Encouraging Use of Rail Services and the Joint Local Transport Plan 2006 - 2011

Open Letter to local media signed by 14 local organisations

The Department for Transport is trying to impose cuts in South West railway services from the end of the year when a new timetable comes into effect. They include reductions in rolling stock, leading to worse overcrowding. Given the immediate cost and inconvenience of road congestion and the increasing threat of global warming, it is absurd to make public transport less attractive. Local councils and MPs have until mid April to stop this nonsense.

Bristol has compounded the mistakes of central government by withdrawing its £136,000 to the local rail service. The effect of this is the loss of any chance of a half hourly service and will be felt throughout the Greater Bristol area.

It is vitally important that Bristol City Council implement the Joint Local Transport Plan it has drawn up with neighbouring authorities by earmarking money from its transport budget to go towards leasing train units.

The economy and amenity of the conurbation depend on frequent, comfortable, reliable public transport. Money carefully spent to achieve it is an investment in our future, not a handout to shareholders.                    
16 April 2006
The letter is signed by Bristol Cycling Campaign, Bristol Permaculture
Group, Bristol Primary Care Trusts, Bristol Friends of the Earth, Bristol
Arena Concern, Friends of Suburban Bristol Railways, Henbury Community
Council, Portishead Railway Group, Shirehampton Community Action Forum,
Sustrans, Southville Community Development Association, Transport 2000,
South West Network, Victoria Park Action Group and the Whiteladies Business
Association.