Tuesday, 17 June 2025

South East and East Rail Consultation

New update on related rail matters:

New Thameslink Eastbourne service starting - prelude to
our call for Capital-Airport-Eastbourne (Resort) synergy and Polegate-Stone Cross direct curve for Ashford-Brighton shave 20 minutes end-to-end and Hastings-Ashford electrification infill and redoubling?
Please get to it in campaign and marketing terms: https://news.railbusinessdaily.com/in-the-news-16th-july-2025-latest-rail-news/

Please email your MP in support of these initiatives and for a study on Redhill Reform and reopening the direct East Croydon-Eastbourne Cuckoo Line as a modern relief capacity artery?
https://members.parliament.uk/members/commons?sort=1

Please respond to this consultation. We need more tracks for more trains and that must include local rail reopenings and more orbital rail links around M25/London to enable radial services from and to different parts of Great Britain offering seamless journeys to/from the South East, cutting volumes of traffic vehicles (people and goods) and lowering congestion, blight and emissions/deteriorating quality of life for South East Citizens.


BRTA supports local rail reopenings but qualifiedly:
1. Guildford-Horsham via Cranleigh (see attached)
2. Studies into reopening/new-building No. 1 above) and that of a new Polegate-Stone Cross direct avoiding line shaving 20 minutes off end-to-end journeys making rail more competitive and opening up new capacity for more diverse directly services to Eastbourne (a Cinderella shadowed by Brighton?).
3. Studies into the new-build of the Cuckoo Line and East Grinstead-Three Bridge and the former Pulborough line to avoid going into London for getting across the South East. £millions spent on upgraded roads including A24 and A27 and for what?! It exacerbates land-use and parking demand at resorts and needs more rails to offer competitive alternatives to guzzling roads and rubber on hard surfaces pollutes and affect public health - ending up at NHS waiting lists see: https://earthwatch.org.uk/new-report-widespread-toxic-tyre-pollution-harmful-to-all-life-is-entering-uk-rivers/
4. Direct curves from the Tonbridge and Guildford lines to Gatwick and a study into a new flyover linking Tonbridge and Guildford lines for passenger and freight to and from the Channel Tunnel. Capacity at Guildford either needs more land-take or reopening the Cranleigh-Horsham line for more by rail options including Gatwick via Three Bridges and Crawley and them to Guildford, Reading and beyond, Heathrow (new-build): https://heathrowrail.com/
and West London/Waterloo et al.

Others should adopt a top 10 of schemes ideally and give details for such a call beit traffic reduction, pollution, environment, land use, population growth or even mere preference and choice for rail?

Our events are on our website:

Please email your local MP with pro-rail suggestions qualified/loop into your response to the consultation and us: https://members.parliament.uk/members/commons?sort=1

Rt. Hon Sir Keir Starmer MP and Prime Minister talks about 'helping working people' whereas as British Prime Minister he should care about all people in a given society and do the utmost to reduce an underclass developing caught often between gaps in political spin and realities on the ground. More, better and affordable access to public transport enables more as per social mobility on the back of access to free education (all tiers) made accessible to all pockets and none; our transport agenda and sensitive social housing for people trying to leave home, our young people, seeking work, education and yes for families wanting affordable leisure travel, bus and rail need to come together services, ticketing and cost for low incomes say £21, 000 p.a and below to any kind of Welfare which needs arguably to be pegged to inflation as cost of living with everything else bites to leave little spending power. In short, whatever your views politically, it has to be made to add up for all, otherwise people fall through the net, face impossible barriers and more homelessness, which is not the sort of nation any of us want surely? So our focus on better, more and affordable public transport makes absolute sense for the well being of our society and we can export best results with best practise starting with these additional rail schemes surely?

BRTA CEO
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Location: United Kingdom

Monday, 16 June 2025

Get Bedford Moving via Modal Choice (Rail) being progressed and delivered in a timely manner!

