Restoring disused railways isn't just a cost issue, it's about greener (carbon-neutral) transport and relieving road congestion, which is a major problem in Devon, especially during the summer months.
It was an act of industrial vandalism and many of the former trackbeds weren't protected/safeguarded, so you have roads/buildings built over them in places, making these railways much more difficult to reinstate.
Bus replacement (bustitution) in most cases hasn't worked well.
People prefer to use trains over longer distances, so the theory was they'd get the bus to the nearest station after the cuts, but then decided I'll use the car instead.
Then. Well, now I'm in the car, I might as well drive the whole way.
So, welcome to 2022 where we have overall the most congested roads in Western Europe.
Meanwhile, France, Germany, Italy and Spain are hugely investing in new improved railway infrastructure, including multiple high-speed lines.
Tim.
Restoring disused railways isn't just a cost issue, it's about greener (carbon-neutral) transport and relieving road congestion, which is a major problem in Devon, especially during the summer months.
It was an act of industrial vandalism and many of the former trackbeds weren't protected/safeguarded, so you have roads/buildings built over them in places, making these railways much more difficult to reinstate.
Bus replacement (bustitution) in most cases hasn't worked well.
People prefer to use trains over longer distances, so the theory was they'd get the bus to the nearest station after the cuts, but then decided I'll use the car instead.
Then. Well, now I'm in the car, I might as well drive the whole way.
So, welcome to 2022 where we have overall the most congested roads in Western Europe.
Meanwhile, France, Germany, Italy and Spain are hugely investing in new improved railway infrastructure, including multiple high-speed lines.
James.
If you want greener transport, and there's only something like 22 people on a train, why not use buses? Or spend the £40m on more solar?
It wasn't "industrial vandalism". Rail wsan't in demand, and reopening has demonstrated that there's still no demand.