Railway update for March Society members including on hoped-for service improvement from Greater Anglia

Members of the March Society were given an update on the area’s railways at their most recent meeting, including on a hoped-for service upgrade.

Alan Neville, customer engagement manager for Greater Anglia (GA), gave an interesting and informative annual ‘railways update’ to members and guests.

He reported that a continuing demand for an hourly Greater Anglia Peterborough to Ipswich passenger service has not yet become operational because of a lack of enough progress on the Ely North Junction. Completion of this junction would also significantly increase rail freight transport.

Usage of GA passenger train services has increased to 95% of pre-pandemic levels , and it is also noticeable that increasing numbers of young people are using public transport rather than cars.

The nationalisation of GA will take place later this year, but passengers will not notice any change in the service. Alan commented that the nationalised LNER London-Edinburgh service (East Coast Main Line) will be making a timetable change later in the year and providing a faster service.

The local Hereward Community Rail Partnership, which supports and promotes the ‘Hereward Line’ running between Ely and Peterborough, has been very active over the past year. It has organised station events for cubs, brownies, and scouts and commissioned trains for Christmas celebrations for local children.

Alan remarked that it has been an optimistic and successful year for Greater Anglia and he was delighted that the company had, once again, been awarded ‘Train Operator of the Year’.

The March Society’s next event is on Wednesday, March 19 at 7pm in March Library when the Rev Ruth Clay will be telling fascinating stories about the saints on St Wendreda’s renowned angel roof: ‘Bravery, Beheadings and Barbecues!’. Everyone welcome. Members £2, visitors £3. Do come along for the talk, latest news, refreshments, and meet people.