Why Bedford needs radial railways and stations:

https://www.bedfordtoday.co.uk/news/people/bedford-has-higher-than-average-rate-of-premature-deaths-5231589

Now there may be many causes which inform such a conclusion, but regular exposure to polluted air quality by congestion exacerbating emissions is one contributory factor for example: https://www.bedfordtoday.co.uk/news/environment/air-pollution-causes-more-than-one-in-20-deaths-in-bedford-according-to-new-data-4673198
BRTA has called for action and offered to work with anyone to get a local rail agenda tabled to give more sustainable transport choices for coming to and through Bedford including radial links to Cambridge, Leicester, Northampton and with Oxford and Luton and infill stations to boot, could reduce congestion, emissions, waste and improve public health and well-being. The council called a meeting on-going on water quality, we need the same for pursuit of these rail agendas with harnessing investment and Government involvement and support via Universal and other related agents.
Please give us your support and work with us.

Join our free email loop via requests to ceo@brtarail.com

Future Bedford Midland Station Stalls will be posted on: https://brtarail.com/events/

Photo of the day! Bedford Midland, Richard Pill, BRTA CEO!

Dear All,

Please come and find us if you wish and maybe visit Bedford - the river embankment is best.
Please bring cash and/or donate.
I attach a updated price list. 
Loads of old newsletters to give away, old magazines and select small run of second hand books and other literature to browse. Town Centre is a 5-10 minute walk from the railway station, but a good chip shop is in Bromham Road!
Meanwhile maybe take some photos and copy us in and inspect the lie of the land around Bedford Midland and see what 'reforms' are needed. Our own views are on the website and increasingly so: https://brtarail.com/ewrail/ and https://brtarailvolunteer.blogspot.com/
In sum:
1. The corner and road sweep from Midland Road to Ashburnham Road needs taming
2. The drivers' mess rooms need to return to an island with walking off Platform 1 only.
3. Negotiate a one-way in and out either via sharing entrances with Postal Sorting Office and out via Commercial Road cul-de-sac which used to be used by vans years ago.
4. Put a new booking hall from the road-side on the current car park, so facing down Midland Road - the quickest route to the heart of the town centre/make visible.
5. Triple stack parking northern side of booking hall and bus/taxi access
6. Triple twin bays making 1a for Bedford-Bletchley shuttles (open the line for Sunday services and workings); and 1b and 1c as additional bays which if Northern Route tracks can be extended / bolted on or if our route and passenger reversals to Oxford and Cambridge (via St John's area) respectively, okay, but need 8-coach length in any case, 1a does not have that as MVR (Bedford-Bletchley shuttle trains) are much shorter, but with Universal, will need upgrading and ideally infill electrification and 4-coach units minimally.
7. It needs studying, design work and Ford End Road Bridge possibly needs 'reform' or replacement with greater clearances and versatility built-in.
2031 is Universal 8 million visitors to Bedford per year start, as per we hope, Oxford-Bedford services. Those bays will be needed as per two track linkages to existing slows for freight south of the road bridge. Then consider Bedford-Cambridge may take another 10 years to be operational (built) and walla, baying is essential. Step back and you can see surely that given Bedford-Bletchley is fully operational now and has loads of spare capacity, fitting an hourly Oxford-Bedford service in would not be prohibited or operationally problematic, so our leaders should be calling this out and asking for incremental engineering weekend possessions to do any upgrades like doubling tracks both ends, sorting any level crossing issues if necessary and ideally infill electrification for Watford-Corby freight for example and vice versa.
Our local media and councils need to get the government to engage more around these issues and consult BRTA and include us in such discussion surely? Please help us by joining and donating as we are only as good as a growing membership informs. Thank you.

Yours sincerely,

Richard Pill
BRTA CEO

Sales List 2025

 

Ø  Old Newsletters free! Donations welcome.

