No, not yet. 

The PDL Feasibility Study shows that the only way we can deal with the significant road traffic congestion, is to reconnect the North West and East Midlands via Chinley, Buxton, Bakewell, and Matlock by utilising the opportunity of the availability of the former railway line as a catalyst for change.  

We need to examine the proposals in more detail and follow the necessary planning processes, however at feasibility study stage we have demonstrated there are no reasons to not progress to the next stage which is the Strategic Outline Business Case.

Yes of course - this is a legal requirement. At this stage we are in a period of non-statutory consultation and information sharing.

We are already working with many key stakeholders and this will increase as we build our project team.

Everyone will get an opportunity to comment on the proposals through the consultation.

People in the communities will be able to go to local places easily, and travel further afield. They will have more opportunities for work, leisure, healthcare, education, shopping, social activities without the need for a car.

More visitors will be able to head to the National Park without having to drive and this can boost the tourist economy immediately as well as creating all year-round tourism benefits.

Commuters travelling to, from and through the corridor will be able to do so efficiently without using a road vehicle and safe time on their journeys.

Local road traffic congestion will be reduced, benefitting the local economy, reducing emissions and pollution from particulates (from tyres).

The local economy can also gain from the construction phase, and the employment opportunities as a result of the railway being reinstated.

The route could also help with diversions from the West Coast Main Line, Midland Main Line and Hope Valley line in emergencies or through planned maintenance.

These are just a small amount of the benefits the study has identified.

This proposal is mainly possible because it can take advantage of the former railway route.  Building brand new lines to anywhere else does not necessarily add value or economic benefit and we are seeking to resolve the identified and long-standing issues the local communities face along this corridor.

However, when delivered as a fully integrated transport solution, the line could link to a network of local buses or other 'last mile' connectivity to reach many other town and villages.  This matches the principle of the ‘Mini-Switzerland’ bus scheme connecting with the Hope Valley rail stations from 2026.

The emerging technology for train 'traction power' as it is known is continuing at pace with combinations of electric, battery and hydrogen for example.

At this stage it is not possible to confirm how the trains will be powered; however, rail is already significantly more sustainable that road vehicles, including cars (per passenger) and freight vs heavy goods vehicles. 

It is too early to say about the specifics of roles and employment locations; however, the reinstatement does present multiple options for considering how we support local economies and communities and also not forgetting that the delivery of the reinstatement will open up significant access to local employment for those living along the corridor as well as more choices for residents in securing employment elsewhere because they can travel by train.

It also means local businesses will also be able to attract potential employees from other locations.

It is reasonable to assume there will be some disruption, not least because we propose improving existing railway networks as well as reinstating in a challenging sensitive landscape with limited access.

As the options begin to be examined through each stage of the process, more detail will be created allowing opportunities to be considered for how any such disruption can be minimised.

Aside from the safety related issues in the multiple tunnels along the route, the former railway line passes through highly sensitive landscape in relatively narrow corridors.  In order to achieve the maximum number of visitors, commuters and residents having the opportunity to 'ditch' the car and use the reinstated railway - both the capacity and frequency of services will be key factors. Therefore the full width of the former route is expected to be required to facilitate such a change in transport mode.

If it were even possible to achieve a shared route (a safety led position) sharing the corridor reduces significantly the frequency of trains in each direction and therefore means that the significant potential benefits cannot be achieved.

These are items that will be validated in the next phase called the Strategic Outline Business case.

Peak Rail has operated in the region for decades - celebrating the history of the former route with a variety of heritage service and activities between Rowsley South and Matlock and still retain some of their Buxton site.

 We recognise the commitment of their volunteers and along with many other stakeholders look forward to discussing a range of options for their future and the integration with a reinstated route.

It is currently too early to provide a specific answer.

Although decisions on the type of trains that could operate on the route have not been made at this stage of the process, we know it is important to consider bike capacity for the trains to ensure there is sufficient space for what we anticipate would be a lot of cyclists.

We have flagged this as part of our project risks to ensure it is consider at each stage of the project.

Whilst it is too early to timetable services for the route, the study highlights the need for frequent services across 7 days a week including late evening services.

As the project progresses further work will be undertaken on assessing the routes, stopping patterns and timetabling.

Whilst we are focused on passenger led, to maximise the number of people who can make the switch from their cars to the train; rail freight underpins our economy in many ways.

Whilst it is too early to say what freight services may look like, we have highlighted opportunities for using the reinstated route could include quarry trains that are currently undertaken significantly longer journeys because the Peaks and Dales route is not currently open as well as other freight opportunities such as roll-on-roll-off parcels freight.

Every freight train operated can take around 76 heavy goods vehicle journeys off the roads.

The reinstated route will connect communities without a rail service so those that do wish to travel can do so.  This also links to the Integrated Transport Plans for each location where local bus services for example can meet with longer distance train services - so community to community connectivity will also improve.

For local residents, even if they do not wish to use the railway, they will benefit from less traffic on the roads and improved air quality - just two examples.

Even if the longer journeys are not undertaken, local residents will also benefit from easier access to employment, healthcare and social events/locations.