WHO WE ARE
A group of Hastings residents who have come together to protest against the poor rail links we endure, and to be vigilant about changes imposed from others, and above all to lobby, shout and campaign for better rail links.
We believe that the regeneration of Hastings can only be effective with proper rail links. We are determined to stand between attempts to reduce our service and the timetable. We are well informed, determined and just slightly militant.
The Team – Founder Members
Ray Chapman moved to Hastings in 2003 and travels by rail often to London, Cardiff and Paris for work commitments in the Travel & Technology Sector. Ray has worked in the Travel and Transport Sector since 1989 including roles at Arriva and The National Express Group. In 2004 Ray graduated with a Masters in Strategic Marketing Management & Research Analysis at Kingston University, London Business School and previously an Advanced Diploma in Travel, Transport and Tourism (Windsor & Maidenhead). Ray has experience of travelling by train to Hastings by train since the mid 1970s to visit family and relatives in the area. Ray is extremely passionate in encouraging consumer usage of rail services over the motor car, realising the green credentials to drive responsible travel. Finally he is also keen to assist the rail operator franchises in optimizing their network, to deliver a great service coupled with achieving profit and revenue, to reinvest back into infrastructure and make rail an attractive investment.
Christian Ramsoy is a resident of Hastings and has been so since February 2009. His job as an IT consultant and football fan brings him to London 1-3 times each week. "I just find it totally unacceptable that in 2009, a 60 mile train journey should take 90+ minutes. The improvement of transport links is vital for the future of Hastings and the regeneration".
Martin Woodfine had the dubious pleasure of commuting from Hastings to Croydon for 19 years. Martin acknowledges that many improvements have been made over recent years, but notes that new stations and updated trains have not led to improved journey times. Indeed, they will get worse unless action is taken to address RUS-related issues now.
Co - Founder of Hastings Needs Better Trains and SHRIMP - Amber Rudd