PERMANENT WAY FOR RURAL TRAINS

The article discusses the positive contribution that rail services can play in rural areas. In areas in the U.K. rail closures have left an uneven distribution of rural rail services depending on political, social and physical influences. Rural communities near to conurbations benefit from commuter demand while in areas where stopping services are a hindrance to operations, bus services can provide greater coverage. It is argued that there is a need for criteria against which the social value of rural rail and bus services can be evaluated as part of a co-ordinated public transport system. Operating economies in rural rail services could result from introducing lightweight rolling stock now being developed by Leyland. The declining significance of public transport is likely to lead to a more selective and specific function for British Rail according to particular social needs.