History
MK Rail Users was formed in 2004 following a timetable change that failed to meet the needs of local commuters.
The
loss of fast trains saw commuters facing an extra two hours per week
commuting. A protest meeting, attended by Dr Phyllis Starkey
MP, attracted over 250 rail users and it was agreed to set up a user
group to ensure that the voice of rail users would be heard and
improved services campaigned for (including restoration of the axed
Milton Keynes -Gatwick services).
Subsequently, MK Rail Users has
met regularly with the trains operating companies and maintained
contact with Milton Keynes Council and the local MPs (who the issues
raised in the House of Commons).
Since the formation of MK Rail
Users, the west Coast Mainline modernisation is nearing completion and
extra investment of over £30m secured for extra track capacity for MK
Central which it was hoped would help see the reinstatement of fast
services to Euston. It may be that the formation of MKBRUG was the
stimulus for this extra investment.
It is also hoped that the
service to Clapham Junction and Gatwick may be restored in 2009. As
there is a Wolverton Rail User Group, a Bedford Bletchley Rail
user Group and an Oxon and Bucks Rail User Committee (Pressing for
services to Oxford), MK Rail Users concentrates on main line issues
whilst supporting the aims of these other groups.
Details of the current MK Rail Users committee can be found here
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