WELCOME TO S.L.U.G. NEWS PAGE

We hope that you will find this page informative. It will be updated on a regular basis and will include articles supplied by the train companies and transport authorities with the appropriate links for detail. This is where you will find reports from S.L.U.G. officers and information on the Group’s activities including notice of meetings.

The scope of news coverage will be any matter relating to Stourbridge Line stations, trains and performance and also bus links to the line. We will comment on events and developments and offer constructive criticism where appropriate.

If you have any news material to share or if you want to comment on any of the news stories published here e-mail: newseditor@stourbridgelineusergroup.info or visit our Facebook page

News Page Updated 12 May 2013

12 May 2013

A Most Unusual Rail Tour

SLUG is pleased to publicise a most unusual rail tour that is running, entirely for charity, on Sunday 26th May. It is hoped to raise £10,000 - £12,500 for Railway Children with ticket sales, on board raffle and sales etc.

It may be of interest to members as there are some places left and it would be good if it could be filled up. The train is being provided by Chiltern completely free of charge, the train’s crews are donating their pay to The Railway Children and Network Rail is not charging for its work in planning and running the train etc.

The Branch Line Society is facilitating this unique, interesting and unusual trip (at no charge of course) and any publicity amongst members and support (in terms of bookings to fill the train and publicity) would be appreciated by the BLS for this well deserving cause.

It will connect with the first train of the day from Birmingham Moor Street (depart 08.55) and intermediate stations to Marylebone, as well as return trains at Bicester North and Marylebone.

For more information click here

06 January 2013

The heat is on

An article on rail fare increases does not constitute “news” in the true sense of the word. The annual inflation-busting hike in travel costs is hardly unexpected.

However, the well worn phrase “it pays for developing the service” simply will not wash with passengers this year. Those same customers can claim that their train service has actually deteriorated in 2012 and fare rises are unjustified on that basis alone.

London Midland has delivered comfort and speed with the new Class 172 trains. Likewise, Chiltern Railways has introduced superior Mk3 Silver Locomotive-hauled trains on our line. What can the operators offer for 2013 which will placate commuters who are regularly late for work in the morning? The official answer is re-jigged, more efficient timetables. The real answer lies in the terms of the franchise extension from the Department for Transport: To compensate for delays and cancellations, every London Midland season ticket holder will receive 5 free tickets to travel anywhere on the London Midland network. Furthermore, 500,000 more Advance fare tickets will be made available on the London to Crewe, London to Birmingham and Birmingham to Liverpool routes. Finally, London Midland promise over £2m on improvements, including “a programme of information, safety and performance enhancements which will help to improve customers’ travel experience, particularly in the West Midlands”.

This is all very well if you believe that the £2m is new money and not derived from the New Year fare increases. The fact is that London Midland has suffered a serious blow to its stature and credibility and PR alone will not repair the damage to its reputation. Although the Snow Hill Lines suffered less than other routes during the driver shortage experience, there is much to be done on the Stourbridge Line. A coat of paint at stations will not be enough. As far as the Stourbridge Line User Group is concerned, basic issues will have to be tackled: Overcrowding during rush hour needs to be addressed. Worcestershire stations deserve a better frequency of trains and some need an upgrade to enable passengers to travel during the evening and Sundays. This is the starting point in 2013. The heat is on for London Midland to prove itself.

Christmas Quiz Answers

How well do you know the Stourbridge line? Here are the photographs and the answers are below.

1 Birmingham Moor Street
2 Worcester Shrub Hill
3 Smethwick Galton Bridge
4 Jewellery Quarter (entrance in Vyse Street)
5 Hartlebury
6 Cradley Heath
7 Worcester Shrub Hill (Ladies Waiting Room)
8 Stourbridge Junction
9 Worcester Tunnel Junction
10 Blakedown Signal Box
11 Droitwich Spa
12 Birmingham Snow Hill (Livery Street entrance)
13 Hagley
14 Langley Green
15 Old Hill (crossing the canal just north of the station)
16 Old Hill Tunnel (view from above the southern portal)
17 Worcester Foregate Street
18 Smethwick Junction
19 Jewellery Quarter (view through the Hockley tunnels)
20 Kidderminster
21 Hoobrook Viaduct, Kidderminster
22 The Hawthorns
23 Rowley Regis
24 Lye
25 Livery Street bridge (between Snow Hill and Jewellery Quarter)
26 Birmingham Snow Hill
27 Railway bridge over the Worcester & Birmingham Canal, Worcester
28 Stourbridge Junction signal box
29 Stourbridge Town
30 Digbeth viaduct, south of Birmingham Moor Street

16 December 2012

A small victory

Despite the current bad news for commuters who are experiencing disruptions to their journeys, there is some good news in the new London Midland timetable. As a result of changing timetable slots with Chiltern Railways, an extra journey opportunity from Hartlebury station has been created from a new Worcester to Kidderminster extension. Outward morning services to Birmingham now total four instead of three, comprising of 0627, 0650, 0705 and 0730 departures. The Stourbridge Line User Group has campaigned for years for an improved service for this North Worcestershire station and this development could be considered a small victory.

Hartlebury is a neglected station with lots of potential as a hub for the village itself and the nearby town of Stourport on Severn. Until now, London Midland has provided only the basic service for Hartlebury as stipulated by the franchise agreement. This means that the village and district are deprived of a credible daytime service to the city of Worcester which is the natural shopping location.
Evening entertainment in Worcester or Birmingham is prohibited because last trains do not call at Hartlebury, despite no perceived disadvantage caused to passengers if they did stop.

Footfall figures for Hartlebury measured against the meagre service are impressive. Passenger numbers using Hartlebury station compare favourably with request stop stations on the Birmingham to Stratford upon Avon line. These request stops have a theoretical hourly service and in practice, trains slow down anyway.

