North-west rail passengers to have greater say in services

Date: 6/6/2012

The government has announced rail passengers in the north-west will now be given more of a say in how local services are run.

Those travelling in the Cumbria and north Lancashire areas will be given the chance to air their views following the service designation of the Furness Line, which runs between Barrow-in-Furness, Carnforth and Lancaster.

Rail Minister Theresa Villiers announced that the changes will allow train companies to form a closer working relationship with the Furness Line Community Rail Partnership to ensure the needs of passengers in the local area are met.

She said she is keen for communities to get involved in railways and help deliver services and stations they can really benefit from. Furthermore, the announcement will enable the Furness Line Community Rail Partnership to deliver a more cost-effective service.

Many of the trains on the route are run by Northern Rail and Managing Director of the firm Ian Bevan said the developments are "fantastic news" for individuals in the surrounding communities.

"As this route is integral to the area, its designation ensures it will be developed to benefit local people and visitors to the region," he continued.

Chairman of the Furness Line Community Rail Partnership Rob Terwey also welcomed the news and pointed out it will allow the group to do even more for its customers. It will also be able to enjoy greater flexibility and have the chance to work more closely with local councils, passengers and other organisations within the rail industry.

The group was formed in 2010 with the aim of developing a scenic railway line travelling around Morecambe Bay, through north Lancashire and across southern Cumbria.

Nick Donovan, Chief Executive of First TransPennine Express - which also runs trains on the route - said any developments that link his firm with the partnership are to be welcomed. He believes that by working together, the organisations can achieve even greater success in this part of the country.

Posted by Mary Treen