The Society responded to a consultative document by the Rail Passengers' Council (RPC) on the Portsmouth to Bristol and South Wales rail route. The reason for the consultation is that the franchise for Wessex Trains (the current operators) is drawing to a close and the process of re-franchising is about to start. The RPC wanted to ensure that the views of as many people and organisations are heard so that improvements to the service can be incorporated into the new contract with whichever operator the Strategic Rail Authority chooses.
Locally, the service receives little public attention as the principal operator in the city is South West Trains, however the Portsmouth to Cardiff route offers an important and reliable link between the cities of Portsmouth, Southampton, Salisbury, Bath, Bristol , Newport and Cardiff running hourly, seven days a week.
The Society commented that the current pattern of services is acceptable but that there is overcrowding at peak times. We asked that the new franchisee should increase the number of carriages to all services (the standard length of train is two carriages). We also mentioned that facilities at stations are generally poor (waiting areas, toilets, accessibility, ticket machines) and that bus links to the Continental Ferry Port are poor and badly advertised. Finally, we restated the need for platform 2 at Fareham station to be restored for through running to allow trains to pass and facilitate cross-platform interchange.
The RPC's report was published in April and its major recommendation is the appointment of a Route Czar to represent the rail interest in the wider transport debate. With the route spanning two English regions, the Regional Assembly for Wales, numerous other planning authorities not to mention the plethora of rail transport bodies, the Czar would champion the needs of joined-up public transport along the length of the route. Other recommendations include a package of eleven improvements, of which reinstating the Fareham station platform loop is one.
The full report and its appendix is available at www.railpassengers.org.uk/site/Western/News or from RPC Western England, 10th Floor, Tower House, Fairfax Street, Bristol BS1 3BN.
On a final note, there were many comments from Fareham Borough Council, a few from Southampton City Council and lots from the other authorities between the South Coast and Wales, but there was one notable exception - Portsmouth City Council. Does anyone in the City have an interest or responsibility for rail transport planning? We think there should be.
JH