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Railfuture in the news 2013

Later news: 2014

2013


26th December - Wales Online

In an article reviewing Arriva Trains Wales' performance, John Rogers, chairman of Railfuture South Wales, says: “I think Arriva have done a reasonable job, given the terms of reference at the beginning and the type of rolling stock they have. Just about every train has somebody walking up and down collecting rubbish.”

24th December - Rail magazine

Chris Page of Railfuture is quoted: "We are looking for a commitment to electrify the Uckfield line to provide additional capacity, followed by a firm proposal to reopen the Lewes - Uckfield line"

23rd December - Bristol Post

In his regular column, Dave Wood comments on new housing developments at Filton and the need for good public transport. He says "Nigel Bray, Railfuture secretary, Severnside branch, has sent South Gloucestershire Council a list of potential stations which ought to be considered for reopening. These include North Filton and Henbury."

12th December - Cambridge News

"Reopening of the railway line between Cambridge and Oxford has been backed by the Government."

The story continues: "Possible routes have already been suggested by the Railfuture campaign group, who said trains travelling at 100mph or above could offer a journey time from Cambridge to Bedford of just 35 minutes."

10th December - Wales online

Railfuture South Wales says a succession of groups and reports on Welsh schemes looked more like satire than transport policy.

“Monty Python could write a new sketch on it, now that they’re getting back together,” said chairman John Rogers.

“It’s an utter waste of money. We’ve got people in highly paid jobs shuffling paper round and making excuses to have more people shuffling paper round."

9th December - Metro

A front page story: latest figures show that some commuters are spending a quarter of their income on rail fares. Bruce Williamson called for fares to rise at the lower and, as of this year, only official inflation measure, CPI.

He said: "Twenty per cent of a salary is an enormous price to pay for the privilege of travelling to work. It is time the chancellor stopped squeezing rail commuters by using the higher of the two inflation measures."

The same story appears on The Independent's website

9th December - The Journal

New research indicates that rail services in the North East are among the worst in the country. Tony Walker from Railfuture says: “Some of the trains we have here are 30 years old and particularly slow – the South East wouldn’t tolerate that”

The same story also appears in the Evening Chronicle

7th December - Weston Mercury

Portishead Railway Group won Railfuture's RUG award for best website. The paper reports: "Railfuture, the UK’s leading independent organisation campaigning for better rail services, presented PRG with its Gold Award for the country’s best railway campaign website of 2013, at its annual meeting on November 19."

2nd December - Bristol Post

In his regular column, Dave Wood says: "Nigel Bray, Severnside Railfuture Secretary, along with Railfuture have campaigned for the single line from Worle Junction to Weston-Super-Mare station to be reinstated to two lines."

28th November - Rye & Battle Observer

Railfuture will be joining Three Oaks and Winchelsea Action for Rail Transport (THWART), and Bexhill and Rye group Marshlink at a protest on the platform of Winchelsea Station on Saturday December 7 to call for a better Sunday stopping service.

15th November - Exmouth Journal

The Avocet Line Rail Users Group (ALRUG) has won an award from Railfuture at its 2013 autumn conference. ALRUG won the gold award for best newsletter and a silver award as runner-up in the competition for best rail user group website.

15th November - Oxford Mail

Funding for the East West rail link has been approved. Hugh Jaeger of Thames Valley branch is quoted: “This is great news – now let’s get on with it. We are enthusiastic for this line to be built as soon as possible."

14th November - Daily Express

The Express picks up on our press release regarding inflation-busting fare increases, with the headline "Rail passengers set to face New Year increase three times rate of inflation"

13th November - BBC Radio Oxford

Hugh Jaeger, of Thames Valley branch, is interviewed on the breakfast show about Yarnton level crossing. Listen here.

13th November - Oxford Mail

Railfuture is on the front page in a story about Yarnton level crossing. Hugh Jaeger, spokesman for the Thames Valley branch of Railfuture, said Network Rail should have looked at installing full barriers at the crossing.

He said: “It shouldn’t have happened again at the same crossing.”

13th November - Heart Thames Valley

Hugh Jaeger is quoted in the news commenting on a recent incident at Yarnton level crossing. Listen here

12th November - East London and West Essex Guardian

The paper reports that the Barking to Gospel Oak Rail User Group received the award for Best Campaign at this month’s Railfuture Rail User Groups Awards 2013.

