There have been signs of a return of passengers to the MarshLink after months of low numbers. Indeed at weekends recently there has been overcrowding caused on one occasion by a train cancellation, leading to the scenes depicted in the photo above. MLAG has been in contact with Southern, the train operator, concerning this case and requesting that there be backup staff available to avoid this overcrowding which is particularly concerning with Covid restrictions still in force. The problems caused by cancellations are particularly serious on an hourly service resulting in waits of up to two hours, not much fun after a day trip to Rye.
We are happy that four car trains have become the norm and have not noticed significant problems with short platforms. However we are worried that there is no indication if or when the morning and evening shuttle service is to return. Commuter groups advise me that the service is now woefully inadequate without the shuttle service and has led to numbers giving up commuting on the MarshLink altogether . Commuter also do not seem too pleased with the new part time commute tickets recently announced. It appears that the savings are smaller than was expected and that they have to be used within a set period which is not always possible. All in all not a very attractive offer.
There is no further news about new rolling stock and the MarshLink together with the Uckfield Branch remains the only line in the region running on diesel. There has for some years been talk of introducing either electric or battery powered trains to enable better integration with other lines, but we are no further forward and our diesel units look likely to continue for a good while yet.
Planning permission has been sought for a long awaited cover for the Rye ticket machine which will enable people to buy tickets more comfortably in wet weather. Also near the machine there will be a new electronic train information board. We have suggested that bus information could be incorporated to help passengers for onward destinations such as Camber. The Southern Rail Partnership has improved and tidied up the John Ryan garden for the benefit of rail users and others. This garden will be the start/end point of the new Pevensey to Rye walk which has been funded by Rother Council and the EU Communities fund.
Many years ago there was a tram or light railway service running from Rye to Camber via Rye Golf Course and was much used in summer by trippers, but it never reopened after the second world war. The arguments about parking down at Camber made me wonder whether it could return in some form as a tourist line. Some of the track near the golf club is still visible. Here is an old photo of the train:
