Severn Valley - New Station

I'm intrigued by the reference to a new station on the Severn Valley Railway to serve West Midlands Safari Park and to be served by West Midlands Trains:

https://www.expressandstar.com/news...s-to-merry-hill-and-west-midland-safari-park/

As the Safari Park is "drive through in your car" how on earth would a railway station be of any benefit to anyone - or am I missing something. A few days ago and I'd have said it was an April Fool!.

David R

 

I’d imagine a stroll around the lion enclosure would be an invigorating experience.

 

They're going into the outdoor fitness business. If you can outrun the lions on a starvation day you get your entry fee back.

 

Roaringly good entertainment. No doubt it's best to "Prey" before entering

David R

 

Sounds like the lunatics have taken over the asylum.

 

Otherwise it's a one way ticket up Mane St. They get worse from here!

David R

 

Have you heard about the new craze for Park Runs

David R

 

What do you mean taken over?

 

WMT raised the subject last September when it was announced they would take over from the old franchisee, though a station there was mooted long before that. Here's a link to a 2011 article https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/news/local-news/plans-to-link-west-midland-safari-155081 and one from 2013 http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-hereford-worcester-24026487

The SVR has confirmed to its members that discussions have taken place with the TOC, but only to explore possibilities. They said no decision will be taken in isolation, and would require consultation prior to any decision being taken.

Patrick

 

I believe that going back to the 1970's there was a plan to open a halt even then.

 

A rather more oddball scheme than a halt. From SVR News in Summer 1974 "It is interesting to note that the Station at Bewdley will shortly be available for the use of visitors to the West Midland Safari Park by means of a footbridge recovered from the former Burlish Halt, to be erected on the island platform. It is hoped that by this means, and the projected terminus and interchange at Kidderminster*, visitors to the Railway and to the Park will be able to park their cars in comfort at Kidderminster (or Bridgnorth or Highley) and thus avoid, or even prevent, the current traffic jams on the Kidderminster-Bewdley road."

*Which didn't open for another 10 years.

 

Hopefully this proposal will 'wither on the vine' like its predecessors. Whilst it may benefit the Safari Park and West Midlands Trains there is little if anything to be gained by the SVR, who would incur considerable expense in enabling these proposed services to operate without prejudicing their existing heritage operation.

 

The main problems with these proposals is line ocupation on busy days and manning Kidderminster Town signal box. I doubt we could find sufficient volunteers for a regular comercial service. There is a likelyhood that paid staff may be required which would eat into any financial advantage.

There woul also be route knowledge training so main line crews could sign for Bewdley - Kidder

 

I understand that at least some safari parks offer bus tours as well as car access. If you think about, even ignoring people who might arrive via public transport, quite a few car drivers might prefer to go round on a bus rather than have bits torn off their car in the monkey enclosure.

 

There is no monkey enclosure. Giraffes however...

 

Yes you're right. West Midlands Safari Park currently offers guided minibus tours for 6 quid extra. More interesting and you don't risk damaging your car. The park also has exhibits you walk around as well, and a small theme park too. So the idea of connecting by rail isn't as daft as some people here might think.

As to if it viable... that section of the line is congested, particularly on gala days, although it doesn't use tokens but acceptance lever so trains can be fired through quite quickly, especially if line upgrades allowed for a higher speed limit.

I think surely a beefy bus service from Kidder would be a better option, perhaps going on to Bewdley for people who want to do a little train trip and a trip to the safari park. At least that might help indicate if the demand was there.

 

The section would be limited to 4 trains per hour if an intermediate station stop was introduced, i.e. 2 trains in each direction per hour. It is not just gala days when that section is at full capacity.

Any thoughts of an increase in line speed for passenger trains would mean that the Kidderminster-Bewdley section of line would cease to be a light railway, and would thus loose the current derogations from ROGS associated with 25 MPH running. I am sure that no-one at the SVR would wish for that.

 

Thats a relief, I had images of locos having all their brass/fire irons stolen by the animals......... ;-)

 

Where does those minibus tours start/finish currently?