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East Anglia Branch News - Snippets Issue 379 - 31/10/2024

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News from the East Anglian Branch of Railfuture, edited by Martin Thorne and Jerry Alderson.

Railfuture News Snippets 379 - 31/10/2024



In late October 2024, the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority (CPCA) published the long-awaited reports from Network Rail setting out the business case for a railway shuttle service from Wisbech to March. The reports will be discussed at the next meeting of the CPCA Transport and Infrastructure Committee on Monday 4th November 2024. Railfuture East Anglia gained a lot of publicity (see Wisbech Standard and Fenland Citizen) calling for "building the railway back to Wisbech, initially as a temporary shuttle service, but with a definite future plan, when the capacity at Ely is enhanced, of train service of at least once an hour direct to Cambridge and eventually, to Peterborough, matching the strong business case from 2020."

The latest Office statistics from the Rail and Road (ORR) show that total rail passenger revenue, adjusted for inflation, was 8% up (£215 million) in April-June (Q1) 2024, compared with the same period last in 2023, reaching a record post-pandemic high for both revenue and total journeys. The ORR says that business travel saw the most substantial year-on-year increase, up 21% (£l41 million). Such a sizeable increase could reflect a modal shift to rail and a rising number of companies and individuals choosing to use the train over other transport methods to get to business events or meetings.

On 3rd October 2024, it was announced that Martin Beable is to become Greater Anglia's new Managing Director on Monday 7th October 2024, replacing Jamie Burles wo had been MD since 2021 and is moving to Network Rail Eastern Region. Martin hadpreviously spent nearly five years as GA's Engineering Director, where he helped to oversee the full fleet replacement programme, followed by a brief stint at Transport UK (GA's parent) New Trains and Fleet Director since October 2023. It is unclear why GA did not go public with this sooner, as Railfuture and some rail user groups had known about Martin Beable for almost a month and Jamie's intented departure was announced in [Snippets 376] (July 2024).

Also on 3rd October 2024, the Department for Transport (DfT) announced that Laura Shoaf CBE had been appointed as chair of the Shadow Great British Railways, which will reuqire an Act of Parliament before it can exercise its full powers to become a 'directing mind. The official announcement failed to point out that Ms Shoaf's role would not roll over to GBR, and so another person would need to be found to replace her. She is currently the Chief Executive of the West Midlands Combined Authority.

On 29th October 2024, the ten 'ordinary' members of the House of Commons Transport Select Committee were appointed. The chair, Ruth Cadbury MP, had been chosen in September (see [Snippets 378]). The choice is madse on political lines and has no bearing to geographical representation (unless an individual party's internal process works that way).

In the Budget on Wednesday 30th October 2024, the Chancellor, Rachel Reeves, confirmed that HS2 trains will run to Euston station, with the funding granted to construct the tunnels from Old Oak Common. East West Rail (EWR) services will run to Milton Keynes from 2025 (a test test train recently) and the Channcellor confirmed the government's intention for through services to Bedford to commence in 2030, and then to Cambridge (no date given). The budget had no mention of Ely or Haughley upgrades (the Spendgn Review is in spreing 2025), or indeed GBR. Budget documents from the Treasury confirmed that rail fares in England would rise on 2nd March 2025 by 4.6% (RPI of 3.6% from July 2024 plus 1 pp), and that subject to an industry proposal, the government will also agree a £5 increase to the price of most rail cards (except the disabled person's rail card) — the cost of railcards have not increased for more than 10 years. The £2 cap on bus fares in England, which was only funded to 31st Decmeber 2024, would then be raised to £3. There was another freeze in fuel duty and the existing 5p cut would be maintained for another 12 months.

On 15th September 2024, Greater Anglia started selling its new 'Ranger' for the Manningtree and Ipswich to Harwich 'Mayflower Line' and the Colchester to Clacton-on-Sea / Walton-on-the-Naze 'Sunshine Coast Line'. These were introduced in conjunction with the Essex & South Suffolk Community Rail Partnership (ESSCRP). Like all such Day Rangers, these tickets tickets offer unlimited off-peak travel along the line for one day, with the option to hop on and off at will. The Mayflower Line Ranger costs £11 for an adult, £5.50 for a child and £22 for a family ticket. The Sunshine Coast Line Ranger costs £12.50, £6.25 and £25 respectively. Railcards can be used to get 33.4% off. Disappointingly, like the popular Anglia Plus day ranger, they can only be bought at a ticket office or on board the train — not at a TVM or online. See press release. This was quickly followed up by some special short-term return fares within Essex in conjunction with the Essex & South Suffolk Commnity Rail partnership (see: press release).

