From no450 Campaign :

1. Please make every effort to attend the next meeting of the Portsmouth - Waterloo Rail User Group. It doesn’t matter if you’re a bit late. See link below for minutes of last meeting. We’ve had an excellent turnout at both the previous meetings – do continue to give your support.

Venue: The Millennium Hall, Liphook (Ontario Way, opposite Sainsbury’s).
Date: Wed 3 Oct 2007
Time: 1900

Location and Map Details for Hall: http://www.ihampshire.co.uk/profile/243048/Liphook/Liphook-Millennium-Hall/

Minutes of Last Meeting
http://www.no450forum.org.uk/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=149

2. Progress in our bid to “Ban the Blue Buses” is good.  Recent developments:

·        Mike Hancock MP (Lib Dem Portsmouth) has the bit between his teeth and is now fully engaged with SWT management and the DfT.

·        Havant Borough Council Environmental & Community Board has formally endorsed our campaign. The Council’s view is that Woking/Guildford crowding is not their problem and the blue trains are totally unsatisfactory for long distance passengers. Good coverage appeared in the local press.

·        The No 450 Campaign has proved conclusively that overcrowding is not an issue on the Portsmouth mainline with only 5 of the 135 daily services being even remotely busy. There is no justification whatsoever for the blue trains, only 11 of which have the full 12 coaches on weekdays.

·        The Health & Safety report (SWT call it an Ergonomic Assessment) was rubbished as a whitewash in the press. The abridged version merely serves to clear SWT of any possible litigation. Conducted by Interfleet Technology Ltd, commissioned and paid for by SWT, it does not address issues of personal space but does conclude that 59% of the population cannot fit in the seats. Not a single passenger was consulted in the report’s  preparation.

·        The Train Operating Companies have taken the DfT to task, stating that to cure overcrowding the widespread provision of carriages with less legroom is no more than “sticking plaster” (DTel – 22 Sep).

For further information about the campaign do email support@no450.co.uk. In the meantime, CONTINUE TO LOBBY YOUR MP. For a summary of supporting facts visit: www.no450forum.org.uk/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=146