Plans for a re-opening of the Ivanhoe Line have been revived as a possible catalyst for an integrated transport system along the Burton to Leicester corridor.

The Government is preparing an Integrated Transport Strategy which it will use to decide on which future transport infrastructure projects will be publicly funded. 

As part of this work, it is carrying out a consultation on how Integrated Transport could operate in practice.

It has recently called for ideas from interested organisations and individuals. 

The Campaign for the Reopening of the Ivanhoe Line (CRIL) has since attended two workshops held by the Department for Transport, and submitted a written response.

The Ivanhoe Line had been carrying freight traffic. Photo: CRIL

Proposals to bring back passenger trains back through Ashby appeared to be on track before the General Election in July.

But the new Labour government did not include it in its transport plans.

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Before that, the first phase of the line had been modified to Coalville to Derby, rather than Burton to Leicester.

But now, a way forward seems to be on the table.

In its submission to the government consultation, CRIL described a future transport infrastructure with the re-opened railway acting as a spine between transport hubs situated at the railway stations. 

Travellers would go to their local transport hub by bus, cycle or e-bike, in addition to walking. 

Safe walking and cycling routes would need to be provided, along with car parking and secure cycle/e bike storage at the hubs.

CRIL says one of the Government's aims for developing integrated transport is to reduce the use of the private car by providing a more attractive alternative. 

Under CRIL's proposals, bus routes and timetables would need to be designed to complement the rail services. 

Buses would act as a convenient means of travelling to and from the station/transport hubs. Increased bus ridership would be stimulated by more people travelling by public transport using the integrated system. 

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To make the integrated transport system much more accessible, the public would need to know how it could meet their individual transport needs. CRIL envisages a local journey-planning app being provided so that travellers can see their options for each journey they want to make and then get a journey plan for the option they choose. 

Systems such as Journeyline already exist, and Google Maps also provides a similar feature. CRIL foresees more comprehensive and localised versions of these being used. 

The former Ashby Station which is now used as offices. Photo: Ashby Nub News

It would also be possible to see cost comparisons for the options offered, and buy tickets before leaving home. The app would be available in public kiosks and public buildings as well online.

CRIL spokesman Douglas McLay said: "We have always been clear that the aim of our campaign is to dramatically improve the current woeful state of transport in our area, and that the reopening of the Ivanhoe Line was only part of the solution. 

"We believe that an integrated transport system where all modes of transport complement each other to provide the best journey plan for each individual traveller would make a huge difference to the people who live and work in our area.

"We shall be working with local stakeholders and the government to get the funding needed to develop such a system"

CRIL was formed by the late Geoff Bushell in 2019. He tirelessly raised awareness and support for the reopening of the Ivanhoe Line and formed a team of volunteer specialists to support him. 

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He gained the public support of all nine first and second tier local authorities along the line, as well as all the local MPs. All of whom continue to support the Campaign.