Transport Forum News

Xmas at Lincoln

2011-12-06T18:40:00.001Z

You may have seen on your television how successful the four day Lincoln Xmas Market was with an increased attendance this year.

Unfortunately you would not have been available to visit it by train as the market opened its doors just when the last train was leaving.

It is the case that because of the unavailability of decent transport to and from Lincoln we are losing out big time both economically and financially because it works both ways.

The proposed Rail Hub at Deeping St Nicolas was also in the news with the majority of your councillors voting to proceed with the project when viable. There is also speculation that if it does go ahead we are in for another bypass from Little London to the school in DSN and the main road may be eventually closed at the Littleworth crossing.

The next year we will be campaigning for better connections to Lincoln and later ones to and from Peterborough and also raising the profile of the reopening of Littleworth Halt.

If you care to support us please let us know.

Bus conductors

2011-11-23T21:58:00.000Z

Anyone who watched 'That's Britain' on BBC would have been interested in the result of the poll taken on whether we should have the 'return' of the bus conductor on our buses if we were willing to pay 25% extra on our fares.

The majority were in favour of this.

We would like to gauge your opinion whether you agree with this.

Improvements starts at Peterborough Railway Station

2011-11-06T15:01:00.000Z

The £2.5m improvement scheme has now started at Peterborough.

Work will be carried out in three phases. Phase 1. involving improvements to Platforms 4 &5 will be completed in November.

The other two phases should be completed by early summer 2012.

Other improvements include automatic ticket gates,a new waiting room and refurbished toilets as well as a new frontage and increased size of the concourse.

Join us today

2011-10-21T15:26:00.000+01:00

How seriously do you take your efforts to get to your journeys end?

Do you really take it for granted that your train or bus will get you there?

Where do you get the right information?

Do you like the services you are getting, until they go wrong?

We are your Local Voice on transport issues.

What's 'your' excuse for not joining us?

Directly Operated Railways Limited (DOR), East Coast Trains

2011-10-20T15:20:00.000+01:00

Directly Operated Railways Limited (DOR), today announced that the Chairman, Elaine Holt, would be leaving the Company at the end of December, 2011. The announcement coincides with the planned completion of Elaine Holt's contract.

DOR is the Company established by the Secretary of State for Transport in July 2009. It fulfils the Secretary of State's requirements to secure the continued provision of passenger railway services should an existing franchise not be able to complete its full term. This was the case with National Express East Coast which had operated the East Coast franchise since December 2007. Its contract was subsequently terminated by the Secretary of State on 13 November 2009.

Elaine Holt was appointed Chairman of DOR by the Secretary of State in July 2009 and has held the position since that time. Coincident with the creation of a new operator on the line, which took over the rail franchise on 13 November 2009, Elaine Holt was also appointed Chairman of East Coast Main Line Company Limited.

The DfT has sought to extend Elaine Holt's contract, although the two parties were unable to agree terms.

Commenting on today's announcement, Elaine Holt said:

"I shall be sorry to leave both DOR and East Coast. We've achieved a huge amount in the last two years and we're just starting to see the benefits of the Company turnaround. The Company still has a number of challenges to overcome – but I'm absolutely convinced we made the right choices and have established a strong new foundation for our successes to be sustainable. The franchise extension until the end of 2013 will see this task largely completed – with a business in much better shape than when we started.

"I couldn't have achieved this level of progress without the very strong support from the DOR Board, Karen Boswell (East Coast's Managing Director) and the rest of the team at East Coast.

"I'm genuinely regretful of the fact that I won't now be around to 'finish the job'."

Elaine Holt is credited with driving and shaping the turnaround at East Coast. The introduction of a major new timetable and the launch of a new complimentary catering offer in First Class in May 2011, have both been strategically significant and delivered positive results.

Passenger numbers have increased by 3 per cent in the last year (2010/11), and last month DOR posted an operating profit of £183 million on turnover of more than £645 million for the year ending 31 March 2011.

It has subsequently returned £177 million this year in service payments to the public purse – and East Coast is now one of the best financial performers in the rail industry.

Following Elaine's departure, Michael Holden will become Chairman of East Coast, and Doug Sutherland will become Non-Executive Chairman of Directly Operated Railways. Michael and Doug will undertake these roles on an interim basis until discussions with the Department for Transport on filling the positions permanently are concluded.

Overcrowding

2011-09-19T14:08:00.000+01:00

One of our pressing issues that we need resolving is that of the overcrowding on trains. There is legislation for overcrowding on Buses, in cars and other forms of transport. These are mainly for safety reasons so why not on trains. Do we need to wait for a serious accident before this issue is taken on board?

One of the reasons for getting overcrowding on trains is the lack of rolling stock available to take these extra passengers.The other is the lack of finance to provide the extra rolling stock even though year on year we are told that increased fares means increased capacity and investment.

It appears that the investment is used to enhance the most profitable parts of the companies network and rural lines are often let down.

We are putting our views to the Select Committee in the House of Commons and others, so we would like your views and experiences.

Next Meeting

2011-09-18T12:21:00.001+01:00

Our next meeting will be on the 29th September at 7.30pm Council Offices.

You may not be aware of a Government report suggesting that over 700 railway ticket offices could CLOSE including ones at Spalding,Boston and others.

It would then create a problem for those people that require information and help purchasing tickets as well as assistance.

We would like as many people as possible to come to the meeting to raise the level of this issue.

If not like so many others it might go ahead and will be too late for anything to be done about it if it is ignored .

New Newsletter from East Coast

2011-07-15T08:56:00.001+01:00

East Coast have produced a Newsletter for the Peterborough & Stevenage areas.

Anyone wishing a copy please contact the Forum.

New at Spalding Station

2011-06-25T11:56:00.001+01:00

The new departure/arrival screens are now in operation at the station.

There is one on each platform and one in the booking office.

One interesting fact about them is they have also voice announcements from Derby but are volume sensitive so that the announcement will increase if there is more background noise and less if there isn't.

There is also a position for the hard of hearing under each screen.

New Display Monitors

2011-06-07T15:09:00.001+01:00

Having visited the station today I am pleased to let you know that new
arrivals/departure monitors are in the process of being installed.

We have asked for these for nearly two years now and are some of the
upcoming improvements being made at the station.

Letter to Parishes

2011-06-06T14:20:00.001+01:00

I have written to all Parish Councils this week to offer our services
and to come and address their Committee's and residents on the work we
we do in the Community.

We know that out there there is great concern on transport issues at
this time and we need to be made more aware of your concerns. So we can
gather support and try to action them with the proper authorities.

I have also written the the Chair of the Transport Select Committee
voicing some of concerns over threaten bus subsidy cuts and to set up a
dialogue over our rural transport services.

AGM

2011-04-15T15:28:00.001+01:00

Spalding & Peterborough Transport Forum

8th Annual General Meeting

16th April 2011

1. Welcome
2. Apologies
3. Amendment to 2008 Constitution
4. Chair & Deputy Chair's reports.
5. Election of Officers & Committee
6. Guest Speaker
7. Minutes of the 2010 AGM meeting
8. Matters arising out of the minutes
9. AOB

AGM

2011-04-14T16:43:00.000+01:00

I am pleased to inform you that the Speaker from the Parliamentary
Outreach Team has rescheduled his meetings and will be attending at
Saturday's AGM.

AGM

2011-04-11T16:11:00.001+01:00

Unfortunately we have just been informed the Outreach representative
will not be coming now because of a mix up with his electronic diary.

Saturday 16 April – South Holland District Council A workshop with Spalding & Peterborough Transport Forum on engaging with Parliamentary processes

2011-04-11T14:44:00.001+01:00

It is our AGM this Saturday and we are privileged to have a
Representative from the Parliamentary Outreach team to inform us of the
workings of the both houses of Parliament.

I am sure you will enjoy this insight and it will give you an
opportunity to support us to.

Raising funds

2011-04-06T16:58:00.001+01:00

We would welcome any ideas on raising funds for the forum to help us
keep going. As you know with the cut backs funding is becoming
increasing difficult to obtain: and that is why we need your help.

I think you would agree, I hope, we have made a significant difference
to addressing transport issues in the area and have been constantly
campaigning to make travelling for commuters even better, but there are
many people out there who use the various services and who are not
aware of the behind the scenes activity on their behalf.

So even if you just join the Forum and give your support (£5 per year)
it would make a difference and if we weren't there you would see the
difference.

Subject: Road Closure on Norfolk Green bus route 505

2011-04-06T12:06:00.001+01:00

The police have closed the B1515, Spalding Road between Wignals Gate and
Holbeach Interchange.

Until the road is re-opened we will be unable to serve stops between
these
two points in either direction and we will be using the A17.

Automatic Ticket Machines

2011-03-25T10:40:00.001Z

A word of caution when buying tickets via an ATM at railway stations.

It has come to our notice that ATM's are not always giving out the
correct tickets around the non peak hours. For instance one of our
members bought a ticket for Lincoln 'just before' boarding the train at
a few minutes before non-peak rate was due to start . He was shocked to
find that he was issued a ' peak' ticket not a non-peak rate ticket, at
the extra cost. This was taken up with the TOC which were aware of this
and say that the issue was with the software and will be addressed in
the near future.

As ATM are now common place we would strongly advise you to check the
price of your ticket before travelling and if in any doubt get it at
the booking office.

2011-03-15T11:33:00.000Z

http://michigancityoutletmall.co.cc/a1t9

Minister Backs Community Rail Lines

2011-03-09T16:23:00.001Z

Rail Minister Theresa Villiers has announced an increased grant of
£100,000 for the fund which supports innovative and sustainable
projects on designated Community Rail lines, and at the same time
announced a three year funding settlement with the Association of
Community Rail Partnerships (ACoRP) that will allow an increase in the
small grants fund to £20,000 a year.

Speaking at the annual ACoRP Designated Community Rail lines Seminar
held in Bristol on Friday (4th March) she told delegates: 'You are
making a real difference to your communities…and you are making life
better for your fellow citizens. For that, I applaud and thank you.'

The Minister added: 'the cost of running the railways simply has to
come down. For the sake of both taxpayers and farepayers it's
imperative that we achieve that goal.' 'But if we're going to achieve
that goal we need to think differently. The community rail sector has
amply demonstrated its ability to do that. Over the years to come, I'm
confident the ideas, innovation and enthusiasm generated by community
rail partnerships around the country will provide invaluable input into
this great challenge for our railways' .

Said Neil Buxton General Manager of ACoRP – 'we are very pleased that
the minster was able to join us in Bristol and deliver such a positive
message about the future of community rail lines. The Community Rail
movement as a whole is dedicated to developing these essential rail
routes and seeing them deliver their full potential for the communities
they serve'

Standing around?

2011-03-05T18:11:00.001Z

"Dear Sir,

Last Friday I took my wife up to Lincoln and instead of using my car we
used the train from Spalding. Having caught the single carriage
'skateboard' it was reasonably full leaving the town. However, when it
left Sleaford it was standing room only and when it arrived at Lincoln
after two more stops even sardines had more room. I thought that
would be the end of it. There was chaos at the ticket barrier because
the EMT staff made everyone use the automatic system. Common sense
would have prevailed and a quick glance at tickets would have been a
bit quicker.

The return journey was even worse. The EMT staff at Lincoln nearly
resorted to being 'shovers' that you see on the Tokoyo underground
system to get everyone on board. Again it was a single 'skateboard'
but this time it was jammed packed similar to rush hour on the London
underground. Others passengers did comment that it was like this most
of the time. Therefore every time it stopped 3 or 4 people had to get
off to let other passengers alight. It was like this till the train
left Sleaford however, people were still standing even myself, till it
arrived at Spalding. When it left Spalding people were still standing.

