As a prelude to once more running trains on the Marston Vale Line from Bletchley to Bedford, a test train has completed a return trip along the length of the line to check that the rolling stock to be used is suitable for use on the line.
A number of Class 150 diesel multiple units have been delivered to Bletchley depot to operate the services, and last week carried out a test run to check that the class was compatible with the tracks and signals along the line.
The test run was carried out by unit number 150137 under the control of an instructor driver and was carried out in partnership with Network Rail.
Because the tracks have been used infrequently since the suspension of passengers services last December, Network Rail has started running daily Rail Head Treatment Trains along the line to minimise the possibility of trains sliding on tracks rendered slippery during the autumn leaf-fall season.
Because the first group of drivers to be trained on the route have previously driven Class 150 trains, their training will be quicker than for those drivers who have not driven that class of trains before. Although next week's overtime ban by ASLEF members may affect training, so long as there are no more unexpected delays, London Northwestern Railway expects that enough drivers will have been trained by November for passenger services to begin that month.
The exact date for restarting services and the planned timetable will be confirmed closer to the time as more drivers are passed out on the Class 150s.
As the date for reintroducing services approaches, London Northwestern Railway will be engaging with stakeholders about publicising the service locally before their reintroduction.
Only in the ‘Alice in Wonderland’ world of Britain’s railways would a smallish enterprise going into administration lead to the suspension of rail services for a year. Many times I have heard managers in both public and private sector organisations speak of the need for a ‘can do’ approach. Sadly, our railways so often display a ‘can’t do’ mentality.
It’s so nice to see that the Class 150 Sprinter DMUs making a comeback to the Marston Vale Line. Since they were replaced by the Class 230 DEMUs before Vivarail went into administration and folded. Nice to see them back in service.