Select Committee on Transport Written Evidence


Memorandum by Crewe & Shrewsbury Passenger Association (RR 10)

MEETING OF THE TRANSPORT COMMITTEE AT SHREWSBURY ON 21 APRIL 2004

  The following points are to be considered as a submission to the Transport Committee.

  Members of the Association are concerned that only lip service is being paid to Rural Railways. It is true that some improvements to rural services have been made but these are considered as a cosmetic exercise.

  The new Standard Pattern Timetable proposed by Arriva Trains Wales for December 2005 will not cater for local traffic on the Crewe-Shrewsbury line. The proposed timings will not allow commuter journeys to be made. There are some good points in the proposed timetable.

  The Association has made representation to Arriva Trains Wales and the Strategic Rail Authority suggesting improvements to the proposed service. Arriva Trains Wales are currently looking at our suggestions, these involve stopping some express trains to plug some of the gaps in service.

  Residents in South Shropshire will have a far better service and greater journey opportunities than North Shropshire/South Cheshire residents. Both North and South Shropshire will lose the one remaining through service to London from May 2004.

  The Re-Franchising process should be about service improvements, if the proposed timetable is implemented then the Crewe-Shrewsbury local services will see a reduction in services.

  This will have the effect of reducing passenger numbers. We remain hopeful that Arriva Trains Wales will review their proposals.

  I note that the Committee intend to travel to Chester, may I suggest that they return from Chester using the Chester-Crewe service and the Crewe-Shrewsbury local service, this service will give an excellent example of a rural railway.

  The Crewe-Shrewsbury local service although on a 90 mph route actually meets the criteria for a Community Service.

  Thanking you for the interest shown in the Crewe-Shrewsbury line and the Association.

John R Cresswell

Chairman

15 April 2004





 
previous page contents next page

House of Commons home page Parliament home page House of Lords home page search page enquiries index

© Parliamentary copyright 2005
Prepared 21 April 2005