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‘Use It or Lose It’ campaign gathers momentum

Thursday, 2 February 2012

Committee members of the Larne Line Passenger Group (LLPG) SA0555

THE Larne Line Passenger Group, which was set up over seven years ago by users of the Larne Railway Line who wanted to see improved services for all passengers on this Line.
After a successful presentation from the Group to Larne Borough Council in December, at which they explained the serious situation facing the Larne Railway Line, the Council expressed its commitment to the preservation of the Larne Railway Line and its support to the LLPG on its current public campaign to oppose the current threat cuts on the lesser used section of the line and to enhance current services.
The Presentation discussed the very welcome introduction of the new Class 4000 trains, which is to be fully completed in a matter of weeks, with all new first nine trains already in operation. The new timetable proposed by Translink will be a mixed bag of, on the one hand, the very welcome change of most trains reaching Great Victoria Street Station (currently many of them end or start from Central Station) and improved services on the section between Whitehead and Belfast, with much higher frequency in this stretch of the line. On the other hand, the number of services serving from Whitehead and Larne will be significantly reduced (and in particular off-peak) unless sufficient numbers of passengers use that stretch of the line. It is the Group's main aim to ensure that the services up to Larne are not only maintained but enhanced to attract additional users.
Its Secretary, Elena Aceves-Cully explained: "We are holding a public meeting for all the people in Larne on Tuesday 6th of March to send a very clear message to the people of Larne Borough: do you want to see a maintained and improve rail service in your area?
“Or would you be happy to see it go? It is as simple as that. If you are for the first option, come to our public meeting and show your support for the Larne Line. "We are asking the people in Larne to say 'yes' to rail, to better services, regular and reliable services which can serve effectively not only the commuter market but also the leisure and other off peak travelling public.
“This meeting will be attended and supported by members of Larne, Carrickfergus and Larne as well as members of Translink's management. There will be incentives for those attending to try the train. So far, the Group has also had the support of several councillors in Carrickfergus and Newtownabbey Councils. In particular, Newtownabbey Councillor Ken Robinson, is an active member of the group and has over the years been very proactive in his support for the Larne Line", Elena said.
This meeting will take place at McNeill Theatre, Larne Leisure Centre, and will start at 7:30pm.Alan McGookin, LLPG's Chairman, explained: "We have asked Translink for the new trains to be given a chance on the Larne Line.
“We feel that a year on, from the full introduction of the new trains in early 2012, is a reasonable length of time to let Larne passengers see how much the service has improved and entice them to use the new trains.
“So our campaign will concentrate on increasing passenger numbers for the next 12 months. We are hoping that this will be the desired effect on the Department of Regional Development of releasing the extra cash is required to run the current level of services plus the overall improvements Translink is planning to introduce. "We would be very keen for the local press, media, media, local business, schools and churches to help us to raise the profile of this issue' Alan McGookin, added".
The Group will also be holding its next committee meeting on Tuesday 7th February at Dobbin's Inn Hotel, Carrickfergus, at 7:30pm.
Everyone who is keen to support the Larne Line is encouraged to attend.

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