5th November - BBC Lincolnshire

David Harby is interviewed on the breakfast show about a campaign to upgrade services between Lincoln and Nottingham. Listen here.

David also appears on BBC Look North talking about HS2.

5th November - Oxford Mail

Hugh Jaeger of Thames Valley branch is quoted in a story about the revamp of Oxford station:

“We are keeping an eye on what the plan will be for Oxford station because there is no room for half measures and with the East West rail link we have got to keep looking east to link it with Cambridge and Felixstowe.”

2nd November - BBC Radio Oxford

Hugh Jaeger is interviewed on the breakfast show on the morning of our Oxford conference. Listen here.

1st November - BBC Radio Lincolnshire

Bruce Williamson is interviewed on the breakfast show about the impact of HS2 on the county. Listen here.

1st November - Surrey Advertiser

"Rail disruption as trees fall on line" is the headline, referring to the storm of 27/28 Oct. Bruce Williamson from Rail Future (sic) gives broad support for the way rail companies dealt with situation.

31st October - BBC Radio Lincolnshire

David Harby is interviewed on the morning show about the impact of HS2 on the county. Listen here.

David is later interviewed on Siren FM.

29th October - Oxford Mail

Railfuture's conference in Oxford is given a plug

29th October - Cambridge News

In a story about weather disruption to rail services,Chris Burton from East Anglia branch warned that railways would always be vulnerable to extreme weather – including HS2, and particularly when they are powered by overhead wires.

He said: “When you have bad weather it affects everything. If you have got really bad weather you are not going to be running trains at 220mph through the middle of it.

“I actually think they are doing a good job. You can’t risk trains running into logs – people would say ‘why on earth did you allow it to go down there’.”

29th October - Cambridge News

A report claims that journey times between Huntingdon and Peterborough could double if HS2 does not go ahead. Railfuture's Nick Dibben is quoted as saying: “In principle, you definitely need it to increase capacity. It could well be the case that there would be weekend disruption.There has already been a lot of work on the West Coast Main Line where this has happened, so it is quite possible. Even with HS2 there will be a certain amount of disruption.”

29th October - Cambridge News

Chris Burton, of East Anglia branch, comments on a story about the possibility of direct trains from Cambridge to Leeds: “If a lot of the Leeds services are diverted onto HS2, that will create capacity, and it’s possible somebody might come up with a Cambridge service."

28th October - LBC radio

Hugh Jaeger of Thames Valley branch is interviewed about the alternatives to HS2. Ian McDonald phones in too.

17th October - Lincolnshire Echo

In his regular column, David Harby of Railfuture Lincolnshire points out that the journey between Lincoln and Nottingham is slower than it was a century ago.

10th October - BBC Somerset

Nigel Bray of Severnside branch is interviewed about a proposal by David Heath MP for an East West railway.

10th October - Lincs FM

David Harby is interviewed about the fare cap of 6.2%

9th October - BBC Radio Solent

Chares Burns from Railfuture's Wessex branch is interviewed on the breakfast show. Following Stephen Joseph from Campaign for Better Transport, he advocated Network Rail bringing some work back ‘in house’ to reduce costs and mentioned the proposals to freeze fuel duty - therefore it was right for a similar assurance for those who use public transport.

9th October - Wave 105

Chares Burns and Mike Southgate from Railfuture's Wessex branch are featured on several news bulletins throughout the day talking about the impact of fare rises above inflation.

4th October - Linlithgow Gazette

Railfuture arranged a protest after drastic budget cuts in the Edinburgh-Glasgow Improvement Programme. Roderick McDougall from Railfuture is quoted: “The Almond Chord needs to be built before the Winchburgh Tunnel closes. It’s the only plausible way to avoid disruption on the main Glasgow-Edinburgh line."

This story is also featured in the Herald

3rd October - BBC Somerset

Bruce Williamson appeared on Emma Britton's breakfast show to talk about the First Great Western franchise extension. Listen here.

23rd September - Northants Telegraph

East Midlands trains has introduced a more frequent service from Corby to London. David Fursdon of Railfuture East Midlands branch is quoted:

“We have lobbied for this for more than four years. We persevered and now we have been successful. I’m delighted that the gap in the morning timetable is going to be filled. It was inconvenient for passengers and it’s good news that the additional service is being introduced.”

