Tim calls on residents to protect the Lakes and Furness line trains
South Lakes MP Tim Farron has asked rail campaigners, residents and businesses to get involved in deciding the future of the Lakes and Furness Rail lines. Tim and campaigners are worried that trains could be removed from the Lakes and Furness line, affecting residents and businesses.
The Department for Transport's Northern Prospectus is looking at the new Transpennine (TPE) and Northern franchises which will start in 2016. Subject to this summer's consultation, the new Rail Executive is considering transferring some services between franchises - a process known as "re-mapping".
Options under consideration for the potential transfer from TPE to Northern:
- Manchester Airport to Blackpool North
- Oxenholme to Windermere
- Lancaster to Barrow-in-Furness
The report also highlights Tim's work pushing forward the electrification of the Lakes Line. The document says 'The Windermere route is not part of the North West electrification programme, but the Department for Transport has announced that it will be electrified by December 2016 subject to there being a business case to do so. The business case is currently under development.'
Tim said: "I hope that as many residents as possible fill in the questionnaire and help protect our 'through train' services. It is vital for businesses, residents and our tourism sector that we have fast and direct trains to Manchester Airport and other major cities. I hope that many residents will make their voices heard and we can protect this vital link."
Responses must be received by the Department for Transport before 18 August and can be made online here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/7L2NGR7