The independent campaign for a better bigger railway

Railfuture campaigns for: on-time trains getting a seat value for money frequent services quicker journeys simple fares clear accurate information helpful customer service safe clean trains/stations easy bus connections empty car/cycle spaces industry teamwork more freight by rail new stations and lines

Learning points Network Rail Long Term Planning Process  Message for campaigners collaborate with strategic stakeholders to identify the economic and environmental needs define the matching benefits to be secured through transport improvements do not obsess over proposing 'solutions'. Success through incremental development  Airdrie – Bathgate Electrified double track main line Started as single track diesel Bathgate – Edinburgh service  Chiltern Evergreen

The exam question DfT statement 9 th May:  NR to review Lewes–Uckfield reopening Can reopening Uckfield - Lewes add network capacity and drive economic growth?

Bridge the Gap – Connect East Sussex Travelling across East Sussex isn’t easy  congested roads between Weald and South Coast towns  Uckfield train to London 25 min longer than Wivelsfield  only two through trains to London from Newhaven  London trains from Eastbourne and Brighton overcrowded Extend trains from Uckfield to Lewes and Brighton  direct services from Weald to Brighton for jobs  faster more reliable trains from Uckfield to London  direct London to Newhaven trains, helping regeneration  alternative route to London, relieving Brighton Main Line

Bridge the Gap campaign plan Railfuture is working with consultants JRC to:  Collect evidence of economic and transport needs in Sussex where do people live, work and meet? where are the transport gaps? engage key stakeholders build public and stakeholder recognition  Create vision of regional economic growth enabled by better travel links between communities and principal economic centres.  Mobilise active support of stakeholders to: agree an achievable scope identify solution options propose solution which stakeholders can fund

Sussex transport needs - 1 Economic factors  Brighton is key employment centre  Decline in rural employment  Deprived communities in Newhaven and Hastings  New homes planned  High level of commuting  Fuel prices increasing but incomes static Limitations  Rail services at capacity  A27 is only dual carriageway across East Sussex  Bus is only public transport from Weald to South Coast  Hastings isolated by long travel times

Sussex transport needs - 2 Additional capacity and journey options Improved journey experience Direct link from Weald to Lewes and Brighton Additional South Coast to London capacity New traffic flows, eg Newhaven to London Closer, more reliable connections Quicker Hastings to Brighton journeys

Rail capacity constraints Brighton Line  London terminals  East Croydon junctions  Keymer junction  Balance of Brighton and West Coastway trains Uckfield Line  Capacity at East Croydon  Hurst Green to East Croydon double track  Hever to Uckfield single track sections  Brighton-facing route no longer available at Lewes  Longer route to Brighton – times uncompetitive  Diesel powered

The exam answer Evidence-based approach to identify needs Benefits secured through transport improvements  Regional economic growth -> positive business case Partnership to energise and inspire stakeholders Incremental development proposal  affordable  meets identified needs  opened in a foreseeable timescale  delivers benefits agreed with stakeholders  aligns with NR plans  commands support of political and industry stakeholders

Reopen Uckfield–Lewes - phasing illustration 1.CP5 ( ) Accelerate and lengthen existing services Increase off-peak frequency 2.CP6 ( ) New track from Uckfield to Lewes Connection allowing direct stopping trains to Brighton Limited stop trains to Newhaven or Eastbourne Optional electrification Optional connection to Tunbridge Wells West 3. When East Croydon constraints resolved Redouble Hever to Lewes Electrification More trains 4.Cross-London link

Uckfield – Lewes rail reinstatement