20th September - Bicester Advertiser

Rail passengers who travel between Oxford and Bicester will have to use a bus replacement service for 18 months whilst major works are done on the line. Hugh Jaeger of Railfuture's Thames Valley branch said using the A34 was the company’s only option: “The main thing is that this is a temporary inconvenience. Chiltern is providing as much of the service as they can and when it reopens we will have an amazingly better railway line.”

13th September - BBC News, Bedfordshire News and Cambridge News

These three sites feature Railfuture's report which proposes four options for joining Bedford to Cambridge. Peter Wakefield, chairman of Railfuture’s East Anglia branch, said: “If councillors are serious about this, they have to start protecting routes, else it will be virtually impossible.”

6th September - Northamptonshire Telegraph

David Fursdon, of Railfuture East Midlands branch, is quoted regarding engineering work at Manton Junction: “The Kettering to Manton route is expected to become busier as the railway continues to expand and more route capacity is needed. This work will help the pathing for passenger and freight trains and reduce journey times.”

27th August - Fenland Citizen

Cambridgeshire County Council welcomes Railfuture's petition calling for the re-opening of the Wisbech rail line.

20th August - BBC Radio Berkshire

Interviewed on Andrew Peach's breakfast show at about 7.10, Hugh Jaeger of Thames Valley branch welcomes new capacity on trains from Waterloo, but points out that with passenger growth, we're only just playing catch-up.

Hugh is also quoted on this story in the Reading Post on the 30th August

19th August - Edinburgh News

Jane Ann Liston, secretary of Railfuture Scotland, pens an article entitled "Too much strain taking train". The subtitle, "There’s work to be done to get the rail network we deserve" sums up the article.

14th August - Oxford Mail

In a story about fare rises, Richard Stow, chairman of the Thames Valley branch, said: “In the Thames Valley we are seeing unprecedented investment in the network since the railways first came to Oxford.”

13th August - Cambridge News

Peter Wakefield, chairman of the East Anglia branch, is quoted in an article on fare increases:

“The risk is that people will start looking for other ways to travel. That might not affect the railways so much because peak trains are very full but people will be pushed onto the roads, making them even busier.”

Peter is again quoted in the Huntingdon News & Crier 3 days later.

12th August - Wales Online

There are two months to go before First Great Western's franchise ends. John Rogers of Railfuture's South Wales branch is quoted: “In terms of railways, two months is no time at all. It’s worrying because things move so slowly in the railway world. There needs to be an urgent statement about the plan, to end the uncertainty.”

2nd August - Newbury Weekly News

Trains in the Newbury area are the worst in the South East for overcrowding. Hugh Jaeger of Thames Valley branch is quoted as saying: “Improvements have been made but we are a long way off where we need to be ... sometimes during peak hours you can have double the amount of passengers to the number of available seats. The number of people commuting from Newbury has risen year by year and the Department for Transport needs to recognise that and take appropriate action.”

31st July - Bicester Advertiser & Review

In an article about linking Bicester Town station with the Chiltern Main Line, the article states: "Independent rail campaign group Railfuture welcomed the decision, saying the scheme will double rail capacity between Oxford and London.

Railfuture also says the new link will allow Chiltern to compete with First Great Western, meaning better fares and services on both routes."

19th July - Kirkintilloch Herald

The article says: "An influential pressure group..."
(Railfuture) "...has backed growing calls to create two new railway stations in Kirkintilloch and Bishopbriggs."

Ken Sutherland, of Railfuture Scotland, is quoted: “The case for those additional stations, with ample park and ride accommodation is based on the steadily rising demand for rail travel across the area"

This story also appeared on the 22nd July in the Milngavie and Bearsden Herald

18th July - Bright FM

Roger Blake is interviewed about Uckfield-Lewes, and appeared on BBC Sussex on the 19th July

17th July - Uckfield News

The main story on the website is: "Uckfield – Lewes rail link a step closer say campaigners".

Adrian Shooter, Railfuture vice-president and former chairman of Chiltern Railways, said it is “inconceivable” that a way cannot be found to re-instate the Uckfield to Lewes railway line.