Our new Class 172 trains have the capability to accommodate stations with short length platforms by virtue of selective door opening. Much improved acceleration/deceleration compared with the old Class 150 trains, strengthens the argument to stop more trains at Hartlebury to test the market and grow it.

We urge London Midland to further improve the Hartlebury service in the next timetable. As well as providing new revenue for the company, there are other benefits: An enhanced timetable would mean car parking problems at Kidderminster could be alleviated because Stourport-based commuters might choose to drive to Hartlebury to obtain a seat in the carriage of their choice.

25 September 2012

Rail Users’ Group condemns station staff cuts

(Extract from a Press Release by the Stourbridge Line User Group)

A local rail passenger representative group has reacted angrily to news of forthcoming booking office closures and reduced staffing. The Stourbridge Line User Group (SLUG) has been presented with a list of stations which are affected and has great concerns for the implications. Amongst the measures is the complete closure of Lye booking office. SLUG Chairman, Rob Hebron was quoted as saying:-

“London Midland pre-warned us that they wanted the Government to allow them to reduce staffing at their stations. We presented a strong case for maintaining staffing but the Department for Transport has ignored the passengers’ organisations. We expected a compromise not a rubber stamp.

He continued:-

“We have always maintained that booking office staff do more than just sell tickets. They do valuable research for customers by planning their journeys for them and finding the best offers. SLUG does not dispute the increase in tickets obtained on-line and remote from stations but there is no substitute for face to face contact. Station staff provides reassurance for passengers.

The Group is particularly annoyed about the de-staffing of Lye station. Lye is a community that relies on night time trade from customers who arrive from outside the area. The lack of visible security at the station will deter passengers who need to make a return journey late at night”.

Even busy Stourbridge Junction will have its ticket office close at 8 pm on Mondays to Thursdays, 10 pm on Fridays, 9 pm on Saturdays and 7 pm on Sundays. At present, it is open until the last train of the day, just before midnight. Stourbridge Town will only be staffed until 6 pm.

SLUG is not alone in objecting to the cuts. Both Passenger Focus and Centro have made representations to London Midland. Centro chairman Cllr John McNicholas has gone on record, pointing out that London Midland have ignored 18,000 passengers and disabled groups who objected. At one point, it was suggested London Midland would save £1.25 million to boost their profits. Now they say there will be no saving. So the Stourbridge Line User Group is asking what possible benefits are there to the train operator, the Department for Transport, or, most importantly, the passengers in driving through these changes.

The Group has invited a London Midland manager to its next meeting. SLUG officers will use this opportunity to drive home the concerns of the passengers that they represent.

22 August 2012

Rail User Group attacks inflation busting fare increases.

(Extract from a press release by SLUG published 16th August 2012)

A local train passenger support group has reacted angrily to news that train fares are likely to rise by 3% above inflation in the New Year. The Stourbridge Line User Group (SLUG) has seized on the recent publication of the Retail Price Index (R.P.I.), which indicates that the annual percentage increment will be on top of an unexpectedly high base figure. Due to a complicated inter-regional fare structure, the likely average hike in ticket prices could be 6.2%. The Group which represents passengers using the Worcester-Stourbridge-Birmingham railway line feels that commuters are having a bad deal, at a time when most fare payers can least afford an increase. SLUG is particularly apprehensive about Stourbridge Line fares because they are predominantly day returns and peak hour factors could potentially result in an 11.2% rise.

SLUG Chairman, Rob Hebron was quoted as saying:-

“The increase is unjustified and the formula is completely wrong. The notion that the extra income will be reinvested in the West Midlands railway network is laughable. Yes, there has been investment in the new Class 172 trains, but any additional passengers who have been attracted to the service by the trains, will now be driven away.

He added:-

SLUG is a non political organisation and I wish we could separate public transport and politics. I can understand the government targeting the work-shy element of society, but why attack the genuine worker and job-seeker by limiting the area in which they can afford to commute to employment? There has to be a safety net or a ring fencing device. A fare rise which keeps up with inflation is acceptable, but one which fuels inflation is counter productive. How would the government feel about commuters asking for a wage rise which was 3% above inflation?

He concluded by saying:-

This is potentially a “shoot yourselves in the foot” situation. Rail patronage is increasing and so is the new revenue stream. Higher fares on top of poorer service and de-staffed stations, is a step too far. The only people to gain will be the owners of petrol stations. If we are not careful, the local railways will become the elitist way to travel.”

The Group will make representations to the train operators to moderate fare increase and is urging passengers to write to their members of Parliament.

22 April 2012

The Great Debate

The 2012 Annual General Meeting of the Stourbridge Line User Group will take place on Wednesday May 16th at the Severn Valley Railway Station at Kidderminster. The event will be held in the Refreshment Room (at the rear of the King and Castle Public Bar) and will commence at 7:30pm.

As per custom, the AGM will be preceded by a Public Meeting, which is open to members and non-members alike. You, the travelling public will be able to listen to guest speakers from the rail industry and county travel planning departments. Whether you have praise or criticism of the rail service on our line or you have a suggestion to make, you are most welcome to take part.

Many of you will have read articles in the press about schemes to re-open the Stourbridge to Brierley Hill railway line. SLUG has consistently promoted the re-opening of the whole Stourbridge to Walsall link. What is realistic? What is futuristic? What is imaginative? What is speculative? If you want to find out, please consider attending on the night. Make it affirmative!

