The end summer service from Blackpool and Preston to the Settle and Carlisle?

[whole diary]

[grahame]

https://railramblers.wordpress.com/latest-news-from-lancashire-rail-ramblers/

I am writing firstly to inform you that Northern have decided to permanently withdraw the DalesRail service to save money at the behest of the Department of Transport and secondly to implore you to write a personal letter of objection/complaint regarding this decision. We are not taking the decision lying down and already a joint letter from LRR, Friends of the Settle-Carlisle Line, The Settle-Carlisle Development Company, Travel Watch NW and Ribble Valley Rail has been sent to Northern, Transport for the North, relevant MP^▸ (Member of Parliament)’s, the Ramblers and other relevant groups asking them for support.

We need to bombard the people who made the decision with an avalanche of complaints so that they realise the strength of feeling. Therefore members of the Rail Rambler Committee and I implore you to write a personal letter with, I suggest using some of the following information and pertinent points ...

Please follow the link to read more about this popular service that has been running for 30 years

[rogerw]

My first thought is "Have they gone through the necessary statutory procedures?"

[ChrisB]

What would they be for the removal of one train out & back?

[rogerw]

It is the total withdrawal of passenger services on the line. Surely in that case closure procedures have to be followed irrespective of the number of trains per day

[ChrisB]

Which part of the line is having all services withdrawn?

[Mark A]

Clitheroe - Hellifield.

Mark

[ChrisB]

A bus ran this morning, so I guess that's what'll replace that part of the service

[Oxonhutch]

The bus ran all the way from Blackpool North to Hellifield. That will make it very unattractive as it is a very roundabout route by road. Journey nearly took 3 hours!

[ChrisB]

There are other services covering most of the route - and a direct bus into the Dales could be run more directly from a railhead that via all stations. So a bus just covering the Clitheroe-Hellifield section would remove any statutory requirement, and a more direct DalesRail bus service could also run for those wanting to visit the Dales? This is what happens on the East side of the Dales already

[Oxonhutch]

True there are other services by rail. Three separate trains Blackpool North - change Preston - change Blackburn - to Clitheroe. There is then one more change - to a bus. Or three hours by bus.

This is closure/withdrawal in all but name.

It used to be one train that took one directly into the heart of the Yorkshire Dales - not even that last change now required - at Hellifield.

And Northern now invite you to go through all of that on the way home too!

[ChrisB]

And how long is the Blackpool North - say, Appleby train ride currently? Pretty close to your suggested bus time.....

[Oxonhutch]

So that we are comparing apples and apples, let us stick to Hellifield timings. A stopping train can make the journey in 1h38m as compared to the bus time of 2h47m. So an hour and nine minutes extra, plus a change of mode at Hellifield itself.  The train journey from there to Appleby will obviously be the same with either alternative and takes 65 minutes by most services.  Knowing the area well, I would be looking to leave the service somewhat earlier between Horton-in-Ribbledale and Garsdale inclusive for my favourite walks and scenery.