On Thursday 17th October 2024, Greater Anglia announced the formation (finally, after years of promises) of a new Community Rail Partnership for the Ipswich to Cambridge rail route - see press release. As with all CRPs, its aim is to help develop and promote rail services along this key regional rail corridor, helping to align the evolution of services in line with local needs.

The next national rail timetable change is for journeys from Sunday 15th December 2024. GTR's changes are focused on its Great Northern services, with additional peak time capacity on the East Coast Main Line. Three additional peak services will run from Letchworth Garden City to London King's Cross in th emorning, calling at Hitchin, Knebworth and Welwyn North only, and in the reverse direciton in the afternoon. There will be one additional peak Great Northern service from Peterborough and London King's Cross in the morning and in the reverse direction in the afternoon.

Suffolk County Council has published the second draft of its Local Transport Plan. Railfuture will be formally responding to it. To read it, click [here].

According to a BBC news story, it would cost more than half a billion pounds to upgrade Ely North in Cambridgeshire and the Haughley junction near Stowmarket (this figure has been known for several years), but campaigners say doing so would allow 2,900 extra freight services to operate to and from Felixstowe Port every year and make space for an extra 277,000 passenger journeys from Norfolk, Suffolk and Cambridgeshire.

On Monday 14th October 2024, the government confirmed a £1.1bn investment plan to expand London Stansted Airport, which saw 29.3 million passengers in the year to September 2024. Work on the five-year programme is due to commence in 2025, with the centrepiece being a £600m extension of the terminal. The airport's owner's, Manchester Airports Group (MAG), aims to cater for 43 million passengers a year once work is complete. There are no plans to improve the airport's railway station or the rail services. Railfuture has been calling an eastern rail link to join up with the Great Eastern Mainline.

King's Lynn station was shortlisted in the World Cup of Stations competition for 2024, which is organised by the Rail Delivery Group (RDG). This competition highlights local businesses noting "Small businesses are the heart and soul of train stations, playing a vital role in serving their communities while creating job opportunities for local residents." King's Lynn was chosen because of its excellent independent "Country Line Buffet", run for the last 37 years by local businessman Alan Gajdzik and well known for providing excellent coffee and bacon rolls at very reasonable prices. Voting for the first round took place for one day only, on Monday 14th October 2024 between 08:00 and midnight. The Country Line Buffet made it through this first round, which was for all stations in East Anglia (one of 12 regional group contests held over thre days), and the semi-final on 17th October. King's Lynn, Dorridge and Maghuk took part in the final the following day. The winner was announced on 22nd October — King's Lynn came second, beaten by Maghull Station in Merseyside. Robert Stripe, President (and former chairman) of the Fen Line Users Association (FLUA) said that "the Country Line serves the best cup of tea on the Fen Line (made in true railway style) and is the cheapest."

The upper deck of Colchester North station car park, which has been closed since July 2024 after engineers expressed safety concerns, is being demolished during November and December 2024. The rest of the car park can be used and Grewater Anglia says that it has no concerns about a lack of capacity. See news story.

A nine-minute YouTube video by Geoff Marshall during a site visit in early October 2024 of the constructon of Beaulieu Park station near Chelmsford can be viewed at https://youtu.be/tgjO9J4r_5E.

North Norfolk District Council has approved plans submitted by the North Norfolk Railway (NNR) to build a facsimile building on platform two of Sheringham Station. The NNR proposes replicating the original building, which is similar to surviving buildings on platform one opposite, which will help to restore the station to its original look. It intends to install nostalgic features from steam days, such as traditional fireplaces that will contain coal fires during the winter. The previous platform building was demolished in the 1960s. The NNR's application says that the "building will benefit the historic railway environment created by blocking out activity on the car park assisting the illusion of a step back in time to the age of steam." It would be used to hold events such as the beer festival and educational events and would also double as a shop and buffet space. It would also have toilets. The NNR had submitted previous plans that were approved but had expired before it had a chance to commence works because of a lack of funds. See news story.

The Whitwell & Reepham Railway has confirmed dates for its Santa trains. They will operate be on 14th, 15th, 21st and 22nd December 2024 with departures at 16:30 and 17:30. Children will meet Santa in his grotto, with the chance to tell him their Christmas wishes and take home a personalised present. They say that it is booking up fast! As usual, the railway will be open on Christmas Day and serviing a lavish lunch. This also needs to be booked up. The railway will also hold its annual Christmas Craft Fair on Sunday 24th November 2024 from 10:00-16:00.