29 April 2012

Councillor Angus Adams

At our meeting on 24 April, our Committee collected their thoughts on an outstanding Chairman of the ITA and a thoroughly nice individual. Those of us who had discussions and dealings with Councillor Angus Adams were impressed with his enthusiasm and dedication. Angus was a top notch ambassador to the Centro organisation and a precious asset to any political party. He will be sorely missed.

It is a sad twist of fate that Angus did not see the opening of Stourbridge Interchange, a project which he pioneered and on which he devoted much time.
The Group proposes that an engraved plaque, bearing Angus’s name and his achievement would be a suitable tribute to the “Passengers’ Friend”. Stourbridge Interchange would be a suitable and ideally appropriate location.

Although Angus has departed from the world of transport, we hope that his vision will live on. The Officers of the Stourbridge Line User Group convey their sympathy to his partner, relatives, friends and colleagues.

12 February 2012

“Campaign for Rail: the West Midlands Region”

The Stourbridge Line User Group is pleased to announce the arrival of a new partner. The Group is now an associate member of “Campaign for Rail”. This is a new organisation formed by former members of RailFuture West Midlands. SLUG did not desire to be placed in a position of choosing between the new campaign group and the still existent national body. However, as two SLUG officers have prominent roles in Campaign for Rail, it would be illogical to lose the invaluable liaison and research work which we enjoy and employ. In fact, Don Barton and Keith Flinders will be able to contribute more to SLUG through meetings with stakeholders at regional level.

Campaign for Rail aims to represent rail passengers within the five counties of the region plus the conurbation and to act as an umbrella for all user groups therein. Not only that, Campaign for Rail wants to encourage the formation of new Rail User Groups (RUGs) on railway lines where there is no representation. Members of SLUG who receive a postal copy of SLUG Newsletter will find enclosed a free copy of ‘West Midlands Rail User’, CfR’s magazine, later this month. Online members of SLUG can request a copy of “West Midlands Rail User” by sending an e-mail giving their name and postal address, to Tony Woodward tonyw2@hotmail.co.uk

Membership of CfR is £8 per annum which is astounding value for money, considering the pool of experience and talent which it has inherited and the magazine, full of news and features. The Stourbridge Line User Group highly recommends membership of CfR to strengthen the link it has forged.

04 January 2012

Few Surprises

There are few surprises for train passengers as we enter the New Year. Fare rises in January have become as traditional as turkey at Christmas. The Chancellor has capped some percentage rises but on the whole, commuters will pay more for season cards provided by all train operators. The market dictates the hike in fares, just as the world economy has driven fuel prices up and caused car owners to switch to rail travel.

The Association of Train Operating Companies (ATOC) defends the increase in fares which averages 5.9%. Michael Roberts, Chief Executive of ATOC, is quoted as saying: “Money raised through fares helps pay for new trains, faster services and better stations”. This is true in the case of new Class 172 trains provided by London Midland for the Snow Hill Lines. Our principal train operator has gone one step further by strengthening early morning services to cope with demand. However, demand is being exploited by other train companies because alternatives are not always available.

The casual traveler can still pick up bargains by booking up well ahead of their journey. For instance, Chiltern Railways' Super Off-Peak ticket is available from any station between Kidderminster and Banbury inclusive for return travel to London Marylebone.
It costs £25 and is valid every day on trains scheduled to arrive into London Marylebone after 1130, leaving Marylebone anytime before 1600, and after 1900.

For group travel, the best buy in the West Midlands is a “Family and Friends” railcard. Available in the DY postcode area, the card which costs £28 per year, allows up to four adults and four children/minors to make a journey together with a discount of 1/3 on adult fare and 60% on child fare.

Bus fares are also rising in the West Midlands County and Worcestershire. Passengers who arrive at their railway station by bus are faced with a double whammy. However, the Plus Bus ticket still offers good value for money, allowing the passenger to buy tickets from the station for the entire journey. For example, Bewdley to Birmingham by bus and train would cost an adult (on top of train fare) £8 for seven days, £27 for a month, £74 for 3 months, and £290 for a year. The numbers of journeys permitted by bus per day are unlimited and unrestricted by peak time barriers.

If fare rises are inevitable, then it is only fair that passengers get good value for money. The Stourbridge Line User Group will monitor service provision and will lobby train and bus operators to provide the best timetables for optimum journey opportunity.

The Stourbridge Line Users’ Group Christmas Quiz 2011

The Stourbridge Line Users’ Group Christmas Quiz 2011

ANSWERS

Keep your brain from seizing up with this challenge. Answers will be published in January!

1. Fifty years ago, the 7.56 p.m. from Hartlebury to Kidderminster had a name. What was it?
The Cathedrals Express

2. Where was Rifle Range Halt?
Between Kidderminster and Bewdley

3. In the days of steam, ‘Fast to Stourbridge’ usually meant just one station served between Birmingham Snow Hill and Stourbridge Junction. Which station?
Smethwick West

4. The 869 yards tunnel between Old Hill and Rowley Regis has the same name as a 1681 yards tunnel. Where?
Blackheath [South London]

5. What halt was between Hartlebury and Droitwich Spa?
Cutnall Green

6. Hagley, Lye and Victoria Bridge on the Severn Valley Railway are all within half a mile of Milepost 140. How is this possible?
The Great Western measured from Paddington via Oxford, Worcester and Kidderminster to Hagley, via Stourport to the Severn Valley Railway, and via Oxford and Birmingham to Lye.

7. What Stourbridge Line name links a station which closed in 1885, 12th Century monks and brewing?
Rood End, the rusty sidings north of Langley Green. Rood means ‘holy cross’. The pure spring here was considered holy water, the destination of pilgrimages. It ceased to flow when it was all being used for brewing. [Health warning: don’t drink it now!]

