ECONOMIC OPERATION OF RAIL PASSENGER SERVICES
IN RURAL AREAS
Notes of Meeting held at B.T.C. Headquarters,
10th August, 1956
PRESENT:-
Mr. J. Ratter (in the chair)
Mr. R. C. Bond
)
Mr. H. R. Gomersall, Eastern Region
Mr. M. A. Cameron
)
Mr. R. Varley, London Midland Railway
Mr. R. F. Harvey
)
B.T.C.
Mr. G. W. Stewart, Scottish Region
Mr. J. R. Pike
)
Mr. F. P. B. Taylor, Southern Region
Mr. J. E. M. Roberts
)
Mr. H. G. Bowles, Western Region
Mr. A. E. Robson
)
Mr. P. A. Keen (Secretary)
1. The Chairman, in opening the meeting, recalled the recommendations
for experiments in economical operation of branch lines set out in Paragraph 5 of
General Staff Memorandum 56/72(a) to the Commission. It
was recognised that the economies to be obtained from the use of special light-weight railcars
were marginal, and that there were many cases where the right solution to the branch line
problem was to transfer traffic to the road. Nonetheless, public opinion on the need for
experiments with light units and economical operation was very strong, and it was most desirable
that the Commission should have first hand experience of this type of operation derived from
thorough trial. He invited Regional representative to give their views on such trials.
Eastern Region
2. Mr. Gomersall said that the problem had two aspects. Lighter units
were required, firstly for operation on an area basis in certain cases, and secondly for
individual branch line. As he understood it, only the second of theses problems was for
discussion at the present meeting. The Eastern Region would propose to initiate trials on the
Maldon / Witham / Braintree and Yarmouth / Lowestoft lines. No tail traffic would be conveyed,
and four to five single cars would be required.
3. Mr. Roberts enquired whether economic economies, other than those
resulting from the running of light-weight vehicles, were envisaged. Mr. Gomersall said the first
step would be to put vehicles in service, but that other economies must be sought at a later
stage if the branches were to be made to pay.
Western Region
4. Mr Bowles reported that the Western Region would propose to inaugurate
experiments on three or four branch lines and would require four vehicles in the first instance.
He was doubtful about the scope for operating economies, and pointed out that many branch lines
already operated with one engine in steam. Branches would be surveyed to see if the provision of
additional stopping places, for example at overbridges, would improve traffic.
