Citizens' Rail

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  • Transnational masterclass

    Transnational masterclass

    Students from all four of the Citizens’ Rail partner countries came together in Heerlen in the Netherlands and Aachen in Germany for a two-day masterclass to learn, collaborate and generate radical new visions for local stations.

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    The masterclass on Monday 7th and Tuesday 8th October 2013 included site visits to stations including Nuth, Aachen Eilendorf and Aachen West. The 48 students (from Plymouth University, the University of Central Lancashire, L’Ecole de Design Nantes Atlantique, Hogeschool Zuyd and RWTH Aachen University) came from a range of disciplines including geography, tourism, design and civil engineering. They formed four international multi-disciplinary teams to create impressive visions for improvements to Nuth and Eilendorf stations (PDFs):

    [box close=”false” color=”#36A9E1″ icon=”” ]Eilendorf
    Blue team[/box]
    [box close=”false” color=”#93c01f” icon=”” ]Eilendorf
    Green team[/box]
    [box close=”false” color=”#d42053″ icon=”” ]Nuth
    Red team[/box]
    [box close=”false” color=”#F29100″ icon=”” ]Nuth
    Yellow team[/box]

    The students also benefited from thought-provoking presentations from Prof Martina Fromhold-Eisebith (RWTH Aachen University), UK-based community rail champion Paul Salveson and artist Michel Huisman, the man behind the spectacular “Maankwartier” redevelopment of the nearby Heerlen station.

    The masterclass was organised by Citizens’ Rail partners RWTH Aachen University, the City of Aachen, Aachen Transport Authority (AVV) and Parkstad Limburg.


  • Burnley: Work begins on community station building

    Burnley: Work begins on community station building

    Construction has begun on the state-of-the-art redevelopment of Burnley Manchester Road station, part funded by Citizens’ Rail.

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    The new station building is scheduled to be completed in May 2014, and will provide improved facilities for passengers and a hub for the area’s Community Ambassadors, employed by Northern Rail with support from Citizens’ Rail, who engage hard-to-reach groups with their local rail services.

    The revamp is planned to coincide with the start of a new direct service to Manchester later in 2014, anticipated to significantly increase use of the station.

    Burnley Council Leader, Councillor Julie Cooper, said:

    “For some passengers, the train station can be the first impression they get of a town, and with the transformations underway in Burnley, with new schools, college and universities, it is important that visitors arriving, or passing through see the ‘new’ modern, changing Burnley.

    This is a vitally important project for Burnley’s future economic growth.”

    [icon size=”14px” color=”#d42053″ background=”#ffffff” radius=”0px” type=”icon-circle-arrow-right” spacing=”0px” /] Visit our Lancashire project page or read the Burnley Council press release (PDF) to find out more.

    (Photo: Andy Ford)

  • Burnley: Work begins on community station building

    Burnley: Work begins on community station building

    Construction has begun on the state-of-the-art redevelopment of Burnley Manchester Road station, part funded by Citizens’ Rail.

    [divider type=”default” vspace=”20px” hspace=”0%” /]

    The new station building is scheduled to be completed in May 2014, and will provide improved facilities for passengers and a hub for the area’s Community Ambassadors, employed by Northern Rail with support from Citizens’ Rail, who engage hard-to-reach groups with their local rail services.

    The revamp is planned to coincide with the start of a new direct service to Manchester later in 2014, anticipated to significantly increase use of the station.

    Burnley Council Leader, Councillor Julie Cooper, said:

    “For some passengers, the train station can be the first impression they get of a town, and with the transformations underway in Burnley, with new schools, college and universities, it is important that visitors arriving, or passing through see the ‘new’ modern, changing Burnley.

    This is a vitally important project for Burnley’s future economic growth.”

    [icon size=”14px” color=”#d42053″ background=”#ffffff” radius=”0px” type=”icon-circle-arrow-right” spacing=”0px” /] Visit our Lancashire project page or read the Burnley Council press release (PDF) to find out more.

    (Photo: Andy Ford)

  • Burnley: Work begins on community station building

    Burnley: Work begins on community station building

    Construction has begun on the state-of-the-art redevelopment of Burnley Manchester Road station, part funded by Citizens’ Rail.

    [divider type=”default” vspace=”20px” hspace=”0%” /]

    The new station building is scheduled to be completed in May 2014, and will provide improved facilities for passengers and a hub for the area’s Community Ambassadors, employed by Northern Rail with support from Citizens’ Rail, who engage hard-to-reach groups with their local rail services.

    The revamp is planned to coincide with the start of a new direct service to Manchester later in 2014, anticipated to significantly increase use of the station.