This is not the first, nor will it be the last, time that people have
pointed out to EMT that they need to put at least a 2 car DMU on the
Peterborough – Lincoln services. At least then people won't feel like
sardines. "

Yours

Roger Jubb

Lincoln to London for £1

2011-03-05T18:09:00.001Z

East Coast will tomorrow (FRIDAY 3 MARCH) launch an introductory £1 one
way fare for customers travelling during the first week of its new
service between Lincoln and London.

The train operator will tomorrow release 1,000 of the £1 fares in
Standard accommodation for travel between Lincoln and London, which can
be booked for travel on 22 to 28 May inclusive, via the website
www.eastcoast.co.uk/hellolincoln.

East Coast train services will start to operate between Lincoln and
London King's Cross from 22 May when the company introduces a new
timetable that will see the city benefit from one service operating in
each direction Monday to Saturday inclusive, with one northbound
service on Sundays.

The timetable of new services will run at the following times seven
days a week:

Monday to Friday: depart Lincoln at 07.20 and arrive into London at
09.28, depart London at 19.06 and arrive into Lincoln at 21.01;
On Saturdays: depart Lincoln at 09.30 and arrive into King's Cross at
11.26, depart King's Cross 18.08 and arrive into Lincoln at 20.03;
On Sundays: depart King's Cross 19.08 and arrive into Lincoln 21.03.
East Coast Commercial Director Peter Williams said: "The £1 one way
fare is a fantastic opportunity for the people of Lincoln to come on
board with East Coast and sample the new direct services to the capital.

"With a limited supply of £1 fares available in Standard accommodation
only, we are advising customers to book early as this great
introductory bargain fare isn't going to be around for long. There are
1,000 tickets at £1 on sale, for travel between Lincoln and London,
which can be purchased online at www.eastcoast.co.uk/hellolincoln, for
travel from 22 May to 28 May.

"We hope the new services will be welcomed by Lincoln's residents, who
from 22 May, can start to enjoy the benefits of a direct train service
with London, as well as a new improved on-board First Class service,
that will include complimentary meals and drinks served at-seat."

The new timetable represents the biggest change to the East Coast route
for more than 20 years. It will introduce 19 additional services per
day, including the new services between Lincoln and London, and provide
more than three million additional seats per year, an improved
frequency and pattern of services, and faster typical journeys for
millions of passengers.

The £1 fares can be booked online at www.eastcoast.co.uk/hellolincoln,
where customers can also find a copy of the new East Coast timetable,
www.eastcoast.co.uk/22May.

NEW PARKING CHARGES HELP TO DELIVER IMPROVED FACILITIES

2011-02-14T11:39:00.001Z

During Spring 2011, East Midlands Trains will be introducing new car
parking charges at a number of stations along its local routes.

The charges, which will offer rail users a full day's parking from just
92p per day*, are being introduced to support East Midlands Trains'
ongoing multi-million pound station and fleet improvement programme
which is helping to deliver some significant improvements to the
stations and trains on East Midlands Trains' local routes. The
introduction of charges should also help to improve the availability of
spaces for rail passengers.

Car parking charges will be introduced at Alsager, Ambergate, Blythe
Bridge, Duffield, Kidsgrove, Longton, Stamford, Uttoxeter and
Whatstandwell. Prices will be charged at £2 daily, £8 weekly, £24
monthly and £240 for a year.

There are also plans in place to introduce a new charging system at
Matlock later in the year.

David Horne, Commercial & Customer Service Director for East Midlands
Trains, said: "We are in the process of investing £10 million to
improve stations across our network.

"Charging is standard practice at the vast majority of railway station
car parks. The new rates are competitively priced and they reflect the
cost of alternative local car parking as well as our continuing
investment to improve station facilities on these lines and our £5
million programme to refurbish the trains which serve them."

Over the coming weeks, new car parking machines will be installed at
Alsager, Ambergate, Blythe Bridge, Duffield, Kidsgrove, Longton,
Stamford, Uttoxeter and Whatstandwell. Once in place, passengers will
be able to pay for their ticket with either cash or credit/debit card.
Charges will apply every day, including weekends, and East Midlands
Trains' staff will be conducting regular checks at each station to
ensure that passengers are using the new Pay & Display machines.
Disabled parking spaces will be clearly marked out within each of the
station car parks.

For more information about East Midlands Trains, visit
www.eastmidlandstrains.co.uk.

*Price quoted based on an annual parking ticket used for 260 days a
year.

EAST COAST UNVEILS EXCITING NEW TIMETABLE

2011-02-14T11:07:00.001Z

More seats, more services, improved frequency and faster journeys on
East Coast trains from 22 May 2011

Train operator East Coast today unveils an exciting new timetable which
represents the biggest change to the East Coast route for 20 years.

Tickets will for the new timetable will go on sale on 25 February.

The new timetable, which will operate from 22 May, will bring more than
three million additional seats per year to the East Coast route, 19 new
services per weekday, an improved frequency and pattern of services,
and faster typical journeys for millions of passengers.

It will add new direct return services from London King's Cross to
Lincoln and Harrogate, and a new four-hour 'Flying Scotsman' express
service between Edinburgh and London King's Cross, calling at Newcastle
only and arriving into London at 09.40.

Customers will also see the introduction of a new, improved on-board
service from May. This will include complimentary meals and drinks
served at-seat in First Class.

East Coast Managing Director Karen Boswell said: "The launch of an
exciting new timetable on 22 May represents the biggest change to the
East Coast route in a generation. It will deliver more services, more
seats and a much improved pattern of services for millions of
passengers.

"The launch of an improved complimentary at-seat service in First Class
will build upon improvements already made in Standard Class."

The timetable has been developed on behalf of the rail industry by
Network Rail. East Coast substantially influenced this process
following a consultation on a draft version of the timetable, which was
then titled Eureka!

Karen Boswell said: "As we have developed the timetable, we have taken
into account future growth and demand, as well as the views and
aspirations of a wide range of customers and stakeholders along the
entire 920-mile East Coast route."

From 22 May, East Coast customers will benefit from:

• A new early morning four-hour "Flying Scotsman" service between
Edinburgh and London, calling only at Newcastle;
• A train every 30 minutes between Leeds and London King's Cross, with
65 services per weekday between West Yorkshire and the capital;
• 11 new non-stop services per day between York and London;
• A northbound direct service from London to Harrogate for the first
time in 20 years;
• A new daily service between Lincoln and London;
• One hour later weekday departures to Edinburgh, Berwick-upon-Tweed
and Newcastle from London King's Cross;
• Improvements to services for Northumberland stations, including a new
early-morning service from Berwick-upon-Tweed, Alnmouth and Morpeth
which connects into the 'Flying Scotsman' service at Newcastle. This
will enable customers from Northumberland to arrive into London at
09.40;
• Improvements to Newark morning peak services to London King's Cross,
with two additional new services.

Services between London and Hull, Bradford, Skipton, Aberdeen and
Inverness will continue to operate similar to the current timetable.
One East Coast service will continue to operate in each direction
between Glasgow Central and London King's Cross, via Motherwell, each
day.

Karen Boswell added: "Among the many benefits to passengers, we are
delighted to introduce a new return service between Lincoln and London,
and the first direct northbound service to Harrogate in almost 20 years.

"A new four-hour 'Flying Scotsman' service from Edinburgh to London on
weekday mornings, which stops at Newcastle and connects with
Northumberland stations, will also help us to continue to meet our
customers' needs and offer a very attractive alternative to flying."

A copy of the new timetable will be available at
www.eastcoast.co.uk/22May from 09.00 today (Monday 14 February).

London to Skegness Link

2011-02-04T16:46:00.001Z

We are seeking your views regarding the aspiration of Alliance Trains
to run a service from Kings X through Peterborough,Spalding, Sleaford
and Boston to Skegness.
Would you use it?
Do see any benefits to say opening Littleworth or any other stations on
the line?
The service would probably run four trains a day to start with and
maybe we could get a Sunday service on the line at last if EMT took
notice.
Let us know our views and remember our AGM on the 16th April.

Passenger Focus has published Official Statistics on passenger satisfaction with rail travel from the National Passenger Survey for Autumn 2010.

2011-01-28T11:12:00.000Z

• Nationally the percentage of passengers satisfied with their journey
overall was 84%. This is not significantly different compared to Autumn
2009 (when 83% of passengers were satisfied). 83% of passengers were
satisfied overall with their journey in Spring 2010. 84% is the highest
percentage recorded since the survey started in Autumn 1999.

• At a national level, the proportion of passengers satisfied with
punctuality/reliability was 82%. This is not significantly different
compared to Autumn 2009 when 83% were satisfied.

• The percentage of passengers satisfied with all the train and station
factors at a national level was up or unchanged compared to Autumn
2009. Satisfaction with 13 service areas improved (the rest were
unchanged).

• The proportion of passengers satisfied with value for money for the
price of their ticket nationally was 49%. This was significantly up
compared to Autumn 2009 when 45% of passengers were satisfied. The
proportion of passengers satisfied with sufficient room for all the
passengers to sit/stand significantly was 68%. This is not
significantly different to autumn 2009 (when 67% were satisfied).

• For London and the South East operators 83% of passengers were very
or fairly satisfied overall, not significantly different to Autumn 2009
(when 82% were satisfied). The percentage of passengers satisfied with
all the train and station factors was up or not significantly different
compared to Autumn 2009. Satisfaction improved for 18 factors.

• For the long distance operators the proportion of passengers who were
very or fairly satisfied overall was 87% (not significantly different
to Autumn 2009 when it was also 87%). Passenger satisfaction for the
various train and station factors was mostly unchanged compared to
Autumn 2009, but satisfaction improved for six factors and declined for
one. Satisfaction with how well the train companies dealt with delays
improved (by 7%), but satisfaction with punctuality/reliability
declined (by 2%).

• For regional operators 86% of passengers were very or fairly
satisfied with their journey overall, not significantly differently
compared to Autumn 2009. 87% were satisfied in Autumn 2009. For most
service areas passenger satisfaction was unchanged compared to Autumn
2009, but satisfaction improved for one factor (value for money for the
price of the ticket).

• Comparing the percentage of passengers satisfied overall for
individual train operating companies with Autumn 2009, one
significantly improved (East Midlands Trains), and none have
significantly declined. 22 TOCs had no statistically significant
changes in their overall satisfaction results compared with Autumn 2009.

• Value for money improved for 10 TOCs (and declined for none),
sufficient room for all passengers to sit/stand improved for two TOCs
and declined for two, punctuality/reliability declined for four TOCs
(and improved for none), and there were no changes by TOC for
satisfaction with how well train company dealt with delays.

• The lowest ratings for overall satisfaction were given to First
Capital Connect (76%), National Express East Anglia (79%), and
Southeastern (80%). Three other TOCs had 82% of passengers satisfied
(First Great Western, Northern Rail and Southern).

• The highest ratings for overall satisfaction were achieved by Wrexham
& Shropshire (96%) and Grand Central (95%). First Hull Trains, Heathrow
Express and Merseyrail all had 93% of passengers satisfied.

• Overall satisfaction by individual routes within TOCs varied between
72% and 96%.

• In terms of how passengers spend their time on the train, the main
activity is 'reading for leisure' (50% of passengers). For business
travellers however the main activity is 'work or study on the train'
(48% of passengers).

Channel 4 documentary

2011-01-28T10:32:00.001Z

As you know overcrowding on trains is becoming a problem. We have been
approached by Channel 4 to see if any commuters have any existing
footage of their experiences of over crowding on trains. If you have
please contact the Forum by email where we can tell you where to
download it.

