TAS completes Leeds-Morecambe Community Rail study
6th September 2007
A study of the regional rail line between Leeds and Morecambe has highlighted considerable potential to develop the line at minimal expense. The work has been carried out by The TAS Partnership, the Preston-based specialist public transport consultants in partnership with train operator Northern Rail and Lancashire County Council.
Leeds-Morecambe services have been in danger of closure several times over the years, most recently during the Northern Rail review, where the line from Settle Junction to Carnforth was used to assess the potential for a complete route closure. In the event possible closure was dismissed, but there are currently only five trains per day in each direction and neither Leeds nor Lancaster have any convenient trains for commuting.
TAS specialises in studying all modes of passenger transport, including conventional and light rail services, though it best known for its proven expertise in analysis and growing the market for bus travel. Philip Higgs, Associate Director at The TAS Partnership, commented, “The Leeds to Morecambe study provided us with a unique opportunity to bring our analytical and service planning skills to the field of Community Rail.”
The study reviewed existing operations, the demand for travel, financial performance, local market demographics, various aspects of service quality and the needs and aspirations of passengers and other stakeholders. TAS also put together a series of options to develop the line, including service improvements, fares initiatives and a marketing plan.
Higgs said that the development proposals would help the line to meet the needs of its customers more efficiently. “We believe that our ideas will help to increase revenue by providing a more attractive timetable, and improve integration with the rest of the rail network,” he added. “We believe that we can bring these skills to other similar lines around the country”.
Ends
For further information, contact Philip Higgs - email: philip.higgs@taspartnership.co.uk or telephone: 01772 204988.
Notes to editors
1. TAS was founded in 1989 and has grown to be the UK's leading specialist public transport consultancy, with a current turnover in excess of £1.5m a year and over 25 full-time staff. Our client base includes the major UK transport groups, Department for Transport, Scottish Executive, Welsh Assembly, Northern Ireland Government, Passenger Transport Executives and local authorities throughout the country.