Partner Article

£37bn railways revamp outlined

Network Rail has set out plans for a £37bn re-vamp of Britain’s railway infrastructure to be carried out between 2014-19.

Speaking on BBC Radio 4’s Today programme, Network Rail chief executive, said Britain has an amazing railway system but it was “operating out of its socks.”

The programme will include removal of the “bottleneck” on the Great Western Main Line through a £900m rebuild around Reading station; the Northern Hub project, which will increase rail capacity across the north of England by 700 services per day; and the beginnings of the high speed rail network.

Investment in the freight network will help to cater for growth of 30%, and other works aim to increase seats into London during peak mornings by 20%.

Paul Plummer, group strategy director, Network Rail, said: “Britain’s railways are booming, with more people and businesses choosing rail than ever before and passenger satisfaction at record levels.

“As a business and as an industry we are better placed than ever before to understand what needs to be done to build on this success and create a better railway which meets the needs of customers in a sustainable way.”

Michael Roberts, chief executive of the Association of Train Operating Companies (ATOC), said: “We aim to build on today’s near record levels of customer satisfaction by combining the best of the public and private sectors to provide newer trains, quicker journeys and more seats.

“Early clarity from Government on the franchising and regulatory framework for rail will be vital in allowing train companies, Network Rail and our suppliers to deliver the best possible deal for passengers and taxpayers.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Tom Keighley .