Meeting

2011-01-27T12:46:00.001Z

PUBLIC MEETING TONIGHT

7.30PM COUNCIL CHAMBER
PRIORY ROAD

GUEST SPEAKERS;

CALL CONNECT

Everything you want to know about this local bus service.

Merry Xmas

2010-12-22T13:38:00.001Z

From all in the Forum we wish you a Very Merry Xmas & A Happy New Year
and hope to see you at our first meeting of the New Year in January

Secure Stations status awarded to all 12 of train operator's managed stations

2010-12-01T15:19:00.000Z

TRAIN operator East Coast has good news for passengers at its 12 managed stations – every one has been reawarded Secure Stations status.

The Secure Stations scheme, which is run jointly by the Department for Transport and the British Transport Police (BTP), encourages rail firms to improve security at their managed stations and demonstrate measures to reduce crime.

The national scheme covers all rail and underground networks which are patrolled by the British Transport Police.

To achieve secure stations status, the operator must demonstrate robust controls that provide enhanced training, recruitment and risk assessment. There must be evidence of working closely with the BTP to combat crime as well as engaging with stakeholders to improve the station environment for all who use it.

The stations which now have Secure Stations status are: Dunbar, Berwick-upon-Tweed, Newcastle, Durham, Darlington, York, Wakefield Westgate, Doncaster, Retford, Newark North Gate, Grantham and Peterborough.

East Coast Customer Services Director Neil Clucas said: “We’re delighted that all 12 East Coast managed stations have been reaccredited with Secure Stations status.

“Travelling by train is already one of the safest ways to get around. We’re continuing to improve safety and security, including extensions to our CCTV network at our two biggest managed stations, York and Newcastle, by the end of this year.

“Secure Stations status means extra peace of mind for our passengers and staff. It demonstrates East Coast’s commitment to creating an even safer and more secure environment for passengers as they travel."

Mr Clucas received the Secure Stations status award for all 12 stations from Chief Superintendant Terry Nicholson of the British Transport Police at a presentation in York station.

Presenting the award, Chief Supt. Nicholson said: “I would like to congratulate East Coast trains in achieving Secure Station status for their stations.

“The Secure Stations scheme is an important element in securing our rail system, reassuring passengers and staff and ensuring the continued success of the industry.

“The rail system is a low crime environment, and one where increasing resources are being put into combating anti-social behaviour and disorder. Working together we can drive down crime further.

“That is what the Secure Stations Scheme can offer – a meaningful measure of better co-operative working between station operators and the police, not only of crime, but more importantly of how people feel about the stations they use."

East Coast has invested £1.8 million in improvements to its stations and depots in its first 12 months. This has included:
• An expansion of the CCTV network at East Coast managed stations, from an original network of 31 cameras, creating a larger network of 125 cameras.
• £500,000 investment to improve facilities for customers at Edinburgh Waverley Travel Centre, with work scheduled to begin early next year
• Improvements to retail facilities at York and Newcastle stations
• Better cycle storage facilities at Doncaster and Peterborough
• Easier access for customers with disabilities at Retford and Dunbar
• A joint scheme with Wakefield Council to improve car parking facilities at Wakefield Westgate station

Interconnect and CallConnect bus services will experience substantial disruption

2010-12-01T15:06:00.000Z

UPDATED: 01/12/2010 - 12:30

NO STAGECOACH SERVICES ARE RUNNING IN GAINSBOROUGH AND ONLY A VERY LIMITED

SERVICE IS OPERATING IN LINCOLN WHICH WILL BE SUSPENDED FROM 6PM TODAY.

INTERCONNECT 1, 3, X3 AND 100 - NO SERVICE

INTERCONNECT 5 - NO REPORT

INTERCONNECT 6 - RUNNING BETWEEN SPILSBY AND HORNCASTLE ONLY

INTERCONNECT 9 - RUNNING BETWEEN SKEGNESS AND MABLETHORPE ONLY

INTERCONNECT 7 - NORMAL SERVICE

INTERCONNECT 51 - NO SERVICE

INTERCONNECT 505 - NORMAL SERVICE

CALLCONNECT 6C LOUTH-HORNCASTLE - NO SERVICE

CALLCONNECT 6K HORNCASTLE-TATTERSHALL - NO SERVICE

CALLCONNECT 51M LOUTH-MANBY - NO SERVICE

CALLCONNECT 3X/L LOUTH-MARKET RASEN - NO SERVICE

51E/L/S LOUTH CALLCONNECT - NO SERVICE

3C/M CAISTOR & MARKET RASEN CALLCONNECT - NO SERVICE

6H HORNCASTLE CALLCONNECT - NO SERVICE

6/7S SPILSBY & WAINFLEET CALLCONNECT - NO SERVICE

18M - METHERINGHAM CALLCONNECT - NO SERVICE

1K/1G - GRANTHAM & KESTEVEN CALLCONNECT - NO SERVICE

100G GAINSBOROUGH CALLCONNECT - NO SERVICE

Interconnect & CallConnect Service Disruption: 01/12/2010 - 8am Update

2010-12-01T09:27:00.001Z

SERVICE DISRUPTION UPDATES

UPDATED: 01/12/2010 - 08:00

Interconnect and CallConnect bus services will experience substantial

disruption on Wednesday 1st December due to severe weather. The following

services are affected:

NO STAGECOACH SERVICES ARE RUNNING IN LINCOLN OR GAINSBOROUGH.

INTERCONNECT 1, 3, X3 AND 100 - NO SERVICE

INTERCONNECT 6 - RUNNING BETWEEN SPILSBY AND SKEGNESS ONLY

INTERCONNECT 9 - RUNNING BETWEEN SKEGNESS AND MABLETHORPE ONLY

INTERCONNECT 7 - NORMAL SERVICE

CALLCONNECT 6C LOUTH-HORNCASTLE - NO SERVICE

CALLCONNECT 6K HORNCASTLE-TATTERSHALL - NO SERVICE

CALLCONNECT 51M LOUTH-MANBY - NO SERVICE

CALLCONNECT 3X/L LOUTH-MARKET RASEN - NO SERVICE

51E/L/S LOUTH CALLCONNECT - NO SERVICE

3C/M CAISTOR & MARKET RASEN CALLCONNECT - NO SERVICE

6H HORNCASTLE CALLCONNECT - NO SERVICE

6/7S SPILSBY & WAINFLEET CALLCONNECT - NO SERVICE

18M - METHERINGHAM CALLCONNECT - NO SERVICE

1K/1G - GRANTHAM & KESTEVEN CALLCONNECT - UNLIKELY TO OPERATE TODAY

100G GAINSBOROUGH CALLCONNECT - UNLIKELY TO OPERATE TODAY

Adverse Weather Advice - Thursday 25 November 2010

2010-11-25T10:18:00.001Z

Due to expected adverse weather conditions, customers are likely to experience extended journey times for services through Scotland and North East England on Thursday 25 November.

The full East Coast timetable will be in operation but journey times have been extended by up to 25 minutes for all Anglo-Scottish services. All services between Newcastle and London King?s Cross will be extended by up to ten minutes. We are not anticipating any delays to Leeds service as a result of the forecasted weather.

Customers should arrive at their station at the stipulated departure time. However, trains may arrive into their final destination up to 25 minutes later than published as a result of speed restrictions on parts of the route affected by snow.

The adverse weather is expected to last into next week and services may be subject to further alteration.

Customers are advised to check the Live Train Information page on this website for further updates.

We apologise for any delays to your journey.

East Midlands Trains to increase fares by 5.6%

2010-11-24T16:10:00.001Z

East Midlands Trains (EMT) is raising its fares by 5.6% in the new year - an average of 66p per journey.

The average increase in rail ticket prices across the UK will be 6.2%, the Association of Train Operating Companies said.

Gerry Doherty, leader of the TSSA rail union, said the national rise was "simply outrageous".

EMT said its customers would also benefit from a £40m programme of station and train fleet investments.

Price cap

Regulated fares are tied to an annual price cap formula, meaning fares can increase each January only by the previous July's RPI inflation rate plus 1%. This means a 5.8% average rise for 2011.

However, companies are able to put up some fares by more than 5% as long as other fares decrease at the same rate.

Tim Shoveller, Managing Director of East Midlands Trains, said: "We recognise that times continue to be tough for our customers.

"Our new fare levels from January reflect our commitment to offering a range of value ticket prices to our customers."

Mr Doherty said: "It is simply outrageous that hard-pressed commuters are being forced to pay fare hikes of up to 10% when they are themselves facing pay freezes and job cuts.

"Passengers will regard that as a sick joke seeing as we have the most expensive and overcrowded railway in Europe."

CASE FOR A SOUTHBOUND BUS STOP

2010-10-26T16:13:00.000+01:00

by Spalding & Peterborough Transport Forum, 17 October 2010

Spalding rail station is ‘served’ by two bus routes:

· Stagecoach’s 37, northbound (to the bus station) and southbound (to Peterborough).

· Brylaine’s Spalding Town Bus Services, it1 and it2, just northbound.

Northbound there is a stop right outside the station, in a lay-by, see photo. But southbound there is no stop. The 37 goes non-stop from the bus station to a stop in Winsover Road, a distance of 1,000m (or 500m crow-fly).

The routeing of the 37 has been checked with Stagecoach, as some buses have been observed using a different route but the bus company has confirmed that the correct routeing is via the rail station.

Lincolnshire County Council (LCC), the bus stop provider, will not provide a southbound stop. All correspondence is attached. The Forum’s case is as follows:

1. Clearly there has been an error in the past and buses should stop at the rail station southbound rather than sail past it.

2. It is completely illogical for the 37 to only serve the station in one direction.

3. It is vital that bus routes serve rail stations to facilitate, and encourage, bus/rail interchange.

4. The 37 is now part of LCC’s award-winning InterConnect Network which is a “network of quality local bus services designed to improve transport links to destinations throughout Lincolnshire and beyond, making travel by bus easier, quicker and more efficient”. One of LCC’s “key elements” of InterConnect is “Quality infrastructure installed at bus stops and bus interchanges”. Clearly the lack of the stop is contrary to these. LCC upgraded various stops on the route when it became an InterConnect route yet failed to rectify the error of the missing station stop.

5. The Sainsbury’s supermarket opposite the rail station has recently applied to South Holland District Council (SHDC) for planning permission to extend. Thus there is an opportunity to secure the bus stop as ‘planning gain’ in a planning condition or ‘Section 106’ agreement. But LCC has refused to raise this with SHDC.

Red line is Sainsburys site application boundary

Pedestrian refuge

Pedestrian route to store entrance

Northbound bus stop

You will see from the correspondence that the whole issue was raised with LCC in December 2009 and that in January 2010 LCC said it would keep the Forum “directly informed” of its investigation. Yet it failed to do so, and the Forum had to chase the issue in July 2010. Since then the Sainsbury’s planning application has been made and there has been correspondence but LCC has not replied to a message on 23 September 2010.

Although LCC raise a possible safety concern the Forum considers that this is surmountable. And there is already a pedestrian refuge outside the station that the Forum suggested to LCC a few years ago should be installed. All that is required is a stop, and paving along to it from crossing at the refuge. We are not talking about a great number of buses stopping there – just up to 11 journeys a day. Some may not stop, especially as it would only be a ‘pick up’ stop (as it is the first stop from the terminus – the bus station).

LCC has also raised the possibility of a development proposal as a reason for doing nothing. However, the key word here is ‘possibility’, also that it may be years away. The other point, of course, is that a stop here is already years overdue.

The photo below shows there is ample space – the grass verge - to erect a stop.

