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Disastrous consequences of the Lakes Line train cancellations
An estimated £38 million loss to businesses has been forecasted this summer.
LDHA
Aug 9, 2018
We all have had the unfortunate experience, either directly or indirectly, of Northern Rail cancelling trains, bus replacements and temporarily suspending the Lake Line stations over the last few months.
The 10mile stretch of line that operates between Oxenholme and Windermere serves students, commuters and tourists into the heart of the Lake District.
Northern Rail, which runs this service, have blamed the cancellations and long delays on driver shortages and lack of electrification. In April, there were 160 train cancellations peaking with 14 trains not running on one day alone. The last full week of April saw 92 cancellations - two out of every five trains running.
These lines are used daily by school children, local commuters and those connecting to city lines across the country as well as tourists visiting the North-West of England.
Regular rail users are now seeking alternative ways to travel, as the reliability, trust and loyalty in using this service has been completely lost. Commuters have stopped buying season tickets and tourists have had their holiday plans severely disrupted and questioning whether they want to return or promote others to visit the Lakes.
Led by Westmorland and Londsale MP, Tim Farron, a community-wide campaign was set up and has sparked national outcry showing the importance of this line. Resulting in West Coast Railways and a local heritage rail company partnering to provide free daily rail services throughout July in a bid to minimize the local and visitor economy effected through one of our busiest seasons.
Northern Rail have confirmed that all trains on this route will be brand new or refurbished by 2020, and will continue to work with train operators in the North to find ways to reduce delays and improve reliability across the region.
But is this enough? The Department for Transport will need to go a lot further to regain the confidence and faith in commuters and tourists to return to the railways and the Lakes.