8. A Class 67 visits Kidderminster each evening with the 18.07 from Marylebone, our new trains are Class 172s and the Parry People Mover is Class 139. Class 99 never came to our line. What was it?
When the TOPS classifaction began, Class 99 was British Rail’s ships.

27 November 2011

The North-South Divide

On 16th November 2011, Centro, which is the Integrated Public Transport Authority for the West Midlands, issued a press release to the effect that its senior managers were meeting with Transport Secretary Justine Greening. The purpose of the meeting was to discuss the proposed Initial Industry Plan devised by the Government to kick-start the economy and boost jobs. Centro used the press release as a pre-emptive strike, attacking the list of railway infrastructure projects which had been identified as having priority. Centro highlighted schemes in the West Midlands which were omitted in favour of those for London and the South East. The effects on the Stourbridge Line caused by delaying key schemes prompted the Group to issue its own press release, supporting Centro. It is shown here in full:-

Rail User Group backs call for more investment in the West Midlands

A local rail passenger representative group has come out strongly in support of transport authority, Centro. The Integrated Transport Authority (ITA) which is lobbying the Government for more investment in the West Midlands has identified projects which have been left out of the Initial Industry Plan. Key schemes highlighted by Centro are also long standing aspirations of the Stourbridge Line User Group (SLUG). Among the ambitions are a re-opened Stourbridge to Walsall Railway line, reinstatement of platform four at Birmingham Snow Hill and providing a turn back facility at Rowley Regis station. In addition, SLUG supports Centro on the construction of the Camp Hill Chords which would provide links to Kings Norton, Water Orton and beyond. SLUG Chairman, Rob Hebron was quoted as saying:-

“This Group unhesitatingly supports Centro’s stance. The Government wants to kick start economic recovery and create employment by investing in public transport infrastructure. This is a commendable idea but the West Midlands has been allocated a disproportionately small quota of improvements compared to London and the South East. £57 million for this region is paltry compared with £349.5 million (lowest estimate).

He continued:-

“We are seeing sustained passenger growth on the Snow Hill Lines. New Class 172 trains have raised standards but are struggling to cope with demand. Addressing capacity issues will safeguard revenue and provide for future demand. Resignalling and remodelling track in the Worcester area would have a significant effect on line speeds and timetable patterns. This sort of work maximises the use of existing resources – it’s cost effective and “win-win” for train operators and customers”.

Centro bosses have arranged to meet new Transport Secretary, Justine Greening to discuss the level of investment in the West Midlands between 2014 and 2019. The Initial Industry Plan has not been finalised but having been drafted by the Office of Rail Regulation, Network Rail, The Association of Train Operating Companies, the Rail Freight Operators Association and the Rail Industry Association, it carries a lot of weight. The priorities set out by this league of stakeholders are by no means unworthy.

SLUG’s Chairman concluded:-

“We don’t want to scupper any schemes elsewhere on the network. The size of the original list is a measure of how the national railway has been underfunded and constrained. The Chancellor should increase the budget rather than spread it thinly. Investment in rail would ultimately reduce the need for more roads and airports.

5 September 2011

Fewer trains to London

It is a relatively rare event when the Stourbridge Line User Group has cause to criticise Chiltern Railways. The company’s track record is almost exemplary and it is thanks to Chiltern’s investment in new tracks and infrastructure that the train service from Kidderminster to London Marylebone is improving in terms of reduced journey times and reliability. However, the number of through trains in the day is limited and will be more so with the introduction of the company’s September timetable. The popular 0630 ex Kidderminster has been withdrawn leaving no replacement train to take up the capacity. The following train, operated by London Midland is formed of less stock, owing to the fact that it calls at Hartlebury where platforms cannot accommodate any additional carriages.

Although SLUG is involved in decisions taken by Chiltern planners, through consultation at passenger board meetings, this withdrawal is now a fait accompli.

All available rolling is probably allocated to boosting the Chiltern network elsewhere and SLUG has no alternative than to resort to action which will persuade the company to restore the 0630 train in the December timetable.

This action involves rallying passengers, Worcestershire County Council rail planners and Centro. In addition, SLUG has joined forces with The Campaign for Better Transport (West Midlands) www.bettertransport.org.uk to issue a press release condemning the cutback.

SLUG Chairman, Rob Hebron has provided quotes for the press release. His full statement is as follows:-

“The 0630 service is well patronised and nearly oversubscribed, leaving the Group to believe that the early morning train is being sacrificed for no clear commercial reason. There have been reliability issues but this was always the case due to the intensive Kidderminster to Birmingham timetable. Chiltern have not taken into account the much improved interface with London Midland services when the brand new Class 172 trains enter service, enabling greater headways for acceleration en route.

The Group wants to foster development of the London service. Kidderminster has every right to be on the destination blind of a Chiltern train and not just on evening return journeys. It is the gateway to Worcestershire, a vibrant town and within easy access of premier tourist spots. The impressive footfall figures for the station cannot be ignored and no operator should risk losing its slot in the timetable. I hope that Chiltern will talk to us about this. This end of the line needs more marketing. Rail enquiry websites do the company no favours when passengers are looking for the cheapest tickets to London. Let’s do the job properly and restore the 0630 through train. In fact, Chiltern could direct a little investment towards the much needed new Kidderminster station as a sign of commitment”.

24 July 2011

Reviewing and Re-grouping

An article in August’s edition of Today's Railways UK which concerns revamping rail franchises has aroused considerable interest amongst the SLUG committee and caused much speculation. The report by Jacobs Consultancy was commissioned jointly by the DfT and the ORR specifically to review the franchise map. The report recommended six significant changes to the franchise map, one of which would affect us if implemented.

