Stroud - station, facilities, improvements, events and incidents - merged posts

[whole diary]

[John R]

If it's one or the other then I think the Cotswold Line should get it, as the single line sections are clearly having a very adverse impact on services in the way that I haven't heard they do on the Kemble Line.

But of course, it shouldn't have to be "one or the other".

[Lee]

But of course, it shouldn't have to be "one or the other".

I agree, John.

Both schemes would (if implemented in an appropriate manner) improve reliability and diversionary potential. However, it is worth pointing out some key differences between the two (as well as those already mentioned) :

- There is more emphasis on potential new passenger services in the Cotswolds scheme than there is in the Stroud Valley scheme.

- The Stroud Valley line is more suitable (currently at least) for extra freight trains than the Cotswolds line is (W8 guage versus W6 guage.)

I also note that Network Rail have revised their tonnage growth forecasts downwards for both lines. These were classed as "High" but are now classed as "Low."

Does this indicate that Network Rail were keen on implementing both schemes, but are no longer quite so enthusiastic?

On the other hand, Andrew Haines did recently express optimism regarding the prospects for Cotswold line enhancements.

[smokey]

But of course, it shouldn't have to be "one or the other".

I agree, John.

Both schemes would (if implemented in an appropriate manner) improve reliability and diversionary potential. However, it is worth pointing out some key differences between the two (as well as those already mentioned) :

- There is more emphasis on potential new passenger services in the Cotswolds scheme than there is in the Stroud Valley scheme.

- The Stroud Valley line is more suitable (currently at least) for extra freight trains than the Cotswolds line is (W8 guage versus W6 guage.)

I also note that Network Rail have revised their tonnage growth forecasts downwards for both lines. These were classed as "High" but are now classed as "Low."

Does this indicate that Network Rail were keen on implementing both schemes, but are no longer quite so enthusiastic?

On the other hand, Andrew Haines did recently express optimism regarding the prospects for Cotswold line enhancements.

Something to bear in mind, The Board of Trade (yes the Government) considered when railways opened (in the 18xx's) that SINGLE LINES WERE UNFINSHED RAILWAYS and double track would be installed later.
Branch lines worked by OEIS^▸ (One Engine In Steam) and carrying a train staff were the exception to this rule.

For the record

OEIS: One Engine In Steam

Train Staff: A tablet given to driver of all trains working that line. NO TABLET=NO AUTHORITY TO ENTER SINGLE LINE.

[Lee]

Gloucestershire Echo article link.
http://www.thisisgloucestershire.co.uk/displayNode.jsp?nodeId=231771&command=displayContent&sourceNode=231774&contentPK=20122113&folderPk=108867&pNodeId=231888

[Lee]

From the FGW^▸ (First Great Western) website :

21:14 Swindon to Gloucester due 22:06
This train has been cancelled.This is due to a member of train crew being unavailable.

Replacement road transport will be in operation for this service.

[Lee]

From the FGW^▸ (First Great Western) website :

10:15 Gloucester to Swindon due 11:05
This train will run short formed with 1 carriages.This is due to an earlier train fault.

11:15 Swindon to Gloucester due 12:09
This train has run short formed with 1 carriages.This is due to an earlier train fault.

[Lee]

Stroud's mayor John Marjoram has called the meeting at the Town Hall, The Shambles at 7.30pm on Tuesday, April 15, which will be attended by a representative of First Great Western (link below.)
http://www.thisisgloucestershire.co.uk/displayNode.jsp?nodeId=231771&command=displayContent&sourceNode=231774&contentPK=20347543&folderPk=108867&pNodeId=231888

Stroud's MP^▸ (Member of Parliament) David Drew will also be at the meeting.

[Lee]

Andrew Griffiths will be in the hot seat when the mayor of Stroud hosts a public meeting on Tuesday night (link below.)
http://thisisgloucestershire.co.uk/displayNode.jsp?nodeId=231771&command=displayContent&sourceNode=231754&home=yes&more_nodeId1=231776&contentPK=20381802

[Lee]

Reports on the meeting can be found in the links below.
http://www.thisisgloucestershire.co.uk/displayNode.jsp?nodeId=231771&command=displayContent&sourceNode=258183&contentPK=20417814&folderPk=117465&pNodeId=258254

http://www.thisisgloucestershire.co.uk/displayNode.jsp?nodeId=231771&command=displayContent&sourceNode=231774&contentPK=20454858&folderPk=108867&pNodeId=231888

http://www.thisisgloucestershire.co.uk/displayNode.jsp?nodeId=231771&command=displayContent&sourceNode=231774&contentPK=20454864&folderPk=108867&pNodeId=231888

Related link.
http://www.thisisgloucestershire.co.uk/displayNode.jsp?nodeId=231771&command=displayContent&sourceNode=231754&home=yes&more_nodeId1=231776&contentPK=20421766

[Lee]

Stroud's MP^▸ (Member of Parliament) David Drew is calling on the Government to make the upgrading of the line from Kemble to Swindon a priority. He says the nine-mile stretch needs to become a double-track line to boost the frequency of trains between Gloucestershire and London (link below.)
http://www.thisisgloucestershire.co.uk/displayNode.jsp?nodeId=231771&command=displayContent&sourceNode=231774&contentPK=20504234&folderPk=108867&pNodeId=231888

Now he is poised to ask a Parliamentary Question asking the Government to make the upgrade a priority. "I have been lobbying this for 10 years," he said.

He is concerned that upgrading the North Cotswold Line to double track could be made a priority before the Kemble-Swindon stretch.

