England’s highest main-line railway station hangs on to life by a threat: deserted and unmanned since it was officially closed in 1970, Dent, situated high in the hills of Yorkshire, wakes up on six summer weekends each year, when a special charter train unloads walkers, sightseers and people who simply want to catch a train from the station, on to its platform.
But even this limited existence may soon be brought to an end. Dent station is situated on the Settle to Carlisle railway line said to be scenic in the country. But no amount of scenic beauty can line from British Rail’s cash problems. This year, for the sake of economy, the express trains which used to pass through Dent station have been put on to another route.
It is now an open secret that British Rail sees no future for this railway line. Most of its trains disappeared some time ago. Its bridge, built on a grand scale a century ago, is falling down. It is not alone. Zen railway routes in the north of England are facing a similar problem. It is a an almost total lack of repair it. Bridges and tunnels are showing their age, the wooden for the tracks are rotting and engines and coaches are getting old.
On major lines between large cities, the problem is not too bad. These lines still make a profit and cash can be found to maintain them. But on the country branch line, the story is different. As track wears out, it is not replaced. Instead speed limits are introduced making longer than necessary and discouraging customers.If a bridge is dangerous, there is often only one thing for British Rail to do: go out and find money from another source. This is exactly what it did a few months ago when a bridge at Bridlington station was threatening to fall down. Repairs were estimated at $200,000 just for one bridge[CD2]and British Rail was delighted, and rather surprised, when two local councils offered half that amount between them.
S1.Since 1970 Dent station has been used ____ . S2.Of all the railway routes in Britain the one which passes through Dent ____ . S3.What is the most urgent problem for many country railway lines?___ . S4.The people most affected by the difficulties facing British Rail would appear to be ____ . S5.In order to improve the financial situation of country railway lines, what should British Rail do? ____.
答案：S1.only on six summer weekends each year S2.pass through the most scenic countryside S3.The problem of rebuilding bridges. S4.the person who pays much more attention to time, such as businessman. S5.Appeal to local councils
an almost total lack of repair it. Bridges and tunnels are showing their age, the wooden for the tracks are rotting and engines and coaches are getting old.