Without any consideration for the implications of HS2, the Jacobs Consultancy boldly tackles the operational problems of the West Coast Main Line by suggesting a consolidation of electrically powered London-bound trains under one train operator. Effectively this would be a merger of services presently run by Virgin Trains and London Midland. The result would be a simplification of timetables and fares for journeys between London Euston, Birmingham New Street and beyond.

This proposal would leave Snow Hill Line services as a separate, diesel-run, package which would be ideally suited to be merged with the Chiltern Railways network. This does not diminish the importance of Snow Hill services or downgrade the resulting infrastructure. The Chiltern franchise was extended as a result of investment undertaken by the company (the Evergreen Projects) and general good practice. The Group has a good working relationship with Chiltern and would welcome the type of station makeovers which it has carried out. Alterations to Leamington Spa and Solihull have been highly commended.

Consultancy reports are not necessarily binding or executed but can cause concern for station staff and train crews who naturally fear for their jobs if streamlining takes place. They know that this report will not be viewed in isolation as it supports many of the arguments of the McNulty Report which looks for efficiencies in the rail network.

The London Midland franchise is large but is also largely efficient and enjoys the financial support of Centro in the West Midlands County. This partnership has delivered many substantial improvements for passengers over the years and sometimes it is better to say “if it isn’t broke, don’t fix it”.

(Source of material – Paul Abell and Team, Today’s Railways UK)

02 May 2011

IMPORTANT NOTICE – change of venue for AGM/ Public Forum.

Owing to unforeseen circumstances, the venue for the SLUG AGM and public forum has changed from the Severn Valley Railway Station, Kidderminster to THE KIDDERMINSTER RAILWAY MUSEUM. The date and time of the events is unchanged (Tuesday May 17th at 7:30 pm). Persons wishing to attend should still arrive at the SVR station, as the route to the museum is via the station concourse and access will be either through the booking hall or the King and Castle bar.

14 April 2011

The SLUG AGM & Public Forum

The SLUG AGM & Public Forum will be held on Tuesday May 17th at Kidderminster S.V.R. Station, commencing at 7:30. The Public Forum is open to all stakeholders, SLUG members and non-members alike.

What is a “stakeholder”? As distinct from “shareholders”, whose interest lies in the financial benefit to be gained from their investment, “stakeholders” may have other interests at heart, including those of the customer or user, e.g. we are all stakeholders in the NHS. The Stourbridge Line User Group is a stakeholder in the line it represents.

Local railway operation is different to how it was in the days of the GWR or British Railways: It enjoys the expertise of and financial input from the counties in which it operates. The private train companies alone could not provide the level of service which the passenger enjoys now, without the grants which are levied in taxes from us – the general public. Members of SLUG are stakeholders in the railway, not only as taxpayers but as users of the railway line.

Stakeholders have a voice. Each voice needs to be heard and what better opportunity than at the SLUG A.G.M. and Public Forum? Representatives from London Midland, Chiltern Railways, Centro and Worcestershire County Council will be on hand to answer questions and to take on board suggestions as to how the railway could be improved. Don’t be afraid to ask awkward questions such as:-

“Will London Midland’s new Class 172 trains be any less overcrowded than the ones that are running now?”

“Can we count on Chiltern’s commitment to Stourbridge and Kidderminster, considering that their sister company abandoned Shrewsbury’s direct link to London?”

“Is Midland Metro Line Two dead in the water, as illustrated by plans for a rapid transit bus network?”

“Is Worcestershire’s Local Transport Plan invalidated by wholesale cuts to bus services instead of improved links to railway stations?”

You may have your own concerns – please voice them. Our guests are very knowledgeable and approachable. They want your feedback. The Chairman and Committee also want your feedback on their performance this year. Do you want to stand for office in SLUG? Do you want to re-elect the existing officers? Do you want to play a less active role but still make a contribution? Please come along, there’s no obligation to do any more than just attend. It’s your right as a stakeholder.

12 March 2011

Intransigence

Friday March 11th proved to be a black day for commuters on the Stourbridge Line and other lines operated by London Midland. An escalating industrial dispute caused widespread cancellations of train services and considerable inconvenience for passengers. As a result of an overtime ban by train drivers union ASLEF, units were unable to leave Tyseley depot in time to commence scheduled journeys in the morning rush hour. The cost to employees and employers cannot be underestimated nor can the damage to London Midland’s reputation.

At the heart of the dispute is the union’s desire to harmonise pay and working conditions of former Central Trains and Silverlink train drivers who were taken on by London Midland. London Midland management accuse the union of “cherry picking” the best elements of both company’s terms. As if this situation was not bad enough, another grievance has raised its head – Sunday working: London Midland has cut the rate of pay for Sunday working but maintains that double time payment was only a temporary arrangement. A deliberate discouragement of volunteers for Sunday overtime will effectively wipe out Sunday services on the Stourbridge Line for the foreseeable future. This is an intolerable state of affairs which is exasperated by intransigence on both sides.

The Stourbridge Line User Group does not take sides with union or management in this dispute. The Group is on the side of the long suffering passenger. Sunday working is part and parcel of being a train driver, running a service is the responsibility of management.
Clearly, both sides need to look again at their franchise agreement because if they don’t fulfil their obligations, it may be the last time that they procure the franchise.

SLUG implores both sides to negotiate and while negotiations are taking place, they should run the advertised service or pay compensation. The Group would like to draw attention to the fact that passengers can claim refund for delays to their journey of over half an hour.

12 March 2011

SLUG attacks station staff cutbacks

(An extract from a press release* on 7th March 2011)

A local passenger representative group has reacted fiercely to proposed cutbacks to station opening times. The Stourbridge Line User Group (SLUG) which supports users of the Birmingham to Worcester Railway has criticised plans by London Midland to reduce availability of booking office facilities and to withdraw the provision altogether at specific stations. Amongst the stations affected are Stourbridge Town which will be closed from late afternoon and Lye which will lose its ticket-issuing staff completely.