The Sussex Newspaper picks up the story the next day: "Evidence shows that reopening Uckfield - Lewes rail link will generate economic growth in East Sussex"

17th July - Market Rasen News

"Market Rasen rail passengers demand action" is the headline "Furious passengers are fed up of being left stranded at Market Rasen train station because carriages are too full - and are demanding action." Amongst them is David Harby of Railfuture Lincolnshire, who is pictured

16th July - Wisbech Standard

Peter Wakefield, Chairman of Railfuture East Anglia, presented a 3,784 signature petition to Cambridgeshire County Council calling for the re-opening of the Wisbech to March railway link. This story also appears the nezt day in the Fenland Citizen.

11th July - Somerset County Gazette

The paper publishes a letter from Nigel Bray, Secretary of Railfuture's Severnside Branch, calling for the reopening of Wellington station.

8th July - Oxford Mail

Oxford is set to become the centre of the rail universe, apparently, with new connections to Oxford, Milton Keynes and Bedford.
Railfuture Thames Valley spokesman Hugh Jaeger said: “We are jumping for joy at the news but we need a date and time of that first train. Whatever your political persuasion this should be something to back as it will open Oxford to everywhere.”

2nd July - Cambridge Times

Railfuture Vice President Peter Wakefield is quoted in an article about the possibility of Crossrail trains serving Cambridge. “London draws in huge numbers of people each day so from our point of view a route linking to our mainline trains is vital.”

28th June - Oxford Times

Could Tram-trains solve traffic problems on the A40? "Railfuture Thames Valley and other groups are calling on Oxfordshire County Council to carry out an urgent feasibility study into a proposal to reopen the former Witney to Oxford railway line so it could be used by tram-trains."

23rd June - Biggleswade Today

On Saturday, June 29 members of Railfuture and Campaign for Better Transport will walk from Bedford to Sandy to highlight the campaign for a track connecting Bedford and Cambridge.

There is a follow up article on the 7th July.

21st June - Somerset County Gazette

Railfuture's Taunton conference is previewed: "A TOP Taunton politician will meet experts from the rail industry in the town this weekend.

Taunton Deane councillor Jefferson Horsley will speak to delegates at the event, which has been organised by Railfuture."

20th June - Eastern Daily Press

In an article about Greater Anglia's performance, Railfuture vice-president Peter Lawrence agreed they had had “a decent 12 months” but he added: “As far as the national picture is concerned, East Anglia is not getting its fair share of investment at the moment.”

13th June - BBC Radio Bristol

Bruce Williamson is invited on to the breakfast show to discuss the possibility that Directly Operated Railways may take over the Great Western franchise if First decides not to continue with it.

17th May - Northern Echo

Railfuture chairman David Berman is quoted in an article entitled "Government accused by rail campaigners of turning a deaf ear to the region", referring to comments made at the AGM.

16th May - BBC Radio Oxford

Hugh Jaeger appears on the breakfast show to suggest ways of improving transport in Oxfordshire. He suggests better bus/rail integration, amongst other things.

13th May - ITV Tyne Tees

Railfuture's Durham AGM makes it onto the afternoon news, with an interview with Andrew Rogers, project manager of Hitachi's Inter-City Express Programme.

10th May - BBC Oxford

Hugh Jaeger appears on the Radio Oxford breakfast show to talk about growing passenger numbers at Didcot Parkway. In the evening, he appears on the Oxfordshire regional TV news.

10th May - Rail Technology Magazine

Network Rail has been asked to reexamine opening the Lewes – Uckfield railway line. Chris Page of Railfuture welcomed the news and said: “We feel there is a strong long-term case for a second main line to Brighton, but our experience is that other rail developments have happened incrementally, so we have to take one step at a time. Our proposals must fit in with Network Rail plans.”

6th May - Northern Echo

Railfuture's press release about the Durham AGM is picked up by the Northern Echo with the headline "Mayor to open rail industry meeting"

The next day, the Newcastle Evening Chronicle follows suit with the headline: "Railway group’s annual meeting at Durham Town Hall"

1st May - BBC Look East

Railfuture spokesman Bruce Williamson is interviewed about some of the challenges in coping with the projected 75% increase in demand over the next 30 years.

