Parliamentary train


A parliamentary train is a term used in the United Kingdom for a railway service run solely to meet a legal requirement.
Originally, the term referred to services operated to comply with the Railway Regulation Act 1844 that required train companies to provide inexpensive and basic rail transport for less affluent passengers. The act required that at least one such service per day be run on every railway route in the UK.
Such trains are no longer a legal requirement. The term's meaning has changed to describe train services that continue to be run with reduced frequency, often to the minimum required one train per week, and without specially low prices, to avoid the cost of formal closure of a route or station, retain access rights, or maintain crew training/familiarity requirements on short sections of track. Such services are sometimes called "ghost trains". Sometimes even the train is omitted, with a bus operating as a cheaper-to-operate "rail replacement service" instead.

Nineteenth-century usage

In the earliest days of passenger railways in the United Kingdom the poor were encouraged to travel in order to find employment in the growing industrial centres, but trains were generally unaffordable to them except in the most basic of open wagons, in many cases attached to goods trains. Political pressure caused the Board of Trade to investigate, and Sir Robert Peel's Conservative government enacted the Railway Regulation Act 1844, which took effect on 1 November 1844. It compelled "the provision of at least one train a day each way at a speed of not less than 12 miles an hour including stops, which were to be made at all stations, and of carriages protected from the weather and provided with seats; for all which luxuries not more than a penny a mile might be charged".
Railway companies reluctantly complied with the law. They scheduled parliamentary trains at inconvenient times and used uncomfortable carriages. One account stated that when passengers complained about a delay, they were told "ye are only the nigger train". James Allport of Midland Railway was proud of providing comfortable third-class service passenger service, but stated that his company needed 25 years to do so.

In popular culture

The basic comfort and slow progress of Victorian parliamentary trains led to a humorous reference in Gilbert and Sullivan's comic opera The Mikado. The Mikado is explaining how he will match punishments to the crimes committed:

The idiot who, in railway carriages,
Scribbles on window-panes
We only suffer
To ride on a buffer
In Parliamentary trains.

Legacy of the Beeching cuts

In 1963 under its chairman Richard Beeching, British Railways produced The Reshaping of British Railways report, designed to stem the huge losses being incurred as patronage declined. It proposed very substantial cuts to the network and to train services, with many lines closed under a programme that came to be known as the Beeching cuts. The Transport Act 1962 included a formal closure process allowing for objections to closures on the basis of hardship to passengers if their service was closed. As the objections gained momentum, this process became increasingly difficult to implement, and from about 1970 closures slowed to a trickle.
In certain cases, where there was exceptionally low usage, the train service was reduced to a bare minimum but the service was not formally closed, avoiding the costs associated with closure. In some cases, the service was reduced to one train a week and in one direction only.
These minimal services had resonances of the 19th-century parliamentary services and, among rail enthusiasts, they came to be referred to as "parliamentary trains", "ghost trains", or, more colloquially, "parly" trains. However, this terminology has no official standing. So-called parliamentary services are also typically run at inconvenient times, often very early in the morning, very late at night or in the middle of the day at the weekend. In extreme instances, rail services have actually been "temporarily" withdrawn and replaced by substitute bus services, to maintain the pretence that the service has not been withdrawn.

Speller Act

When the closures brought about by the Beeching Report had reached equilibrium, it was recognised that some incremental services or station reopenings were desirable. However, if a service was started and proved unsuccessful, it could not be closed again without going through the formal process, with the possibility that it might not be terminated. It was recognised that this discouraged possible desirable developments and the Transport Act 1962 Act 1981 permitted the immediate closure of such experimental reopenings. The bill that led to the act of 1981 was sponsored by a pro-railways Member of Parliament, Tony Speller, and it is usually referred to as the Speller Act. The process is still in effect, although the legislation has been subsumed into other enactments.

