More evidence for campaigners - trains links boost the economy

[whole diary]

[grahame]

"Good train links were pivotal in decision to make city our home"

http://www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/business/business-news/good-train-links-were-pivotal-in-decision-to-make-city-our-home-1-6290740

First direct has been based in Leeds for nearly a quarter of a century. And with its parent company^s headquarters in the capital, good transport links are vital.

^I do the Kings Cross journey regularly, certainly fortnightly if not weekly,^ said Tracy Garrad, head of Leeds-based first direct bank.

[snip]


A combination of good rail and road links were a consideration when first direct decided to have its head office in Leeds back in 1989. Today the city provides an impressive skills base.

Mrs Garrad said: ^In addition to the train links, the accents of the people in Yorkshire and in particular Leeds are considered friendly, warm and trustworthy...

Leeds, of course, never lost its train services to London.  But there is a lesson / reminder here of the business traffic needs and just what an effect on an area a decent train service from and to London can have.

Yesterday, Lisa and I flew into Heathrow and, as has been habitual, the journey from there to Chippenham was reasonably easy, but we ended up with a taxi onward to Melksham, not wanting to make for the bus as a disconnected location.  A week later, and I suspect we would have used Heathrow Express - Paddington - Swindon - Melksham.    Trains at 07:45, 09:45, 11:45, 14:00, 16:30, 17:45 (the only one available yesterday) and 19:00

[eightf48544]

Just a thought surely Rail Air bus to Reading then train to Melksham would be quicker and cheaper rather than use the overpriced HEX. Provided no more lamposts fall over on the 329M

Re general point I did many trips to Leeds in Deltic days and a longish day trip to and from Taplow was easily possible by train. One of the reason for choosing Taplow.