1st May - Look Local

Campaign group Don Valley Railway is pushing for passenger trains on the line between Stocksbridge and Sheffield. Chris Hyomes of Railfuture Yorkshire said: “Don Valley Railway is one of the rail re-opening schemes that we feel is easiest to deliver.”

26th April - Wisbech Standard

An online petition organised by Railfuture has produced more than 1,000 signatures in support of the work Cambridgeshire County Council is undertaking in its plans to re-open the railway line from Wisbech to March

24th April - South Wales Echo

Network Rail is criticised for is lack of investment in Welsh infrastructure. John Rogers, of Railfuture’s South Wales branch, said Wales’ share of the enhancement funding was “way down” compared with the percentage of railway track mileage in Wales and the Borders. “We’re once again being short-changed.”

19th April - Oxford Mail

"Transport hub move to unite rail and bus stations in Oxford" is the headline. Hugh Jaeger of Railfuture Thames Valley joins in calls for an integrated transport hub.

16th April - Reading Post

In a story about growing passengers numbers at Reading station, Hugh Jaeger of Thames Valley branch is quoted, saying: "Reading is by far the busiest station in the Thames Valley region. It is vital not only to Reading but as a regional hub. Its huge passenger numbers and their sustained long-term increase show that the huge rebuilding and enlargement of Reading station is fully justified.”

11th April - Oxford Mail

Railfuture makes it onto the front page announcing record rail passenger numbers & calling for a bigger, better Oxford station. Hugh Jaeger, of Railfuture Thames Valley, said: “It was a very adequate station but it is not any more. We have been overtaken by success.”

8th April - BBC Berkshire

Hugh Jaeger of Railfuture Thames Valley appeared on Tony Blackburn's BBC Berkshire breakfast show to talk about rail development including Reading station work.

2nd April - Metro

Britain has the ‘fastest improving rail service in Europe’. But Bruce Williamson, of campaign group Railfuture, said: ‘It’s great that we have seen improvements on so many levels but one of the biggest factors for passengers is cost.

‘Overall, Britain’s fares are the highest in Europe.’

2nd April - Wales Online

John Rogers who chairs the South Wales branch is quoted in an article entitled "How civil servant risked jail in plot to save Aberystwyth train service"

30th March - Daily Star

In an article on Easter bus replacements, Railfuture spokesman Bruce Williamson said: “A replacement bus is a low-quality service. We’d support a reduction in price when buses are used or when train journey times are extended due to engineering work.”

28th March - Lincolnshire Echo

"More evening and weekend trains in Lincolnshire possible under contract extension plans" is the headline. David Harby, chairman of Railfuture Lincolnshire, said passengers should see some real positives during the extended and new franchise periods.

“East Midlands Trains will now have another two years or more to operate services and passengers have a good chance of seeing improvements in local services,”

28th March - BBC Lincolnshire

David Harby does a morning phone-in for 50 minutes. Fares were the most frequent topic but there was an opportunity to talk about some possible reopenings. David's suggestion that single fares should be no more than 55% of the equivalent return fare was very popular with listeners.

28th March - BBC Radio Humberside

Bruce Williamson discusses the prospects for improving rail in the region, including the possibility of reopening Beverley - York.

27th March - Bucks Herald

In an article marking 50 years since Beeching, Hugh Jaeger, of Thames Valley branch, said: “He was a complicated villain, a villain with good bits. He did the job that Ernest Maples, the Secretary of State for Transport asked him to do. Beeching’s report was lazy, badly and hastily prepared. Yes, he did a bad job but at the same time, thanks to him, we got modernisation and a reduction in over staffing.”

27th March - BBC local radio

Bruce Williamson appears on Mark Forrest's networked show on all English BBC local radio stations. What is the future of rail after Beeching?

Chris Hyomes of Yorkshire branch appears on BBC Radios Leeds, Sheffield and York, and also across Yorkshire on Real Radio talking about the anniversary of Beeching.

26th March - Lincs FM & BBC radio Lincolnshire

David Harby is interviewed about franchise announcements as East Coast is back in the frame and EMT and Northern are extended.

23rd March - Cambridge news

Nick Dibben of East Anglia branch is quoted in an article about the Beeching closures: “The sad thing about Beeching, however, is that now we’re having to spend a lot of money on reviving services that were closed down.”

