Passengers’ views sought on Stratford services

The Shakespeare Line Promotion Group is canvassing the views of passengers and businesses in south Warwickshire on a range of suggested improvements to rail services from Stratford-upon-Avon.

Respondents have until the end of February to complete the two online surveys, which SLPG says will inform the user group’s responses to forthcoming consultations and its future dialogue with operators and local government.

This includes the Department for Transport’s public consultation on the next Great Western franchise, which closes on February 21.

Should the survey results support its proposal, SLPG intends to respond to the consultation by suggesting the reinstatement of direct services between Stratford-upon-Avon and London Paddington, which were reduced by more than 50% in October 2015 by Chiltern Railways to provide paths for the operator’s new Marylebone-Oxford services.

The SLPG’s surveys are also asking respondents for their views on plans from Vintage Trains to run scheduled steam services between Birmingham and Stratford-uponAvon, a reduction in journey times to central Birmingham to 40 minutes, and on the potential reopening of the line between Stratford-upon-Avon and Honeybourne via Long Marston.

SLPG Secretary Fraser Pithie said: “We want as many people and local businesses as possible to tell us what is important to them and what they would like to see.

“We aim to publish the results in the spring, and we will use the results as the basis of our position and partnerships with train operators and local authorities to improve railway services and help local people and local businesses.”