Consultations identified several key issues with respect to the existing services on the route. Primary amongst the concerns was that demand for rail travel on the Cotswold and Malvern line as a whole had grown significantly during the 1990’s, and that there were concerns as to the ability of the route to sustain this growth into the future. Capacity for expansion and punctual operation of the train service were key concerns.

Car parking availability is a major issue right along the route. At several stations, car park capacity is fully utilised. Given that in excess of 60% of rail passengers use the car to access the station, it is apparent that further growth in the market for rail services on the route would be constrained by this lack of capacity. It is important to note that many of the car parks are often full before 0900 with peak hour commuters and business travellers, and therefore both peak and off peak travel are constrained. Car park capacity is a particular problem at Worcester Shrub Hill, Evesham, Moreton-in-Marsh, Kingham, Charlbury and Hanborough. Potential exists to expand many of these car parks.

Improved access to stations is therefore a significant issue, to which a balanced approach is required in accordance with Government policy. The availability of a choice of access options is therefore essential. Additional car parking spaces are therefore desirable to enable growth, but additional bus links and improved cycle facilities both at stations and on trains are also required.

The smaller stations along the route are not staffed. This is more of an issue at some stations than others. Of greater significance is the fact that of the stations on the route that are staffed, with the exception of major stations (Hereford, Worcester stations and Oxford), facilities are available until lunchtime only. This includes waiting rooms, information, toilets and in some cases access for mobility impaired to all platforms. During 1999, initiatives have been taken to increase the hours during which Evesham and Moreton-in-Marsh are staffed.

Existing trip patterns on the Cotswold and Malvern line are characterised by three key journey purposes and four key destinations. The main journey purposes are:

Overall the main destinations for trips originating along the route are Worcester, Oxford, Birmingham and London, but there are significant local journeys from Pershore, Evesham, Moreton-in-Marsh and Ledbury.

Development of the Cotswold and Malvern Line for freight is considered to be a medium term prospect. There is potential for the Vale of Evesham area to generate rail borne traffic, in particular with regard to fruit and vegetables. However, at this stage the economics of developing suitable terminals and providing appropriate services are not considered favourable. Similarly there is little prospect of the use of the line for strategic (through) freight flows although this could change in future. There is potential in the long term for the reopening of the Cheltenham to Stratford line, which should it come to fruition would influence future freight potential in the study area.