19th March - BBC News

Cowley Bridge £30m railway works 'will not stop floods'. Campaign group Railfuture had suggested culverts at the bridge be increased to stop flooding on the line.

18th March - Rail magazine

"Railfuture to fund Lewes-Uckfield reopening study" is the headline. Jonathan Roberts Consulting will build a strategic alliance of stakeholders to promote a bigger and better Wealden railway, says Railfuture, although Brian Hart of BML2 is not impressed.

17th March - Telegraph

The ghost of Beeching still haunts rail: "The Railfuture campaign group had gathered to hiss the devil and celebrate the extraordinary turnaround in the railways’ fortunes since the dark days of his cuts"

4th March - Uckfield News

Railfuture has appointed transport experts to help build the case for the Uckfield-Lewes rail line. Railfuture said: “Reconnecting the link would enable people in the Weald to commute to jobs and education in Brighton, allow through services from London to take visitors to the proposed water park in Newhaven, and help to relieve overcrowding on Brighton Main Line services."

3rd March - Daily Star

"Passengers face Easter rail hell" screams the sensationalist headline. Railfuture spokesman Bruce Williamson said people did not like having to use replacement bus services.

A similar story appeared in the Herald under the headline "Cut fares for delays, says rail watchdog"

2nd March - BBC News

Campaigners are calling for the main railway line connecting the South West to the rest of England to be improved after it was closed because of floods. Gerard Duddridge, from Railfuture, said: "All that needs to be done is to increase the culverts to release the water into one of channels the other side of the railway."

This story was also featured on the website thisisthewestcountry.co.uk

1st March - BBC Spotlight

Gerard Duddridge of Railfuture Devon & Cornwall appeared on BBC local news at 13:30 and 18:30 about the Cowley Bridge flooding. Railfuture got a good mention and library pictures were also shown of Yeovil Junction, as this is the alternative route which needs upgrading as a backup line.

28th February - Lincolnshire Echo

David Harby of Railfuture Lincolnshire writes an article entitled "The Beeching legacy included failing to preserve closed routes"

27th February - Bristol 24-7

In an article entitled "Why 20mph is essential for our city", it says "Railfuture has recently highlighted the safety record of the railways and uses this staggering comparison to our road system: more passengers will die in six hours than have died on Britain’s railways in the last six years."

27th February - The Journal, Newcastle

In a story about Virgin potentially bidding for the East Coast franchise, Tony Walker, spokesman for Railfuture North East, said he thought Sir Richard is exactly what the line needs.

He added: “From a personal view I think we would be very pleased and relieved if he were to throw his hat in the ring. He has shown himself in previous bids to be ambitious and entrepreneurial and appears willing to push the boat out when it comes to investing in a service. The East Coast needs imagination. It has been a very plodding line for too long.”

26th February - BBC Midlands Today

Peter Hughes of West Midlands branch was interviewed about the fallout from the WCML fiasco. In a 90-second slot he was able to plug local campaigns and raise Railfuture's profile.

22nd February - Scotsman

Picking up on our press release, the headline reads: "Rail safety hailed after six years with no deaths". It continues "Tomorrow marks an unprecedented six years with no passenger deaths on Britain’s railways, in stark contrast to a road death every six hours, campaigners Railfuture said today."

This story was also picked up by the Grimsby Telegraph.

22nd February - BBC Essex

Bruce Williamson appeared on Dave Monk's morning programme to discuss the future of rail in Essex.

21st February - Cambs Times

Hundreds back campaign to reconnect Wisbech to the rail network. Peter Wakefield, chairman of Railfuture’s East Anglia branch, said: “I am calling on all residents to get behind the campaign to help make it happen.”

20th February - BBC News

On a story about opening a station at Haxby, David Wells of Railfuture Yorkshire is quoted as saying: "Connecting directly into York gives access to pretty much anywhere in the country."

18th February - BBC Somerset

Bruce Williamson was interviewed about overcrowding and fare levels on the railways.

18th February - Metro

Railfuture is mentioned on the front page: "Bruce Williamson, of passenger group Rail Future, said: ‘With big price increases and overcrowding, it is not surprising that passengers are not satisfied.’"

15th February - Heart Hertfordshire

Bruce Williamson was interviewed about the disruption caused by overhead line damage.