    Burnley Council Leader, Councillor Julie Cooper, said:

    “For some passengers, the train station can be the first impression they get of a town, and with the transformations underway in Burnley, with new schools, college and universities, it is important that visitors arriving, or passing through see the ‘new’ modern, changing Burnley.

    This is a vitally important project for Burnley’s future economic growth.”

    [icon size=”14px” color=”#d42053″ background=”#ffffff” radius=”0px” type=”icon-circle-arrow-right” spacing=”0px” /] Visit our Lancashire project page or read the Burnley Council press release (PDF) to find out more.

    (Photo: Andy Ford)

  • Burnley: Work begins on community station building

    Burnley: Work begins on community station building

    Construction has begun on the state-of-the-art redevelopment of Burnley Manchester Road station, part funded by Citizens’ Rail.

    [divider type=”default” vspace=”20px” hspace=”0%” /]

    The new station building is scheduled to be completed in May 2014, and will provide improved facilities for passengers and a hub for the area’s Community Ambassadors, employed by Northern Rail with support from Citizens’ Rail, who engage hard-to-reach groups with their local rail services.

    The revamp is planned to coincide with the start of a new direct service to Manchester later in 2014, anticipated to significantly increase use of the station.

    Burnley Council Leader, Councillor Julie Cooper, said:

    “For some passengers, the train station can be the first impression they get of a town, and with the transformations underway in Burnley, with new schools, college and universities, it is important that visitors arriving, or passing through see the ‘new’ modern, changing Burnley.

    This is a vitally important project for Burnley’s future economic growth.”

    [icon size=”14px” color=”#d42053″ background=”#ffffff” radius=”0px” type=”icon-circle-arrow-right” spacing=”0px” /] Visit our Lancashire project page or read the Burnley Council press release (PDF) to find out more.

    (Photo: Andy Ford)

  • 8 out of 10 want to be involved in planning their local station

    8 out of 10 want to be involved in planning their local station

    Students from RWTH Aachen University have uncovered strong public support for a new station at Richterich, with 80% of those surveyed eager to be involved in the project’s planning.

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    660 local residents were consulted through face-to-face interviews and online surveys during July 2013. The 10 students asked what level of participation people wanted to have in the new station project, as well as their preferences regarding destinations and the choice between the North and South variants of the plan.

    Findings

    [icon size=”14px” color=”#D42053″ background=”#ffffff” radius=”0px” type=”icon-chevron-sign-right” spacing=”0px” /] 71% said would use the train (because it would be quicker than the bus and more convenient).

    [icon size=”14px” color=”#D42053″ background=”#ffffff” radius=”0px” type=”icon-chevron-sign-right” spacing=”0px” /] 21% said they would not use the station (due to anticipated delays and being satisfied with the existing bus service).

    [icon size=”14px” color=”#D42053″ background=”#ffffff” radius=”0px” type=”icon-chevron-sign-right” spacing=”0px” /] 80% wanted to be involved in planning the new station.

    [icon size=”14px” color=”#D42053″ background=”#ffffff” radius=”0px” type=”icon-chevron-sign-right” spacing=”0px” /] The students found that it is the youngest and oldest residents who rely most heavily on existing public transport in the form of the bus service.

    [icon size=”14px” color=”#D42053″ background=”#ffffff” radius=”0px” type=”icon-chevron-sign-right” spacing=”0px” /] It is estimated that 1000 passengers would use the new station per day.

    [icon size=”14px” color=”#D42053″ background=”#ffffff” radius=”0px” type=”icon-chevron-sign-right” spacing=”0px” /] People’s highest priorities for the station’s design are shelter, good bus connections and personal safety.

    [icon size=”14px” color=”#D42053″ background=”#ffffff” radius=”0px” type=”icon-chevron-sign-right” spacing=”0px” /] Other priorities include greening and noise protection for local residents.

    [icon size=”14px” color=”#D42053″ background=”#ffffff” radius=”0px” type=”icon-chevron-sign-right” spacing=”0px” /] There is an even split between those wanting a station with modest features but that is quick to realise, and those wanting a more comprehensive station that may take longer to build.

    Find out more about the project to develop a new station in Richterich.

  • 8 out of 10 want to be involved in planning their local station

    8 out of 10 want to be involved in planning their local station

    Students from RWTH Aachen University have uncovered strong public support for a new station at Richterich, with 80% of those surveyed eager to be involved in the project’s planning.

    [divider type=”default” vspace=”20px” hspace=”0%” /]

    660 local residents were consulted through face-to-face interviews and online surveys during July 2013. The 10 students asked what level of participation people wanted to have in the new station project, as well as their preferences regarding destinations and the choice between the North and South variants of the plan.

    Findings

    [icon size=”14px” color=”#D42053″ background=”#ffffff” radius=”0px” type=”icon-chevron-sign-right” spacing=”0px” /] 71% said would use the train (because it would be quicker than the bus and more convenient).

