British Rural & Commuter Branch Lines Since 1968

British Rural & Commuter Branch Lines Since 1968 by Stephen Chapman.

1968 was a watershed year for many branch lines with the passing of the Transport Act. It was supposed to halt the Beeching closures and provide financial support using a system called Grant Aid for loss making branches that were deemed socially necessary. It doubtless saved some lines but closures continued into the 1980s.

Those that received Grant Aid were stripped to the bare minimum to bring costs in line with funding received. This resulted in the closure of station buildings, removal of staff and reduction in track and signalling.

This book explores a number of branch lines across the UK with colour photographs.

South and South West England
Wales
The Midlands
Eastern Counties
Yorkshire, Humberside and North East
North West England
Scotland
A Few From Before 1968