12th February - Heart Peterborough

Railfuture has launched a petition to reopen Wisbech station.

6th February - Rail magazine

Barry Doe comments on the "excellent" report on flooding in Devon, produced by Gerard Duddridge of Railfuture's Devon and Cornwall branch.

5th February - Ilkley Gazette and Wharfedale Observer

A meeting organised by Railfuture Yorkshire hears an update on the plans for electrifying the Leeds to Harrogate line.

3rd February - Milngavie Herald

Ken Sutherland of Railfuture Scotland reckons Allander rail halt could be an ideal location for a new modular car park.

31st January - BBC Somerset

Spokesman Bruce Williamson is interviewed on the drive time show about First Great Western's franchise extension.

29th January - The Railway Magazine

Railfuture comments on the route of the second phase of HS2: “While we need the capacity that HS2 will give us, it’s important that the government gets it right, which they’re showing little sign of doing"

29th January - BBC news website

Railfuture is quoted on the BBC news website about passenger satisfaction.

28th January - BBC Somerset

Nigel Bray of Severnside branch is interviewed about the impact of HS2 on the South West. Nigel argues for further electrification and more remedial work to prevent flooding of the main lines into Exeter

24th January - Oxford Mail

Railfuture supports proposals to introduce an "Oxfordshire Oyster" card

22nd January - BBC Radio Devon

Prompted by the release of a report by Railfuture's Devon and Cornwall branch, Bruce Williamson is interviewed about possible solutions to flooding on the main line.

21st January - Lincolnshire Echo

David Harby is quoted supporting a proposal for a bike hire scheme.

14th January - Newcastle Journal

In an article reflecting on Dr Beeching's impact, Tony Walker of Railfuture’s North East branch calls for further rail investment in the region.

10th January - Rail Technology Magazine

Railfuture is underwhelmed by the Brown report on franchising. "If the Government is serious about making franchising work, it needs to go much further than simply tweaking the existing process."

9th January - Essex Enquirer

Transport minister Simon Burns backs down and agrees to take the train instead of a limo. A spokesman for Railfuture said: "At the very least it's rather insensitive and it sends out the wrong message. Bypassing the expense and congestion of commuter rail travel is a bit like sticking two fingers up to hard-working commuters. If the Prime Minister can take the train, there's no reason why his ministers can't too."

9th January - AOL Money

Greedy rail companies hold us all hostage - Bruce Williamson of campaign group Railfuture said the people that commute at peak times 'don't do it for fun they do it out of necessity'

8th & 13th January - East West rail

Railfuture is quoted in the Bedfordshire News supporting proposals to extend the East West rail link to Cambridge, and again on the BBC News website.

8th January - BBC News website

Railfuture joins in calls for faster and more frequent services between Norwich, Cambridge and London.

6th January - Sunday Sun

Are Great Britain's train ticket prices off-track? Railfuture is quoted saying “What Norman Baker is on about there is the super discounted tickets. But that’s not much use for Mr and Mrs Joe Bloggs, commuters who have to be at work for nine o’clock.”

6th January - The Sun

Railfuture joins criticism of transport minister Simon Burns for commuting in a limo rather than taking the train. "It would be nice if the person who is setting these fare rises was also experiencing some of the congestion and overcrowding endured by ordinary, hard-pressed travellers."

5th January - BBC Radio Devon

Bruce Williamson is interviewed about the impact of fare
increases on tourism in the South West.

4th January - Financial Times

As Labour considers its rail fares policy, Bruce Williamson comments: “Politicians need to wake up to the fact that rail commuters have votes"

4th January - BBC Radio Five Live

The Transport Select Committee thinks that pricing people off peak time trains is not realistic and that inflation-busting fare rises have to end. Bruce Williamson agrees!

1st & 2nd January - national coverage

As fare rises kick in, Railfuture is mentioned in the Telegraph, Mail, Guardian, Metro, Financial Times, as well as the web sites of BBC, ITV and Sky news. Bruce Williamson is interviewed on BBC Radio 4, Five Live, Radio Bristol and BBC Three Counties.

Click HERE for next page.

Media - For more information please contact:
Bruce Williamson, media spokesman
Tel: 0117 927 2954
Mobile: 07759 557389
Email: media at railfuture.org.uk

Apply to join Railfuture now - click HERE.

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