Newsletter 141

Autumn 2008

New Timetables

With this newsletter we are distributing copies of an amended First Great Western mini-timetable leaflets which come into force from 8th September and stay in effect until 13th December. While the changes to the timetable are generally minor they don’t address the connection problems at Maidenhead for trains to Reading and onward connections that have been reported before. Clearly there is scope for FGW and other train operators to review connections for people journeying cross-country improve to improve their journey reliability.

For the December timetable FGW has proposed to amend the format of its mini-timetable leaflets to issue one new booklet covering all FGW routes for weekdays and individual leaflets for weekend services in separate areas and. MMPA have made representations against this change to FGW because we felt their plan would complicate matters rather than simplifying things. This is because of the need to carry a multitude of mini-timetables for any weekend travel which isn't solely on a line covered by a mini timetable e.g. any journey from the branch line to further away. As an example a journey in the weekend from anywhere on our branch to Heathrow Airport would require 4 mini-timetables as originally planned by FGW under the proposed new scheme. The timeline for the proposed change has been extended following feedback to FGW from both MMPA and its own Customer Panel.

Please let MMPA have your comments on how the proposed change would affect you.

Bourne End Bridge

According to a recent email exchange with Network Rail has advised that funding has been approved and the repainting of the viaduct is scheduled for implementation during February to April 2009.

Maidenhead Station Upgrade

Those who use Maidenhead Station will have noticed the changes made by the refurbishment programme. The ticket hall has been enlarged with more ticket gates. Ticket gates have been installed at the Shoppenhangers Road entrance. Platform 1 has been extended to reduce the need for selective door opening for trains stopping there and a ramp and walkway down to the Shoppenhangers Road car park has been installed. There are more ticket machines including one at the Shoppenhangers Road entrance. The subway has had lining panels installed with better lighting and there is a new waiting room to platforms 4 and 5 with new toilets and a clear interface with station staff in the operations room. We would welcome your comments on the changes.

Reading Station Redevelopment

Network Rail plans to build five new platforms for Reading station, lengthen three others and allow for a new entrance from the station to north Reading to improve access. A new elevated railway will allow express trains to travel on fast lines up and over slower lines, preventing conflicts and delays and allowing more trains. These plans provide for possible future Crossrail and Airtrack services at Reading station. A series of public exhibitions has been held in the Reading area to explain the Reading Station Redevelopment Project. From 10th to 15th September Network Rail conducted a week of public briefings about the redevelopment and information on their proposals. Although the exhibitions have now finished details can be found here and here. Any comments or queries you may have can be sent by e-mail or by phone to 0207 557 8251.

Crossrail

It may have escaped your notice that the Act of Parliament enabling Crossrail, the West to East, London rail link, to be built, has passed through Parliament and received Royal Assent. The impact of the scheme will be quite significant on rail travel in the Thames Valley. Maidenhead station will be the terminus of the scheme (with the possibility of extension to Reading in the future) and gains a bay platform (platform 6) for terminating Branch trains while platform 5 becomes an additional platform for trains to Paddington. Details can be found on the Crossrail web site and the plan of Maidenhead Station can be found here (PDF).

Furze Platt Station user sought

Furze Platt station remains without a representative to keep an eye on things — we are eager for someone to fill this simple role and keep the Committee up to date. It's a way of helping to get the sort of station you want.

Thames Rover Tickets from FGW

The Thames Rover tickets offered by FGW cover a wide area, the limits of travel being London (Paddington), Banbury, Moreton in the Marsh, Bedwyn, Basingstoke and Redhill together with the branches to Greenford, Windsor and Eton (Central), Marlow and Henley. At £40 for a 3 day and £70 for the 7 day option these tickets offer good value for exploring a large tract of the Thames Valley and southern England.

TRAVEL INFORMATION

BBC RADIO BERKSHIRE - 104.1, 104.4 and 95.4 fm. (also 01189 - 311333)
National Rail enquiries: 08457 - 484950 (24 hrs)
FGW Telesales: 08457 - 000125 (0700 — 2200 daily)
Chiltern Railways : 08456 - 005165 (0700 - 2000)
Arriva Bus: 0844 8004411 (0900 - 1730 Mon - Fri)
First Berks & Thames Valley Buses: 01753 524144
Carousel Buses: 01494 533436
Traveline: 0871 - 2002233 (0800 - 2000 daily)

See here for links.

Contact Us

If you have any issues or comments regarding public transport in the area that you would like to raise please use the Contact links here or contact MMPA chairman, Paul Murphy, on 01628 810959.