Services

As of 2024

Examples of lines in the current timetable served only by a parliamentary train are:
OriginDestinationDays operatedOutbound
departure		Return
departure		OperatorComments
Monday – Friday22:04London OvergroundCommenced 9 December 2012 after Southern service between London Victoria and London Bridge via the South London line ceased. Common diversionary route when the line to Clapham Junction is closed.
SaturdayLondon OvergroundCommenced 9 December 2012 after Southern service between London Victoria and London Bridge via the South London line ceased. Common diversionary route when the line to Clapham Junction is closed.
Highbury & IslingtonSunday07:47N/ALondon OvergroundCommenced 9 December 2012 after Southern service between London Victoria and London Bridge via the South London line ceased. Common diversionary route when the line to Clapham Junction is closed.
Saturday05:30N/ALondon OvergroundRuns via but does not call. Unreliable and is often diverted via Stoke Newington.
StalybridgeStockportSaturday08:3009:04Northern TrainsVia Stockport to Stalybridge Line. Only service that calls at Reddish South & Denton
SheffieldCleethorpesMonday - Friday09:5413:20Northern TrainsVia &. Became a parliamentary service when weekday services were withdrawn in 1993. Regular trains have operated between Gainsborough and Sheffield for most timetable periods since. Suspended January 2022 by Northern, who cited COVID-19 and staffing issues, but the service was reinstated in December 2022. Changed in May 2023 to be one return journey on weekdays only.
Liverpool Lime StreetEllesmere PortMonday – Saturday19:06Northern TrainsMerseyrail trains operate west of Ellesmere Port, but there are proposals for their new stock to take over the current limited service to Helsby. The line also sees limited freight use. Stanlow & Thornton station, which would be the first stop east of Ellesmere Port, had its service suspended in 2022. These are the only services that call at Ince & Elton.
HelsbyEllesmere PortMonday – Saturday06:33Northern TrainsMerseyrail trains operate west of Ellesmere Port, but there are proposals for their new stock to take over the current limited service to Helsby. The line also sees limited freight use. Stanlow & Thornton station, which would be the first stop east of Ellesmere Port, had its service suspended in 2022. These are the only services that call at Ince & Elton.
Monday – SaturdayN/ANorthern TrainsVia the curve.
Monday – Saturday17:58Northern TrainsVia the Pontefract line. Providing the only services to; Rawcliffe, Snaith, Hensall & Whitley Bridge
SwanseaFishguard HarbourMonday – Saturday10:58N/ATransport for WalesThese trains use the line between Carmarthen Jn and Carmarthen Bridge Jn, so avoid Carmarthen station.
SwanseaFishguard HarbourMonday – Friday08:17N/ATransport for WalesThese trains use the line between Carmarthen Jn and Carmarthen Bridge Jn, so avoid Carmarthen station.
Fishguard HarbourCardiff CentralSaturday12:41N/ATransport for WalesThese trains use the Swansea avoiding curve, which runs around the rear of Landore depot. Other trains which avoid Swansea may use the Swansea District Line, which heads north from Neath towards the Heart of Wales line.
Fishguard HarbourCardiff CentralSunday12:40N/ATransport for WalesThese trains use the Swansea avoiding curve, which runs around the rear of Landore depot. Other trains which avoid Swansea may use the Swansea District Line, which heads north from Neath towards the Heart of Wales line.
