CAN RAIL HELP ROAD

There are some hopeful signs that significant numbers of people can transfer many of their journeys from road to rail. In the UK, the recent agreement between Railtrack and the Highways Agency to cooperate and develop areas of mutual interest is to be welcomed. There are signs that car users can be attracted to trains if the conditions are right. Good facilities for access to rail stations by car, taxi, bus, cycle, and on foot are all needed; integrated transport must become a reality. If it is easy to go to a station, and reach the final destination from the arrival station, rail can become a viable alternative to road. Good examples of integrated urban transport include the Tyne and Wear Metro, and, when its expansion has been completed, the Dockland Light Railway in London. A model integration package has been announced for Greater Manchester, and London Transport's forthcoming contactless smart card will be valid on all buses, trains, and trams, and may have many wider applications. Park and ride could become important if it overcomes certain obstacles to its use. A few UK urban light rail schemes are operating, and many more are planned, and some use shared track with heavy rail. A new philosophy is needed, where the potential of intercity, express, suburban, and light rail are all fully used.