He is calling on the ORR^» (Office of Rail and Road formerly Office of Rail Regulation - about) to back his campaign and has submitted a parliamentary question asking why the North Cotswold line could be due for an earlier upgrade.

"The North Cotswolds line is longer line to be redoubled and is less well used than the Kemble-Swindon stretch,"

A spokesman for Network Rail said it was keen to upgrade the line, and would seek additional funding.

[Btline]

Stroud's MP^▸ (Member of Parliament) David Drew is calling on the Government to make the upgrading of the line from Kemble to Swindon a priority. He says the nine-mile stretch needs to become a double-track line to boost the frequency of trains between Gloucestershire and London (link below.)
http://www.thisisgloucestershire.co.uk/displayNode.jsp?nodeId=231771&command=displayContent&sourceNode=231774&contentPK=20504234&folderPk=108867&pNodeId=231888

Now he is poised to ask a Parliamentary Question asking the Government to make the upgrade a priority. "I have been lobbying this for 10 years," he said.

He is concerned that upgrading the North Cotswold Line to double track could be made a priority before the Kemble-Swindon stretch.

He is calling on the ORR^» (Office of Rail and Road formerly Office of Rail Regulation - about) to back his campaign and has submitted a parliamentary question asking why the North Cotswold line could be due for an earlier upgrade.

"The North Cotswolds line is longer line to be redoubled and is less well used than the Kemble-Swindon stretch,"

A spokesman for Network Rail said it was keen to upgrade the line, and would seek additional funding.

The Cotswold Line should be redoubled first as it causes more problems.

As for: " the Cotswold line is not used much." This is true only because of the unreliability and poor frequency of trains.

Finally - does nobody see the potential for a more frequent service from Evesham to Worcester. All the emphasis on the line is for InterCity trains to London. There could be a boost if a better service was put on for Worcester/ Birmingham (via Worcester) commuters/day trippers.

New stations could also be opened to form a "Worcester Metro" : Stratford, Long Marston, Honeybourne, Evesham, Fladbury, Pershore, Norton, Shrub Hill, Foregate Street, Henwick, Rushwick, Bransford, Malvern Link and Great Malvern .... springs to mind!

As I said, the only viable rail commuting to Worcester, is from Malvern, Bromsgrove, Droitwich Stourbrdige and Kidderminster. I.e. NOTHING to the east!

The lines are there (well, one of them is) - lets get commuters of the A44!

[Lee]

Some Parliamentary Written Answers for you :

Mr. Drew: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if she will publish the Network Rail evaluation of proposals to re-double the Kemble to Swindon line, including any cost predictions. [201573]

Mr. Tom Harris: The Office of Rail Regulation is currently evaluating proposals published by Network Rail this month for enhancing both the North Cotswold and the Stroud Valley lines and expects to publish its preliminary determination in June 2008.

Mr. Drew: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport which (a) hon. Members and (b) local authorities have made representations to (i) her and (ii) Network Rail on the re-doubling of (A) the Kemble to Swindon line and (B) the North Cotswold line. [201574]

Mr. Tom Harris: The following hon. Members have made written representations to the Department in the last three years:

Swindon^Kemble line

Geoffrey Clinton-Brown MP^▸ (Member of Parliament)

David Drew MP

Mark Harper MP

Sir Malcolm Rifkind MP

Laurence Robertson MP

North Cotswold line

David Cameron MP

Geoffrey Clinton-Brown MP

David Drew MP

Michael Foster MP

Peter Luff MP

John Maples MP

We have received no written representations from local authorities about either line during this period.

Mr. Drew: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what criteria were used to (a) accept the North Cotswolds line and (b) reject the Stroud Valleys line for future re-doubling. [201430]

Mr. Tom Harris: The Government are supportive of rail growth to meet the needs of our growing economy and we have specified and funded the high level improvements in capacity, safety and reliability required by 2014. It is for the rail industry to determine the enhancement schemes required to deliver this specification, subject to independent evaluation by the Office of Rail Regulation (ORR^» (Office of Rail and Road formerly Office of Rail Regulation - about)).

The ORR is currently evaluating proposals published by Network Rail this month for enhancing both the North Cotswold and the Stroud Valley lines and expects to publish its preliminary determination in June 2008.

[eightf48544]

Agree that both lines should be redoubled. However the one thing that may put the Stroud Line back in the queue is that trains for Kemble can leave Swindon station and wait round the corner for the train from Kemble. Whereas Cotswold bound trains block the main line at Wolvercote wating for trains off the single line or delay Up trains at Ascott.

My view is that good start would be to add a 4 miles of double track from Wolvercote to Hanborough (exclusive) to get Cotswold trains off the mainline and shorten the single line section,  without having to rebuild any stations. Coupled with the upgrades of S&C^▸ (Settle and Carlisle ) proposed by industry insider this would be a good start.

[John R]

That's not proposed, because of the impact of signalling in the Oxford area. The proposal is to dual a large part of the central section, leaving the two sections on either end of the line single for the moment.

I don't think most of us would argue with that if and when it's approved. 

[eightf48544]

What's happened to all the signal engineers.

It shouldn't be that difficult to put in a small SSSI at Wolvercote multiplexed to the Oxford panel. When Oxford is upgraded it can interface with the new equipment.

Even if you put more double track in the middle you've still got the problem of holding a down train on the mainline or an up train at Ascott waiting for the single line to clear.

One of the first rules of railway work don't stop a train on the mainline waiting a path. Get it into a loop or onto the branch.