Cardiff CentralMilford HavenSunday12:04N/ATransport for WalesThese trains use the Swansea avoiding curve, which runs around the rear of Landore depot. Other trains which avoid Swansea may use the Swansea District Line, which heads north from Neath towards the Heart of Wales line.
Glenrothes with ThorntonEdinburgh WaverleySunday22:58N/AScotRailThese trains use the direct line between Dalmeny and Linlithgow, reversing at the latter. The line was last used before the COVID-19 pandemic.
DundeeEdinburgh WaverleyMonday – Thursday22:31N/AScotRailThese trains use the direct line between Dalmeny and Linlithgow, reversing at the latter. The line was last used before the COVID-19 pandemic.
Cannon StreetTuesday – Saturday00:20 N/ASoutheasternThese journeys use the curve between Beckenham Junction and . This is a common diversionary route for trains from Charing Cross to Hastings when the route through Hither Green is closed.
Tuesday – Saturday00:15 04:45 SoutheasternThese journeys use the curve between Beckenham Junction and . This is a common diversionary route for trains from Charing Cross to Hastings when the route through Hither Green is closed.
London VictoriaRamsgateMonday – Friday06:05N/ASoutheasternVia Stewarts Lane Jn. Also used on occasion by VSOE trains to Folkestone West. In previous years, an 05:50 train from London Victoria to Ashford International used the same route, but also called at Wandsworth Road and Clapham High Street. The outward service to Ramsgate is the first regular use of the eastbound line since the COVID-19 pandemic.
GillinghamLondon VictoriaMonday – Friday05:00N/ASoutheasternVia Stewarts Lane Jn. Also used on occasion by VSOE trains to Folkestone West. In previous years, an 05:50 train from London Victoria to Ashford International used the same route, but also called at Wandsworth Road and Clapham High Street. The outward service to Ramsgate is the first regular use of the eastbound line since the COVID-19 pandemic.
Glasgow CentralEdinburghMonday – Friday21:05N/ACrossCountryThe only train to regularly use the Edinburgh Suburban line, which runs to the south of the main lines through Edinburgh. The line in the other direction has not seen regular use for some time. From March 2023, this train will run non-stop via Shotts, rather than calling at Motherwell.
Filton Abbey WoodBath SpaMonday – Friday15:59N/AGreat Western RailwayVia Bristol East Curve. Only public service to regularly use the curve. The curve in the other direction towards Filton has not seen regular use in a considerable number of years.
WorksopNottinghamMonday – Friday23:43N/AEast Midlands RailwayVia Ironville Jn. Since its inception it has suffered erratic performance, with its previous journey from Nottingham frequently terminating short at Mansfield Woodhouse, meaning this service starts from there.
PeterboroughLincolnMonday – Friday23:11N/AEast Midlands RailwayRuns via the Sleaford Avoiding line. The avoiding line heading south is not in regular use, but does see use as a diversion when the East Coast Main Line is closed near Newark North Gate.
DoncasterSleafordSaturday20:46N/AEast Midlands RailwayOnly train booked to use the "Up Slow Line" between Bessacarr Jn and Doncaster Black Carr Jn. Previous service from Peterborough often terminates in platform 5 at Doncaster, causing this service to not run from platform 2 as it should.
NorwichManchester PiccadillySunday15:53N/AEast Midlands RailwayOnly passenger service to use the Ely West Curve to avoid calling at Ely.
London Kings CrossHullSunday10:49
17:18		N/AHull TrainsThese trains use the line between Loversall Carr Jn and Doncaster Flyover East Jn, to the south of Doncaster.
