In the early 60s the government commissioned a report by Dr Richard Beeching, technical director of ICI and then chair of British Rail on ways of saving money in the running of British Rail. The result was 1963's "the Reshaping of British Railways." It proposed that of Britain's 18,000 miles (29,000 km) of railway, 6,000 miles (9,700 km) of mostly rural branch and cross-country lines should close. Further, many other rail lines should be kept open for freight only, and many lesser-used stations should close on lines that were to be kept open.
The report was rejected by the Government, who said the effectiveness of British Rail would've been too badly compromised.
I ask, what differences do you think Beeching's proposed "Axe" would've made. An increase in bus usage perhaps? More Lorry based freight?
Anyway, fire way!
The report was rejected by the Government, who said the effectiveness of British Rail would've been too badly compromised.
I ask, what differences do you think Beeching's proposed "Axe" would've made. An increase in bus usage perhaps? More Lorry based freight?
Anyway, fire way!