 

Ø  Second Hand Magazines £50p each, x3 for £1

 

Ø  Second Hand Books £2 each, x3 for £5

 

Ø  ~ We aim to provide a carrier bag if it helps ~

 

 

Ø  If uncertain about anything we do or sell, please ask.

 

Ø  Join as a member and be part of a growing movement for more and better public transport, bucking the trend and enabling greener choices and lifestyles.

 

Ø  

Our association is voluntary and has many opportunities for volunteers and assistants to help us do more and better. CV fillers, experience and pioneering can be done with us where suitable. Please offer/ask and be willing to work as part of a team spirited organisation. Reliability is a key quality we value.  https://brtarail.com/get-involved-volunteering/

 

Ø  Enquiries via Richard Pill, BRTA CEO

01234 225068 or ceo@brtarail.com

 

~ Please bring cash to all stalls and events!


The stall hopefully, will be repeated. See: https://brtarail.com/events/ for other opportunities.
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Location: Bedfordshire, UK

Thursday, 12 June 2025

East West Rail, Save St John's for rail purposes, get more local stations and Bedford-Northampton for Wixams New Station!

Update 06-07-2025 - BRTA Needs More Volunteers, Donations and Support!

N2MH and B2N (we work together loosely) - new main line Wixams Station (Thameslink no change required Northampton-Bedford-Wixams-Luton Airport - M1 does Northampton-Luton, but not Bedford! Bedford-Cambridge is ME, no one else wanted except advocates for what I believe to be right. Others are not on cue and mess the message up and it costs us.
f. New Bedford Team I coordinate - Stations North of Bedford (Oakley/Sharnbrook) and Ampthill + local electric Bedford-Leicester shuttle - EMR does it plus express services and Thameslink extend to take over the Corby integration role? 
g. St John's old site down to Cardington Road needs retaining for rail purposes, ultimately our East-West Rail route and interim a. Washery for 12 coach trains and b. reinstate triangle and turn/stable 'Leisure Line' services from Didcot/Oxford direction (Universal 8 million people per year) and anything from the Leicester direction. Stables off main through lines, is needed capacity and washery current has only 8-coach length capability.

I welcome feedback and support please. 
We have until 2031 to get rudiments sorted. If old St John's is not reclaimed and used for railway purposes, population expansion/other pressure for social housing on brownfield site, may eclipse and scupper rail retention purposes. That locks-in Northern Route, 60 houses demolished and less-than optimal railway. 
We need a champion/s, we need people with competence and charisma. I am an advocate, but needs fronting by those who better appreciate what can be done politically. If the council invited me to meet with Universal and persuaded them to buy into our vision, then, that would be something.

h. Bedford-Bletchley is dysfunctional currently with 45 year old trains breaking down, shortages of drivers/lack of retention.
The halts need retention, lengthening to 4-coach length and infill electrification (enabling Watford-Corby) for people and goods by rail more integratively. Again, we need champions to advocate for that package and the proposed new station at the Retail Park, put Kempston Town on the railway map. 100 new users per day in 2001, so probably triple that now. Rentain Stewartby for Kimberley College, Sports Venues associates and the village itself. No buses go west from Stewartby, so Bedford-Bletchley Railway offers choice and versatility if run reliably. 

i. Bus substitutes and short-notice cancellations, a lack of a Sunday Service and the extension to Milton Keynes Central (£20 million spent sorting it out of Platform 5) all need flagging up. Otherwise the railway is discredited/falls short and patterning reverts and locks-in road reliance and usage more. 8 million visitors to Universal/Bedford per year 2031, we need to be ready and 6 years in planning terms is not long. 2050 East-West Rail says for 'full monty' east-west rail, but given development pressures, routes will be scuppered long before that, so is someone empowered or are we being led along by 'donkeys'?!

re: https://www.mkcommunityhub.com/post/extra-2-5-billion-announced-for-east-west-rail-in-government-spending-review