London Kings CrossLeedsMonday – Friday08:03N/ALondon North Eastern RailwayThese trains use the line between Loversall Carr Jn and Doncaster Flyover East Jn, to the south of Doncaster.
London Kings CrossHarrogateMonday – Friday15:53N/ALondon North Eastern RailwayThese trains use the line between Loversall Carr Jn and Doncaster Flyover East Jn, to the south of Doncaster.
London Kings CrossNewcastleMonday – Friday22:00N/ALondon North Eastern RailwayThese trains use the line between Loversall Carr Jn and Doncaster Flyover East Jn, to the south of Doncaster.
London Kings CrossSunderlandMonday – Friday20:00N/ALondon North Eastern RailwayOnly services to use the single-line curve at the southern end of King Edward VII Bridge. Northern service started in late 2019, LNER service started running in December 2021.
CarlisleNunthorpeSunday14:49N/ANorthern TrainsOnly services to use the single-line curve at the southern end of King Edward VII Bridge. Northern service started in late 2019, LNER service started running in December 2021.
SkiptonLondon Kings CrossSaturday06:56N/ALondon North Eastern RailwayThis train uses the curve between Hambleton West Jn and Hambleton South Jn.
YorkLondon Kings CrossMonday – Friday04:40N/ALondon North Eastern RailwayThese trains use the spur between Doncaster Flyover East Jn and Loversall Carr Jn, to the south of Doncaster.
HarrogateLondon Kings CrossMonday – Friday07:37N/ALondon North Eastern RailwayThese trains use the spur between Doncaster Flyover East Jn and Loversall Carr Jn, to the south of Doncaster.
LeedsLondon Kings CrossMonday – Friday17:45N/ALondon North Eastern RailwayThese trains use the spur between Doncaster Flyover East Jn and Loversall Carr Jn, to the south of Doncaster.
LeedsLondon Kings CrossSunday10:45N/ALondon North Eastern RailwayThese trains use the spur between Doncaster Flyover East Jn and Loversall Carr Jn, to the south of Doncaster.
LeedsPlymouthSunday08:11N/ACrossCountryThis train uses the line between Lichfield Trent Valley and Wichnor Jn. Only West Midlands Trains operate services along this line, as far as Lichfield.
PlymouthLeedsSunday18:27N/ACrossCountryThese trains use the curve between Calder Bridge Jn and Turners Lane Jn, which avoids Wakefield Kirkgate.
SheffieldLeedsFriday23:15N/ANorthern TrainsThese trains use the curve between Calder Bridge Jn and Turners Lane Jn, which avoids Wakefield Kirkgate.
CheshamWatfordMonday – Saturday05:12N/ALondon Underground, Metropolitan LineThese trains use the Watford curve, which runs directly from Rickmansworth to Croxley and Watford.
RickmansworthWatfordMonday – Friday06:08London Underground, Metropolitan LineThese trains use the Watford curve, which runs directly from Rickmansworth to Croxley and Watford.
Streatham HillLondon BridgeMonday –Friday17:20N/ASouthernFormerly an evening peak service ceased in March 2020, reintroduced in May 2023 as a morning peak service and changed back to an evening peak service in December 2024. Only service for a number of years to use the Leigham Spur between Streatham Hill and Tulse Hill. The line in the other direction has not seen regular use for a number of years.
West EalingWest RuislipWednesday11:17One wayChiltern RailwaysOperated since late 2022 by a bus replacement service.
Melton MowbrayLondon St PancrasMon - Fri08:1518:35East Midlands RailwayThe only passenger service between Oakham and Corby, as a portion attached to a London - Nottingham service at Kettering
DerbyLondon St PancrasTue - Fri / Mon - Fri 04:1323:35 East Midlands RailwayRun via Melton Mowbray, Oakham and Corby but do not call. Common diversionary route when the direct line between Kettering and Leicester is closed.

