POSSIBLE DELAY TO START OF 2015 JACOBITE
Published at 16:12 on Wednesday 6th May 2015
Tags: Jacobite, WCR, Network Rail, Fort William
LMS 'Black 5' No. 44871 is pictured on the afternoon 'Jacobite' working during 2012. With both 'Black 5s' still at Grosmont on the NYMR, and the WCR announcement, operation of the 'Jacobite' from the planned start of the season is looking unlikely. Richard Tuplin
West Coast Railways has confirmed to Railway Herald that it may need to delay the start of the 2015 Jacobite season.
In a press statement the company said that it was unlikely that steam services would be launched next week, because of the ongoing situation with Network Rail, adding that the only other steam operator, DB Schenker, had not shown any interest.
The company has been set a deadline of 15th May to comply with the requirements of Network Rail, and the same date marks the conclusion of an industry consultation that the ORR has started as it 'considers' revoking the WCR safety certificate. The outcome of both is still awaited, with Network Rail confirming to Railway Herald that there has been no change in the situation at present.
WCR spokesman David Pitts said: “We have only until Monday, the start of the Jacobite season, to regain our track access. Failure to do so will be a bitter blow to all passengers and people relying on the service locally for an income." He added that “Everything that can be done is been done to keep this historic service alive. In the event of us having to cancel a Jacobite service, all passengers will be given at least 48 hours’ notice and full refund, but we sincerely hope it doesn’t come to that.”
Railway Herald understands that conversations with some locomotive owners and alternative train operators to provide a diesel operation have taken place, although the outcome of these is not known.
We will endeavour to keep readers updated with the latest news on the situation, through our website and social media, as soon as it is received.