1. Potentially good 'news' at face value. Unsure how the money will be spent? 6-tracks to MK Central would be prudent and extend to Northampton as well surely? 
2. I do hope our MP's Messers Yasin and Fuller along with our Elected Mayor will blast and make representation for Bedford to be included from day one of Oxford-Milton Keynes Passenger and freight services, not left awaiting another 6 years when Bedford-Bletchley is a fully operational railway and has spare capacity.
3. Sorting Bedford Midland out is required, and BRTA has called for the map and design for many years. Now is wake-up time, we have 6 years for a full-monty capacity enhancement and rejig of a station which can last another 50 years. 
4. BRTA calls for twin bays making the train drivers mess an island as it was when the old Bedford Midland Station was in situ. Road access needs amending and maybe a one-way in or sharing with Postal Sorting Office and exit out via Commercial Road stub for NR purposes, may be a negotiated solution?
5. BRTA had a useful meeting today and is growing. But we need more public engagement with us. Many thousands responded to the consultation and support the East-West Rail idea Oxford-Bedford-Cambridge etc; but routing east of Bedford needs resolution and practicability considerations sorted, our route is a feasible option and physical rail links at Tempsford optimises reach and range and market capability. Fail there, and you blight the commercial potential of the new line. 
6. Development sprawl will mean land loss and that hems in the scope for future rail amendments without more residential pain.
7. The BRTA stall is on at Bedford Midland next Wednesday (18th) all welcome and our East-West Page makes our focus clear. I am willing to welcome any support for BRTA and work with anyone to get it fairly included. The railway must be fit for passenger and freight considerations from day one. Please see: https://brtarail.com/ewrail/

Meanwhile people have commented at our meeting what a disgrace Platform 6 is at Bletchley without lifts/Disabled access. Will £2.5 billion address that or must we wait until 2031 for the next spending round?! BRTA and predecessors have been raising Bedford-Bletchley issues for years.

BRTA calls for a switch from new and upgraded roads spending to a nationwide programme of local, year-on-year rail reopenings and rebuilds to give modal choice, lower harmful emissions, congestion, save land and enhance regeneration and sustainable growth putting people, places and the environment at the heart of government priorities, policy and resource use. Please give us your support.
Email your local MP in support of BRTA's calls: https://members.parliament.uk/members/commons?sort=1  and join BRTA: https://brtarail.com/become-a-member/
All offers to help or general enquiries welcome via ceo@brtarail.com Join BRTA via: https://brtarail.com/events/
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Location: Bedfordshire, UK

Monday, 9 June 2025

Follow-up on Withdrawal of Paper One Day Bus and Tram Pass – Concerns and Next Steps

To follow up on our previous correspondence regarding the withdrawal of the paper One Day Bus and Tram Pass by Transport for London (TfL). Although I did not submit the original question, I am deeply disappointed with the Mayor’s response to Caroline Russell’s enquiry (Question No: 2025/1785), which failed to adequately address the key concerns raised.

For your reference, the Mayor’s reply dated 28 May 2025 can be found here:

The response largely stated that TfL is not required to consult on every fare change and pointed to the availability of the Oyster version of the pass at local newsagents, without addressing the critical issues faced by vulnerable groups—particularly victims of crime who have had wallets, purses, or smartphones stolen and are temporarily unable to access transport while waiting for replacement cards.

This echoes the earlier inadequate response from September 2023 concerning the proposed withdrawal of the Day Travelcard, which thankfully has been retained for now. The Mayor’s answer then (link below) simply asserted that customers could buy single tickets at machines, overlooking the unique difficulties faced by those without access to bank cards or smartphones:

In April, I sought to raise awareness about these issues with the Campaign for Better Transport and Bus Users UK. Unfortunately, Bus Users UK simply forwarded my complaint to TfL, and Campaign for Better Transport informed me they lack the resources to run additional campaigns, suggesting instead that I contact London TravelWatch.