Having got nowhere with LCC the Forum would welcome the following please:

· Passenger Focus’s view on the Forum’s case for a stop, i.e. do you agree with us?

· Passenger Focus to try and persuade LCC to provide a stop.

Steppingstones bridge

2010-10-21T17:00:00.001+01:00

Further to my last message I have now had assurances from Network Rail that the problems of standing water on the walk-way will be rectified before they accept ownership of the bridge.

I am pleased their response was quick and will be dealt with promptly.

George Scott

Chairman

Steppingstone Bridge

2010-10-21T10:29:00.000+01:00

We have had some concerns raised about the bridge. It appears that it floods with water across the walk-way part near Park Road end and in the last few days has become rather slippery when ice is present.

We have passed on your concerns to SHDC and Network Rail and hopefully they will deal with them urgently before someone has an accident.

EAST COAST PLANS CAPITAL BOOST FOR WEEKEND RAIL TRAVEL

2010-10-13T11:44:00.001+01:00

New departures allow more time in London - and an earlier Sunday start

TRAIN operator East Coast will revamp its weekend timetable this winter
to allow Saturday night travellers more time in London - and an earlier
start on Sunday mornings from Yorkshire and the East Midlands.

The changes will be introduced from Sunday 12 December and are in
response to customer demand for later return travel from the capital.

Under the new timetable, the departure of the last northbound service
from London King's Cross to Leeds will be a full two hours later than
the current service. The last train to Newcastle on a Saturday will be
30 minutes later.

The two new Saturday night services that will be launched are:
* A 21.00 service from London King's Cross to Newcastle, calling at
Peterborough, York, Northallerton, Darlington and Durham;
* A 22.00 service from London King's Cross to Leeds, calling at
Peterborough, Grantham, Newark North Gate, Retford, Doncaster and
Wakefield Westgate.

Other train times and destinations leaving London after 18.00 on
Saturday nights will also change, and passengers are advised to check
the new timetable carefully. Copies of the new timetable will be
available soon from stations and at the operator's website,
www.eastcoast.co.uk.

East Coast spokesman John Gelson said: "We've listened carefully to what
our customers tell us - they especially want later services from London
on Saturday nights.

"The later departures allow more time for shopping or sightseeing in
London, or to take in an early evening show. We're also planning some
great value fares for pre-Christmas trips to the capital.

"We've worked hard with Network Rail to secure these later departures
and we're confident that passengers will welcome these improvements".

Further improvements to Sunday morning southbound services include a new
early service from York to London, departing York at 08.00 and calling
at Doncaster, Grantham and Peterborough.

The current 08.25 Leeds to London train will depart Leeds at 08.05 and
will no longer call at Grantham. Passengers from Grantham will be able
to join the new York to London early train as an alternative.

West Yorkshire travellers will also benefit from a new 08.40 Sunday
service from Leeds to Doncaster, calling at Wakefield Westgate. This
train will connect at Doncaster with East Coast's 09.25 service to
Retford, Grantham, Peterborough, Stevenage and London King's Cross.

The current 09.05 train from Leeds to Glasgow will start from Doncaster
at 09.45. Leeds customers will be able to use connecting services to
join this train at York.

Other East Coast services to and from Scotland will not change in the
new timetable.

TIMES ARE A CHANGING!

2010-10-11T08:55:00.000+01:00

From Monday October 11th, we will be extending the opening hours of the

Call Connect Booking Centre as a result of growing demand for the service.  Our

New opening hours will be:

MONDAY - FRIDAY: 8.30am - 17.30

SATURDAY: 8.30am - 16.00

Both phone and Internet booking transactions will be processed during the hours

Above.

(The opening hours for the Cancellation and Emergency line will remain as 7.30am

- 18.00 Monday-Friday and 8am - 16.00 Saturday).

Regards

Call Connect Team

0845 234 3344

www.lincsinterconnect.com

Text: Call Connect to 82727

Next Public meeting

2010-10-06T10:28:00.001+01:00

The next Public meeting will be on Thursday January 27^th 2011.

Guest speakers will be from Call Connect.

505 buses between King's Lynn to Spalding to run every 20 minutes

2010-10-06T08:43:00.001+01:00

From 1 November, we're increasing the daytime frequency of our 505 buses between King's Lynn to Spalding to run every 20 minutes, that's 50% more buses through the day than at the moment! There will also be an earlier bus from Terrington into King's Lynn at 7am on Mondays to Fridays, and there will be extra buses at the busiest times into King's Lynn on Sundays too.

All buses will still call at Springfields, meaning that you're only 20 minutes away from a bus ride to loads of bargains. We're decorating one of our double deck buses to promote the higher frequency, we think it will turn some heads when it hits the streets!

However, because of funding pressures, Norfolk County Council are unable to continue to fund the evening buses to Terrington given their low level of use. This will mean that the last bus from King's Lynn to Terrington will leave at 1950hrs, just over an hour earlier than the last bus at the moment.

There are also some changes to other routes on 1 November, with the introduction of the hourly winter Coasthopper and 35 timetable. There will also be some minor timing changes to FairsteadOne (with late night Christmas shopping buses back from late November), PandoraFour, GaywoodFive, 39, 46, 48, 50, 56, 60, 63 and X5. Full details will be available on the website within the next seven days.

Thursday 23rd September

2010-09-21T16:44:00.000+01:00

Public meeting

7.30pm

Council Offices

This will be an interesting meeting with some revelations to come out.

Call Connect will also be attending with details of their service.

Updates on various subjects such as the Railway Station, Buses. The Rail Hub proposals.

If you can be there support us………

Sainsbury's extension plans

2010-09-21T15:05:00.000+01:00

The Spalding & Peterborough Transport Forum would like to comment on the above application to renew application H16-0853-04.

A major town centre attractor such as a supermarket should be conveniently served by bus. Unfortunately this does not seem to have been considered with the original application in 2004; the Transport Statement said “the store was well served by bus services” when in fact it isn’t. The nearest bus stops are at the bus station and outside the rail station. The bus station is stated in the Statement as being about 100m away, but that is the crow-fly distance and only to the southern edge of the bus station. The safe walking distance from the store’s entrance to the middle of the bus station, along paths and not across the car park, is 250m.

Regarding the stop at the rail station, which is about 100m away, there is, remarkably, only a stop in one direction. Buses from the bus station omit stopping at the rail station and do not stop until Winsover Road, outside Lidl. This is clearly a mistake and Lincolnshire County Council agree (correspondence between Mark Lambert and David Hurdle, 10/8/10) that in principle buses should stop at rail stations.

Furthermore, there is a case for some bus services departing the bus station via Winfrey Avenue, Swan Street and New Road in order to get nearer the town centre. If this was to happen a bus stop in Winfrey Avenue would be convenient for Sainsburys shoppers, and save people having to carry shopping all the way to the bus station. The bus station might be a convenient place to turn buses round and for them to wait between journeys but it is not a convenient place for passengers who should have stops nearer their main objectives, e.g. Sainsburys and the Post Office.

Ideally of course buses should stop right at the store’s entrance. But if this is no longer possible then it is suggested that the above points be born in mind regarding future developments in the town. And that in terms of this application, the Forum strongly recommends that a bus stop, with seating and shelter, be provided opposite the rail station. This is currently a grassed area so would need hard standing and a path linking it to the existing pedestrian access to Sainsburys.

With a ‘renewal application’, if it cannot legally have additional obligations added to those agreed in the original application, it is suggested that the council refuses the application, so that a fresh one can be made. This is because bus access was clearly not considered adequately in 2004 and that the policy context has changed with much greater emphasis today on promoting public transport.

The Forum feels the above would:

· Make a significant improvement to bus use to the store for both staff and the public, and thus encourage more bus use. If some bus passengers would have driven a car this would mean less pressure on the car park which is being reduced by 59 spaces.

· Support the Travel Plan, secured as a condition of the 2004 permission. Travel Plans need not just be about encouragements to use buses but also include provision of the basic infrastructure, such as stops, seating, shelter. Incidentally the Transport Assessment and the planning permission refer to a Travel Plan for staff but the Plan should address all the travel generated by the site. So it should include measures for more sustainable travel by the public as well.

REPORT ON CAR DEPENDANCY

2010-09-21T14:19:00.000+01:00

Peterborough

Public transport has improved over the last few years, with more frequent bus services, but this is from a very low starting point. Difficulty accessing the outskirts, particularly new out-of-town developments, has meant that this city, designed for the car, is still extremely car dependent. Cycling provision has improved greatly in recent years with investment from the Sustainable Travel Towns programme. While this has resulted in a cycling increase of 12 per cent, bus passenger increase of 35 per cent and a 9 per cent reduction in car journeys, planning for accessibility, improving customer satisfaction and ensuring good bus punctuality are essential in order to encourage people out of their cars.

NEW GREEN CYCLE STORAGE FACILITIES FOR ALSAGER STATION

2010-09-08T16:20:00.000+01:00

· Two fully sustainable ‘Streetpods’ now available at Alsager station
· First station on the East Midlands Trains network to benefit from revolutionary new cycle storage facilities
· Part of ongoing commitment to provide greener, smarter travel

East Midlands Trains is continuing with its commitment to provide greener, smarter travel with the installation of fully sustainable new cycle facilities at a number of its stations. The new Streetpods, which are made of 100% recycled material and are 100% recyclable, provide a safe and secure storage facility for cyclists. In addition to its green credentials, the advantage over the traditional cycle rack is that the Streetpod has the ability to secure the bike frame and front wheel with a single lock.

Alsager station has become the first station to benefit, with two of the Streetpods now installed on platform two, providing space to securely store four bikes.

East Midlands Trains’ Customer Service Director, David Horne said: “This is a fantastic product that will be very beneficial to our cyclists. Not only is it 100% green, which supports our objective to provide greener travel, but the single locking facility makes it even more secure, providing maximum bike protection for our cyclists.

“Our decision to install the new Streetpods at Alsager has been firmly supported by the North Staffordshire Community Rail Partnership, and we are keen to continue working with them on the roll out to other stations along the route.”

“We’re absolutely delighted that Alsager is first on the list for this new, environmentally-friendly facility”, said Faye Lambert, Project Officer for the North Staffordshire Community Rail Partnership. “I am sure it will prove really useful for local cyclists who use this form of transport to link to rail travel from Alsager station.”

East Midlands Trains has plans to introduce 200 of the new Streetpods at stations across its network. For more information on the Streetpods, visit www.cyclepods.co.uk. For more information on the East Midlands Trains wider environmental strategy, which includes changes to trains, stations and maintenance depots, visit www.eastmidlandstrains.co.uk/environment

East Midlands Trains to close buffet cars

2010-08-12T12:20:00.001+01:00

Buffet car services are to be scrapped on East Midlands Trains and replaced with a trolley service.

The firm, which run trains from Sheffield to London, said standard class passengers could still choose hot and cold drinks, and hot baguettes.

First class will have more catering staff, in a bid to reverse a 30% decline in premium passengers.

Managers insisted all customers would enjoy an improved experience being served in their seats.

CallConnect

2010-07-23T12:32:00.000+01:00

At our meeting on the evening of the 24^th September at the Council Offices Representatives from CallConnect will be coming to advise us on the service they provide in the area.

New start at Peterborough Station

2010-07-22T14:41:00.000+01:00

After having talks with the new Station Manager (Claire Peacock) at Peterborough Station it has been decided that the Forum will attempt to start a campaign for ‘Friends of Peterborough Station’. This initially will be a steering committee to see if there is any measure in starting of a larger group of volunteers to adopt Peterborough Station.

The Forum will donate £200 to put flowers on platforms at Peterborough of which we would like the volunteers to look after.