Although London Midland has promised to install ticket vending machines and CCTV cameras at affected stations, SLUG is concerned about the downgrading of the service. SLUG Chairman, Rob Hebron was quoted as saying:-

“At a time when train usage is increasing and the public should be encouraged to use public transport, London Midland is actually discouraging passengers. It’s the wider picture and the implications of cuts which worry SLUG. Face to face contact with staff not only assists the enquiring traveller but it reassures he or she that they are personally secure at a station.

He added:-

“Lye is not a village station in a remote location – it is in a highly populated area. It deserves a new station building and not a basic waiting shelter. Stourbridge Town is to become part of a new bus/train interchange – this is no way to introduce integrated public transport. The only people who will gain are fare dodgers and so the whole exercise will be counter-productive”.

SLUG has contacted London Midland and raised its concerns. In the meantime, the Group urges rail passengers to protest to the train company or to write to their Member of Parliament. If they are dissatisfied with their response, they can also contact rail watchdog Passenger Focus by letter (PO Box 4257, Manchester M60 3AR) or e-mail (mailto:info@passengerfocus.org.uk)

*Editor’s note:-
Two other versions of the press release were issued simultaneously: One was produced for Sandwell and Birmingham areas referring to curtailing of Smethwick Galton Bridge/Hawthorns office opening hours and closure of Jewellery Quarter booking office. The other press release was produced for the Worcestershire area, criticising reduced opening times at Droitwich Spa and Worcester Shrub Hill stations.

The Dudley area version reproduced above, generated a hard hitting article in the Express and Star on Thursday March 10th.

02 February 2011

Universal ticketing

Amongst its campaigns, the Stourbridge Line User Group lists “Quality of Connections” as a standard it aims to achieve for passengers. In pursuit of a seamless journey, there is much common ground between the Group and train operators. Of course, not all journeys are made by rail alone and buses play a significant role in bringing passengers to their rail station. Bus timetables are devised in a different way to train timetables and the different factors involved, sometimes fail to make a connection between the two modes.

The websites of Centro, Worcestershire County Council and Traveline provide comprehensive information and are deserving of praise for their excellent presentation of it. However, the fact is that Centro and Worcestershire CC websites only offer localised information. Recognising that fact, SLUG officer Roger Davis has compiled a document listing all bus connections for Stourbridge Line stations in both the West Midlands and Worcestershire. As well as enabling passengers to plan a journey (which they might not realise was possible), it highlights the weaknesses of a fragmented privatised industry. The “one bus in service” practice is economical but does not lend itself to planning clock-face timetables. Therefore, potential connections are hit and miss.

Roger’s summary of station bus services gives an insight into what could be a comprehensive, user-friendly transport network. We are still a long way off achieving that goal. In fact, wholesale cuts are proposed to the Worcestershire bus network and residents of that county will need to register their disapproval in the current consultation process.

A common complaint from local pubic transport users is that their travel cards are valid during the day but not on the night when other operators take over. This is not integrated public transport. The Stourbridge Line User Group is seeking a universal ticket which is valid on all modes of public transport, not only on and around the Stourbridge Line, but in the long term throughout the United Kingdom. Although multi-mode tickets exist and pre-pay plastic cards are being trialled, no one has incorporated all the elements as well as per the London Oyster Card. A universal travel card, in its true sense would be a travel VOUCHER which could be purchased at any retail outfit. The Group has researched the capabilities of the technology in the manufacture of readable plastic travel cards. A universal card is perfectly possible. It already exists for Senior Citizens. Does SLUG have to campaign against REVERSE age discrimination?

12 January 2011

Hard-pressed commuters face more misery

(Extract from a story in the STOURBRIDGE NEWS - January 6th 2011)

Hard-pressed commuters face more misery this New Year as the cost of train and bus journeys throughout the Black Country rockets and VAT on fuel pushes the price of petrol closer to the £1.30 per litre mark. After last month’s arctic weather caused major congestion and disruption to road and rail services, travellers now have to dig deeper into their pockets to cover the costs of getting to and from work.

The 2.5 per cent increase in VAT, coupled with a rise in fuel duty of 0.76p a litre, has added around 3.5p per litre to the price of fuel. The biggest hike has been on the rail network, with London Midland pushing up peak time travel, including season tickets, by 5.9 per cent - one of the largest increases in years. A company spokesman defended the decision as a result of Government policy to reduce the taxpayer’s contribution to rail services, requiring passengers to pay more.

Stourbridge Line User Group chairman Rob Hebron said the train operator should have absorbed some of the increase instead of passing it on to peak time commuters.

“It is an unfair increase given that we still face overcrowding and unreliability on the peak services and we do not get value for money,” he said.

Mr Hebron criticised National Express’s bus fare rises which also came into effect this week, warning that the combined public transport hikes would do nothing to ease congestion on the roads.

“Car parks at stations like Rowley Regis are over-flowing. This latest bus fare increase does not help. We want to see an integrated public transport system where buses are designed to meet the trains,” he added.

National Express has put up adult fares by 10p to £1.60 for short hops, £1.80 for standard journeys and £3.60 for daysaver tickets. The evening saver has been scrapped.

A company spokesman said the new fares reflected rising business costs and would support massive reinvestment this year. Bus users faced similar increases only last June, and although National Express had pegged prices for 18 months up to that point, the January 2009 increase was 10 per cent - more than twice the rate of inflation.
Halesowen and Rowley Regis MP James Morris blamed the previous Government for the VAT rise and said his Government was committed to ending Labour’s “war on the motorist.”

