The dream of a reopened West Watford rail line is alive, but the wheels of progress might be turning in a surprising direction – trackless trams! For years, the disused West Watford rail route has been a symbol of stalled transport development, leaving residents yearning for better connectivity. But a recent surge of public support, spearheaded by the Watford Green Party, has put this issue back on the table, igniting hopes for a revitalized transport corridor.
A Groundswell of Support:
The movement to bring public transport back to West Watford gained significant traction with a petition that garnered an impressive 536 signatures on Change.org and an additional 48 via the council website. This clear demonstration of public will was presented to the borough council by Jake Mitchell, the 20-year-old chairman of the Watford Green Party. He expressed his hope that the council would actively investigate this long-awaited idea, which promises to address the persistent "decline" in the area's transport links.
Councillors Unite in Support:
During the council debate, a strong consensus emerged among the councillors, with each speaker expressing a fervent desire to see the rail line buzzing with activity once more. Cllr Iain Sharpe of Oxhey poignantly shared that it "breaks my heart to see that rail bed empty," especially given his involvement with the now-defunct Metropolitan Line Extension (MLX) scheme. Other councillors, including Nigel Bell, Jagtar Singh Dhindsa, Suleman, and Glen Saffery, echoed this sentiment, highlighting the "huge" potential benefits for various stakeholders, from Watford FC attendees to the broader local plan.
Navigating Past Setbacks:
Cllr Ian Stotesbury, the transport portfolio holder, candidly acknowledged the significant blow dealt when TfL "pulled the rug from under our feet" by cancelling the MLX. However, he reassured petition supporters that the council has been proactively working with Hertfordshire County Council (HCC) to explore avenues for restoring the transport corridor. This collaborative effort signifies a commitment to finding solutions, even after facing considerable obstacles.
A Dose of Realism and a Glimpse of the Future:
While the enthusiasm is palpable, a "dose of realism" was also injected into the discussion by Cllr Karen Clarke-Taylor. She pointed out that the cost of reopening West Watford with traditional trains would be equivalent to the entire Access for All budget, a sobering financial consideration. Furthermore, a significant hurdle is that TfL owns the land for the line. Given TfL's previous decision to axe the MLX, the prevailing sentiment leans towards exploring alternative transportation methods that don't rely on TfL's railway infrastructure.
But here's where it gets controversial... While a traditional rail solution hasn't been entirely ruled out, the latest discussions are leaning towards more innovative, and perhaps less conventional, options. Reports suggest that a guided bus or a trackless tram operating along the old rail route, potentially extending from St Albans, could offer a compelling blend of good service and value for money. This shift towards trackless trams, while promising, might raise questions about capacity and the very definition of a "rail" route.
And this is the part most people miss... The ultimate success of any proposed solution hinges on securing government funding. Mayor Peter Taylor emphasized the council's focus on preparing a robust plan that can be swiftly implemented should funding opportunities for a Watford to Croxley route through West Watford arise. Councillor Bell, who also represents West Watford on HCC, confirmed that while various "new technologies" are being assessed, there are no specific plans currently in place to reopen the station.
What do you think? Is a trackless tram the innovative solution West Watford needs, or does it fall short of the original vision for a rail link? Share your thoughts in the comments below – we'd love to hear your agreement or disagreement!
