The social consequences of rail closures

Abstract

This study has drawn on three sources: personal interviews among people living in the areas from which rail services have been withdrawn, discussions with representatives of public and private organisations and the authorities acting on behalf of people living in the survey areas, and documentary evidence on rural rail closures, the 1971 census, bus timetables and other relevant information. The ten closed lines selected for the study are described together with the survey respondents' patterns of use of the rail lines before closure, and their patterns of activity and travel. The role of private transport and changes in it since closure are examined. The last part of the study is devoted to related social aspects of closure, including the general community response towards the processes and effects of closure. The main findings of the study are summarized and conclusions are drawn from them. The implications of this research for the policy options known to be under consideration in respect of the future planning of rural public transport services and the role of railways in this are outlined.

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