Henley Rail User Update

Here’s the latest news from the Henley Branch User Group.

Timetable: The new train timetable has just started. As far as we know you should not see any changes beyond, as we said before, the 2018 from Paddington to Twyford and connecting up the branch is now properly published by FGW as a listed connection.

Whitsun disruption: A quick glance at the disruptions list show that the SCHEDULE for that week is as good as normal HOWEVER, do watch out for news of the RMT proposed 24 hour strike from 5pm on the Bank Holiday Monday, which includes wider overtime restriction, meaning that both Bank Holiday return travel on Monday 25th AND commuter travel on Tuesday 26th are currently at risk.

Future Services: Many have expressed concern that future main line plans (from 2017 onwards) include the cessation of through services on the branch to/from London and also what we might call semi-fast services which use the fast line for some of the journey. While Crossrail will improve journey times to the eastern side of London (no change of train and just four stops to Liverpool Street from Paddington), we are concerned about service levels. With the election out of the way we are raising the pressure on FGW (who will still run the branch) and will need your support when it comes to engaging our MPs on both sides of the river as one. So if future service bothers you, please forward this email and ask your travelling friends to write to us and join up.

Committee Meeting: We will be having our next roving committee meeting soon, this time in Twyford. If you have anything you feel we should be discussing please email us at henleybranchusergroup@gmail.com. As before, we will be aiming to have an “open-hour” beforehand to meet fellow travellers, hear your views and answer questions. Details to follow.