Bexhill Rail Action Group: Campaign News
23rd June 2008:
Proposed timetable changes from December 2008 (NEW)29th May 2008:
BRAG News May 20084th February 2008:
BRAG's Southern Franchise Submission13th January 2008:
BRAG's rail fares guide6th December 2007: COODEN BEACH STATION SHOP SET TO CLOSE
We have been advised that Cooden Beach's popular shop is set to close in August 2008, unless someone comes forward to take on the lease. This would leave only a kiosk for purchasing tickets at the station.
This could be the thin end of the wedge for the future of the station - despite it attracting a good number of passengers.
The shop is a popular lifeline to the local community in that area - much like a village post post office.
BRAG will be doing everything it can to try and reverse this decision.
Other news:
BRAG URGES LOCAL RAIL DEBATE
If you would like to see improvements to local rail services, Bexhill Rail Action Group would like to hear from you. Rail services on the coastal route through Bexhill from Ashford to Brighton, and from Hastings to London Victoria via Eastbourne are currently operated by Southern, a joint venture between the Go Ahead Bus Group and French Railways. The current franchise ends in 2009 and the new franchise will run for seven years.
BRAG would like to see the current level of service maintained, and for services to London to be accelerated. The group would also like to see more investment in local rail infrastructure, and a commitment not to increase fares by more than inflation. BRAG will be making a formal submission to the Department for Transport as part of the re-franchising process. There will also be an opportunity for individuals to contribute directly early next year.
BRAG Chairman, Brian Hord said:
“It is very important that all stakeholders participate in this process and tell the DfT exactly what they want to see from the new operator, both in terms of service levels and future improvements.
“Generally speaking, BRAG believes that Southern has done a good job, introducing new services and rolling stock over the last five years.
“However, this does not mean that they will automatically win a further contract, as quality of service is just one criterion that the DfT will consider.
“The lesson from other franchise competitions around the country indicates that the terms of the franchise must be extremely tight in terms of service specification and quality.
“There have been a number of instances where franchise bidders have made unrealistic tenders, by offering to pay large premiums to the Treasury, or to run a service for too little subsidy and with too few resources.
“Because the sums haven’t added up, they have quickly found themselves in trouble, and have had to cut services. On other occasions, operators have brought in backdoor fare increases by restricting the validity of off-peak tickets, pricing people off the railway and back onto the roads.
“BRAG does not want to see these things happen here.
Responses can be submitted to BRAG via the following email address: bexrag@yahoo.co.uk
ENDS
Last updated Tuesday, 06 November, 2007.