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The independent campaign for a better bigger railway. on-time trains getting a seat value for money frequent services quicker journeys simple fares clear accurate information. helpful customer service safe clean trains/stations easy bus connections empty car/cycle spaces
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on-time trains getting a seat value for money frequent services quicker journeys simple fares clear accurate information helpful customer service safe clean trains/stations easy bus connections empty car/cycle spaces industry teamwork more freight by rail new stations and lines Railfuture campaigns for:
Learning points • Network Rail Long Term Planning Process • Message for campaigners • collaborate with strategic stakeholders to identify the economic and environmental needs • define the matching benefits to be secured through transport improvements • do not obsess over proposing 'solutions'. • Success through incremental development • Airdrie – Bathgate • Electrified double track main line • Started as single track diesel Bathgate – Edinburgh service • Chiltern Evergreen
The exam question • DfT statement 9th May: • NR to review Lewes–Uckfield reopening • Can reopening Uckfield - Lewes add network capacity and drive economic growth?
Bridge the Gap – Connect East Sussex • Travelling across East Sussex isn’t easy • congested roads between Weald and South Coast towns • Uckfield train to London 25 min longer than Wivelsfield • only two through trains to London from Newhaven • London trains from Eastbourne and Brighton overcrowded • Extend trains from Uckfield to Lewes and Brighton • direct services from Weald to Brighton for jobs • faster more reliable trains from Uckfield to London • direct London to Newhaven trains, helping regeneration • alternative route to London, relieving Brighton Main Line
Bridge the Gap campaign plan • Railfuture is working with consultants JRC to: • Collect evidence of economic and transport needs in Sussex • where do people live, work and meet? • where are the transport gaps? • engage key stakeholders • build public and stakeholder recognition • Create vision of regional economic growth • enabled by better travel links between communities and principal economic centres. • Mobilise active support of stakeholders to: • agree an achievable scope • identify solution options • propose solution which stakeholders can fund
Sussex transport needs - 1 • Economic factors • Brighton is key employment centre • Decline in rural employment • Deprived communities in Newhaven and Hastings • New homes planned • High level of commuting • Fuel prices increasing but incomes static • Limitations • Rail services at capacity • A27 is only dual carriageway across East Sussex • Bus is only public transport from Weald to South Coast • Hastings isolated by long travel times
Sussex transport needs - 2 • Additional capacity and journey options • Improved journey experience • Direct link from Weald to Lewes and Brighton • Additional South Coast to London capacity • New traffic flows, eg Newhaven to London • Closer, more reliable connections • Quicker Hastings to Brighton journeys
Rail capacity constraints • Brighton Line • London terminals • East Croydon junctions • Keymer junction • Balance of Brighton and West Coastway trains • Uckfield Line • Capacity at East Croydon • Hurst Green to East Croydon double track • Hever to Uckfield single track sections • Brighton-facing route no longer available at Lewes • Longer route to Brighton – times uncompetitive • Diesel powered
The exam answer • Evidence-based approach to identify needs • Benefits secured through transport improvements • Regional economic growth -> positive business case • Partnership to energise and inspire stakeholders • Incremental development proposal • affordable • meets identified needs • opened in a foreseeable timescale • delivers benefits agreed with stakeholders • aligns with NR plans • commands support of political and industry stakeholders
Reopen Uckfield–Lewes - phasing illustration • CP5 (2014-19) • Accelerate and lengthen existing services • Increase off-peak frequency • CP6 (2019-24) • New track from Uckfield to Lewes • Connection allowing direct stopping trains to Brighton • Limited stop trains to Newhaven or Eastbourne • Optional electrification • Optional connection to Tunbridge Wells West • When East Croydon constraints resolved • Redouble Hever to Lewes • Electrification • More trains • Cross-London link