S&C Cathedrals Express 16th May

Postponed, according to Steam Dreams web site:

http://www.steamdreams.com/executables/GT410WebContent.exe?ActionCode=Timings

'It is with huge regret that we advise you that we have been told we have to postpone this trip to the Settle & Carlisle. All passengers booked on this trip have been advised by both email and letter sent by first class post today (11.5.15).

'You may be aware that our Train Operating Company, West Coast Railways, had been temporarily suspended from running trains by Network Rail and this suspension had been lifted at the end of last week. Whilst Network Rail’s review of West Coast Railways’ Safety Management Systems has gone well, with the suspension lifted 8 days earlier than the original deadline, Network Rail has insisted on a “phasing in” of the new systems and initially are only allowing operations on less significant routes – not routes like the West Coast Mainline out of London Euston.

'We will write to passengers as soon as we are notified of a revised date from West Coast Railways which they have promised as soon as possible.

'We cannot emphasise enough our disappointment and do apologise once again for this postponement which is entirely outside of our control.'

 

I'm more concerned about the tours in, June, but looks like you're right. Though, I'm hoping you're well off the mark about, VT, returning in time for the, Shakespeare, as that would be disastrous. Thanks for tagging me. Regards, Liam

 

The "authorities" have no choice. They not only have to act with Railway safety the critical issue in this, they have to be seen to be acting with that as the priority. IMHO and purely on the basis of what has been posted here, I feel they could well be doing that. Who knows when every step that has been taken in this matter will open to very public scrutiny? I hope never, of course.

 

I'm not sure "the authorities" have actually specified how WCRC can resume, or put any restrictions on services, there is certainly no schedule or increasing target of when what or how many they can run. It seems to me to be a (very sensible ) self imposed staggered reintroduction.

 

It does seem as though it is indeed WCR taking control of what and where they will run and by doing so vastly reducing the risks and also penalties that can be incurred running on some of the more strategic routes, particularly in the south of England.
Very sensible really.