Minutes from SWT/Liphook commuters forum - Finchy (22nd Mar 2005 - 19:37:44)
As promised here are the minutes from our SWT Q&A session held on 9th March with the action points we agreed.
EVENING TIME TABLE
The question was asked whether it would be possible for the 18.30 train to stop additionally at Liphook so as to resolve the issue of no Liphook trains leaving Waterloo between 18.15 and 19.00. Andrew Haines replied that at present he is unable to do anything in the short term but he will keep this under review and look to see if something could be done for the December timetable changes.
However, Andrew did confirm that from June 13th the 19.15 train leaving Waterloo will extend beyond Haslemere to Havant and stop at Liphook – this was very well received!
The question was raised as to why there were no fast trains to Liphook post evening peak. Rufus Boyd agreed to go away and look at this and respond.
MORNING TRAINS
Andrew Haines confirmed that at present he is unable to resolve the issue with regards the gap between the 06.41am train and the 07.19am train.
CANCELLATIONS
If the post evening peak trains were cancelled (i.e.20:00. 21:00 etc) it would mean an hour’s wait for a Liphook commuter. If a cancellation occurs could the next fast train (quarter past the hour) not make an additional stop at Liphook? A similar question was raised with regards the 07.45am train. Mark Dunn agreed to look at the contingency plan for when cancellations occur and confirm what the policy is for both morning and evening trains.
PLATFORMS
Andrew Haines confirmed that it is not SWT’s responsibility or remit to extend the platforms but that of the SRA who then instruct Network Rail. Richard Talbot from Network Rail was present and explained that there are no plans to extend the platform further to accommodate the 10 carriage trains due to budget constraints and priorities.
CAR PARKING
This issue appears to be as frustrating for SWT as for the commuters. AH discussed how they are constantly looking for solutions for the car parking issues but planning permission and costs are making this prohibitive.
BORDON RAIL LINK TIMETABLE
Andrew Haines’ agreed to look at why there has been a delay built into the timetable with specific regards the time between the arrival of the 7.10pm train from Waterloo which now has to wait until 07.25 before the bus leaves.
QUESTIONS AWAITING ANSWERS:
Do you have the % increase of new commuters to Haslemere vs. Liphook over the lat 5 years?
All agreed that the forum was very worthwhile and constructive and would very much like the opportunity to organise another such forum when the plans for the changes to the December timetable are being put in place so that Liphook commuters can feed through to SWT their thoughts SWT. It was also agreed that a better communication channel is needed between the commuters and our governing bodies (i.e. parish council, district council etc) to ensure that these bodies have a more rounded and comprehensive view of any issues affecting the Liphook commuter. Could John Tough and Gwil Williams confirm how this may occur?
SWT have a copy of these minutes and have agreed to get back to both myself and Mark with regards the action points, we will then communicate them to you via the website.
