancelled and short-formed trains leading to overcrowding and passengers left behind on platforms."
Mr Harris told the Post: "The number and type of trains on the railway is mainly a matter for train operators."
He added: "Our priority is to ensure there is capacity for the travelling public and we have ensured replacement trains are available."
Bristol Tory councillor Barbara Lewis, chair of the West of England Partnership's Planning, Transport and Environment Group, said: "We've lost out because their (Northern cities) MPs and local politicians have been better at lobbying in London."
B &NES councillor Charles Gerrish, cabinet member for customer services, planning and transport, said: "We'll be getting pretty poor trains that the North does not want.
"I find that highly unacceptable."
And the North Somerset councillor responsible for transport, Elfan ap Rees, said: "We already have an atrocious train service with insufficient coaches. We need Government and rail operators to wake up and recognise that they need to invest in this area."
David Redgewell, of Campaign for Better Transport, said: "Why is the West not getting what the North is?"
Mr Redgewell said the cost of leasing a Sprinter was £8,000 per month compared to £3,000 for a railbus.
First Great Western spokesman Lance Cole said: "Nothing is set in stone, but come the December 9 timetable changes, the Pacers will be on the Exeter to Barnstaple line. I am not aware they will be used in the Bristol area in a couple of months time.
"The DfT takes responsibility for taking strategic rolling stock decision and that decision is to give us 12 Pacers."
STAG NEWS BULLETIN
FGW have finally put the draft timetable for our route on line, summary as follows
Mondays to Fridays
Nothing lost, 4 gained. There are a few changes to timing, but nothing to be concerned over.
First the 4 extra trains
0616 to Cardiff Central (from Bristol T.M.)
2216 to Cardiff Central (from Portsmouth Harbour)
1655 to Portsmouth Harbour (from Cardiff Central)
2332 to Bristol Temple Meads (from Cardiff Central)
The main change is our off peak stopping services now start/terminate at Taunton or Weston so apart from the 0655 and 0755 the only through services to Bath Spa are 1225 and 2124, likewise from Bath Spa the only through services are the 0715, 1715 and 1815 arrivals at STJ.
The 1225 from STJ still goes to Brighton but the 1700 return from Brighton now reverses at BTM and goes to Cheltenham Spa with a change at BTM into a Taunton Cardiff service.
Looking to the future 2008 December timetable the current Virgin Voyager service at 0725 and1946 will in future go to/from Manchester Piccadilly as opposed to Newcastle.
When the weekend times become available we will have a look at those and get back to you all.If any of these changes is likely to cause you considerable inconvenience, then please let us know. You can do this by e-mailing us at: info@saveseverntunnel.co.uk. Alternatively you can write to us care of Michelle in the ticket office.
IMPORTANT CAR PARK INFORMATION
Severn Tunnel Junction Station car park, Lighting and electrical work to start on 24 September to complete by 15 October. Resurfacing work to commence 08 October and complete by 15 October. Would still point out that adverse weather conditions may alter the commencement and completion dates.
WAG's response to the Cross Country Consultation called for no reduction to the service presently provided.
Wednesday 15th August 2007
Reply to a letter from Portskewett Community Council to Bid Director Andy Cooper regarding the CrossCountry franchise, which he has asked me to respond to.
We can duly assure you that the early services currently provided by Central Trains from Caldicot and Severn Tunnel Junction into Cardiff will continue in the new franchise, as will the services currently provided by Virgin to and from Bristol in the peaks.
photo: Crosscountry Voyager
We note your comments about whether the 0653 from Caldicot could make an additional call at Severn Tunnel Junction. On taking over the franchise we will take over the timetable inherited from Central Trains and it is too late to make alterations for the December 2007 timetable. However, we are aware of your aspirations in this regard and will continue to look at what may be feasible going forward.
Regards,
Gavin Bostock
External Relations Manager: Arriva Trains CrossCountry Mobilisation Team
Andrew Griffiths
Regional Manager, Central (Severn & Solent) First Great WesternI am pleased to report that not only will the 2022 Portsmouth Harbour to Cardiff Central service call at STJ on Saturdays from the December timetable change, but also it will in fact start to do some from this coming Saturday, 11 August. We will do a poster for ATW to display at the station.
