Coronavirus virus effect on Heritage lines Summer 2020

reddragon · 16 Mar 2020

221129 said:
Source? Last I checked they were suggesting a possibility and that would only be from outside the EU into the Shengen area. Therefore there would be no ban on UK residents or citizens travelling into the EU.

https://www.theguardian.com/world/l...085c6327bc0d4e#block-5e6f989a8f085c6327bc0d4e

EU suspends non-essential travel
The EU is proposing suspending all non-essential travel for 30 days, the president of the EU commission has announced.

Whilst proposed and excluding UK, its a preparation for implementation as before

RailUK Forums

221129 · 16 Mar 2020

reddragon said:
Whilst proposed and excluding UK, its a preparation for implementation as before

So the EU hasn't actually banned all but essential travel then like you claimed? I'm also not sure why you think it would mean Summer holidays at home given that UK citizens will still be able to travel for whatever purpose within the EU (Subject to individual borders still being open).

bramling · 16 Mar 2020

reddragon said:
The EU has just banned all but essential travel.

So a summer of holidays at home then! Could be good for Heritage railways?

I think it’s a bit soon to be predicting effects in domestic tourism. There may well be many from elsewhere who don’t come, whilst many British people may not have the enthusiasm to risk a British holiday given the notorious weather (remember last June?!). Then there’s the over-70s who look likely to be isolated at home.

I suspect there may well be some spikes in demand during any periods of good weather, but a bit early to be predicting a bumper year.

Belperpete · 16 Mar 2020

The request for EVERYONE to avoid all unnecessary travel and social contact would surely encompass holidays (both domestic and overseas) and travel on heritage railways?

I wonder if the HRA will issue advice on this to give a consistent approach. If most lines decide to halt operations, the few that keep running could get a very bad press.

reddragon · 16 Mar 2020

GWSR has closed with immediate effect. Not on their website yet though.

reddragon · 16 Mar 2020

Belperpete said:
The request for EVERYONE to avoid all unnecessary travel and social contact would surely encompass holidays (both domestic and overseas) and travel on heritage railways?

I wonder if the HRA will issue advice on this to give a consistent approach. If most lines decide to halt operations, the few that keep running could get a very bad press.

That depends on the demographics of their workforce and customers

thejuggler · 16 Mar 2020

Since the latest update I have had 4 events cancelled, not Heritage Railways related, but they are all non essential.

Local museums were closed this weekend, so I think it is almost to be expected heritage lines will close.

Bertie the bus · 16 Mar 2020

reddragon said:
That depends on the demographics of their workforce and customers

So which groups in society does the word everyone not include?

reddragon · 16 Mar 2020

Bertie the bus said:
So which groups in society does the word everyone not include?

And what is the difference between main line railways and some heritage railways that carry A to B travellers?

Bertie the bus · 16 Mar 2020

I would answer the question but I simply can't believe anybody can't work it out for themselves.

Mike Machin · 16 Mar 2020

The difference between main line and heritage railways is that the main network provides a vital public service and preservation is a leisure activity.

The government has asked the UK population to limit social contact and restrict unecessary travel, so all heritage railways will have to close. These restrictions will be in place for many weeks, at least 14 weeks until the peak of the epodemic, so I would think that it will be at least mid-summer before they are able to re-open.

221129 · 16 Mar 2020

reddragon said:
And what is the difference between main line railways and some heritage railways that carry A to B travellers?

What Heritage railways carry out ESSENTIAL journeys?

Tom B · 17 Mar 2020

All the Museums which make up NMSI - which includes the NRM and Shildon - are closed until further notice.

6Gman · 17 Mar 2020

reddragon said:
And what is the difference between main line railways and some heritage railways that carry A to B travellers?

A friend of mine had a hospital appointment this week to monitor a life-threatening condition. It involves two rail journeys each way.

None on a heritage railway ...