Former

Examples of lines formerly served only by a parliamentary train are:
OriginDestinationDays operatedOutbound
departure		Return
departure		OperatorCeasedComments
Watford JunctionCroxley GreenMonday – Friday06:4606:59Network SouthEast22 March 1996Ceased when the branch line was temporarily closed for construction of the Ascot Road bridge near Croxley Green. The service was never reinstated as it was considered uneconomical to bridge the road, and was permanently closed on 29 September 2003.
HerefordBirmingham New StreetSaturday10:3511:30Regional RailwaysLate 1996Called at Smethwick West following an administrative error that required it to be open a year further following the opening of Smethwick Galton Bridge.
Kensington OlympiaWandsworth RoadMonday – Friday10:02N/ASouthern17 June 2013Ceased when London Overground began operations to Clapham Junction. The main route between Latchmere No. 1 Jn and Longhedge Jn never regained regular passenger use.
Summer Saturday07:53N/AArriva Rail North8 September 2018Via the one-way Halton Curve, northbound only. Last ran 2018, full-time services resumed in May 2019, operated by Transport for Wales.
Woodgrange ParkWillesden JunctionMonday –Friday07:59N/ALondon OvergroundSome time in 2018This service travelled via the curve between the Gospel Oak to Barking line and North London Line which bypasses the platform at Gospel Oak. Last regularly operated mid to late 2018 but still occasionally operates when the line is affected by engineering works.
South Ruislip or Gerrards CrossLondon Paddington or West EalingMonday –Friday10:57 / 11:02 from South Ruislip
10:01 / 10:44 from Gerrards Cross		11:11 / 11:35 / 11:36 to High Wycombe / Princes Risborough / West Ruislip from Paddington
11:47 to High Wycombe from West Ealing		Chiltern Railways7 December 2018Maintained route knowledge for drivers enabling services to divert to Paddington when Marylebone was closed. Service diverted to West Ealing, via the Greenford Branch Line, from 7 December 2018 with the closure of the Acton-Northolt line services to enable High Speed 2 works.
Kyle of LochalshElginSaturday17:13N/AAbellio ScotRailMay 2019This train used the Rose Street Curve on its way to Elgin, going past Inverness and then stopping, before reversing for the second time to head to Elgin. In the 2018 timetable, the train ran on weekdays as well. This line has not seen regular use since.
ReadingBirmingham New StreetMonday –Friday22:02N/ACrossCountryMarch 2020Used the Soho South Jn – Perry Bar South Jn. Occasionally used on football match days.
ReadingShalfordMonday –Friday07:17N/AGreat Western RailwayMay 2022Via the Reading Spur line. Another line from the mainline platforms at Reading is only accessible from the higher numbered platforms, which is mostly used when trains are going towards the North Downs Line from Reading TMD. Regular service ended in May 2022, however the route is maintained for diversionary use.
West EalingWest RuislipWednesday11:17N/AChiltern RailwaysDecember 2022Via the Greenford line, commenced 10 December 2018 replacing previous service to London Paddington via the Acton–Northolt line. Became a weekly service after the COVID-19 pandemic. Last ran 7 December 2022, now replaced with a bus service replacement.
Birmingham New StreetCreweSaturday07:13N/AWest Midlands RailwayDecember 2022Only service to go via the Bushbury line, which runs direct from Bescot Stadium to Penkridge. Other trains which run from Bescot to Penkridge run via Wolverhampton. Common diversionary route. Last service ran 10 December.
WolverhamptonRugeley Trent ValleySaturday05:42N/AWest Midlands RailwayDecember 2022Only service to go directly between Wolverhampton and Walsall, between Darlaston Jn and Pleck Jn. Other services use the line between Crane Street Jn and Portobello Jn. Last ran 10 December 2022.

Stations with minimal services

A station may have a parliamentary service because the operating company wishes it closed, but the line is in regular use. Examples include:
is served by a single train on Saturdays only, however the station remains open for use when Birmingham City Football Club are playing at home when additional services call there. Operated by West Midlands Trains.
In the mid-1990s British Rail was forced to serve in the West Midlands for an extra 12 months after a legal blunder meant that the station had not been closed properly. One train per week each way still called at Smethwick West, even though it was only a few hundred yards from the replacement.
Many least used stations are also served infrequently or irregularly.

Bustitution

A variant of the parliamentary train service was the temporary replacement bus service, as employed between [Watford and Rickmansworth Railway|Watford and Croxley Green] in Hertfordshire. The railway line was closed to trains in 1996, but to avoid the legal complications and costs of actual closure train services were replaced by buses, thus maintaining the legal fiction of an open railway. The branch was officially closed in 2003. Work in track clearance commenced, beginning the work to absorb most of the route into a diversion of the Watford branch of the Metropolitan line into Watford Junction, but work was stopped in 2016 after a reassessment of likely costs and lack of agreement on funding.
The temporary replacement bus tactic was used from December 2008 between Ealing Broadway and Wandsworth Road when Arriva CrossCountry withdrew its services from Brighton to Manchester, which was the only passenger service between Factory Junction, north of Wandsworth Road, and Latchmere Junction, on the West London Line. This service was later replaced by a single daily return train between Kensington Olympia and Wandsworth Road operated by Southern until formal consultation commenced and closure was completed in 2013.
The replacement bus tactic was used to service Norton Bridge, Barlaston and Wedgwood stations on the Stafford–Manchester line, which had its passenger services withdrawn in 2004 to allow more Virgin CrossCountry and Virgin Trains West Coast services to be operated. Norton Bridge station was closed in December 2017 coinciding with the transfer of the West Midlands franchise from London Midland to West Midlands Trains, with funding for the bus service to Norton Bridge continuing until March 2019.