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SubscribeEbbw campaign RDS South Wales had a caravan for two days during Green Transport Week in the centre of Newbridge, one of the potential major stops on the Ebbw Vale-Newport Line. Leaflets were handed out and displays explained the campaign. It was so successful that a few weeks later, the same was done at Ebbw Vale. This attracted TV coverage and over 100 people subscribed to the local campaign. The campaign committee is meeting Railtrack in September.
Travelcard for Cardiff? RDS Wales Cardiff Group has been working on a report promoting the travel card concept for integrating public transport ticketing for the Welsh capital city. The report should have been published by now. We are hoping Cardiff County Council and transport operators will recognise it is a good way of attracting people to public transport.
Trains for the Vale Continuing the fight to reopen the Vale of Glamorgan line to passenger services, the Cardiff Group had a stall at the Barry Rail Fair in June. Pressure has been maintained on the Government with letters to Walter Sweeney, Tory MP for the Vale of Glamorgan. We asked him to use his influence to stop effects of privatisation from preventing the opening, which the local council also supports. With a majority at the last election of 19, he can't afford to ignore us!
Motorways are cheap A mini survey of firms in South Wales on their attitudes to using rail for freight has revealed a disturbing anomaly. They say that Government grants are available to help meet track access charges. These are assessed at 5p per lorry mile saved from motorways, but £1.50 per lorry mile saved from other roads! This gives little incentive for companies to use rail if they are close to the motorway network, as is the case for most of South Wales. We have lobbied the DoT and Welsh Office to make rail grants more attractive throughout.
West Wales Jazz The Milford Jazzer continues to run, promoting a regular evening service as serving a Jazz Club at Milford Haven. Once a month, live music is played on the train. Transport Consultant Dr Paul Salveson has advised on the concept, following sponsorship by South Wales and West Trains. The conclusion: more publicity would help.
Note: contact details (postal and email addresses, along with telephone numbers) in old editions of Railwatch out of date. Click CONTACT US for latest contact details.
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