All routes led to success8th March 2023
The Epping Ongar Railway train and heritage bus services attracted over 2,500 people over the February half term week between 15 and 19 February.
With child fares at just £1, passengers were able to enjoy a steam hauled ride through the Essex countryside on part of the former London Underground Central Line which runs from Ongar to Epping Forest via North Weald. Passengers could also take a ride on a heritage former London bus which provided connections to Epping Underground.
It was also a rare opportunity to see “Isabel”, the first locomotive purchased by the Railway operating services as it took charge of the weekday services into the ancient Epping Forest.
Passenger numbers were boosted by the Railway’s biggest bus event to date, which drew a huge number of enthusiasts from across the country on the weekend. Additional bus services were operated, using some historic vehicles rarely seen at events, as the Railway re-created former local London Transport operated routes to destinations including Loughton and Passingford Bridge.
Marco Carrara, a member of the Railway’s Management Team, said: “We are delighted with the he number of passengers who visited the railway over the half term period which surpassed our expectations, and provided a great start to our 2023 operations.”
The Railway, which is operated mainly by volunteers, is now undergoing a short period of vital winter maintenance before it resumes operating steam and diesel train services, together with heritage buses connecting to Epping and Shenfield stations, on 1st April. The Railway will then operate every weekend from April through to October, and on Wednesdays during school holidays. Several enthusiast and children’s events are planned on certain weekends together with Fish and Chip dining trains and a series of Real Ale trains.
Bertie Bunny will be paying a visit this Easter as children, young and old, can join him on the longest Easter Egg hunt in Essex, covering the entire five mile length of Railway line!