Tempest3K · 17 Mar 2020

GCRN have closed to the public until 1st May.

https://twitter.com/GcrNottingham/status/1240035463668301824

In view of the rapidly developing Coronavirus pandemic and constantly changing official advice, we believe it would be irresponsible to expose our staff & visitors to unnecessary risk. Therefore it is with huge regret that we have taken the decision to cease all public facing operations from 5pm tomorrow (18th March) until the 1st of May. This decision has been extremely hard to make & will be under constant review with the aim of being able to reopen in time for the early May Bank Holiday.
This is not only to protect the public but also to protect our volunteers, many of whom are in the "at risk" groups as defined by Public Health England.

Harvey B · 18 Mar 2020

Tempest3K said:
GCRN have closed to the public until 1st May.

https://twitter.com/GcrNottingham/status/1240035463668301824

I can imagine more heritage railways following soon, KWVR, SVR, NYMR, Wensleydale, E&BAR, ect

E759 · 18 Mar 2020

Closures noted 17/3/2020:
Dean Forest
Spa Valley
Kent & East Sussex
Severn Valley
Wensleydale
Bala Lake
West Somerset
Romney, Hythe & Dymchurch
Llangollen

SquireBev · 18 Mar 2020

London Transport Museum has closed and suspended its programme of events.

30907 · 18 Mar 2020

Harvey B said:
I can imagine more heritage railwyas following soon, KWVR, SVR, NYMR, Wensleydale, E&BAR, ect

KWVR is staying open ATM. Rather surprised.

reddragon · 18 Mar 2020

https://www.gwsr.com/Railway_Closure_Owing_to_Coronovirus_Covid19.html

We are very sorry to announce that owing to the ongoing coronavirus issue, and following the latest government advice, the Gloucestershire Warwickshire Steam Railway has taken the decision to suspend all services until further notice. We apologise for the disappointment and appreciate your understanding.

We have also taken the very sad decision to cancel the 2020 Wartime in the Cotswolds event. Refunds for tickets for the event purchased via our website will be automatically processed. Those who have booked via other means will be contacted individually.

All future events will be reviewed in light of developments and continuing medical advice. Please keep an eye on the website for more information and updates.

The steam gala has also been cancelled in May

Belperpete · 18 Mar 2020

Ffestiniog & Welsh Highland services have now been suspended.

E759 · 18 Mar 2020

30907 said:
KWVR is staying open ATM. Rather surprised.

Emergency timetable now implemented with some RRB.

30907 · 18 Mar 2020

E759 said:
Emergency timetable now implemented with some RRB.

But that's for a major bridge replacement at Ingrow.

wagwan my g · 18 Mar 2020

rail advent are posting a full list of lines and railtours and galas and model rail exhibitions affected which is being updated regularly. https://www.railadvent.co.uk/2020/03/coronavirus-the-full-list-of-railways-affected-wednesday-18th-march-2020.html

reddragon · 18 Mar 2020

wagwan my g said:
rail advent are posting a full list of lines and railtours and galas and model rail exhibitions affected which is being updated regularly. https://www.railadvent.co.uk/2020/03/coronavirus-the-full-list-of-railways-affected-wednesday-18th-march-2020.html

Well that's it, everything has closed or will have by Sunday!

E759 · 18 Mar 2020

30907 said:
But that's for a major bridge replacement at Ingrow.

Ah, cheers! What about the new cafe? Really bad timing

E759 · 18 Mar 2020

reddragon said:
Well that's it, everything has closed or will have by Sunday!

I've £384 of Advance railway & plane tickets to heritage railways (and Crich tramway) between today and 24/4/2020 so feeling somewhat deflated by the situation.

Harvey B · 18 Mar 2020

30907 said:
KWVR is staying open ATM. Rather surprised.

I think most of them are staying open for now anyway, but as I said I can imagine most if not, all heritage railways closing

cactustwirly · 18 Mar 2020

221129 said:
Source? Last I checked they were suggesting a possibility and that would only be from outside the EU into the Shengen area. Therefore there would be no ban on UK residents or citizens travelling into the EU.

But most of Europe is in lockdown, and most airlines are suspending flights, so traveling round Europe would be very difficult.
I believe most Schengen countries have also closed their land borders

Journeyman · 18 Mar 2020

Bo'ness and Kinneil Railway has pushed back the start of operations for the year until at least the end of June.

Coronavirus virus effect on Heritage lines Summer 2020

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