Latest news with #SatvirKaur
Yahoo
07-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
MP backs 'once-in-a-generation' plan for new rail service
Plans to run passenger trains from Marchwood to Southampton and London have been unveiled (Image: Newsquest) A Hampshire MP is backing "once-in-a-generation" plans to launch a new rail service linking the New Forest with Southampton and London. Satvir Kaur, Labour MP for Southampton Test, is urging the Office of Rail and Road (ORR) to approve an application to reopen part of the Totton to Hythe branch line. The line, which once went as far south as Fawley, has been freight-only since the 1960s. Campaigners have spent years calling for passenger services on the route to be restored to ease pressure on the A326 and other roads. Plans to run passenger trains from Marchwood station to Southampton and London have been unveiled (Image: Newsquest) ADVERTISEMENT In 2024 the government put the brakes on plans to reopen the line, saying the scheme would fail to deliver value for money. But the proposal has since been replaced by a privately-funded alternative. Grand Union Trains aims to reopen Marchwood station and run services to Southampton and London under its Alliance Rail banner. Longer-term plans include a park-and-ride facility near the previous Hardley Halt station. READ MORE: New attempt to run passenger trains on the former Totton to Hythe rail route Ms Kaur has written to ORR to voice her support for the scheme. Her letter says: "After the withdrawal of funding for the Restoring Your Railway Fund in Autumn 2024, this proposal is much welcome news in our community. "Alliance Rail's privately funded plan is particularly compelling. ADVERTISEMENT "It does not rely on public money and the company itself is prepared to invest and underwrite all the risks in return for a 7-year franchise that will deliver an hourly service linking Marchwood to Totton and Southampton, ten times a day, with five of the services traveling to Hook and Waterloo. "I urge you to accept this exciting application. "In the 2022 Network Rail survey, 84 per cent of people backed proposals to reinstate the line for passenger services and with good reason. "This introduction of this historic line could be transformative, providing a reliable and sustainable alternative for car use." Special excursions are currently the only passenger trains that visit Marchwood station (Image: Supplied) Writing on social media, the MP added: "Really happy to support the application to reintroduce passenger services on the Marchwood branch railway line, connecting Marchwood, Totton and Southampton. ADVERTISEMENT "We know the congestion along Millbrook Road and Marchwood Bypass is nightmarish at rush-hour, polluting our area and causing delays for drivers. "This is a once in a generation chance to improve things - igniting growth, opportunity and sustainability along the Waterside and in Southampton. Let's do it!" Hampshire county councillor David Harrison represents Marchwood and Totton South. He said: "Very happy to get the full support of Satvir Kaur for the project to open up the Waterside line to Marchwood (and hopefully beyond that at a later stage)."
Yahoo
01-03-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Bluestar celebrates launch of new Southampton bus service
A new bus service is now connecting key "underserved" locations within Southampton. Bluestar representatives, MPs and councillors launched the new 19a service with an event yesterday, with the route now operating seven days a week. The 19a links Winchester Road, Hill Lane, Southampton General Hospital, and the city centre. The service provides cross-city links to King Edward School and Richard Taunton Sixth Form College. READ MORE: Bluestar announces new Southampton city centre bus service MP for Southampton Test, Satvir Kaur, said: "From speaking to individuals and families on the doorstep, I know that a bus service that's not accessible or close to where you live can be challenging, especially for older people and young families. "It's fantastic to see this service now up and running." Southampton Itchen MP, Darren Paffey, said: "This new service will be welcomed by my constituents along Hill Lane and nearby roads that have been underserved by local bus services."
