MARLOW - MAIDENHEAD PASSENGERS' ASSOCIATION

News Archive 2011 – First Group to Bid for Future GW Franchise First Group has announced that it will not be taking up the option to extend the current franchise for a further three years beyond 2013. Instead, it will be negotiating and bidding for a longer term franchise in line with the Government’s new policy on rail franchising and investment. Had First Group extended the franchise it would have had to pay over £0.8bn to the government in premiums. [20110511] Passenger Indormation Systems We were advised that the new information system at Maidenhead would be installed and operational by April, following on from Newbury. [20110121] Update: It wasn't! We are now told that work will start on 12th May and should be finished by the end of the month. We note that work is currently under way at Twyford, and that Henley-on-Thames has already received attention. [20110511] Update 2: It didn't! The CIS was out of action on 12th May but has since returned to its old erratic state. [20110515] Update 3: The new system now seems to be in operation but the departure display on platform 3 (down relief) was not working on our last visit. [20110630] Routes & Branches Tour Rescheduled Residents living near to the lines please be aware that a railtour will be visiting Bourne End, Henley-on-Thames and Windsor & Eton Central (amongst other branches) overnight on Saturday morning 16th July. The train will be topped and tailed by Class 37 locomotives (more details here). Please note the tour is organised by Spitfire Railtours and has nothing to do with MMPA! [20110511] First Group to Declines Franchise Extension First Group today announced that it will not be taking up the option to extend the current franchise for a further three years beyond 2013. Instead, it will be negotiating and bidding for a longer term franchise in line with the Government’s new policy on rail franchising and investment. Under the existing franchise FGW would have been liable for premium payments to the Government of £826M. Go figure. [20110511] Marlow/Wycombe Branch Artifacts Wanted The Marlow Museum would like to borrow artifacts, in particular from the GWR era, relating to the High Wycombe and Marlow branch for a display in June. If you can help please contact the webmaster or the museum directly. RMT Calls Underground Strike In a dispute over alleged victimisation of two LU drivers for union activities, the RMT union has called its Underground drivers out on duties commencing in the following periods in the weeks 16th-20th May, and 13th-17th June: between 21:01 on Monday and 11:59 on Tuesday between 12:00 on Wednesday and 11:59 on Thursday between 12:00 on Friday and 21:00 on Friday [20110504] Update: one of the drivers concerned has won his case for unfair dismissal. The strike is still on pending resolution of the other case. [20110509] Update 2: the strike has now been suspended pending talks on the reinstatement of the second driver in advance of his Employment Tribunal. [20110510] Tell a Train company exactly what you think! One of the region’s local train companies is interested to hear from regular commuters to London from the Bourne End, Farnham Common and Flackwell Heath area to help them improve their service. They want to know commuters’ thoughts on all aspects of the journey by any rail company they use, including pricing, timetable, stations and trains to help influence the future development of their operation. Where: Bourne End Community Centre When: Saturday 21st May 10:30-11:30 If you wish to attend, please e-mail by Thursday 19th May with the following information: Your name Your normal rail journey The main thing you think Rail companies should focus on to improve customer satisfaction. Spaces are limited, and you will be contacted by e-mail on Friday 20th May to advise whether you have been selected to attend. Tea, coffee will be provided CCTV for Marlow and Furze Platt Closed circuit television supervision will soon be installed at Marlow and Furze Platt stations, thanks to much lobbying by MMPA and negotiation between the parties concerned, in particular FGW and the local councils. [20110421] Bus Shelter for Bourne End This project is now going ahead following the resolution of uncertainty over ownership of the land. We expect real time bus information to be provided. [20110421] Secure Cycle Storage at Cookham and Marlow Again thanks to funding and co-operation by all parties this scheme will shortly be bearing fruit. [20110421] Marlow/Wycombe Branch Artifacts Wanted The Marlow Museum would like to borrow artifacts, in particular from the GWR era, relating to the High Wycombe and Marlow branch for a display in June. If you can help please contact the webmaster or the museum directly. Late evening fast trains from Paddington We understand that some late evening fast trains from Paddington will be introduced in the may timetable update. Airtrack Scheme Scrapped Heathrow airport operator BAA has withdrawn it's Transport and Works Act for the Airtrack scheme to link Heathrow terminal 5 with the Windsor lines in order to provide direct rail services to Reading and Waterloo. This is due to unsurmountable problems with congestion caused by increased barrier down time at level crossings laong the route. Also the Comprehensive Spending Review meant that there would be no public funding for the scheme. Instead BAA will concentrate on alternatives including a connection to the Great Western Main Line. [20110412] Information System at Maidenhead We were adviced that the new information system at Maidenhead would be installed and operational by April, following on from Newbury. [20110121] Update: It wasn't! We are now told that work will start on 12th May and should be finished by the end of the month. [20110511] LU Line Closure 23 July-23 August The District and Circle line will be closed between High Street Kensington and Edgware Road from 23rd July to 23rd August for track replacement and drains attention. [20110122] Reading Bus Changes from 18th April Station Road, Reading is closed for alterations in connection with Reading Station remodelling. Buses are not able to use Station Road and are re-routed for the duration of these works. Some buses use a temporary stop outside Apex Plaza next to Reading station. See the Reading Buses web site for full details of changes to its services. More information can be found on the Reading Borough Council web site. [20110412] Chiltern Postpones Mainline Launch Chiltern Railways has postponed its new, accelerated timetable from the May timetable change until August. This is due to problems with the Evergreen 3 upgrades. Management of the project has been taken over by Network Rail. Please see Chiltern Mainline Announcement. [20110218] Lighting at Marlow We are informed that the faults on the power supply to the lighting standards at Marlow station have now been rectified, and that FGW is monitoring the situation. If you find the lighting not working please let us know. [20110205] Wrexham & Shropshire Ceases Trading The open access operator, Wrexham, Shropshire and Marylebone Railway, ceased operations this Friday, 28th January. More here. [20110126] Chiltern Change Adrian Shooter CBE, Chairman of Chiltern Railways has announced the appointment of Rob Brighouse as its new Managing Director.   Rob comes from London Overground Rail Operations Ltd (LOROL) where he is currently the Deputy Managing Director, a role he started having led a successful joint bid for the concession by DB and MTR. Rob is expected to start in his new post once he has concluded a series of important projects at London Overground on behalf of Transport for London (TfL). More here. [20110113]

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Last updated 22nd November, 2011