Whats
the Future of MailRail ?
 The Royal Mail has
announced
that unless Mail Rail can find a new backer,
the system will be facing closure in the near future. Read the Press
Release, Issued by the Post
Office PR team 7th Nov 2002.
For the full story check
out the article
on the BBCi website.
Although MailRail is looking to get in
touch with various groups and organisations who may have ideas on how to save
the system, I find it unlikely that the system will continue in its present
form. After all, how long can a company survive when it's loosing over £1.2
Million a day. Here's what they had to say in Parliament
about the closure. The Royal Mail do however stress that the system will not
be completely closed down, rather the system is being 'mothballed'. A
dedicated team will be put in place to keep the system in good working order.
What are the options.
The options are limited, I think it would
be unlikely that it could be turned into a Heritage Center. Remembering that
the system was built solely to transport mail across the Capital, the costs involved
to convert the system, or a part of it, to allow public access in the numbers
required to break even, would be horrendous.
Another option would be to adapt the
present system to allow transport of other goods, perhaps delivering to shops
and other business's along its route. Perhaps the system could be opened up
to outside Courier companies, which would have the added bonus of helping to
remove a few more of those delivery vans from the crowded City streets. Again
this would involve more expense as the current trains are designed to carry
mail and small parcels, and would probably require major work to enable them
to carry other types of goods.
Perhaps, another option would be for us, to
stop using email, and revert back to using letters boxes. I think this is unlikely. If
the system does ever have to close down completely, I suspect that the tunnels will be
taken over by some telecom company and crammed full of cables. What an indignant
end to a great piece of English heritage.
If you do have any sensible suggestions on
the future use of the Mail Rail system feel free to email or post them in the
guestbook. You never know you may be able to take the credit for saving the
system !
Latest
As and when I get any more information
about the future of Mail Rail, I will post it here.
8 April 2003
An announcement on the date for mothballing
is expected at any time now, but at present, the system is still running as
normal. The system will not be closed, but rather mothballed, as discussions
with a range of organisations and businesses continue on possible alternative
uses for the system.
22 April 2003
Latest from the BBCi
website.
24 May 2003
Latest from the BBCi
website.
29
May 2003
Latest from the BBCi
website.
30
May 2003
A sad day for all, MailRail ceases operation today. Rest in
peace, MailRail.
This website will continue to be available.
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