Hammond announces rail investment

25th November 2010

The transport secretary has announced plans to buy more than 2,000 new train carriages and support rail infrastructure projects.

In a statement to MPs, Philip Hammond said some of the new rolling stock would not come into use until 2019, but 650 will be in service by 2014 in "South East commuter land".

He pledged to proceed with Crossrail as it "adds massively to rail capacity in and around London".

"Over the next four years, we will provide £14bn of funding to Network Rail to support capital maintenance and infrastructure investment and £750m for high speed rail," Hammond told the House.

"We will also fund the Crossrail project, the Tube upgrade programme, light rail projects in Birmingham, Tyneside, Nottingham and Sheffield; and provide additional funding to franchisees for extra rolling stock."

Work is already underway upgrading the Thameslink to 24 train an hour. Hammond said that project will continue.

There will be £900m investment in rail electrification projects on lines between London and Didcot, Newbury and Oxford as well as between Liverpool, Manchester, Preston and Blackpool.

Hammond said that the two option are being considered for intercity rolling stock.

"A revised, lower cost Agility Trains proposal, which envisages a mixed fleet: some all-electric trains, and some electric trains which are also equipped with underfloor diesel engines.

"And on the other, a fleet of new all-electric trains which could be coupled to new diesel locomotives where the overhead electric power lines end."

He claimed both options will deliver faster journey times.

Hammond said the spending on transport set out in the CSR "has only been possible because this government has been prepared to take the tough decisions to protect investment in Britain's future".

Labour's shadow transport secretary Maria Eagle said passengers will be disappointed by Hammond's announcement.

"The government is implementing massive increases in rail fares now but delaying the delivery of new trains to ease overcrowding and electrification to speed up journeys," she said.

"The benefits of much of today’s package are nearly 10 years away for many commuters."

Eagle said there has still been no decision on replacements to the intercity fleet or electrification of the Midland Main Line and Great Western Mail Line beyond Bristol into Wales.

"The reality is that behind all the spin and re-announcing of projects previously agreed by Labour, the government has ducked the big decisions."

Bookmark and Share

Have your say...

Please enter your comments below.

Name

Your e-mail address


Listen to audio version

Please type in the letters or numbers shown above (case sensitive)

Related News

Hammond details high speed rail plan

No local 'veto' over high speed rail

Aviation 'will pay its fair share of taxes'

Major rail electrification plan to be announced

Government takes over rail franchise



Latest news

MPs 'waste weeks' queuing to vote

MPs currently waste more than 250 hours queuing to vote over the course of a five-year Parliament.


Labour heavyweights oppose AV change

A number of former Labour cabinet ministers have pledged to oppose reform of the Commons electoral system ahead of a referendum due in May.


MP calls for dedicated UK veterans administration

An MP has called for a more comprehensive and coordinated approach to the administration of services for veterans.


Former Met chief calls for honesty on cuts


Carolyn Quinn elected chairman of press gallery


Peers' expenses claims published


Hammond announces rail investment


Labour ups pressure over tuition fees


More from Dods