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
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