An excellent SENRUG public meeting (and AGM) with guest speaker Christian Wolmar, arguably the UK’s leading journalist on rail matters. Christian gave us his thoughts on the UK rail industry today, as well as a historical talk on the Trans Siberian Railway. We had an excellent turn-out, 50 attendees, our best so far.
Afterwards I had a chance to talk to Christian about our unease with the Network Rail costing process for the price of re-opening The Ashington Blyth & Tyne Line. With no competition, how can we be sure the Network Price is as low as it need be and they are not over-engineering the scheme? Christian was good enough to repeat our concerns in his next column in Rail Magazine.
Christian is also seeking the Labour Party nomination for Mayor of London candidate. It’s good that someone inevitably focussed on London’s issues is willing to travel to Northumberland and take an interest in our campaigns. Thank you Christian.
