The first consultation on Cambridge South station has opened, to decide between three choices of location. The new station, due to open in 2025, will give travellers from Fen Line stations direct access to Addenbrooke's and Papworth hospitals and to employment on the Biomedical Campus. We think option 1 (the northernmost location) is best, as it is nearest to the hospitals and the sixth form college. The more responses there are to the consultation the better, as it will raise the profile of this much-needed project; have your say here.
The project to allow 8-car trains to stop at all the Fen Line stations is progressing and we continue in conversation with Network Rail and the train companies to see if they can be introduced sooner than the published December date. An extra benefit will be that the Ely - King's Cross trains will be able to stop at Waterbeach, giving a half-hourly service throughout the day. Our aim is for at least a half-hourly service at all Fen Line stations; three down, four to go!
We've been asked why only some platforms are being lengthened; this is because "selective door opening" allows trains to stop with the front part in a shorter platform, but not if the back part would be across a level crossing. There are some pictures of the work at Waterbeach here.
We have had several reports of people who have parked at King's Lynn station receiving penalty notices for non-payment two or three weeks later, by which time they had thrown the ticket away. So when parking at King's Lynn it's advisable to keep the ticket, also check your registration number is entered correctly when paying.
Over the next two years, Network Rail will be undertaking some major works on the East Coast main line, including reconfiguring King's Cross station, replacing the 40-year-old signalling system, adding a new platform at Stevenage for the Hertford Loop trains, and building a grade separated junction north of Peterborough. There will be further closures similar to the one last August bank holiday; more information at https://eastcoastupgrade.co.uk/.
Next summer sees the 175th anniversary of the opening of the southern part of our line on 28th July 1845. Read about it here (courtesy of the Cambridgeshire Collection) starting in the 4th column. In the 3rd column is a report of the first general meeting of the Lynn and Ely railway company, which built the northern part in stages over the next couple of years. The 1845 timetable is here.
We represent the interests of users of the Fen Line to the management of the franchise holders and Network Rail.
We monitor to ensure that services offered are maintained and improved.
We inform our members of the latest developments.
The AGM takes place each November. Representatives of the rail industry attend to give members the opportunity to raise issues with key staff from across the network.
The 2019 AGM was held at the Discover Downham Heritage Centre, Priory Road, Downham Market on Saturday 16th November at 2pm.
FLUA works to develop services between the Fen Line stations (King's Lynn, Watlington, Downham Market, Littleport, Ely, Waterbeach, and Cambridge North) and onwards to Cambridge and London.
We seek the best for users from the fast-changing railway scene by working with all parties in the rail industry and with other relevant bodies in the development of the Thameslink Southern and Great Northern (TSGN) franchise on the Fen Line.
Our submission to the Passenger Benefit Fund is here.
Electric trains from Fen Line stations to Cambridge and London King's Cross are run by Great Northern for commuters, business and leisure users.
Greater Anglia operates electric trains from Fen Line stations to Cambridge and London Liverpool Street. These peak hour extras run Mondays-Fridays only.
Contact:
Secretary: fluasecretary@flua.org.uk
Webmaster: flua@ninetiles.com