Portishead line

[quarella]

My parents inform me that Radio Bristol had their annual item about the Portishead line being reopened a few weeks ago. A local was interviewed who said he wanted the line reopened even though he would never use it as it would clear the road for his car. I think there are a lot of people in Portishead who are of the same view. Christian Wolmar was also interviewed who was stating that an hourly service is of no use whatsoever. Whilst a higher frequency is desirable one does have to consider such examples as the Ebbw Vale line which operates an hourly service from a station outside of Ebbw Vale to Cardiff, which all the experts said would be a disaster and it must go to Newport. 4 cars are rammed in the peaks. Mid morning in holidays and on Saturdays 2 cars are full from half way down the valley.

 

[bluenoxid]

It's building a head of steam and rapidly moving forward. The Station Location Consultation has just closed IIRC and I believe that the route has received funding as part of the LGF

 

[BestWestern]

Are there still outstanding issues regarding a level crossing on approach to the preferred location for the P'head terminus? It's often said also that the project has been difficult due to various local authorities needing to cooperate! Further problems supposedly arise from freight operators serving Portbury docks objecting to all thesr passenger trains getting in the way of their pathing, which I'm told is relevant because it was the freight who put funding into the current line being made available?

 

[anthony263]

I believe the Port Authorities put the funding in place for the Portbury branch.I am sure Network rail will look at how they can fit these freight services between regular passenger services.

Considering how bad road traffic is heading into Bristol from Portishead during the peaks I can see the peak services being very heavily loaded even if say a 3 carriage class 165 was used

 

[Busaholic]

Are there still outstanding issues regarding a level crossing on approach to the preferred location for the P'head terminus? It's often said also that the project has been difficult due to various local authorities needing to cooperate! Further problems supposedly arise from freight operators serving Portbury docks objecting to all thesr passenger trains getting in the way of their pathing, which I'm told is relevant because it was the freight who put funding into the current line being made available?

If you're waiting for local authorities to co-operate in what used to be the Avon area you'll see hell freeze first. I knew someone who'd advised on park & ride schemes all over the country and his experience of Bristol led to him seeking an alternative career!

 

[SF-02]

Yes the rural counties around like North Somerset block everything Bristol try to do which really harms the city. It needs central government to take the lead and impose a transport authority on the Greater Bristol area. The current boundaries bare no relation to Bristol, its suburbs, and economy.

It should have been built years ago. The demand is obvious 15 years ago. The refusal of other counties and a lack of regional autonomy (the area being forced to use money on buses by Whitehall) have stopped it, which has caused years of unnecessary problems. Even if North Somerset are supportive in one case, like Portishead, South Gloucestershire pop up with their own demands.

 

[HowardGWR]

Probably and imposed PTA would be possible. To get the councils to amalgamate, the following Council Tax charges (£ at band D) should be borne in mind.
Bristol 1629
NSC 1431 (Portishead itself)
SGC 1498 (if unparished) but e.g. 1653 (Filton)
BANES 1455 (Bath itself) but e.g. 1521 (Keynsham)

So there is doubtless a difficulty in asking the suburbs to join Bristol, although you can see that Filton, a prime candidate to do so, would save money.

The PTA approach would take that element out of local council budgets, I don't know how it works elsewhere, except London, where I know all boroughs get the same charge from the Mayor for transport, strategic planning and police.

In fairness, the figures above are fairly marginally different. I think it was more the legacy of the old 'Avon' authority that led to the continued impasse on this subject.