Claire Peacock said that she would like to vastly improve the appearance of the station and more proactive in dealing with the public commuters.

The Forum will see what response there is from the public before talking about further improvement to the station.

Anyone interested please contact the forum in the first instance.

Missing Board

2010-07-06T09:04:00.000+01:00

It has been recently noticed that the board that was located on the wall on Platform 2 with all the names of the organisations that help replant the flower beds has gone missing. EMT say they have made enquires but do not know where it has gone.

Do you know any information as to where it is? If so we would like to know.

Plastic flowers

2010-07-06T09:01:00.000+01:00

We are seeking your opinion as to whether you like or dislike the new plastic flower display in the hanging baskets on Platform 1.

Do you think it is in keeping with the character of the station or as the centre of the bulb growing area we should have better?

Next years changes to East Coasts's Lincoln service to London

2010-06-25T12:16:00.000+01:00

Changes to East Coast Eureka! timetable proposals

Train operator East Coast has today announced a number of amendments to
the
planned introduction of a new timetable from May 2011.

Under the amendments, most of the planned new London King's Cross –
Lincoln
services will now operate between King's Cross and Newark, with one
through
train per day in each direction between Lincoln and King's Cross. As a
consequence, it will not be necessary to introduce an additional fleet
of trains
(five Adelante Class 180s), and the daily service to and from
Lincoln/King's
Cross will be resourced from within the existing East Coast fleet.

The amendments to the timetable changes proposed will result in a net
saving of
£9 million per year compared to the original plans.

Speaking about today's announcement, Elaine Holt, Chief Executive of
Directly
Operated Railways and Chairman of East Coast, said: "I know this will
come as a
disappointment to many people, especially to those in Lincoln who were
looking
forward to a much improved direct service to London.

"We had believed the proposed new Lincoln services would provide more
through
trains for customers from the region – and this formed an important
part of the
Eureka! timetable changes. However, given the very tough economic
climate, all
parts of the Government are looking to see where efficiencies can be
made.

"We're very pleased that two through services will be retained for
Lincoln."

East Coast mounted an extensive information and consultation programme
earlier
in 2010 in England and Scotland to communicate details of the proposed
Eureka!
timetable. As a result, the company processed 1,500 feedback enquiries
and the
results of this work were passed to Network Rail, the Office of Rail
Regulation
and the Department of Transport.

East Coast will be communicating the details of the latest changes to
stakeholders over the next few days.

Seven weekday trains in each direction had been planned for the new
Lincoln/London King's Cross services, using the Adelante Class 180
trains. Now,
the modified service pattern will include a single direct service from
Lincoln,
in the morning departing at 07.22, arriving at King's Cross at 09.21
(calling at
Newark, Grantham, Peterborough, Stevenage, and London King's Cross).
During the
evening peak, a single direct service will leave King's Cross at 19.06,
arriving
at Lincoln at 21.00.

Four additional services will be available in each direction between
Newark and
London King's Cross, provided by East Coast's nine-carriage trains, and
providing valuable extra capacity on this busy route. These will link
to
connecting services between Newark and Lincoln.

Public meeting

2010-06-20T15:38:00.000+01:00

The next Public Meeting is this Thursday 24th 7,30pm at the council
offices.

Items include the Rail Hub Update and the Stepping Stones Bridge saga.

Cycling Survey

2010-06-08T16:43:00.001+01:00

Survey about cycling in South Holland

The Connectivity Theme Group within the Rural Action Zone of South Holland is conducting a cycling survey to help develop an improved understanding of cycling and the needs of cyclists in South Holland. If you are a cyclist, or interested in cycling, we would like to have your views

http://www.sholland.gov.uk/doitonline/cycling2010_t.htm

Rail Hub

2010-05-10T13:54:00.001+01:00

We are led to understand that the decision as whether the Rail hub goes ahead has been postponed for another month to take into account submissions to the cabinet.

Latest Station Footfall figures

2010-04-20T10:23:00.001+01:00

Spalding Station:

2005/2006 173.375

2006/2007 176.925

2007/2008 173.657

2008/2009 197.450

Rail Hub for Deeping St Nicholas

2010-03-24T13:29:00.001Z

Well what do you think?

A1073 still a boon or not? Do you live in the area affected?

We will be putting your thoughts and ours on the web over the next few weeks.

CallConnect

2010-03-11T09:52:00.001Z

It is interesting that the Bus shelter at Morrison’s although not used by local bus services any more the following facts show it is being used quite frequently by CallConnect.

Looking at bookings for the past two months, there were 190 booked to Morrison’s and 170 journeys booked from Morrison’s in Dec. There were 130 journeys booked to Morrison’s and 115 journeys booked from Morrison’s in Jan.

The East Midlands Politics Show reveals that based on need, the region is the most underfunded in the UK.

2010-03-08T10:17:00.001Z

The regional select committee is about to publish a report in March highlighting some of the most glaring deficits.

A breakdown of Government figures by the East Midlands Regional Assembly shows the region gets just 46% less than the UK average for housing and community facilities - £114 a head compared with £212 nationally.

On transport, the disparity is almost as bad at 39%. And the amount the region gets for police and fire services is 20% less than the UK average.

The Conservative leader of Leicestershire County Council, David Parsons, is scathing.

"On the West Coast rail line, they spend more on car park renovation that they do on the whole of the Midlands Main Line. It's outrageous."

So how has it been allowed to happen?

The chairman of the regional select committee, Labour MP Paddy Tipping, tells the Politics Show:

"There are strong regional identities elsewhere. The North West or the North East have always argued their case.

"We've been a bit timid in the East Midlands when it comes to regionalism."

He is particularly concerned at the deficit on police funding.

"They have been underfunded for many years. We've made some progress, but there's a long way to go."

The chief executive of the outgoing regional assembly, Stuart Young, says he believes part of the problem is the Government's criteria.

He insists they're "too rigid and too complicated".

Andrew Pritchard, the assembly's director of housing and planning, says the region doesn't get anything like what it needs for affordable housing or improving existing homes.

Meeting targets for new homes is difficult enough, he says. But the funding deficit and the state of the economy makes it even less likely.

Annual General Meeting

2010-03-02T15:23:00.001Z

There is a time change to the meeting which will now be held between 1pm and 3pm on Saturday April 17^th.

The venue remains the Council Chamber at Priory Road.

John Hayes your local Member of Parliament will be in attendance.

AGM

2010-02-11T15:37:00.001Z

We have provisionally booked the Council Chamber for Saturday 17^th April from 10am to 12noon. The agenda and confirmed time (in case we have to switch to the afternoon) will be published on the web in March. It will also be in the Members Newsletter.

AGM in April

2010-01-31T12:57:00.001Z

Because our invited Guest Speaker is now not available we are pursuing other lines of inquiry and will let you know what date in April it will be held when the programme is confirmed.

We are hoping it will be on a Saturday afternoon to get a positive attendance form local people. Depending on numbers it may be restricted to Members only for the buffet, but you can join on line. Members wish to attend please notify us by April.

FUTURE OF LlITTLEWORTH STATION

2010-01-25T11:07:00.001Z

Well it is crunch time for the project to re-open Littleworth Station. We still need to raise around £5000 to get the feasibility off the ground. Unfortunately EMDA have turned us down because they only finance large regional projects.

Reply from EMDA. Quote:

“At the strategic, regional level we often play an active role in helping fund with partners, or commissioning direct ourselves, technical assessments and feasibility studies to help influence and inform the investment decisions taken by Network Rail and others. We prioritise how we use our limited funding to focus on the key strategic rail and other transport priorities for the East Midlands. Given the local nature of this proposal, I would suggest you approach some of your local or sub-regional partners, such as the Local Authorities in which the line is located, or the County Council as the Local Transport Authority. We are unable to provide any direct assistance in the form of funding,”

Peterborough City Council has also declined because of the lack of funds available.

We have as you know approached SHDC & LCC for funding but you guessed it. ‘No funds available.’

So you see unless funding is available from other sources the project will shortly have to come to a close. The downturn to this is of course there will be no improvement in commuting is the local area even when the 2400 homes are built in Holland Park causing even more congestion and maintenance costs to our roads. This is when we are getting an upgrade of the line in 2011, a possible rail hub which could open up the line to more passenger traffic because the line will be accessible longer during the day.

WE should be looking at 20 to30 years down the line as to what our future needs are going to be, not rushing at the last minute to provide a much needed resource at an inflated cost.

The meeting on Thursday will bring up some of these questions and we hope many people will turn up to air their views.

Hope to see you there. (details of the meeting are on our home page)

BBC Footage

2010-01-22T12:30:00.001Z

You may have been confused with a piece of footage shown on BBC Look North last night. Although it showed EMT trains in the piece the additional services from Lincoln to Kings Cross are actually going to be provided by East Coast. We are not sure of the exact route these trains will take as EMT arrives at a different London Station from Lincoln.

East Coast Timetable Consultation Update

2010-01-22T10:09:00.001Z

New East Coast Standard Pattern Timetable for May 2011

A new timetable is being developed which will improve rail services on the East Coast Main Line.

The new timetable will deliver 25 extra East Coast services, thousands more seats, and faster journeys.

It will also improve connections, make better use of the existing track space and introduce a new direct link between Lincoln and London Kings Cross for the first time in years.

The new timetable will be implemented in May 2011.

Before finalising the details of the new timetable, East Coast is seeking views from passengers and other stakeholders on the emerging proposals. East Coast will publish a full version of the proposed timetable on 1 February 2010 and consultation will continue throughout February. In addition to the information published on the East Coast website, consultation events are being arranged along the line of route to allow passengers to put their views directly to East Coasts managers.

The final detailed timetable will be developed by Network Rail is also subject to the Office of Rail Regulation approving Access Rights.

Key features of the proposed timetable are:

A standard service pattern for most of the day where trains will run at the same times in each hour, with some 2-hourly variations where necessary to match demand.
One fast train per hour between Kings Cross and Edinburgh, with a standard journey time of 4 hours 20 minutes.
A second train between Kings Cross and Newcastle, extended to Edinburgh in alternate hours, serving most intermediate stations and giving an increase from 17 to 20 trains per day between London and Edinburgh.
Two trains per hour between Leeds and London, with a standard journey time in both directions of 2 hours 10 minutes.
A new service between London and York in alternate hours, calling at most intermediate stations and providing good connections at York.
A new service between London and Lincoln on alternate hours, introducing regular through services for the first time in many years.

The timetable will also include through trains to the following locations:

Aberdeen: 3 trains per day to/from London and 1 train per day to/from Yorkshire;
Inverness: 1 train per day to/from London;
Glasgow Central: 1 train per day to/from London;
Hull: 1 train per day to/from London;
Skipton: 1 train per day to/from London
Bradford Forster Square: 1 train per day to/from London
Harrogate: 1 train per day to London
Dundee: 4trains per day to London

Most of East Coasts current services between Glasgow Central and Edinburgh will be replaced by Cross-country services. Most passengers between Glasgow and London use the West Coast Main Line, but there is significant demand for travel between south-west Scotland and north-east England which is better served by Cross-country trains which will also provide new through journey opportunities between Glasgow and Leeds, Sheffield and the Midlands.

