Consultations on new rail franchises

The DfT have issued consultations on three train company re-franchises, all of which are (or were) part of the National Express group:

· Greater Anglia (London to Norfolk, Suffolk, Cambridgeshire, parts of Hertfordshire and Essex) - http://www.dft.gov.uk/consultations/open/2010-07/

· Essex Thameside (London Fenchurch Street to Shoeburyness, via Grays, Tilbury, Southend) - http://www.dft.gov.uk/consultations/open/2010-09/

· InterCity East Coast (London to Leeds, Newcastle, Edinburgh and northern/eastern Scotland) - http://www.dft.gov.uk/consultations/open/2010-08/

At the same time, the Department has been busy re-jigging the way rail franchises will work. They aim to make the terms of the franchise longer, with the possibility of extensions if operators are prepared to invest in new stations, re-opened track or other major projects.

Although only one of these franchises passes close to Sheffield the consultation is open to all UK citizens. If you choose to respond please make the following points:-

The current franchising arrangements have failed to deliver for cyclists. Studies have shown that up to

10% of rail travellers want to travel with their bikes. Combining cycling with rail travel offers a real alternative to car travel for many journeys, decreasing congestion on the roads, improving the health and fitness of travellers improving air quality and contributing to UK targets to reduce carbon emissions.

The Franchise specification should therefore include the following conditions:

1. The new franchises should operate Minimum Standards for stations proposed in the Better Rail Stations report (http://www.ctc.org.uk/DesktopDefault.aspx?TabID=5327) which suggest that there be cycle parking for 5% of passengers at all stations, with major stations offering secure cycle storage with hire/repair services.
2. Tandems and trikes to be carried on all trains. These vehicles are used by the visually impaired and by others with mobility problems as well as by lots of families and of course many able bodied couples. The ban on tandems operated by many companies is an unacceptable discrimination. Intercity trains should have space for two tandems.
3. At least five bikes to be bookable on all booked services and more than five bikes to be carried on all services that cannot be booked. This is critical for family use of trains as part of a cycle trip or holiday. The present arrangement where many companies will only book two bikes effectively bans families, as using a family railcard all have to travel on the same train. Bikes should also be carried on peak hour services – the possibility of charging for this service should not be ruled out.
4. Child trailers to be carried (and bookable where appropriate). For the same family friendly reasons as above.
5. Guards to be trained in company policy on cycle carriage and any discretions to be clearly stated
6. The TOC to establish a cycle forum, on the award-winning Northern Rail model. This will facilitate co-operation and understanding between the TOC and the cyclist's groups of each other's needs and act as a steering group for bike-rail development.