Dorset Metro ... mentioned in today's webinar and this from
the Swanage News
Also a rail scheme called the Dorset Metro features high up in the list which would see extra train services from Wareham to Poole and Bournemouth, as well as an hourly shuttle service to Brockenhurst.
Perhaps the most welcome mention for Swanage residents is a regular rail service between Swanage and Wareham which has been on the cards for years but has lacked the backing of long term government investment. It’s now in the document as one of the high priorities.
An extra hourly service across the Bournemouth Poole and Christchurch area - giving a rise from 1 to 2 trains per hour at the lesser stations - would make sense. Brockenhust is actually just outside the BCP (and indeed Western Gateway) ares but makes sense as the eastern destination - for passenger flows, for connections, and operationally. With batteries on the trains, at the western end it is logical for them to start / end at Swanage.
Any proposal to extend main line trains to Swanage on anything but an irregular basis will run into precisely the same issues as those discussed to Minehead. Although from a quick re-check I couldn't see Swanage mentioned as a priority in the document.
Issues will be the Swanage Railway is fully occupied in the peak season with their own trains. Running earlier/later will involve staffing issues. Swanage is a 'Light ' railway subject to a 25mph restriction. Out of the peak season who would use these trains, especially (as with Minehead) there is a very good bus service used free (to senior passengers) or subsidised rate.
As with everything it 'could' be done but a substantial cost both capital and on-going. For taxpayers.
Edit: Fixed quotes - Red Squirrel
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