In October 2024 it was reported that Lowestoft station's 121-year-old canopy, which is outside the front entrance and leaked when it rained, has been restored following a three-month refurbishment programme. According to a new reportr in the Lowest Journal (click here), the canopy had originally been installed in 1903 when the booking hall was extended, and it contained elements of the original 1855 entrance canopy.

In August 2024 (as reported in [Snippets 377]) a Network Rail test train ran between Bicester and Bletchley. On 21st October 2024, a Chiltern Railways class 168 test train ran along the full route, starting at Oxford, calling at Winslow station and finishing at Milton Keynes Central station. It took 42 minutes with the train reaching 100mph on several sections of line. This good news was promoted in a Network Rail press release and also picked up by the media including BBC news. It was perfectly timed to precede the start of the East West Rail public consultation.

In a BBC news article on 20th October 2024, Greater Anglia's Jonathan Denby talked about how rail services in East Anglia had improved in the last 30 years, in contrast to the notorious most-severe option included in the Serpell Report, published in 1983. He cited the Great Eastern electrification, reinstating the direct Cambridge-Norwich service and much improved frequency on the Sheringham line, especially on Sundays.

On 16th October 2024 there was a meeting of the Joint Assembly (JA) of the Greater Cambridge Partnership (GCP). On 21st October the Cambridge News reported "concerns" that "new Waterbeach Railway Station won't have toilets or basic facilities" despite the relocation project having been estimated to now cost £43 milli (up from an estimated £37 million in February 2024), with the GCP agreeing to pay £20 million and the developer due to fund £17 million. The JA meeting heard revised costs and that Homes England has agreed to provide a grant of up to £23.35 million for the project, including the cost of constructing the haul road to the new station. This money will need to be repaid by the developers of Waterbeach New Town. Councillor Anna Bradnam, ward councillor for the area, said people want to see some of the "normal things you expect as a normal minimum" at a station, such as ways to buy a ticket, toilets, a waiting room, and potentially a shop. Councillor Paul Bearpark said: "We need those facilities to encourage people to use the station rather than getting in cars. I do not think having a station replicating the existing station is good enough. Toilets are an extremely basic facility that needs to be there." Councillors on Cambridgeshire County Council's Strategy, Resources and Performance Committee approved the funding arrangements at a meeting on Thursday 31st October 2024. The GCP Board meeting will be held on 7th November 2024, when they are expected to approve the plan and agree the budget.

Greater Anglia was delighted to recognise the best achievements of the last 12 months from amongst its 330-strong team of volunteer station adopters at its Station Adoption Awards event, held on Friday 18 October 2024 at Ipswich Town Football Club.

Greater Anglia (GA) has been accused by the Dedham Vale Society of extending Manningtree railway station car park without planning permission. GA said thsat iut had 'pemritted devleopemtn' rights and the Secretary of State has said that the car park extension at Manningtree does not require an Environmental Impact Assessment. The society has been given leave to challenge the decision in the Royal Court of Justice on 4th February 2005. See news story.

The PENRUG newsletter published in October 2024, reminded readers that "3rd October 2024 marked the 60th anniversary of the withdrawal of passenger trains from Norwich and Wymondham to Fakenham and Wells-next-the Sea. Part of the route is now operated by the Mid-Norfolk Railway as a heritage line while the Wells and Walsingham Light Railway runs a narrow-gauge operation over the northern end of the original track bed."

GTR has informed passengers that Great Northern and Thameslink services will be affected between Potters Bar, St Neots and Royston and between Hertford North and Stevenage on Saturday 30th November and Sunday 1st December 2024 for testing of the new ETCS in-train signalling system, as part of the East Coast Digital Programme.

On Wednesday 6th November 2024, the Cambridge Young Greens will be hosting a debate on East West Rail from 18:00 at Emmanuel College, Cambridge.

The Cambridge University Railway Club (CURC) has announced some more events. On Tuesday 12th November at 18:00, their guest speaker will be Dave Carson, an Area Liaison Officer at the Tramway and Light Railway Society. He will be giving a presentation on the Hong Kong Tramways in Queens' College, in the Angevin Room. On Tuesday 19th November, Chris Fowler, Network Operations Director of Govia Thameslink Railway (GTR) will be the guest speaker — same venue details. Please aim to arrive for 17.45.