“Already this year, the Coalition is repealing guidance which encouraged higher car parking charges and placed limits on car parking spaces in new developments,” he said.

Mr Morris added that bus and rail services must be improved in line with fare increases.

(Article by kind permission of Sarah Cousin, STOURBRIDGE NEWS)
www.stourbridgenews.co.uk

14 November 2010

New Bay Platforms for Birmingham Moor Street

The Stourbridge Line User Group is pleased to report that the long-awaited Birmingham Moor Street bay platforms are to open in the forthcoming weeks.

Constructed primarily for the fast trains from Birmingham to London Marylebone, these platforms will give greater flexibility of operation. Although the service from Birmingham Snow Hill to Marylebone will be reduced, the Stourbridge Line will lose none of its through services to the Capital City. The use of Snow Hill platforms for terminating trains was always a wasteful use of capacity and a hindrance to other local through trains.

Coupled with the restoration of “Wing Yip” viaduct which was an impressive engineering accomplishment, the new platforms will enable a faster train service to run between the two cities. Chiltern Railways has aspirations to build branch lines such as Bicester to Oxford but their core business will always be the soon-to-be branded “Chiltern Mainline”. Chiltern have targeted the route for a 20% reduction in journey time, in essence, a 100 minute outward trip.

Birmingham Snow Hill station is an exceptionally busy station and probably outstrips Birmingham New Street when comparing number of trains per platform per hour. It is perhaps, ironic that the Metro extension which will take tram lines out of the central concourse, will free up platform four which would have been a good bay platform for Chiltern trains. However, platform four is unlikely to remain idle and will enable Chiltern and London Midland to redesign their timetables to build in greater reliability.

24 March 2010

Bite size chunks?

The Midland Metro light railway which follows the route of the Stourbridge line from The Hawthorns to Birmingham Snow Hill, is set to be extended. Transport Minister Chris Mole on a visit to Snow Hill (18th March) announced the go-ahead for a link to New Street Station. A funding bid for the £81million project has been approved by the Government and works should be completed by 2014.

The new extension will add another half mile to the Metro tram system which was opened in 1999 to link Wolverhampton and Birmingham by the old Great Western Railway route. From a new bridge over Great Charles Street Queensway, at the north end of Snow Hill station, the new line will use a viaduct which is already built, to rise up to Bull Street where there will be a new tram stop. There it will proceed, still on-street to the reconstructed, re-modelled New Street station. If a further Metro funding bid is approved, another £30m extension of the line at Wolverhampton, would enable trams to make a loop of its city centre, connecting St Georges with the soon-to-be-constructed Wolverhampton bus/rail interchange facility. A further £46m bid has been made to the Government for 19 new, longer trams and platform extensions.

The Stourbridge Line Use group welcomes the Birmingham City extension which will aid Stourbridge Line passengers who want to catch a New Street-departing train. The diversion of the line at Snow Hill will free up platform four and add precious capacity to the station. However, the Group is disappointed that no announcement has been made of funding approval for the Stourbridge to Wednesbury tram project.

If the Metro is to be delivered in “bite size chunks”, so be it. If that is the case, then it is time that Stourbridge had a bite of the cake.

(Source of story- Express and Star)

1 February 2010

The Key

The Stourbridge Line User Group is pleased to report that the Stourbridge Line (or at least a section of it) has been chosen to test a new type of electronic ticket. Generically known as a “smart card” and officially branded as “The Key”, this ticket is being trialled between four railway stations, Worcester Foregate Street, Worcester Shrub Hill, Droitwich Spa and Kidderminster

London Midland claim to be the first train operating company to embrace this technology and are providing a small group of season ticket holders with “The Key” which can be charged and recharged repeatedly with credit. “The Key” will be available for purchase online and can be collected at manned stations. It can also be topped up on the home computer and replaces the various paper tickets.

To quote Rachel Webster, Head of Communications with London Midland:-

“Other benefits are extra security for passengers, as tickets can be quickly cancelled if lost or stolen, it will save time at stations with passengers quickly ‘swiping’ themselves through ticket gates.

“In future, users of The Key will quickly benefit from new products and the opportunity to use integrated transport...”

The last statement is interesting because it alludes to a universal travel card which is already in use in London. The “Oyster Card” which is popular with commuters in the Capital is even more customer-friendly because all bus and train operators are subscribed to the scheme. In one swoop, the disadvantages of the private, competitive element in public transport could be eliminated. As SLUG understands it, the fares structure within the “Oyster Card” has been fashioned to allow unlimited extra journeys once a contracted level has been reached. This makes it excellent value for money and more versatile than what is being trialled.

SLUG will be following trials in Worcestershire with interest and will press for the additional benefits built into the London version of smart card.

For more information on The Key, please e-mail comms@londonmidland.com, or write to them –
c/o The Communications Department, London Midland, PO Box 4323, Birmingham, B2 4JB.

Alternatively, there is more information on the London Midland website at www.londonmidland.com/tickets-and-fares/the-key/

27 January 2010

Welsh Bargain Fares from Smethwick Galton Bridge

If you are 55 or older, take a Stourbridge Line train to Smethwick Galton Bridge. You can then take the Arriva Trains Wales service from platform 3 at about 30 minutes past the hour to any station in Wales for just £15 return. If you have a Senior Railcard, it’s only £13.

It’s a CLUB 55 ticket, available until 19 March. You can buy it at the station, or in advance on the web [arrivatrainswales.co.uk] or ring 0870 9000 773. If you buy in advance, you can reserve your seat for free.

