Please click here for the West Coast Partnership stakeholder bulletin providing an update on expected service disruption and essential engineering works taking place over the Christmas period.
Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact your local Regional Growth Manager, or email us at stakeholders@westcoastpartnership.co.uk.
On Sunday 12 December the rail industry will introduce the Winter timetable, which will remain in place until May 2022.
Under that timetable change, TransPennine Express will be taking a further step towards reintroducing pre-COVID services in response to customer demand, which, with some services reintroduced, will see an increase in seating capacity with improved frequency and connectivity. The Winter timetable will see us operate 85% of our pre-COVID level of service and the key changes in the timetable are:
Timetables can be found on our website using the following link: https://www.tpexpress.co.uk/travel-updates/timetables
The Friends of Handforth Station (FoHS) celebrated the 25th Anniversary of their founding at a Gala Event in Handforth Youth Centre on Tuesday 30th November.
The FoHS was the very first “Friends of a Station” group in the world, formed in November 1996 by local campaigners Mike Bishop and Steve Nash, amongst others.
The Gala attendees represented many of the groups that have contributed to the success that is Handforth Station today. These included local support groups like DSN, the Seashell Trust, and Time Out Group, as well as representatives from Handforth Town Council, local Rotarians, Handforth Library, Handforth Scouts and many more.
Representatives from the Rail Industry also attended, including Network Rail, Northern Trains and the Community Rail Network.
Mike Bishop, President of FoHS, said “Unfortunately Covid meant that some people couldn’t attend – for example our Twin ‘Friends of Malahide Station’ in Ireland couldn’t join us. We were, however, delighted at the large turnout for what was a very enjoyable evening.”
Jenny Barnes, Chair of FoHS, added, “It is a delight to volunteer with such a fun-loving group of friends, who enjoy making a positive impact on such an important space within our community. From gardening through timetable consultation to lobbying for step-free access, Friends groups very successfully connect communities with the rail industry.
“Our founding treasurer, Steve Nash, sadly passed away three years ago but the inspirational achievements of himself, Mike Bishop and the other founders of FoHS have paved the way to show what can be achieved by a capable and enthusiastic Friends network”
During the evening, Directors from Network Rail and Northern Trains unveiled an artistic screen commemorating the Friends’ first 25 years. This artwork, designed by FoHS Lead Artist Paul Pickford working with local schools and groups, is the first of several planned enhancements to the step-free access works. “Art contributes distinction and visual enrichment, and is a tangible expression of quality and care”, added Mike. “We shall be mounting the new screen on the concourse soon, where we expect it to delight station users for the next 25 years.”
Jenny concluded, “Successful as we have been, we are always very keen to welcome new people to our group. Volunteers can register on our web-site, or leave their details with Terry in the station on weekday mornings.”
CrossCountry Trains are busy recruiting both rail users and on-rail users to their Accessibility Panels and have a social media campaign running until Christmas.
Cross Country are inviting customers and those considering rail travel to take part in their virtual Accessibility Panel. Simply click the link to tell us about how you could help us! www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/CrossCountryAccessibility/
The more people involved the merrier.
The Crewe to Manchester and South East Manchester Community Rail Partnerships joins national campaign encouraging people to ‘Go Green by Train’ to help tackle climate emergency
The lift giving access to platforms 13 and 14 at Manchester Piccadilly station are to be refurbished.
The upgrade will make step-free access more reliable for passengers.
Work will start on Monday 3 January 2022 and take place until Monday 18 April 2022. [Read more…]
After the last bus at 3.15am on Sunday (29th August), Stockport bus station will close so that work can begin on a brand new transport interchange.
Bolton CRP are planning to hold a Mela in and around Bolton railway station and Interchange as a fringe event to the Bolton Food and Drink Festival in August 2021.
Northern’s is giving people the chance to ‘Go Do Your Thing’ and travel on its network for just £1. [Read more…]
Are you good at building relationships and partnership working? Interested in supporting local communities and wanting to make a difference? Concerned about the environment and wanting to encourage public transport and other sustainable modes?
If your answer is ‘yes’, Stockport Metropolitan Borough Council is the place for you. We have an exciting role for a Senior Officer (Community Rail) to join our Transport Strategy Team to provide a leading role in community rail activity across the borough.
For an informal chat about the role or to find out more, please contact Emily Brough, Transport Strategy Manager – emily.brough@stockport.gov.uk, 0161 474 4592.
Closing date: 20 August 2021.
To apply for the role, and for more information, visit Greater Manchester Jobs Portal.
This site has been re-designed using funding from the Designated Community Rail Development Fund – thank you to DfT,
Network Rail and the Association of Community Rail Partnerships for their support.