Moreover, recent incidents such as the Barclays bank IT outage from 31 January to 2 February 2025 have starkly highlighted the vulnerability of passengers relying solely on electronic payment systems. Millions of customers were unable to access funds or make payments, illustrating why non-digital travel options must remain available.

To summarise the legal and policy context underpinning these concerns:

  1. Public Consultation Requirements:
    While TfL is not legally bound to consult on every fare change under the Local Government Act 2000, public bodies are generally expected to conduct meaningful consultation when decisions significantly affect the public—especially vulnerable groups—under the Public Sector Equality Duty (PSED) of the Equality Act 2010. Common law also mandates fair and timely consultation when rights or interests are significantly impacted.

  2. Equality Impact Assessment (EqIA) and the Equality Act 2010:
    TfL has a duty to eliminate discrimination and advance equality of opportunity (Section 149). If victims of crime temporarily lacking payment access are considered vulnerable, the EqIA should have been revised accordingly. Failure to do so may represent a breach of the Equality Duty.

  3. Support for Vulnerable Passengers:
    TfL must make reasonable adjustments under the PSED to avoid disproportionately disadvantaging disabled and vulnerable passengers, including those temporarily unable to use Oyster or digital options. Consumer protection and transport regulations further require accessible, inclusive services.

  4. Legal Remedies:
    Where consultation or equality duties have been neglected, judicial review remains a possible avenue to challenge TfL’s decision-making process. I want to clarify that this is purely my idea and if anyone wishes to pursue legal action against TfL, there are plenty of law firms that might take the case on a pro bono basis. However, I do not intend to take part in any legal action myself.

  5. Context of Digital Exclusion and System Failures:
    Events like the Barclays outage underscore the critical need for maintaining non-digital ticketing alternatives to safeguard passengers from sudden exclusion.

Additionally, Schedule 10 of the Greater London Authority Act 1999 clarifies TfL’s status and powers, explicitly classifying Transport for London as a local authority for certain purposes. While TfL is not a Crown agent and operates independently, it must carry out its functions in compliance with relevant legal standards applicable to local authorities. The full text can be found here:

This email was sent by someone who wishes to disseminate the information whilst remaining anonymous, which we respect.

Please email your local MP if you wish to give support to the campaign. Thank you. https://members.parliament.uk/members/commons?sort=1

For tuning into BRTA Events please peruse our website: https://brtarail.com/events/ Join our free email loop via ceo@brtarail.com

Update:

We can remain deeply concerned that the Mayor’s response to Caroline Russell’s enquiry (Question No: 2025/1785), dated 28 May 2025 (https://www.london.gov.uk/who-we-are/what-london-assembly-does/questions-mayor/find-an-answer/withdrawal-paper-one-day-bus-and-tram-pass), did not adequately address the critical issues faced by vulnerable groups—particularly those who have had wallets, purses, or smartphones stolen and are temporarily unable to access transport while waiting for replacement cards.

In reference to the Mayor’s question, an FOI request (FOI-0170-2526) was submitted by someone else, who also shared a personal account highlighting the real impact of the withdrawal. The individual wrote to TfL explaining that a short time ago, their purse was stolen, including both contactless bank cards and their Oyster card. Due to financial hardship, they were unable to replace the Oyster card, which costs £7 without a refundable deposit, and consequently could not travel on London buses while waiting for replacement cards. They also do not use Apple or Google Pay or mobile banking due to security concerns, especially given the rising theft of smartphones. TfL has provided key documents including the Chief Technology Officer’s decision note and a redacted Equality Impact Assessment. They have confirmed that no meetings took place with London TravelWatch or the Independent Disability Advisory Group (IDAG) on this issue:
https://tfl.gov.uk/corporate/transparency/freedom-of-information/foi-request-detail?referenceId=FOI-0170-2526

While London TravelWatch’s recent campaign on digital exclusion highlights important barriers faced by many passengers (https://www.londontravelwatch.org.uk/campaigns/digital-exclusion/), it notably does not mention the specific difficulties encountered by people who have had their Oyster, contactless bank, or concession cards, as well as smartphones with Apple or Google Pay virtual cards, lost or stolen and must wait for replacements. This gap overlooks a significant group temporarily unable to use digital or contactless payment methods.

