IT was almost beyond belief to find the overall manager of GNER asking for the scrapping of branch railway lines (Evening Press, May 4). One is used to arguments like this emerging from road interests, but from a rail manager it was remarkable.
May I present Mr Sherwood with two considerations?
First, if branch lines are not at present profitable, it is often because they are uncongenial, badly timetabled and marked by frequent delays and "failures". Others are doing well. If they all did well, with competitive fares, many more people would leave their cars at home.
Secondly, although relevant statistics have never been worked out, every time a line closes more people die. During a mere rail go-slow in the London area, road accidents increased.
Mr Sherwood says that lines he doesn't like can go "to hell". The "hell" would be the dead, disabled and bereaved, many on dangerous country roads. Road casualties are a national scandal. Rail travel is far safer. We need more, not fewer, branch lines, better run, and the re-opening of others.
Please, Mr Sherwood, don't encourage another "Beeching". And think about human, not merely commercial, cost.
Roy Stevens,
Willow Bank,
York.
...ONCE again the taxpayers' money has been wasted on the commissioning of a report that concludes that some people would take a train from Ripon to Harrogate and Leeds but that the capital cost of restoring the rail route would be very large and will probably prevent any further progress.
I am confident that similar conclusions will result from the York to Beverley route study.
Those who propose these high cost schemes should appreciate that there are other rail routes around the country where, despite the track still being in place, the capital cost of re-opening as a passenger route is still cost prohibitive; the Leicester to Burton on Trent line is a good example.
Why should the good people of Ripon be travelling in such large numbers to Harrogate and Leeds? Surely sustainable policy should be about the development of local services and employment which will reduce the need to commute and benefit the local economy?
David Randon,
Blue Slates Close,
Wheldrake,
York.
Updated: 10:07 Wednesday, May 19, 2004
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article