New rail lines for UK?

Network Rail is to launch a major study into building new lines across the UK as growing demand threatens to soak up existing capacity.

The report – slated for release next summer - will examine five strategic routes: north and west of London; Chiltern, East Coast, West Coast, Great Western and Midland Main Lines, although it is unclear whether these will feature the much-mooted high-speed services.

“By 2025 many lines will be full up, especially those running to and from the north and west of London,” said Network Rail chief executive Iain Coucher. “This will happen even after we have implemented the investment to boost current capacity.

“With popularity for rail growing, we have to start planning for the medium and long-term future today. We have to see how we can meet the capacity challenge and see what solutions – including potentially, that of new lines – are deliverable and affordable. This review, working in partnership with other players in the railway industry, will kick start this process.

“Network Rail is uniquely positioned to take a network-whole approach in planning the railway of the future. We have a thriving railway today and that must continue and grow to meet the economic and environmental needs of tomorrow’s Great Britain.”

Despite over-crowding on many routes and affordability issues, rail travel in the UK has never been more popular. Figures from Network Rail show that passenger numbers have leaped 40% to 1.13bn journeys per year – the largest total since 1946 – when the system was twice the size.

In a statement released today (23 June) Network Rail is also keen to highlight that 22,000 services now run on weekdays – up from the figure of 17,000 at the time of privatisation – while freight carried has risen by 60%. Punctuality however, is still only at 90%.

The RMT union – whose annual conference co-incidentally opens this afternoon in Nottingham - has reacted positively to the news although it warns that any go-ahead should be given sooner rather than later

Union welcomes move

"This is a welcome announcement and comes not a moment too soon,"  said RMT general secretary Bob Crow. "The future lies in high-speed rail and electrification of the existing network, because the environment and the economy are crying out for a decisive shift away from never-ending expansion of road and air travel, and because the oil crisis is not going to go away.

"There is ample evidence to show that high-speed rail is the viable alternative that can accommodate the growing transport demand and help in the battle to reduce carbon emissions, and RMT will shortly publish a report that makes that case in relation to Heathrow.”

Network Rail says it has launched a tendering process to appoint a consultancy to assist with the study. Input from passenger and freight organisations will also feature.

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