I would also like to highlight the increasing incidence of thefts involving bank cards, smartphones, and other personal devices in London. Such thefts leave victims without access to contactless payments, digital tickets, or banking apps, compounding their difficulties in using public transport. For example, in 2024, over 80,000 smartphones were reported stolen in London alone, with mobile phones being stolen approximately every six minutes, according to the Metropolitan Police and recent reports. Despite some recent reductions in phone snatching in specific areas like the City of London, the overall trend remains a serious concern. This rise in thefts has prompted calls for enhanced security measures from both law enforcement and government officials.

For further information on the risks and consequences of phone theft, see:
https://www.santander.com/en/stories/mobile-phone-security-what-to-do-before-and-after-a-device-is-stolen
https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2025/apr/23/what-to-do-phone-lost-stolen-change-passwords
https://www.standard.co.uk/news/crime/rise-london-mobile-phone-thefts-met-police-b1231196.html
https://www.cityoflondon.police.uk/news/city-of-london/news/2025/may/city-of-london-police-tactics-preventing-phone-theft/
https://www.swlondoner.co.uk/news/24012025-london-faces-a-crisis-as-stats-of-phone-thefts-increase-rapidly
https://www.helpnetsecurity.com/2025/04/18/uk-phone-theft-crisis/
https://mobileidworld.com/uk-officials-challenge-apple-and-google-over-rising-smartphone-theft-crisis/
https://www.london.gov.uk/who-we-are/what-london-assembly-does/questions-mayor/find-an-answer/phone-thefts-year

This problem is compounded by wider issues of digital exclusion and declining access to cash, as detailed in the House of Commons Library research briefing:
https://commonslibrary.parliament.uk/research-briefings/cbp-9453/

The briefing notes that digitally excluded people, older adults, those in poor health, and people with lower financial resilience are more likely to depend on cash and traditional banking services. Despite recent legislation giving the Financial Conduct Authority powers to protect access to cash, there is no requirement for businesses or service providers to accept cash, leaving many vulnerable groups at risk.

Given these challenges, I strongly urge TfL to reinstate the paper One Day Bus and Tram Pass for sale at stations. This would provide a vital alternative for those temporarily unable to use digital or contactless payment methods and ensure equitable access to public transport.

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Location: London, UK

Saturday, 7 June 2025

Support BRTA in the North! Engage for more and better railways and services.

Please can people interject to this consultation exercise by Transport for the North: 


You will doubtless have your own lists. 
But some we hold dear can include:
1. Peak Rail (Derby-Manchester)
2. Don Valley Railway (see Sheffield Public Meeting flyer attached with details).
3. Scarborough-Whitby (new build, a study to examine feasibility is required).
4. Harrogate-Ripon, new-build may be needed, likewise if a Phase 2 to Northallerton
5. A study into a new modern design Woodhead revival.
6. Burscough Curves
7. Colne-Skipton
8. Other schemes related or additional.
All at various stages, all need support.
Think what you can do? Joining BRTA is a good start!

BRTA Sheffield Forum Public Meeting

 Saturday 19 July 2025 2-4pm business

Venue: 

Farm Road Sports & Social Club, Farm Road, Sheffield S2 2TP

1.  Welcome by Chair-of-the-Meeting Mr Chris Hyomes

2.  Speaker: 

Chris Bell, on Don Valley Rail Project to Stocksbridge

http://donvalleyrailway.org/

3.  Speaker Roy Begg, Technical Officer of the 

Minsters Rail Link Campaign https://www.minstersrail.com/

4.  Others speakers at the Chairperson’s discretion.

5.  Question and Answer (Q&A) Panel

6.  Any Other Business 7. Sales and Mingle

All welcome, admission free.