    [icon size=”14px” color=”#D42053″ background=”#ffffff” radius=”0px” type=”icon-chevron-sign-right” spacing=”0px” /] 21% said they would not use the station (due to anticipated delays and being satisfied with the existing bus service).

    [icon size=”14px” color=”#D42053″ background=”#ffffff” radius=”0px” type=”icon-chevron-sign-right” spacing=”0px” /] 80% wanted to be involved in planning the new station.

    [icon size=”14px” color=”#D42053″ background=”#ffffff” radius=”0px” type=”icon-chevron-sign-right” spacing=”0px” /] The students found that it is the youngest and oldest residents who rely most heavily on existing public transport in the form of the bus service.

    [icon size=”14px” color=”#D42053″ background=”#ffffff” radius=”0px” type=”icon-chevron-sign-right” spacing=”0px” /] It is estimated that 1000 passengers would use the new station per day.

    [icon size=”14px” color=”#D42053″ background=”#ffffff” radius=”0px” type=”icon-chevron-sign-right” spacing=”0px” /] People’s highest priorities for the station’s design are shelter, good bus connections and personal safety.

    [icon size=”14px” color=”#D42053″ background=”#ffffff” radius=”0px” type=”icon-chevron-sign-right” spacing=”0px” /] Other priorities include greening and noise protection for local residents.

    [icon size=”14px” color=”#D42053″ background=”#ffffff” radius=”0px” type=”icon-chevron-sign-right” spacing=”0px” /] There is an even split between those wanting a station with modest features but that is quick to realise, and those wanting a more comprehensive station that may take longer to build.

    Find out more about the project to develop a new station in Richterich.

  • 8 von 10 Bürgern wollen in der Planung ihres Haltepunktes beteiligt werden

    8 von 10 Bürgern wollen in der Planung ihres Haltepunktes beteiligt werden

    Studenten der RWTH Aachen haben im Rahmen einer Befragung eine starke öffentliche Unterstützung für einen neuen Haltepunkt in Richterich aufgedeckt . 80% der Befragten sprachen sich in diesem Zusammenhang für eine stärkere Beteiligung im Rahmen der Projektplanung aus.

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    Insgesamt wurden im Juli 2013 660 Anwohner durch face-to -face- Interviews und einen Online-Fragebogenkonsultiert. Die Studenten stellten Fragen zum gewünschten Grad der Einbindung in das Projekt sowie zur Präferenz hinsichtlich der geplanten Nord- und Südvariante.

    Ergebnisse

    [icon size=”14px” color=”#D42053″ background=”#ffffff” radius=”0px” type=”icon-chevron-sign-right” spacing=”0px” /] 71 % gaben an die Bahn zu benutzen ( denn es wäre schneller und bequemer als der Bus).

    [icon size=”14px” color=”#D42053″ background=”#ffffff” radius=”0px” type=”icon-chevron-sign-right” spacing=”0px” /] 21 % sagten, sie würden den Haltepunkt nicht nutzen( aufgrund erwarteter Verspätungen im Bahnverkehr und Zufriedenheit mit der aktuellen Busanbindung).

    [icon size=”14px” color=”#D42053″ background=”#ffffff” radius=”0px” type=”icon-chevron-sign-right” spacing=”0px” /] 80% möchten in der Planung desneuen Haltepunktes beteiligt werden.

    [icon size=”14px” color=”#D42053″ background=”#ffffff” radius=”0px” type=”icon-chevron-sign-right” spacing=”0px” /] Die Studentenfanden heraus, dass sich die jüngsten und ältesten Bewohner besonders stark auf bestehende öffentliche Verkehrsmittelund somit auf die Busanbindung verlassen.

    [icon size=”14px” color=”#D42053″ background=”#ffffff” radius=”0px” type=”icon-chevron-sign-right” spacing=”0px” /] Schätzungen besagen, dass der neue Haltepunkt täglich von 1000 Passagieren frequentiert würde.

    [icon size=”14px” color=”#D42053″ background=”#ffffff” radius=”0px” type=”icon-chevron-sign-right” spacing=”0px” /] Die höchsten Prioritäten hinsichtlich der Gestaltung des Haltepunktes geben die Befragten mit Fahrgastunterständen, guter Anbindung an das Bussystem sowie Aspekten der sozialen Sicherheit an.

    [icon size=”14px” color=”#D42053″ background=”#ffffff” radius=”0px” type=”icon-chevron-sign-right” spacing=”0px” /] Weitere Prioritäten umfassen Begrünung und Lärmschutz für die Anwohner.

