Report by Simon Barber:
Climate Change Rally November 2022 - I went on the Climate Change Rally against COP 27 which started at the Shell headquarters on the South Bank and finished up at
Trafalgar Square. As you may know, that summit is taking place in Egypt from 6–18 November. I had heard this from Transport Action Network from their Events list which I receive every month.
It was revealed at that event the top seven oil companies rake in about $150 billion in profits this year whilst half of the UK's households will receive fuel poverty. Several of the campaigners are against the proposed oilfield in Rosebank which is 130km. off the coast in the Shetland Islands in Scotland.
Meanwhile I had distributed a few ERTA newsletters which, as you know, would have a Membership form attached to them.
South Western Railway Stakeholder Conference November 2022 - I attended the virtual stakeholder meeting with South Western Railway and the following points were raised:
· Sustainability - South Western Railway is the first railway company to tackle sustainability when the new Class 484 units operated on the Isle of Wight line last year, using electric battery units. They aim to reduce half CO2 emissions by 2030 and aim to be net-zero by 2040. Some stations are now boasting bird boxes, such as Ashurst (New Forest) and about three in Surrey.
· Accessibility - South Western Railway has been one of the first company for assisted disabilities other that wheelchair users. The new toilets at Woking will now have a hoist, and London Waterloo earlier on was in fact the first toilet with a hoist. A new toilet block at Basingstoke will also become disabled-friendly.
· Partnership with Hampshire County Council - A new pedestrian access was unveiled at Winchester, and also includes a cycle hub. Meanwhile Basingstoke and Fleet also have cycle hubs.
· E-bikes Hub - A new e-bike scheme is now installed at Exeter Central, Cranbrook (Devon) and Honiton where there are several housing developments.
· New Stock - The Arterio trains (Class 701) will have cycle storage.
· TV adverts - That was apparently being promoted by Railfuture in general terms which would tempt people back on to actual trains post-pandemic. South Western Railway is the first company to do this, since commuting journeys had gone down since people were prevented from using public transport.
Contact, offers of support or feedback: Mr Simon Barber, 20 Fitzherbert House, Kingsmead, Richmond, Surrey, TW10 6HT T. 0208 940 4399 E. simon4barber@gmail.com
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