Severn Tunnel Action Group (STAG) have responded to the news that a late night train from Bristol Temple Meads is now being made available. Alan Vickers, the Severn Tunnel Action Group's timetable specialist, commented 'First Great Western seem to be listening to our requests for improvements to the services at the station, and we look forward to working with First Great Western in developing and delivering further improvements in the future'.
Wednesday, August 8, 2007
A junction 'hub' could cut down the car miles
Photo: Mike German, AM for South East Wales
MICHAEL German, local Assembly member and leader of the Liberal Democrats in the National Assembly, is calling for more trains to stop at Severn Tunnel Junction saying that 'this local station could be a transport hub for a huge area in South Gwent.
"'There is clearly a local demand for people to have a better train service at Severn Tunnel Junction. "For instance, what if a Swansea-London train called at the station in the morning, with a return stop in the evening?
This would allow local residents to access inter-city trains without the need to go to Newport or Bristol. 'There's plenty of room to park and this would cut down on people's 'car miles'.
"If we could persuade operators of the Cardiff-Portsmouth service to stop too, linking in to Cardiff and further West, we could create a busy transport hub, a Gwent Parkway, if you like.
"All the evidence shows that the more regular a train service the more people use it." Mr German's calls come after a recent debate at Monmouthshire County Council, where the council backed a motion by Councillor Phil Hobson, Lib Dem Group leader, in calling for a rapid expansion in local rail service provision.
Cllr Hobson said: "If we are serious at all about getting people out of cars, cutting down on car miles and carbon emissions from transport, then we need to see a large expansion in local rail services where people begin to take the train out of instinct rather then jumping into the car."
Wednesday, August 8, 2007
Action group fears yellow lines will just move problem
Parking woe 'will worsen'THE Severn Tunnel Action Group (STAG) say plans to place double yellow lines on Station Road in Rogiet will only displace the problem of commuters parking in the area.
Residents living in Station Road have been fighting for the introduction of double yellow lines for several months.
They are trying to stop commuters going to the Severn Tunnel Junction station from using the street as a car park.
However, David Flint, the chairman of Severn Tunnel Action Group, claims there are not enough parking spaces at the station and commuters are often forced to park on nearby streets. He said: "The facilities in the car park station are simply not adequate and this is something that needs to he sorted out.
"We are putting pressure on Network Rail and Arriva to do something about it, as the problem will be made worse if the yellow lines are put down.
"However, I believe if they are introduced all that will happen is that people will park somewhere else in Rogiet, and the problem will be merely displaced. "Instead, practical. solutions to this issue need to be introduced.
This is why as well as more parking spaces for commuters, we are looking for a regular bus service to be brought in, that commuters from around the area can use to get to the station."
Monmouthshire County Councillor for Rogiet, Mike Smith, is due to meet council officials to push through the plans to introduce double yellow lines on Station Road.
He said: "This has been a long standing issue that is causing problems to residents on Station Road as commuters are causing overcrowding on the street, and sometimes blocking residents in their own homes. "The yellow lines would only be a limited no waiting restriction between 11am - 3pm as not to not disturb local residents."
Virgin Loses Cross Country Rail Franchise
Virgin Trains has failed in its attempt to continue operating the Cross Country rail franchise, with rival Arriva winning the battle for the network.
Arriva will take over in November, with the contract scheduled to last until April 2016.
The franchise covers 1,600 miles, running from Aberdeen in Scotland to Penzance in south-west England.
The new Cross Country deal will also include Nottingham-Cardiff and Birmingham-Stansted services.
First Group and National Express had also pitched for the contract.
The Sunderland-based firm, which already runs rail services in Wales as well as buses across the UK, will get a subsidy worth £1.05bn over the life of the franchise.
Arriva has indicated that it may raise fares by about 3.5% above inflation, said the Department for Transport, which awarded the franchise.
Among its other plans include increasing seating capacity by 35% on rush-hour trains on the main route by June 2009 and allowing passengers to print tickets at home.
"The Cross Country network has many existing strengths but our research has helped us pinpoint important areas where we can improve the passenger experience and make the business more efficient," said Arriva's chief executive David Martin.
Virgin's Cross Country franchise had been due to last until 2012, but the department had the right to terminate the contract and it decided to put it out to tender again.