STATIONS
Cambridge South station trackwork set to be joined up over Christmas 2024 shutdown

Keywords: [CambridgeSouthStation]

It's been no secret, now Network Rail has publicly announced that from Christmas Day 2024, major engineering work will take place on the railway in the Cambridge area for up to 12 days. This is to support the continuing construction of Cambridge South station. The most significant change will be the connection of the two lines between the platforms on the eastern side to the track north and south of the station. Realignment of the track at Shepreth branch junction (overhead line electrification and replacement of the points) will also take place. Engineers will also deliver the first stage of the signalling renewal programme of the Cambridge area, with a new digital workstation at the Cambridge power signal box (PSB) replacing part of the 40-year-old signalling panel, helping signallers to operate the system more efficiently for Cambridge North and Ely.

During the long possession, switches with be renewed at Foxton siding.

As reported in [Snippets 378], Cambridge South station is now not expected to open until late 2005. Railfuture has asked Network Rail "When is the opening date for Cambridge South Station? Does the new East Coast Mainline timetable need to be implemented for trains to call there Are the new East Coast Mainline timetable and the opening of Cambridge South Station planned for the start of the new timetable in December 2025." Network Rail did not answer any of those questions, simply stating: "Construction of the station building is going well and we're working towards an opening date of the end of 2025. There are a number of critical industry milestones for us to achieve to enable this. We don't yet have a precise date for when it will open, but are working closely with our industry partners to open it as soon as possible." The timetable for December 2024 included stops at Cambridge south — when the timetable was drawn up, an opening date in May/June 2025 was anticipated. According to the Network Rail calendar the deadline for agreeing the December 2025 timetable, which would include implementing the new East Coast Mainline timetable, is 7th March 2025. December 2025 is the earliest possible date for the new East Coast Mainline timetable and other timetable changes as it is too late for the 'D40' dates for December 2024 and May 2025.


RAIL ROUTES
East West Rail reveals details of public consultation and electrification proposals

Keywords: [EastWestRail]

On Thursday 31st October 2024 (the day after the budget in which the Chancellor confirmed government support for East West rail linking Oxford, Milton Keynes, Bedford and Cambridge), the East West Railway Company (EWR Co) announced the dates of 10-week non-statutory public consultation, which will show its latest designs and plans for the project. The consultation, which was delayed from summer 2024 becuaswe of the General Election, will run from 14th November 2024 to 24th January 2025 at vairous locations along the route. This period includes an extra two weeks because of the Christmas and New Year holidays. The venues are:

  • Great Shelford, Shelford Rugby Club, 22nd November 2024, 14:00-19:00
  • Bedford, The Grand Hall, 30th November 2024, 12:00-17:00
  • Cambourne, Cambridge Belfry, 3rd December 2024, 14:00-19:00
  • Tempsford, Stuart Memorial Hall, 13th December 2024, 14:00-19:00
  • Bedford, Bedford Swan Hotel and Thermal Spa, 9th December 2024, 14:00-19:00
  • St Neots, St Neots Town Football Club, 7th January 2025, 14:00-19:00
  • Comberton, Comberton Village Hall, 10th January 2025, 14:00-19:00
  • Cambridge, The Clayton Hotel, 18th January 2025, 12:00-17:00
  • Cherry Hinton, St Andrews, 21st January 2025, 14:00-19:00

There are also events in Oxford Town Hall, John Paul II Centre in Bicester, Steeple Claydon Village Hall, Lidlington Village Hall, Wilden Village Hall, Bletchley Masonic Centre and The Summerlin Centre in Woburn Sands. For those unable to attend in person, all consultation materials will be available online, with multiple ways to provide feedback.

EWR Co has confirmed its preference for green traction power in the form of discontinuous electrification with battery-electric bi-mode trains. Discontinuous electrification would mean installing overhead power lines along some sections of the route to ensure that there is no risk of the batteries becoming flat if the train is stationary for an extended period of time. The company claims that limiting OLE to certain stretches would significantly reduce disruption during construction (fewer current structures would requiring altering and less for foundations an dpower supply boxes) and potentially decrease visual impacts in more sensitive locations. Of course, as usual, the Treasury is the driver for this option as it would cost less than full electrification. Of course, discontinuous electrification is not muchb use for freigjht trains — something that seems to have been forgotten.

The proposals include station relocation on the Bletchley-Bedford section and level crossing closures.

See EWR website: https://eastwestrail.co.uk/plans-for-powering-trains-and-details-of-our-upcoming-consultation.

Details of the consultation can be read at https://eastwestrail.co.uk/consultation2024.


Railfuture East Anglia Branch News Snippets 379 - 31/10/2024

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Railfuture is a non-profit making pro-rail campaiging organsaiton, which is run entirely by unpaid volunteeers, incluoding production of Rail News Snippets for the East Anglian branch of Railfuture.

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