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Hi, I've just read in the local paper that new "environmentally friendly" trains are being introduced for NB-Edinburgh. There have 2 bike spaces per train (200 or 280 seats), squeezed in beside standing passengers in a corridor. This effectively stops people bike+train commuting.
It seems that many/all Scottish services will move to these.
[url] http://www.scotrail.co.uk/content/background.html [/url]
I know that many existing train services have nearly no bike spaces, but the North Berwick service I use most days has excellent bike space - 8 spaces separate from commuter space. Usually full, even in dark December. I read in the local paper that we're to get these trains in 2011.
With about 40 trains per day (20 each way) that's 240 less bike spaces per day just on the North Berwick line.
I've always said you need to ignore what politicians say and look at what they do. This is yet another example.
I've written to my MSP and the Scottish Transport Minister, also the local paper. Can you suggest other courses of action?
Cheers, al.
If you've written to Stewart Stevenson, then I'd expect you to get a fair hearing. He's not a car fan and will likely have a strong opinion on this. Of course, since they're operated by the private sector, he might have limited powers to intervene
Thanks onion, let's see what he says. He's got a face for radio though eh!?
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Cheers, al.
thats jim bowen and michael heseltines love child
Oi! That's my ex-boss you're talking about 😉
I'm glad it's not your ex-wife!
Susan Boyle's Dad?
al.
complain to the train company, and converse with the other train/bike users on your commute to raise a collective complaint
If they're the same as the ones South West Trains are using, it MIGHT not be as bad as only 2 spaces per train, depending on the train size. South West Trains have bike spaces opposite the toilet section, which I think can hold 3 bikes side by side, plus wheelchair spaces elsewhere which can also take a bike or two. I think there may be one bike carriage and one wheelchair carriage per 4 carriage train? Good luck getting more spaces all the same though!
[i]If you've written to Stewart Stevenson, then I'd expect you to get a fair hearing.[/i]
LOL!
I have read of a group who complained to Mike Russell MSP about the deplorable actions of one of his departments. What did he do? Pass said compaint to the very department that was being complained about. Strangely, they denied everything...
#stinks
Well, I cc'd the local paper (East Lothian Council) and I'm star letter of the week! Woo woo. So, it's in the public eye.
We'll see.
al.