a) Integration of rail and bus facilities and timetabling is essential if individuals are to be encouraged to use public transport as an alternative to the car. CLPG has worked closely with Thames Trains to promote the Cotswold Explorer service between Evesham and Moreton-in-Marsh, and welcomes the rail/bus initiatives of Thames Trains/Oxford Bus Company which offer through journeys previously unavailable. Through ticketing arrangements, now technologically straightforward, are essential to the success of such initiatives, enabling passengers to purchase their required ticket whether on the bus, train or at the railway station.
The CLPG has supported the Cotswold Integrated Transport Proposal (CIT) undertaken by Thames Trains’ and Oxford Bus Company’s parent company, Go-Ahead, which suggests that a number of major towns near to Cotswold Line stations could be connected by integrated bus links. CIT offers not only greater opportunities for commuters, but links to the many tourist attractions near to the route. CIT underlines the need for the involvement of local authorities, bus companies and the tourism industry in the Cotswold Line Strategy.
b) Ticket Office opening hours should be extended. On the Cotswold Line even staffed stations may only have staff present until early afternoon, limiting access for those with special needs, reducing the overall quality of service offered and compromising security, passengers’ sense of safety and TOC revenue. Whilst installation of video systems to enhance station security is welcome, it may be more appropriate to examine the relative costs and benefits to all users of more comprehensive staffing.
c) Rational and comprehensible fare and ticketing structures on railway services are essential. The CLPG is concerned that the structures introduced by the Association of Train Operating Companies (ATOC) since railway privatisation are restricting flexibility, and rejects moves by some Train Operating Companies to abolish the cheapest tickets which offer a ‘walk-on’ facility (as opposed to pre-booking). Restrictions, for example, upon travellers from some Cotswold Line stations to the north of England or Scotland connecting at either Worcester or Oxford simply discourage rail use.
d) The provision of information must be substantially improved. Without adequate information, the most creative public transport initiatives will fail. With modern Information Technology there is no good reason why all public transport operators, bus and rail, should not be able to provide inter-modal timetable and fare information regarding services anywhere within the UK to any potential user. Notwithstanding the current level of criticism, the National Rail Enquiry system, if resourced and staffed appropriately, could form a sound base system for provision of rail and bus information, particularly if using an 0800 Freephone number, rather than the current 0345 local call charge number.
Thames Trains is currently in the process of installing a ‘real-time’ information system at all its stations and this is very welcome. However provision of such systems at other non-Thames stations on the line i.e. west of Pershore would require cooperation with Central Trains. The Cotswold Line Strategy would allow consideration of such ventures on a co-operative basis.
e) The introduction of Turbo Trains offering a high standard of passenger accommodation yielded manifest growth in use of Cotswold Line services. However people using wheelchairs may still be required to travel in train vestibules. The CLPG believes that all new trains must be usable easily by those with disabilities, and when refurbishment of existing stock is undertaken suitable facilities should be installed. Trains should provide baby changing facilities and access for pushchairs. Past mistakes in limiting accommodation for bicycles should be reversed, if the very obvious opportunities for both commuter and tourist rail/bicycle integration are to be exploited. Given the relatively long-distance nature of services between Hereford, Worcester and Birmingham, the facilities and ambience of Central Trains’ Sprinter units require improvement. It remains essential that the Cotswold Line benefits from through services between Hereford, Worcester and London Paddington formed of Inter-City stock, offering both a high standard of accommodation and passenger capacity.