The following standard service pattern is proposed:

Northbound

Southbound

This pattern of services will operate on a 2-hourly cycle for most of the day.
During the morning and evening peak periods at Kings Cross, the service pattern will be amended to include some additional services and to vary calling patterns to match demand. The total number of peak services proposed is:

*One morning peak service from Leeds will call at Wakefield Westgate only to allow a journey time to Kings Cross of under 2 hours.
**One service in each direction between Edinburgh and Kings Cross will call at Newcastle only with a view to meeting the Secretary of State for Transports aspiration for a journey time of under 4 hours.
The following first and last trains are proposed:

***Later departures from Edinburgh are proposed at 20:40 to York and 21:40 to Newcastle.
Proposals for weekend services are still being developed. Initial thinking is that the levels of service should be:
Saturday
2 trains per hour between Kings Cross and Edinburgh, calling at Peterborough, Newark (hourly), Doncaster, York, Northallerton (2-hourly), Darlington, Durham (hourly), Newcastle, Alnmouth (2-hourly), Berwick upon Tweed (hourly).
1 train per hour between Kings Cross and Leeds, calling at Stevenage, Peterborough, Grantham, Retford, Doncaster, Wakefield Westgate.
1 train per 2 hours between Kings Cross and Lincoln, calling at Peterborough, Grantham and Newark.
Finish of service around 1 hour later than at present.
Sunday
Saturday level of service up to around 16:00
Full weekday service level of 5 trains per hour with peak enhancements from around 16:00
Start of service around 1 hour earlier than at present.
Next Steps
Passengers and other stakeholders are invited to submit their comments on the new timetable proposal to East Coast.
ORR is expected to publish its Directions in February 2010
East Coast will continue to develop the new timetable with Network Rail, the Department for Transport and other industry partners.
Further details of the proposed timetable will be published on 1 February 2010.
Consultation will continue throughout February and comments received will be taken into account in further refinement of the proposed timetable.
Other train operators will carry out consultation on proposed changes to their services.
Network Rail will produce a consolidated timetable for all train operators later in 2010.
The final timetable will be published in Spring 2011, leading up to implementation in May 2011

The Forum will be making representations on the changes as they are not very favourable for Peterborough Station passengers.

Forum represented at meeting.

2010-01-14T16:44:00.000Z

The Conservative Approach to the Railways
Theresa Villiers MP
Wednesday 13th January 6.30pm

In the run up to the next general election, the future of transport has become particularly important to the voters. Whatever the mode – air, road, rail – there are problems of reliability, cost and the implications for our environment. Already, Politeia's On Track series has heard from the industry's leaders on the issues at the heart of the debate about present arrangements such as:

Is the present system best for operating the railways?

How should the Network be governed?

How can passengers count on greater reliability and efficiency? Should they have their own champion?

What of the train operators? Should their franchises be reviewed more regularly or extended?

What remit should there be for rail regulation?

What role will the High Speed Rail Project play?

On January 13th 2010, Theresa Villiers MP, Shadow Transport Secretary, discussed The Conservative Approach to the Railways in Politeia's Winter Address. She set out Conservative thinking on the future of the railways as the country prepares for the general election.
The Address took place at 6.30pm on Wednesday 13th January 2010.

* Theresa Villiers MP is Shadow Secretary of State for Transport. She has served as Shadow Chief Secretary to the Treasury and Deputy Chairman of the Conservative Party in the European Parliament.

Bus Route 37

2010-01-07T10:52:00.001Z

I am pleased to inform you that an agreement as been reached between East Midlands Trains and Stagecoach buses (route 37), between Spalding and Peterborough (either direction). This will allow, on advice by station staff, customers to travel on this route on production of a rail ticket, in the event of service disruption.

January Meeting

2010-01-05T10:51:00.001Z

There was a mistake of the date in the Xmas Newsletter which stated the next meeting was on the 25^th January it should read 28^th January.

Happy New Year

2009-12-31T14:55:00.001Z

Happy New Year to all our members and readers

Hope to see you in 2010 at our meetings.

Rail hub would have to be in Spalding

2009-12-31T10:52:00.001Z

Donington is ruled out of the racePremium Article !

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DONINGTON will definitely not be chosen as the home for the new rail freight hub, according to South Holland District Council leader Gary Porter.

The village was earmarked as a possible place to build a new interchange by transport campaigners but Coun Porter revealed to the Spalding Guardian that Donington will not be chosen and that any site would have to be in Spalding to make it work.

Coun Porter said: "I can understand why people are saying Donington because there is an old rail freight hub there but this isn't going to be anything like that - it's going to be huge.

"It won't be Donington, it's got to be Spalding. It needs to be somewhere along that line between the north near Pinchbeck down to the A16."

The hub would need a large section of track for the freight to slow down and speed up coming off and on the main track and estimates for the size vary from 40 to 60 hectares.

Earlier this month we revealed that the council had team up with transport experts Intermodality to look at the scheme - and the firm's report estimated the hub could bring £200m investment and around 4,400 jobs.

The district council's cabinet gave the go ahead for officers to carry on looking at the scheme and to identify a possible location but Coun Porter wants to assure people that no decision has been made yet.

He added: "There are people saying that this is a done deal but it definitely isn't.

"We haven't even decided whether we are 100 per cent behind it or not. We have told officers to work up some options.

"It would be stupid to say we support it without looking at the consequences but we are certainly very very interested."

The scheme will be looked at by the Local Development Framework working party - who will make recommendations to cabinet.

Free to Under 17's

2009-12-24T15:22:00.000Z

Don`t forget that until Saturday January 2nd, young people aged 17 and under can travel for free all day on CallConnect bus services across Lincolnshire.

CallConnect services will be running as normal on Tuesday 29th December, Wednesday 30th December, New Years Eve and Saturday 2nd January.

For more information or to book a journey, you can call the Booking Centre in Lincoln on 0845 234 3344 or text the word `CallConnect` to 82727 and we will call you back. You can also book journeys online at www.lincsinterconnect.com which is open 24 hours a day over the festive period.

(The CallConnect Booking Centre re-opens on Tuesday 29th December at 8.30am).

Merry Christmas from everyone at CallConnect

Merry Christmas

2009-12-17T16:54:00.001Z

Merry Christmas from the forum Officers & Committee

Thumbs up for rail hub plans

2009-12-16T14:59:00.001Z

ONLINE readers are overwhelmingly in favour of the planned rail freight hub.

We have been asking visitors to this website for their views on the lucrative scheme, which could bring more than 4,000 jobs and £200m investment into the district.

Our poll showed that 80 per cent of responders think the hub is a good idea

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Deadline for rail hub plan as cabinet agrees to move forward

2009-12-14T09:06:00.001Z

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COUNCILLORS agreed to investigate a potential freight interchange in South Holland - but now face a race against time to seize the opportunity.

South Holland District Council's cabinet agreed officers should use £5,000 planning money to continue investigations into a rail hub, reported in Tuesday's Lincolnshire Free Press.

The council had already teamed up with a transport expert which predicts the development could attract £200m investment and create up to 4,400 jobs.

The district's big food firms are keen on the idea - which would transfer their traffic from lorries to trains.

The authority hopes the venture could tie in with Network Rail plans to upgrade the Spalding line - which are already set to divert freight through the town.

If done together track works and signalling could be completed by Network Rail - but it begins planning in March and a site would need to be chosen by then.

Officers must now try to identify a suitable 40 to 60 hectare location.
At Tuesday's cabinet meeting Coun Howard Johnson, portfolio holder for economic development, said: "In terms of South Holland this is a giant project and we haven't got the resources to manage it.

"This money will allow, as and when required, temporary consultants to be brought in to lead on certain aspects.

"It is so big and important so it is necessary that we have a handle on this."

Coun Roger Gambba-Jones said the project would be challenging, particularly from a planning perspective.

He said: "People will be concerned about locations and implications. We have got to do the work and consult with the public very early on and keep them informed.

"This is a significant project for South Holland. It is a very important opportunity for us and a very limited window of opportunity to make it work."

Rail transport hub idea proposed

2009-12-09T09:38:00.001Z

A multi million-pound food distribution railway hub could be built in Lincolnshire.

South Holland District Council wants to create the Spalding International Food Park to help move produce from farms in the county more efficiently.

Its aim is to move 10% of the existing 2,000 lorry journeys each day in the county to rail by creating the hub.

The authority expects road and rail infrastructure required for the project will cost about £20m.

'Huge opportunities'

The council's cabinet is meeting to discuss whether to identify a site for the hub and investigate the plan further.

Bruce Wakeling, the council's economic development manager, said: "We've been working through the summer with businesses to look at whether the suggestion is viable and realistic and it appears that it is.

"All the produce that is made here and comes from here could be taken to the facility, dropped on to a train and sent off to the main retail distribution points across the country - with huge benefits to us all.

"It would create huge opportunities for our existing businesses and new ones - that's why we're treating it so seriously."

He said the council had been talking to the government and the private sector to attract funding for the hub, which could take 70,000 journeys a year off the roads.

End of reserved booking fees in sight

2009-12-08T08:47:00.001Z

We have learned that the reserved seat booking fees on East Coast trains will be scrapped in the next couple of weeks.

EAST MIDLANDS TRAINS CRACKDOWN ON FARES CHEATS

2009-12-04T13:29:00.001Z

Stations covered by the East Midlands Trains penalty fares scheme are: Alfreton, Attenborough, Barrow upon Soar, Bedford, Beeston, Belper, Chesterfield, Corby, Derby, Dronfield, Duffield, East Midlands Parkway, Kettering, Leicester, London St Pancras International, Long Eaton, Loughborough, Luton, Luton Airport Parkway, Market Harborough, Nottingham, Sheffield, Sileby, Spondon, Syston, Wellingborough.

New penalty fares system introduced from 7 December
Fare evasion costs UK rail passengers millions of pounds a year
“Pay before you board” advice to all rail customers
Extra ticket machines and new website make buying ticket even easier

Rail fare cheats face a new crackdown from next month when East Midlands Trains introduces a new penalty fares system.

The new system is designed to act as a deterrent to fare dodgers whose actions suck millions of pounds of potential investment out of the UK rail network every year.

Individuals travelling without a valid ticket for their journey face a penalty fare of £20 or twice the full single fare - whichever is the greater amount - to the next station at which the train stops. They will then need to purchase a full single fare from the next station to their destination.

East Midlands Trains has launched a customer communication campaign, extra ticket machines at stations and a new internet sales site in advance of the new system going live on 7 December 2009.

The new system is being introduced with the backing of the Department for Transport following stakeholder consultation. Similar arrangements have already been put in place by many other rail operators across the country.

Every East Midlands Trains station covered by the scheme (see list in Notes to Editors) will have a facility to buy tickets in advance of travel and the company repeated its “pay before you board” advice to passengers.

Tim Shoveller, Managing Director of East Midlands Trains, said: “One of the things that passengers tell us consistently is that they are fed up with fare evaders.

“Regular fare cheats who try to dodge paying should know we are serious about tracking them down. We are on the side of honest fare-paying passengers who end up paying for those who think the rules don’t apply to them.

“Our advice to customers is simple – please make sure you leave enough time to buy a ticket before you board the train. It’s no different to ensuring you buy a parking ticket when you park your car. If you don’t, you run the risk of a financial penalty.”

Tim Shoveller added: "Millions of pounds are lost every year through fare dodging – this is money that should be going back into improving trains and stations to make sure that passengers get the service they expect and deserve.”

Examples of when a Penalty Fare may be charged include:

Travelling without a valid ticket
Not being able to produce an appropriate Railcard for a discounted ticket
Travelling in First Class accommodation with a Standard ticket
Individuals aged 16 or over travelling on a child rate ticket
Travelling beyond the destination on your ticket

Xmas gift from LCC -Free Buses for 17 and under.

2009-12-04T12:20:00.001Z

Officials at Lincolnshire County Council's award-winning bus network

unwrapped a seasonal surprise this week when they announced plans to

Scrap fares for passengers aged 17 and under on all Call Connect buses

through-out the Christmas and New Year period.

