Whilst a lot of the talk now is about Very Light Rail options as a new and cost-effective way of bringing rail based public transport to areas which don’t necessarily warrant a full heavy or light rail system, it shouldn’t be forgotten that we have had a Very Light Rail line running in the UK since 2009 – the Stourbridge Shuttle. And operator of the line, Pre-Metro Operations Ltd, were recently visited by Network Rail’s Mixed Use Rail (MUR) team for a detailed showcase of the operation, depot facilities, and Pre Metro’s pioneering approach to low-cost branch line rail.
The visit started at Stourbridge Junction, where senior representatives from both organisations gathered before they toured the depot. The MUR team were shown how Pre Metro’s efficient approach could by replicated across other branch lines nationwide, particularly when utilising a modest depot and new VLR rolling stock.
Steve Jasper, Company Chairman, also shared the site’s history and discussed how their pragmatic, cost-effective philosophy has consistently enabled high performance, as demonstrated by the Shuttle’s industry-leading operational statistics and vehicle longevity.
The proposed Stourbridge-Brierley Hill “Dasher” project was also discussed with Phil Evans (Managing Director) highlighting a lack of engagement at the Local Transport Authority, despite Pre Metro already stating that it would match any funding for the Strategic Outline Business Case (SOBC) for a Stourbridge Dasher.
Key to the visit was a demonstration of how the Stourbridge Branch Line could support mixed-use operations should the Dasher develop, perhaps becoming a model scheme for Mixed Use Railways.
Network Rail’s Programme Integration Manager, Richard Ellis-Hobbs, also presented a pioneering data model on VLR, tram, tram-train, and heavy rail solutions, where they are utilising patronage estimates, train capacity and expected operational expenditure to determine a generalized applicability to each mode, and determine the “sweet spot” for patronage capacity and revenue, and to serve as a building block in initial service development.
Pre-Metro Operations were keen to hear from the Mixed Use Rail team and happy that it reinforced their belief that rail doesn’t need to operate in traditional silos, and that the industry is continuing to innovate in its approach to service provision.