BRTA Website: https://brtarail.com/events/

Blogspot: https://brtarailvolunteer.blogspot.com/

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Location: Sheffield, UK

Monday, 2 June 2025

BRTA Public Forum in Wrexham 21-06-25 All Welcome

BRTA Public Forum in Wrexham 21-06-25 All Welcome

BRTA Wrexham Forum – Open to All!

Saturday 21 June at 2pm food and 3-5pm business

Venue: The Elihu Yale, 44-46 Regent Street, Wrexham LL11 1RR  https://www.jdwetherspoon.com/pubs/the-elihu-yale-wrexham/ Phone:01978-366646

 Agenda

1.                 Appointment of a Chair (by consent) for the meeting, not Simon.

2.                 Apologies for absence/sign attendance list

3.                 Review of Existing Services in Region including Shrewsbury-Chester and Wrexham-London prospects.

4.                 New Links/Rebuilds: Ruabon-Llangollen – needs determined case and push by ‘powers’.

5.                 Freight by Rail

6.                 Bridgnorth-Shrewsbury Corridor

7.                 West Wales North-South Proposals (Carmarthen-Bangor – not just problems but opportunities before too late and what you get if you do not act: A487/A470 upgrades for example undermining existing rail rather than boosting it. See A55 North Wales for example?!

8.                 Oswestry to Gobowen and links with Welshpool direct (Manchester Airport to Aberystwyth ‘not via Shrewsbury’ to shave end-to-end times)

9.                 Barmouth-Dolgellau – a terminal branch could go north to link with and make a loop via Blaenau Ffestiniog – some track remains towards Trawsfynydd.

10.           Join, offer to volunteer/be an area rep to recruit and build teams

11.            Any Other Business

12.            Date, time and place of next meeting for Wales 2026 (Machynlleth).

“Think not what BRTA can do for you, but what you can do for BRTA” – A variant on a quote from the late J. F. Kennedy circa 1962.

For further information please contact Simon Barber, BRTA Forums Convenor, Email address: admin@brtarail.com

Phone (landline): 020-8940-4399 Phone (mobile): 07522-374740

Commentary and background:

BRTA  aims to highlight discussions around the border with Wales and Welsh Rail development and our stance is that we do not do it all, but rather, people join BRTA, offer to volunteer and serve and grow that pattern to enable teams working on projects in a credible way to progress these and wider pro-rail agendas to the top - beit Welsh Assembly and/or Department for Transport (English side).

Please bring your friends and help with the discussions constructively. Thank you.

On Llangollen-Ruabon, one wonders why on earth any rail project would not want an inclusive rail link to their outlet to massively boost usership and prosperity of it and surrounding areas? But what it also needs is a power to see wider considerations and benefits and to push it through as per HS2 "here's the cheque, move please" with compensation from the powers who allowed old routes and deviation spaces to be compromised in the first place?

Where we are now nationwide and local specifics is a massive development sprawl and campaign by government, without a commitment to adequate rail-based infrastructure and massive implications on the roads and compromise of air quality, the land use and the environment (quality of life!) issues. We need a rebalance with rail - heavy rail solutions which cater for a more dynamic set of options for the purchaser for both passenger and freight by rail operations. 

Unless we can grow and persuade the government that is what is needed with some new and creative thinking, the outcomes and interim will be nationwide satisfaction. 
Likewise, affordability, beit buses or rail or both, we need 18+ to Retirement ages access to a free bus-rail pass especially if under £21, 000 p.a. for example to give lifestyle enhancement, choice and mobility other than total car dependency and cost locked-in and perpetuated. 
Join us and help campaign for these improvements, as that is the way to do it! Contact and join our loop via ceo@brtarail.com
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Location: Wrexham, UK
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