The project to allow 8-car trains to stop at all the Fen Line stations is now complete and most services are now 8 cars. An extra benefit for Waterbeach is that the Ely - King's Cross trains now stop there, giving the half-hourly service throughout the day that we would like to see for the whole line.
We've been asked why only some platforms have been 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.
As a result of the first consultation on Cambridge South station, option 1 (the northernmost location, nearest to the hospitals and the sixth form college) was chosen. 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. The next stage is a public enquiry, due to take place towards the end of 2021; there is more detail on the project here.
Network Rail are 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 was due to be a new timetable in May 2022, cutting several minutes off journey times into London from Fen Line stations, but it has been postponed because of problems further north on the East Coast main line. More information on the project here and here.
Network Rail are holding a number of public consultation on this important project, which is needed to allow a half-hourly service to run to King's Lynn. More information 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.
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 2020 AGM was held on-line on Saturday 14th November. The draft minutes are in the members' section.
The 2021 AGM will be on Saturday 27th November.
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.
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