Trains go directly from Galton Bridge in alternate hours to Aberystwyth/Pwllheli and to Holyhead, but change of train is permitted to reach other stations. So if you want to go Betws-y -Coed, leave Galton Bridge at 07.28, change at Llandudno Junction and arrive at 11.00, for example. [Return at 15.19 and arrive back at Smethwick Galton Bridge at 19.20.]

If you live near the Worcester end of our line, you could start your CLUB 55 journey from Cheltenham and explore south and west Wales. It can be used on other train companies’ trains along ATW routes, such as First Great Western in South Wales and Virgin in North Wales too.

It does not just allow day trips. Return can be up to a month, providing you are back by 19 March.

If you use it, let us know at SLUG how you fared!

30 December 2009

A Brave New Year: Work commences on Kidderminster station.

The year 2009 has been notable for improvements to the Stourbridge Line. At first glance they may seem minor but even so; our stations have not only improved visually with London Midland-colour paint but have acquired equipment that is of practical benefit to passengers. Real time information screens and ticket vending machines have been installed at many locations as the modernisation programme has rolled out.

Granted, day to day timekeeping and reliability of trains has not always been optimum but 2010 will be the year of the 172 class train which should bring considerable improvements to the both timekeeping and timetable on our line.

As a campaigning Rail User Group, we have learned to be patient because the very nature of rail planning is lengthy and the industry is interdependent, despite being private and competitive.

It is heart-warming to see a long-standing campaign in progress and near fruition. So it is with SLUG’s request for a brand new station building at Kidderminster. The plan for Kidderminster Railway Station is a £3,575,000 project to upgrade the facilities to the standards rail travelers expect in the 21st Century. The County Council is working in partnership with Network Rail, the Severn Valley Railway, Kidderminster Railway Museum, bus and rail operating companies and Wyre Forest District Council. The product of this collaboration will be not just a railway station but an interchange – a coordinated transport hub.

There are four parts to the project.

1. A new station building and improved passenger facilities
2. A new layout on the station forecourt with improved facilities for bus services
3. An improved walking connection from the new station building to the Severn Valley Railway station building
4. Changes to the entrance junction to the railway station from the A448 Comberton Hill

Work has already started on the forecourt and this work will continue until Christmas 2010. The station building itself will be constructed in 2011. The finer detail of the station was discussed in November and SLUG understands that consideration has been given to complementing the heritage appearance of the Severn Valley Railway site. The meeting in November also covered practical issues such as number of ticket vending points required.

SLUG will monitor progress of the new station and the travelling public can see for themselves through the website link
http://www.worcestershire.gov.uk/cms/transport-and-streets/transport/rail/kidderminster-station.aspx

17 October 2009

Green and Black

SLUG has already submitted its official response to the West Midlands Region Rail Development Plan produced by Centro in conjunction with Worcestershire County Council. (Our response can be found in the form of a downloadable document on the right hand side of this web page). There is a certain amount of overlap of ideas contained in the SLUG response to the WMRRDP and those of the Birmingham Friends of the Earth response. A copy of the BFoE document has been forwarded to SLUG and we have examined its content and presentation.

Birmingham Friends of the Earth is an organisation motivated by its concerns for the environment. Its approach to public transport is that this is the responsible way to travel, in order to reduce carbon emissions. SLUG is not a political group but it broadly agrees with the principle that the construction of a better public transport network must precede any campaign to discourage wasteful journeys made by one person in one car. SLUG will readily support “green” public transport (e.g. it has promoted the Parry People Mover railcar on the Stourbridge Town branch line). Thankfully, the Train Operating Companies too are keen to be environmentally-friendly and it is no coincidence that London Midland and its predecessor, Central Trains, chose a partly green livery for their fleet.

SLUG and the BFoE are aware of the vast amount of freight-only lines, diversionary lines and mothballed railways in the West Midlands and surrounding areas. These are the key to enlarging the rail network, creating better connections and making rail travel more attractive: SLUG continues to campaign for a re-opened Stourbridge to Dudley line and the potential of journeys being available to Walsall, Lichfield and beyond. In some respects, the Group is at odds with Centro and its ambition to run Metro trams along the Dudley to Brierley Hill route. However, the recession and the unwillingness of government to fund the Metro scheme presents new opportunities. Centro are now evaluating tram/train track sharing, and at the same time Railfreight are lobbying for a restoration of track to divert trains via Dudley. If all of these elements come together, a passenger service is perfectly possible.

Birmingham Friends of the Earth share SLUG’s support for the Bordesley Chords and a re-opened Camp Hill line. These two schemes are essential to create capacity in the Birmingham area.

Also within the BFoE response is an interesting idea – the Benson Road Curve, which could form a Birmingham to Walsall link via Handsworth. This is not a new idea but has resurfaced in light of other “fashionable” schemes. BFoE have set out a well-reasoned argument for the curve and researched the route and engineering involved (all fully illustrated).The creation of such a link would require the diversion of Midland Metro on-street to make available the track bed for heavy rail. The cost of diversion would have to be weighed against the benefit of freeing up platforms in Birmingham New Street. To put this into context, the Birmingham “Gateway” project, which will cost millions of pounds, will not free up a single platform or create room for more train services into New Street. The planners have to look at Birmingham Snow Hill and Moor Street to resolve the issues of catering for growing demand.

SLUG has never denied that that it is ambitious. Birmingham Friends of the Earth may be even more so. The UK may be in a recession but rail travel is defying the trend. Do we need to wait until the country is in the “black” before we invest?

“Green” solutions should override short-term economy measures. Wouldn’t it be nice to see our green and black trains taking us to new destinations?

S.L.U.G. promotes integrated public transport together with BUS USERS UK

PPM 50 departs Stourbridge Town

PPM 60 arrives at Stourbridge Town

Links > Centro : London Midland : Chiltern Railways :

Worcestershire County Council < Links