BRIGG TRAIN FARES 'SHOULD BE REDUCED'

FROM PAUL JOHNSON, STATION PORTFOLIO MANAGER, GAINSBOROUGH, RETFORD & BRIGG BUS AND RAIL GROUP (GRaB)

On Saturday (July 23), Sheffield United played at Grimsby Town in a pre-season friendly.  It was of note that NO fans came via Brigg but instead took the TPE (Trans Pennine Express) services via Doncaster, as the ticket offer available was much cheaper.
However, the 0803 Sheffield to Cleethorpes train via Brigg was full again when it left the town.
Passenger pick-ups who remained on the train to travel  the Brigg Line got on as follows:

• Sheffield Midland 14 
• Woodhouse 4
• Kiveton Park 2
• Shireoaks 4
• Worksop 47
• Retford Low Level 13
• Gainsborough Central 9 
• Kirton in Lindsey 6.
• Brigg 13

We shall be approaching Arriva Northern again soon to ask them to work with Network Rail to increase the line speed between Kirton Lime Sidings and Brigg Station.
The line speed used to be 60 mph but for some reason was reduced to 40 mph when the track was replaced in 2008.  
Comments on social media are in favour of a reduction of the Brigg to Gainsborough Central return fare, which stands at £10.80p. Under the guidelines of the mileage calculator it should be around £7.90.
A Rover ticket between the three Saturday Only stations still seem a logical way forward to boost numbers. 
Following the amalgamation of the Friends Of The Brigg Line group with the renamed Gainsborough, Retford & Brigg Bus and Rail Group ( GRaB ) Arriva Northern have kindly agreed to print some new station posters to promote the Brigg Line at 19 stations. 
The Penistone Line Partnership have also kindly agreed to lend their catering trolley for the summer 2017 where food and drinks can be served between Worksop and Cleethorpes on some services. However, this will require a  better unit been deployed for the Brigg Line.
A request has gone in again to Network Rail to cut the overgrowing sections of grass on the platforms at Brigg and Gainsborough Central.

• The Sheffield Midland - Cleethorpes via Brigg Line can be followed on Twitter at: @Saturday_Only