    [icon size=”14px” color=”#D42053″ background=”#ffffff” radius=”0px” type=”icon-chevron-sign-right” spacing=”0px” /] Hinsichtlich der konkreten Ausgestaltung des Haltepunktes herrscht keine Einigkeit. Während 50% der Befragten einen schneller zu verwirklichenden Haltepunkt mit rudimentärer Ausstattung bevorzugen, spricht sich die andere Hälfte für einen besonders gut ausgestatteten Haltepunkt aus, dessen Umsetzung jedoch mehr Zeit in Anspruch nehmen würde.

    Erfahren Sie mehr über das Vorhabeneines neuen Haltepunktes in Richterich.

  • 8 out of 10 want to be involved in planning their local station

    8 out of 10 want to be involved in planning their local station

    Students from RWTH Aachen University have uncovered strong public support for a new station at Richterich, with 80% of those surveyed eager to be involved in the project’s planning.

    [divider type=”default” vspace=”20px” hspace=”0%” /]

    660 local residents were consulted through face-to-face interviews and online surveys during July 2013. The 10 students asked what level of participation people wanted to have in the new station project, as well as their preferences regarding destinations and the choice between the North and South variants of the plan.

    Findings

    [icon size=”14px” color=”#D42053″ background=”#ffffff” radius=”0px” type=”icon-chevron-sign-right” spacing=”0px” /] 71% said would use the train (because it would be quicker than the bus and more convenient).

    [icon size=”14px” color=”#D42053″ background=”#ffffff” radius=”0px” type=”icon-chevron-sign-right” spacing=”0px” /] 21% said they would not use the station (due to anticipated delays and being satisfied with the existing bus service).

    [icon size=”14px” color=”#D42053″ background=”#ffffff” radius=”0px” type=”icon-chevron-sign-right” spacing=”0px” /] 80% wanted to be involved in planning the new station.

    [icon size=”14px” color=”#D42053″ background=”#ffffff” radius=”0px” type=”icon-chevron-sign-right” spacing=”0px” /] The students found that it is the youngest and oldest residents who rely most heavily on existing public transport in the form of the bus service.

    [icon size=”14px” color=”#D42053″ background=”#ffffff” radius=”0px” type=”icon-chevron-sign-right” spacing=”0px” /] It is estimated that 1000 passengers would use the new station per day.

    [icon size=”14px” color=”#D42053″ background=”#ffffff” radius=”0px” type=”icon-chevron-sign-right” spacing=”0px” /] People’s highest priorities for the station’s design are shelter, good bus connections and personal safety.

    [icon size=”14px” color=”#D42053″ background=”#ffffff” radius=”0px” type=”icon-chevron-sign-right” spacing=”0px” /] Other priorities include greening and noise protection for local residents.

    [icon size=”14px” color=”#D42053″ background=”#ffffff” radius=”0px” type=”icon-chevron-sign-right” spacing=”0px” /] There is an even split between those wanting a station with modest features but that is quick to realise, and those wanting a more comprehensive station that may take longer to build.

    Find out more about the project to develop a new station in Richterich.

  • Citizens’ Rail launched at Houses of Parliament

    Citizens’ Rail launched at Houses of Parliament

    A new 9 million Euro EU project focusing on local and regional railways was launched at the Houses of Parliament in London on Monday 22 October 2012.

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    Titled “Citizens’ Rail”, this EU INTERREG IVB NWE project includes partners from Britain, France, Germany and the Netherlands and will run until September 2015.

    The Partners are Plymouth University (Devon & Cornwall Rail Partnership) and Lancashire County Council in the UK, Conseil Régional des Pays de la Loire, France, Parkstad Limburg, Netherlands, Aachen City Council, Aachen Regional Transport Authority and Aachen University, Germany.

    As well as looking to develop and improve rail services and facilities, the partners will be working together to better engage communities with their local railway, including the planning of new and improved facilities and breathing new life into rundown or disused stations.

    There is a wealth of experience among the Partners and they will be sharing this in developing and taking forward the schemes that will form part of the overall project.

    Richard Burningham, manager of the Devon & Cornwall Rail Partnership, the Project’s Lead Partner said “This is a very exciting project. Local and regional rail services are important throughout north west Europe and there is much we can each learn from the approach and expertise of the others. I believe the demonstration projects will be real flagships with results that will benefit others in developing their local rail services.”

    The project will include corridor improvement plans on three routes, two in the UK and one in France.

    Exeter – Paignton in Devon, UK
    La Roche sur Yon – Bressuire – Saumur in Pays de la Loire, France
    Blackburn – Burnley – Manchester in Lancashire, UK (new service from 2014)

    These will include additional services, local marketing and publicity campaigns, small-scale station improvements and community involvement, through outreach, community forums and encouraging volunteers and station friends groups. Under the theme “Community Stations”, there will be a demonstration project in Burnley, Lancashire.