S.L.U.G. CAMPAIGNS

Welcome to our new-look CAMPAIGNS PAGE. The SLUG Committee decided at its meeting in April 2009 to redefine its campaigns in line with current regional transport strategies. In doing so, SLUG has simplified the website page so that progress of campaigns is reported periodically on the NEWS PAGE and in the members’ newsletter. “Progress” is a subjective word and so SLUG would like to hear from passengers whether success has been achieved or there is still a long way to go.

The old-style CAMPAIGNS PAGE listed numerous individual campaigns and the Group attempted to work through the list. After careful consideration, the SLUG Committee decided not to prioritise individual aspirations or set unrealistic goals. Instead, SLUG will undertake to raise the standards on the Stourbridge Railway Line in the context of the complete journey experience. Here are the main five areas in which SLUG officers are campaigning:-

1. Quality of Stations
   The Group expects a good standard of security, comfort and cleanliness at stations. SLUG will campaign for real-time train arrival indicators and for local geographical and related transport information to be displayed.
   
   
2. Quality of Trains
   SLUG expects a good standard of security, comfort and cleanliness on trains. The Group also expects standards of punctuality and reliability which are not associated with life-expired rolling stock. The forthcoming Class 172 trains should deliver all SLUG requirements.
   
   
3. Quality of Service
   SLUG commends the “turn-up-and-go” frequency from Stourbridge Junction to Birmingham but seeks a balanced allocation of station stops. The Group expects a robust timetable which caters for all types of traveller. It seeks greater journey opportunity which would result from improved services on Sundays and during the evening.
   
   
4. Quality of Connections
   The Group will continue to press for a frequent and reliable service between its interchange stations. In order to compensate for the loss of through services to Birmingham New Street, SLUG will campaign for better connections at Smethwick Galton Bridge, Droitwich Spa and Worcester. The Group is actively exploring the possibilities of Stourbridge Line services running beyond Worcester to Cheltenham and Gloucester.
   
   Recognising the needs of passengers to change to bus, tram or plane, SLUG will engage with transport authorities and operators to facilitate seamless connections.
   
   
5. Line Re-openings
   SLUG is campaigning for the restoration of a rail passenger service to Dudley and beyond. The lines are already in use (and maintained to a high standard) as far as Round Oak near Brierley Hill. The tracks could easily handle passenger trains as well as freight. The Group is prepared to accept a sharing of tracks to accommodate tram/train operation, but the greater objective is to pursue passenger services to Walsall and connections to the inter-city network in the north-east of England.
   
   Subject to a perceivable demand and a realistic business case, SLUG will campaign for the re-opening of branch lines where tracks or track beds still exist.
   

In conclusion, the STOURBRIDGE LINE USER GROUP exists to PROMOTE and PROTECT the Birmingham to Worcester Railway which runs through Stourbridge and Kidderminster. Our campaigns are based on these two objectives and progress is measured from the time of the Group’s inception. The Group does not assume to take the credit for all improvements made, but working together with other stakeholders, we can claim to have brought forward:-

• Better station environments,
  
• Much better passenger information,
  
• New trains,
  
• Virtual elimination of graffiti on trains,
  
• Improvements to both Virgin and Chiltern services to London,
  
• New journey opportunities by changing at Galton Bridge,
  
• The reinstatement of a single-change connection to BirminghamInternational,
  
• Improved Birmingham-Kidderminster frequency,
  
• The introduction of a connecting Worcester-Gloucester service.
  
  

SLUG will vigorously pursue its campaigns through various channels and raise its profile to recruit new members. It regularly meets with local government transport authorities and train operators. It will also co-operate with other user groups where there is a common interest.

Pictures courtesy of Parry People Movers

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