That means young people using the Call Connect bus service between Monday

December 21, and Saturday January 2, will be able to travel completely

Free!

East Coast fares could be reduced

2009-12-01T15:37:00.002Z

Rail fares on the East Coast Mainline could be reduced after figures showed thousands of seats are left unsold every day, the government has said.

Transport secretary Lord Adonis has asked managers "to look at how fares can be made more attractive".

He is also considering simplifying the complex fare structure on the London to Edinburgh route.

East Coast was brought back under state control after National Express said it could not afford to run it any more.

After the move in November, Lord Adonis ordered a review of how the service is run, including ticket prices.

'Simpler' fares

The review found first-class carriages on East Coast trains were less than a third full on average, while standard-class carriages were less than two-thirds full.

A Department for Transport (DfT) spokesman said: "The secretary of state has asked the east coast company to look at how fares can be made more attractive with a view to cutting some fares and getting more passengers on the service.

"East Coast will be looking at the prices and the complexity of the existing fares."

The DfT has been impressed by the simpler fare structure offered by Grand Central, which operates trains between London and York.

However, the department spokesman said any decision on fares would have to take into account the fact that "profitability has to be sustained".

He added there was no timetable for reaching a decision on fares.

Sleigh commuting costs this Christmas

2009-11-27T10:34:00.000Z

We aren't all blessed with a vehicle powered by magic and carried by reindeer through the skies, but there's still a way to better and cheaper travel this Christmas!

Lincolnshire County Council has teamed up with the Lincoln Business Improvement Group to play Santa by offering a festive prize draw for all those who join their free travel-matching service.

Lincshare is an online database for anyone who lives, works and travels in and around Lincolnshire. It brings together people who are making the same or similar journeys to share their transport, meaning huge savings on travel costs, reduced traffic on our roads and a boost for the environment too.

Katherine Eales, Senior Accessibility Project Officer at the county council, said:

"As a driver, you can halve your petrol costs by car-sharing every day. You can help reduce traffic congestion and pollution, and free up your parking space. You will also be reducing the wear and tear on your car, and the mileage that can depreciate your car's value.

"Sharing the driving can also help to relieve the stress of driving to work and can be an enjoyable social activity.

"What's more, we've now added the chance to be matched with people who share your taxi, biking and walking journeys too!"

Two Tastes of Lincolnshire hampers are up for grabs in two draws, one for county council staff signing up and another for other members of the public who motor on over to the website before 14 December.

...both sites also include a benefits calculator, so you can see the fuel and vehicle running costs you'll save, as well as the amount of CO2 you'll be cutting.

EAST MIDLANDS TRAINS FARES TO RISE BY AVERAGE OF 1.8% FROM JAN 2010

2009-11-17T13:24:00.001Z

Many passengers to benefit from significant fares cuts in New Year
Fares changes across UK rail network lowest since privatisation
Car parking charges frozen or reduced in new package of price cuts
Nearly 75% of passengers travel using a discounted ticket
New East Midlands Trains website offers Best Fare Finder tool

East Midlands Trains, operated by Stagecoach Group, today ( 16 November 2009) announced the average fare on the network is to rise by 1.8% in the New Year.

New ticket prices effective from 2 January 2010 will also significantly reduce the cost of travel for many passengers travelling with East Midlands Trains.

Thousands of passengers will benefit from the company’s plans to freeze or cut car parking prices as part of the new package.

Fares across the UK rail network will rise below the expected rate of inflation next year, the lowest increase since privatisation.

Passengers are also continuing to benefit from improved services and ongoing investment at East Midlands Trains, with more than 90% of trains running on time, and eight out of 10 passengers are satisfied with their train service.

Tim Shoveller, Managing Director of East Midlands Trains explains: “We have put together a fair package for our passengers, which includes some significant price cuts. The average fare increase at East Midlands Trains is one of the lowest for many years and we are committed to playing our part in providing affordable rail travel.

“We recently launched our new website featuring a fantastic Best Fare Finder tool, ensuring our passengers can find the cheapest available fare every time – and thousands of our customers have already taken advantage of this new service.

“Rail travel delivers good value for money compared with cars and three out of four passengers using our services travel on a discounted ticket. Around 95% of the cost of a rail ticket is used to pay for running and investing in our train services. By continuing to run a high quality, efficient and punctual railway, we have been able to deliver even better value for money to our passengers”.

The new rail fares package will include:
Cuts to the price of most Standard Class season tickets
Car parking prices frozen at all stations, and reduced at Lincoln (for all users) and East Midlands Parkway (for non-rail users)
First Class Off Peak fares frozen or reduced by up to 20%
First Class Anytime fares from Sheffield and Chesterfield to London frozen at current levels
Advance Purchase Leisure fares frozen or reduced by up to 20%
New trial First Class Super Off Peak fare from Nottingham, East Midlands Parkway, Loughborough and Leicester to London, offering savings of up to 35%

In addition, East Midlands Trains has committed to maintain its £1 discount on Advance tickets purchased through its website, eastmidlandstrains.co.uk

Meanwhile, the latest research by Stagecoach Group’s budget rail service megatrain.com shows that canny Britons are beating the recession by snapping up cheap rail deals. megatrain.com offers fares from just £1* to around 30 locations on the UK rail network and latest statistics show that passenger bookings are up more than 100% on the same point last year when the economic downturn took hold.

Around 9,000 passengers a week are now travelling on a megatrain.com ticket on South West Trains, East Midlands Trains and Virgin Trains services – up 104% on 2008 and annual numbers are on track to reach around 500,000. Some 2,000 cheap seats are now available through the megabus.com online booking engine every day, with customers paying on average 30% less than last year.

Train fares set for lowest rise

2009-11-16T12:35:00.002Z

Train fares are to rise by the lowest rate since rail privatisation in the mid-1990s, the Association of Train Operating Companies (Atoc) has said.

It announced that fares will increase by an average of 1.1% in January.

Regulated fares, which include season tickets, will fall by 0.4%. However unregulated fares, including cheap day returns, are expected to go up.

Some rail unions have expressed fears that the price of some tickets may rise by as much as 10%.

The average cost of a train journey is to rise from £5.05 to £5.11 from January.

Regulated fares make up about 40% of all fares and will fall because they are capped at RPI inflation plus 1%, based on July's inflation rate of minus 1.4%.

Atoc usually releases separate figures for the regulated and unregulated increases.

However, with these latest figures it would not disclose what the average unregulated fare increase would be, opting instead to combine the two figures to make the 1.1% rise.

Atoc chief executive Michael Roberts said: "Not only is January's average fare rise the lowest since privatisation, but it will come in well below the rate of inflation, meaning a real-terms cut in prices for many passengers."

He said "record performance, better services and value-for-money fares" had led to "the highest number of passengers travelling by rail for 60 years".

Anthony Smith, chief executive of rail customer watchdog Passenger Focus, said that "after years of punishing, above-inflation fare rises, some passengers will see a little light in the new year".

However, he warned that the average figure would "mask steep rises on individual routes" and "many unregulated fares will continue to soar above inflation".

He urged the industry "to be clear about which fares are going up and to publish average increases for unregulated fares for each train operating company".

Atoc also fears that some train operators may tinker with off-peak ticket restrictions, forcing passengers into buying more expensive tickets.

Trains 'too costly' for rail firm

2009-11-11T13:18:00.002Z

Network Rail is transporting 200 staff by coach from Reading to Coventry for a conference because of the high cost of train tickets, it has emerged.

The rail operator has opted to shun train travel for road transport as it is more than £24,000 cheaper.

If open return tickets were bought for all the staff it could cost up to £27,000 - £135 each. But coach travel, at £12 a head, will cost just £2,400.

The firm said it made no apologies for getting the "best value" for taxpayers.

Network Rail said it looks at cheaper options for journeys as part of cost-cutting, as its workers do not get free travel or discounts.

A spokesman added: "Whilst we have no role in setting train fares, we use rail for the overwhelming number of business journeys.

"Occasionally, if there is a cheaper alternative, we will use that."

NEW RAIL FRANCHISE FOR THE EAST COAST MAIN LINE

2009-11-10T15:46:00.001Z

As you may know, the Government last Thursday made an announcement in connection with the East Coast rail franchise – and I thought it would now be helpful to write to you with an update.

On 1 July 2009, National Express Group PLC announced that discussions with the Department for Transport had not secured an improved outlook for the National Express East Coast rail franchise. As a result, the loss-making franchise would continue to be supported by National Express in line with its franchise support commitments until the committed funding was fully utilised.

During the last five months, National Express has worked with the DfT and Directly Operated Railways (as the new operator) to ensure an orderly handover. The franchise has continued to operate on all its existing terms, with the contractual support of the National Express Group.

In order to effect the handover from NXEC to DOR, the DfT issued a Termination notice last Wednesday evening, and as a result, the operation of the National Express East Coast franchise will transfer to Directly Operated Railways at 23.59 on 13th November 2009.

The background

In his statement to the House of Lords on I July, the Rt. Hon. Lord Andrew Adonis, Secretary of State for Transport, announced the establishment of a publicly owned holding company called Directly Operated Railways Limited. The Transport Secretary also announced my appointment to lead this company.

The Government has promised that the continuity of service to passengers will be seamlessly maintained – and that there is no reduction in service standards. To that end, early in the summer, I assembled a team of highly experienced rail managers and we have been working with National Express East Coast to effect a smooth transition of the franchise into temporary public ownership.

The new franchise

From the point of Transfer on 14 November, the operation of the East Coast franchise will pass to a company called East Coast Main Line Company Limited, which is wholly owned by Directly Operated Railways. The company will trade as East Coast.

Directly Operated Railways will be charged with the stewardship of the East Coast Main Line Company’s rail operations – and for preparing the organisation for subsequent transfer to a new franchisee in the future. The franchise will be re-let following an open competition and this process is likely to take around two years. It is the Government’s intention that a new private operator will re-commence the provision of services in 2011.

Our commitment to you

I want to give you my personal assurance that we shall do everything possible to keep you well informed about what’s going on in the future – especially about our plans for the new franchise.

In summary therefore, it remains my firm intention that East Coast Main Line customers experience the absolute minimum of impact related to these changes. Inevitably, by exception, the branding of the service will change, but importantly, things like ticketing, timetables and general service provision will remain unchanged.

We look forward to working with you in the future and I shall write to you again with more information, shortly.

Yours faithfully

Elaine Holt

Chief Executive

Directly Operated Railways Ltd.

Rail delays this Sunday

2009-11-06T13:59:00.001Z

Rail travellers using First Capital Connect services to London this Sunday face disruptions.

Journeys on St Neots, Huntingdon & Peterborough routes may be delayed by up to 50 minutes.

There will be no First Capital Connect 'Great Northern' services to or from London Kings Cross on Sunday (8 November) due to members of train crew being unavailable.

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East Coast rail change confirmed

2009-11-05T12:39:00.002Z

The East Coast Main Line will be transferred to a government-controlled company at one minute before midnight on 13 November, it has been confirmed.

National Express has given up the loss-making franchise for train services between London and Edinburgh.

The new public company East Coast, set up by the Department for Transport, will be headed by transport expert Elaine Holt.

Ms Holt has worked for the First Group and British Airways.

Transport minister Lord Adonis said: "I can assure the travelling public that services will continue without disruption and all tickets will be honoured."

Lord Adonis who issued a formal termination notice to the company on Wednesday night said the franchise would be transferred to a new operator, Directly Operated Railways, trading as East Coast.

'Orderly handover'

Staff currently employed by National Express East Coast will transfer to the new operator, with services likely to remain in public hands until 2011.

