Stourbridge Town branch line: Difference between revisions
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'''The stourbridge town branch line''' is a short (0.8 mile) branch line opened in [[1879]] and which has operated continually since save for a short break for the [[first world war]]. The short and steeply inclined branch originally carried both passenger traffic from the nearby [[Stourbridge junction]] station to the terminus at [[Stourbridge Town]], near the centre of [[Stourbridge]], as well as freight traffic to stourbridge basin, although the freight traffic ceased in the 1960s and the bridge carrying the line beyond Stourbridge Town station into the freight yard has been demolished. |
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This line is the smallest commuter line that is in use on the [Nation Rail] network. It has a single line. The journey takes approx 55 seconds to complete. The line has been under scrutinity, calling it a waste of money, and was canceled for almost half a year in 2005. |
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The near isolation of the branch from the main rail network has led to its use several times as the test route for new types of small rail transport. The [[Great Western Railway]] used both autotrains and one of the early railcars on this route, and in [[2006]] the route is being used to test the Parry PeopleMover, a highly energy efficienct railcar which provides the sunday service. |
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Although the line has been threatened with closure several times in the past there are now proposals to extend it, should the PeopleMover railcar prove a success, and use the line as one end of an extended [[light rail]] system which would extend further into Stourbridge town centre. |
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==See Also== |
==See Also== |
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*[[Stourbridge]] |
*[[Stourbridge]] |
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*http://www.stourbridgelineusergroup.info Stourbridge Line Users Group |
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Revision as of 23:53, 13 March 2006
The stourbridge town branch line is a short (0.8 mile) branch line opened in 1879 and which has operated continually since save for a short break for the first world war. The short and steeply inclined branch originally carried both passenger traffic from the nearby Stourbridge junction station to the terminus at Stourbridge Town, near the centre of Stourbridge, as well as freight traffic to stourbridge basin, although the freight traffic ceased in the 1960s and the bridge carrying the line beyond Stourbridge Town station into the freight yard has been demolished.
The near isolation of the branch from the main rail network has led to its use several times as the test route for new types of small rail transport. The Great Western Railway used both autotrains and one of the early railcars on this route, and in 2006 the route is being used to test the Parry PeopleMover, a highly energy efficienct railcar which provides the sunday service.
Although the line has been threatened with closure several times in the past there are now proposals to extend it, should the PeopleMover railcar prove a success, and use the line as one end of an extended light rail system which would extend further into Stourbridge town centre.
See Also
- Stourbridge
- http://www.stourbridgelineusergroup.info Stourbridge Line Users Group