Accrington Railways - Robert Kenyon

the more modern stock for use on other branch lines, but it is stressed that this would not be an acceptable alternative to the replacement with new rolling stock. 5·3·2 BR’s greatest potential for attracting customers is in providing a reliable, speedy and comfortable service that can compete with other forms of public or private forms of transport. The age of the DMUs is such that there is more increased unreliability and discomfort for passengers due to fumes and vibrations. Whereas buses have undoubtedly got a role whether publicly or privately operated, BR’s potential is being under-utilised and hampered by the rolling stock situation. LCC along with the district councils served by the East Lancs Line, are currently considering proposals for how to promote and encourage greater use of this line. They consider however, that the strength and results of any campaign of promotion will be nullified by the state of the rolling stock. Investment in rolling stock is urgently required before increased patronage can realistically be encouraged. 5·3·3 It has already been stated how the electrification of the branch lines would have a positive effect in the North West. It was hoped that the stock used on local services would be no less in standard than the Class 313 EMUs on the London - Great Northern electrification programme. 5·3·4 A possible replacement for the two-car DMU is a new light-weight vehicle the Class 140, which has been developed from the ‘Railbus’ concept. In the autumn of 1981 a prototype of this type ran on the East Lancs Line for nearly a month. Accepting that this vehicle was a test vehicle, it did exhibit some shortcomings on the longer Preston  Ormskirk and Preston  Blackpool routes on which it was used, all of which are feeder lines to the Inter-City network. Comfort of seating, luggage space and a need to modify the suspension were the main criticisms on these longer runs. Never the less, this vehicle can have a useful function on urban or very rural services given some modifications. Again a production programme should be initiated. PASSENGER STATIONS 5·4·1 The modernisation of stations - as with essential track maintenance, shortage of funds has led to a deterioration of the appearance of many railway stations. Most stations are now between 80 and 100 years old, and some are very run down. However LCC and BR are not advocating that every station needs rebuilding. Differing strategies are required at each individual location, depending upon the service required and in many cases ‘Park & Ride’ facilities and public address systems are appropriate additions. In one or two cases a more fundamental refurbishment is needed, and Blackburn and Chorley are two recent welcome examples, with Preston being the most high profile. 5·4·2 Park & Ride facilities are recognised as a valuable asset to the railway, but can only be delivered if the land is still in the ownership of BR, as one of the problems is that some of the lands adjacent to the stations had previously been sold off by BR for development. 5·4·3 Park & Ride facilities are available at Accrington, where parking is free, and similar facilities are to be provided at Rishton. PUBLICITY & MARKETING 5·5·1 Results of local campaigns have been encouraging, particularly in the light of the current downturn. It is accepted however, that some of the reduced fare offers have been confusing to the public and it is hoped a rationalisation in the future will help to resolve these problems. 5·5·2 It is possible that closer integration between bus and train services can be encouraged, by offering interchangeable passes and LCC is hoping to progress talks on these lines with BR and the bus operators. A County wide ‘Day Rover Ticket’ and a ‘Weekly Ticket’ will be introduced in April, 1982, for use on all the buses throughout Lancashire and the possibility of extending this to the railways will be considered by the County Council. 5·5·3 Both LCC and BR recognises that there is a need for better information for the public, and are to consider the setting up of Information Offices at the main stations and in the town centres to publicise both bus and rail travel. 5·5·4 LCC encourages the use by commercial interests of Section 8 Grants , (Railways Act 1974), to support companies to obtain rolling stock for the movement of goods and freight. It is noted that BR has reversed its policy on the use of ‘private owner’ wagons and vans for use on its lines. IMPORTANT DEVELOPMENTS FOR LANCASHIRE 6·1 The Windsor Link which will connect Manchester Victoria with Manchester Piccadilly via Pendleton. 6·1·2 A direct rail link to Manchester Airport. 6·1·3 The retention of the Settle to Carlisle Railway route, despite concerns about the condition of Ribblehead Viaduct.

371