National Express was committed to pay £1.3bn under the original franchise, but passenger revenues were hit by the recession.

Talks with the DfT about easing the terms of the deal foundered earlier this year.

National Express also runs the East Anglian and c2c commuter franchises.

These will not fall under public control despite initial threats to strip the company of its other rail deals under cross-default provisions.

"During the last five months, the group has worked with the Department for Transport and the proposed operator Directly Operated Railways to ensure an orderly handover," the firm said.

Ms Holt, as chief executive of Directly Operated Railways, will head a team of industry experts with expertise in engineering, administration and human resources.

East Coast Main Line services pass through Hertfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Lincolnshire, Nottinghamshire, Yorkshire, Durham, Northumberland, Berwickshire, East Lothian and Midlothian.

Christmas Light Switch ON

2009-11-04T20:59:00.001Z

Friday 20th November welcomes Spalding's Christmas Light Switch on and festive entertainment.

Activities take place in the Town Centre between 3pm & 7:30pm

The programme of entertainment is:

3 - 7:30pm = Open air market, Children's rides = Market Place

4 - 6:30pm = Santa's Grotto (£3 per child ~ £5 two at once) = South Holland Centre

5 - 7:30pm = Youth choirs, Brass bands, Festive entertainment = Throughout Town

6:45pm = Santa + Free Press Flower Queen Arrival for 7pm

East Coast hand-back day 'agreed'

2009-11-04T14:58:00.003Z

The East Coast Main Line is to be renationalised on 12 December, the RMT has claimed.

The union said it had received a briefing on arrangements for a new publicly-owned company which is already trading as East Coast.

National Express was told in the summer it would have to relinquish the route.

Both the Department for Transport and National Express have said no date has been set, but agree new arrangements should be in place by January.

The East Coast Main Line provides trains between London and Scotland.

'Discussions continue'

A Department for Transport spokesperson said: "National Express Group has announced it will not provide the further financial support necessary to ensure the subsidiary, National Express East Coast, remains solvent when the current funding runs out.

"It expects this to happen around the end of the year, although no date has been set.

"This would be the point at which the government will assume control of the franchise."

A National Express East Coast spokesperson said: "Discussions continue on the hand-back of the East Coast rail franchise.

"We are working towards agreeing a formal hand-back date for the franchise, prior to year end."

The RMT said it had learned that East Coast would start to run the route within a matter of weeks.

"It is scheduled to take over the operation of the route from 12 December 2009," the union's general secretary Bob Crow said.

"The RMT is demanding an absolute assurance that this will be a permanent move that recognises the chaotic failures of privatisation on this prestige route on the UK rail network.

"It would be a total waste of taxpayers' money and staff time and energy to have a third gamble on privatisation in 18 months time."

East Coast Main Line services pass through Hertfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Lincolnshire, Nottinghamshire, Yorkshire, Durham and Northumberland.

Bus station to receive new signage.

2009-10-28T15:05:00.002Z

The Spalding Bus station will receive new signage shortly showing which operators run from each stand and also a basic layout of the bus station.

This is a great step forward and our thanks go out to SHDC who have acted swiftly to our concerns over the lack of signage.

Government response to petition

2009-10-28T13:34:00.001Z

We the undersigned petition the Prime Minister to act upon the EDM on 23rd March put up by Tom Harris MP, former Transport Minister, in support of railway enthusiasts.”

Details of Petition:

“Details of Early Day Motion: That this House welcomes the presence and activities of railway enthusiasts on the UK rail network; acknowledges the potential positive contribution to station security made by railway enthusiasts who are often seen as providing extra eyes and ears for the security services through their activities; is concerned at recent reports that some rail enthusiasts have been prevented from carrying out lawful activities, including photography, by station and train staff; and calls on Network Rail and the train operating companies to respect the legal rights of members of the public to pursue their interests at stations.”

Read the Government’s response

Network Rail, the British Transport Police and some train operators have policies in place that recognise the security benefits that the presence of enthusiasts can bring to the railway. The Government also recognises this and agrees that extra security at stations should not prevent enthusiasts from pursuing their legitimate interests. Enthusiasts are asked to make their presence known to station staff so as to avoid the sort of confrontation described in the petition.

Railway enthusiasts are subject to the same rules as anyone else using the railway and so must not, for example, trespass on parts of the railway that are not open to the general public.

However, there may be occasions when staff seek to remove enthusiasts. Where there are good reasons for this, for example when there is a particular security threat, the staff concerned should be ready and able to explain the reasons. Otherwise, Network Rail and the British Transport Police provide a summary of their relevant policies on their website and recommend that enthusiasts take a copy to show staff should they be challenged.

Bridge hope for street rail line

2009-10-22T17:01:00.002+01:00

A footbridge could be built over the level crossing in Lincoln's High Street as part of a major revamp.

Network Rail has indicated it has a "significant sum of money" to upgrade the line through the city.

The county council has said this may well include the footbridge, along with a wider scheme to extend an existing pedestrianised area.

Despite no plans having been agreed, the authority said there was an "active dialogue" on starting the project.

The barriers come down regularly throughout the day and some businesses say footfall can be blocked for up to 15 minutes an hour.

Air pollution

Lincolnshire County Council's executive member for highways and transport, councillor William Webb, said he expected the city council and businesses to be involved.

"We would like to see the congestion in the upper High Street, north of the level crossing, solved if we possibly could.

"We are talking, very productively, about how they would like to route buses in the future in and around that area.

"It would be an aspiration, but currently no more than that, to extend the pedestrianised area, down to the level crossing."

He admitted the current situation was harming the area.

"We can't quantify this but we do think a lot of people are put off using the shopping areas in that part of the city centre by the congestion and air pollution."

Questions?

2009-10-20T15:24:00.001+01:00

Can you let us know where you would like to see secure locking places for your bicycles around the town?

We have identified one place at the railway station where additional lockers would be an advantage but we would like to know where you would like additional places.

Would you also like to see more information about car sharing, more cycle information?

Bus station signage

2009-10-20T15:17:00.001+01:00

SHDC have agreed that new signs will be shortly pointing the way to the Bus Station.

We have also requested the bus stops be clearly signed as to where the buses are going to.

Results of the Survey carried out by Spalding Guardian

2009-10-16T16:38:00.001+01:00

ALMOST three-quarters of our online readers think that there does need to be a railway station in Deeping St Nicholas.
The Spalding and Peterborough Transport Forum is campaigning for a station to be established at Littleworth Halt to improve links to Peterborough and revitalise the village.
We asked visitors to spaldingtoday.co.uk if they agree with the plans and 73 per cent of responders said yes.

Survey

2009-10-10T14:10:00.000+01:00

If you go onto the web page for the Spalding Guardian they are conducting a survey to see what the opinion is of people regarding the need for a station at Littleworth.

Please add your vote. http://www.spaldingtoday.co.uk/news/Campaigners-call-on-residents-to.5710957.jp

New East Midlands Trains website provides easier access to cheap tickets

2009-09-30T13:24:00.001+01:00

East Midlands Trains customers are now being given easier access to cheap train tickets, following the launch of the company's new website. The new website, developed following customers' feedback, has launched this week and features a new and significantly improved way to find bargain train tickets.

Lucy Cameron, Marketing Manager for East Midlands Trains explains: "We've received lots of feedback that customers trying to get the best deal when booking online sometimes found it tricky to find the cheapest available tickets. So, based on this feedback, we've developed a new website that features a 'Best Fare Finder', which will guide customers to finding the cheapest possible train tickets within a single click from every page."

The new Best Fare Finder tool compares ticket prices from multiple times of the day and days of the week on a single, easy to read page. This means that if customers can be flexible about travel arrangements, they can quickly and easily find the cheapest train ticket available. And, with tickets available from just £7 one way, there's plenty of bargains to be had.

The launch of the new website also brings a number of other improvements for customers including:

Alerts for cheap train tickets – customers can register online to receive email alerts from East Midlands Trains telling them when batches of cheap train tickets are released
Tips on how to save money – the new website features a page dedicated to special offers and ways to save on the cost of train travel
Better information about car parking – it's now easier to check car parking facilities and prices for all East Midlands Trains stations
Customers can now check the carbon footprint of their train journey using the new carbon calculator.

Lucy continues: "In addition to all these great new changes, we've also made some improvements to 'My Journeys', our successful and unique personalised journey-planning tool, which will make it even easier for customers to manage their personal account with us.

"With the launch of our new website, we've tried to incorporate all the feedback we've received from our customers and provide new facilities that are easy for everybody to use. We're confident our customers will welcome the changes we've made and are hopeful even more people will want to try out our new, customer-friendly website!"

Bus passengers in Lincolnshire are set to benefit from an expanded timetable in the run-up to Christmas

2009-09-28T10:47:00.000+01:00

The county council is backing the new services which will run between Boston and Lincoln and Boston and Spalding.

The Boston and Lincoln buses will call at the Pilgrim Hospital, Coningsby, Woodhall Spa and Metheringham.

The Boston and Spalding service will call at Sutterton, Gosberton and Pinchbeck. The new services will run for a trial period of six months.

Council officer Paul Harvey said: "These new Sunday services will provide improved access for shopping, especially during Christmas and the sales, visiting friends and family, and leisure travel for sightseeing, all while being able to leave the car at home.

"They will run for a six-month trial period initially, and we encourage people to take advantage of them as much as possible to ensure that they are able to continue."

Appeal

2009-09-27T11:16:00.000+01:00

The Public meeting last night was quite productive and the main issues that came to light were as follows;

Since the inception of the Forum in 2003 we have had many successes for those travelling public who travel by bus, train and the like. Transport will be a crucial election issue in this area and we have invited Teresa Villiers the Shadow Transport Secretary to attend our meeting in April.

If the people of South Holland want the Transport Forum to flourish on their behalf we need them to join and support us. We have a web site www.spaldingtransportforum.co.uk which we need to continue to provide information on and membership contributions help with this.

As to the Littleworth Project this is now reaching a crucial stage and once again if the residents who would use this station if we can get a Feasibility Study completed would support us we stand a chance of convincing the authorities there is a need. This maybe is their last chance for this to happen but what is sure without the study and the support, it will not happen and a golden opportunity for our children and grandchildren will have been passed by. To put this into context just think what our roads are going to be in the next 15 to 20 years, free or conjested?

The other major questions that were raised were that of the state of the railway station and why has work apparently stopped on the building work and the gardens. As this work was now being undertaken by SH Radio and Helping Hands(part of the SHR group) we were unable to comment on this. Nigel Carlisle Route Manager for EMT unfortunately was unable to attend for us to put these questions to him but assured us that if put to him he would answer any questions.

New name for route

2009-09-14T15:53:00.001+01:00

The line is now called the Redwing Line and is part of a partnership initiative with Lincolnshire County Council who have developed easy to understand timetables and excellent maps to show customers where important places are at the location. The name relates to the whole route between Doncaster and Peterborough and not just the section between Spalding and Peterborough.

Fundraiser for Littleworth

2009-09-11T13:14:00.001+01:00

Local wildlife presentation at the Jubilee hall, Deeping St Nicholas. Friday 25th September. 7:30pm.

Admission is £3.50, which includes a buffet. All proceeds to Spalding & Peterborough Transport Forum and the campaign to re open Littleworth Station in Deeping St Nicholas. Presentation to be held by Nicolas Watts MBE.

Tragedy on line

2009-09-09T08:51:00.001+01:00

You have all heard of the tragic event on the Spalding to Peterborough line that occurred the other day. It has had a profound affect on me and others who travel that line daily.

The Forum would like to extend our deep and heartfelt sympathies to the family and relations.

George Scott

Chairman