Long haul Upgrading the former GN-GE “joint line” thats runs between Peterborough and Doncaster as a freight alternative to the East Coast main line will take eight years, RDS members were told by Railtrack’s Keith Robinson and Simon Norton at the branch annual meeting in Saxilby. Work has already started on installing continuously welded rail north of Lincoln. One side effect is to improve the ride of the 142 and 144 trains.
Stop Central Trains has agreed to reinstate the Barnetby stop of the 18.37 Newark Northgate to Grimsby following appeals by RDS, its local manager Andy Garner has told us.
Cheap tickets RDS is appealing to Northern Spirit to reinstate a tranche of cheap day returns from South Humberside stations to Meadowhall and Sheffield which were withdrawn on 31 March.
Anniversary RDS had a stall at the 150 anniversary of the county’s smallest station at Barrow Haven, organised by Friends of the Barton Line in April.
Flyovers The branch will be making a renewed effort to get more of its aspirations into the Railtrack Network Management Statement which does however include some of our positive suggestions, including a commitment to flyovers at Newark and Peterborough.
Fares Northern Spirit’s Peter Myers has agreed to consider our request for lower fares on Sheffield-Lincoln and South Humberside-Sheffield route.
Promotion The branch is hoping to promote RDS in Habrough, Market Rasen, Metheringham, Ruskington, Hubbert’s Bridge and Wainfleet.
Good day Sleaford station is now staffed all day thanks to Central Trains agreeing to two shifts.
Rail ramble RDS is working with the Ramblers Association to promote the 2000 rail ramble from Gainsborough Lea Road around the Stow area on Saturday 23 September. Details: Stuart Parker 01522 534655
Media campaign RDS members have been active in a media campaign to counter misleading information in the press about Railtrack’s plans for Lincoln.
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