S&C groups reveal wish list for line’s development
A revival of the historic railway service between Leeds and Glasgow via the iconic SettleCarlisle Line and the introduction of a service connecting the line to towns to the southwest, such as Blackburn and Preston or Manchester, are the key proposals being made by the line’s two main support groups.
A ‘services strategy’ document has been developed jointly by the Settle-Carlisle Railway Development Company (DevCo) and the Friends of the Settle-Carlisle Line (FoSCL).
The document’s author, Steve Broadbent, said: This is not a fixed shopping list but a living document which will be refined as discussions with key players in the rail industry progress. It is very early days yet - we realise that any improvements will take three or four years to implement - but the reaction we are getting from those we have already shown the document to is heartening.”
Increased services between Leeds and Carlisle are also called for, using higher-quality trains more suited to today’s demanding tourist and business markets.
DevCo General Manager Drew Haley said: “The main purpose is to show interested parties there is a great deal the Settle-Carlisle Line’s support groups can contribute to the services along our line.
“For DevCo, this is particularly by way of internet marketing, publicity, and by increasing tour party bookings, which are presently constrained but can be very lucrative to the train operator.”
FoSCL Vice Chairman Paul Levet said: “Standard business case studies we did in 2013-14 and in 2017 show that extending the present Manchester-Clitheroe service throughout the day to Hellifield, or four times a day to Carlisle, would be profitable.
“There would also be more seats for tour party bookings, and significant wider benefits to communities along the SettleCarlisle Line. With 3,500 members, FoSCL can also bring a wealth of experience and volunteer effort to help the services succeed.”
Broadbent highlighted that the exact nature and timing of any improvement in services would need to be fully evaluated by the required rail industry procedures. ■ See feature, RAIL 845.