tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7432323264902617108.post1099690362097206218..comments2024-03-29T08:14:43.839+00:00Comments on Public Transport Experience: Council's Clochemerle Conundrum [1]fatbusblokehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06833340546527596517noreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7432323264902617108.post-16596569797647540762014-10-09T10:39:58.875+01:002014-10-09T10:39:58.875+01:00The Vivarais's "other difficulties" ...The Vivarais's "other difficulties" are worthy of further comment.<br /><br />The last 2 km or so into Tournon terminus was via a mixed gauge track on one of the two SNCF lines used only for goods services along the west bank of the Rhone (the dashed section on the map). The sight of metre gauge steam trains running under standard gauge catenary was a joy to behold!<br /><br />However, the railway was given notice by RFF (the French equivalent to Network Rail) to cease use of the mixed gauge section. This effectively caused the closure of the whole route, since all the depot and maintenance facilities were at Tournon station, at the far end of the mixed gauge track, and thus remote from the main route.<br /><br />As is often the case in France, where the leisure industry seems less developed than in the UK, the local authority contributed funds that enabled the railway to construct a new base [at St Jean] on its own route (in fact, the railway was part-owned by the Conseil General for a while).<br /><br />The timetable was very French: four trains in close succession up the valley, a long lunch break, and then returning at similar intervals.Man of Kentnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7432323264902617108.post-91668032203038441162014-10-09T09:26:32.742+01:002014-10-09T09:26:32.742+01:00Could this be the very same Northampton whose Coun...Could this be the very same Northampton whose County Council (the regional planning and transport authority) have just issued a press release indicating that they have concerns that new housing developments in Northampton will not be served by bus!<br /><br />That as a result they are seeking to obtain/use s106 monies to fund these and will be working in consultation with Northampton Borough Council and the bus operators to deliver it.<br /><br />They make it sound as though its a wonderful new revelation, but s106 has been around for years. <br /><br />Planning applications would normally go to the Borough Council (Northampton) and be copied to the County Council who would comment on transport matters and recommend where s106 might or should be sought. At some point the local bus operators would be involved/consulted.(My comments are based on my experiences in another shire county)<br /><br />Well that's how it should work - surely!<br /><br />So why make it sound like something they haven't done or thought of before?. Or is it one of those occasions where the PR department has simply brought in its spin to try and persuade Northampton's public that they are doing something!?<br /><br />Extra new bus services in Northampton - where are they going to terminate?Clive Chttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02059026405966912480noreply@blogger.com