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.
8th 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.
22nd April 2003
Latest from the BBCi website.
24th May 2003
Latest from the BBCi website.
29th May 2003
Latest from the BBCi website.
30th May 2003
A sad day for all, MailRail ceases operation today. Rest in peace, MailRail.