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In relation to Q3 - the main line has always been in that position at this location. There was a siding however that ran along the line of the pathway, that was used to carry materials for sea wall maintenance, which was the responsibility of the railway. It can be seen on the 1911 map in the...
US railroad pruning was savage, especially for passenger services and where there was massive duplication. There is some really good and readable analysis of how the current network was developed in "The Men Who Loved Trains" by Rush Loving Jr. Really good book.
US Shortline sector is really...
There is a great description of the former water troughs at Prestayn on this page, about half way down if you scroll. Photos of the installation and usage as well as a description of the water supply etc.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-50165268
Long over due investment in station improvements announced today as well - planned to coincide with new rolling stock which seems a positive step.
Moderator note: please discuss suggestions and ideas in the following thread...
The planned introduction of 2 tph, plus other potential improvements should help grow usage on the route. Given its links to Liverpool, major employment sites etc, there is probably significant suppressed demand that an improved service will release. The class 230 plus increased frequencies...
As I understand, the figure of 41 hydrogen trains by 2021 relates to the iLint product operating in Germany.
In relation to the hydrogen version of the 321, its likely to take until at least 2022 to get the certification and approvals sorted.
There are some proposals for improvements to the eastern side of Chester, and additional platform capacity, in the Welsh Route Study from 2015 - page 79
Possibly...
But using my example, the bus takes over an hour for the same journey (another issue here)
Rail very expensive
Solution (for most people) is to drive. Its the only realistic viable option for the vast majority.
The fares are a major disincentive. The cost of a single Prestatyn - Flint for example at £8.50 for 12 miles or so must be among the most expensive anywhere.
And yet, the trains are often full and standing. The new franchise has a major opportunity here, I believe that high fares have been used...
"In my opinion, given that comment about ATW and assuming the next franchise is at least 7yrs long"
https://www.sell2wales.gov.wales/search/show/Search_View.aspx?id=JUL144353
The Invitation to Tender for the franchise issued yesterday mentions a 180 month franchise
It is just a shame that the equivalent regional transport bodies in Wales have fairly recently been abolished. There could have been a good opportunity for effective cross border coordination based on passenger flows.
But surely the whole purpose of the debate that took place last week was not just to stick to the current service pattern. My view is that the current level of service to Cardiff and to London (especially from Chester) is not too unreasonable. The challenge is the current poor services to key...
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