By Vivienne Russell
15 February 2010
High-profile rail projects in the capital should not detract from investment in the wider rail network, MPs have said.
A report published today by the Commons transport select committee noted that much of Network Rail’s current £35bn investment programme, which runs up to 2014, is to be spent on increasing capacity in London, specifically through the Thameslink and Crossrail schemes.
The MPs warn that investment opportunities post-2014 are likely to be more limited and tough decisions will have to be made about priorities.
The committee says one such priority should be addressing capacity constraints at the Manchester Hub. This is the main rail bottleneck in the north of England and affects the operation of freight and passenger services across the whole northern region, including Liverpool, Leeds and Newcastle.
Further electrification of the network, particularly the Midland Mainline – which links London to Sheffield – should also be prioritised, the committee says. Only 40% of the network is currently electrified.
Launching the report, committee chair Louise Ellman said ‘It’s paramount we do not deprive future generations of a lasting legacy of good transport services. Investment made now or in the near future should reflect the long-term needs of the economy and society.’
A Department for Transport spokesman said: ‘We are pleased that the committee has recognised the government’s commitment to investing in the railways, and that such investment represents good value for money.’
15 February 2010
High-profile rail projects in the capital should not detract from investment in the wider rail network, MPs have said.
A report published today by the Commons transport select committee noted that much of Network Rail’s current £35bn investment programme, which runs up to 2014, is to be spent on increasing capacity in London, specifically through the Thameslink and Crossrail schemes.
The MPs warn that investment opportunities post-2014 are likely to be more limited and tough decisions will have to be made about priorities.
The committee says one such priority should be addressing capacity constraints at the Manchester Hub. This is the main rail bottleneck in the north of England and affects the operation of freight and passenger services across the whole northern region, including Liverpool, Leeds and Newcastle.
Further electrification of the network, particularly the Midland Mainline – which links London to Sheffield – should also be prioritised, the committee says. Only 40% of the network is currently electrified.
Launching the report, committee chair Louise Ellman said ‘It’s paramount we do not deprive future generations of a lasting legacy of good transport services. Investment made now or in the near future should reflect the long-term needs of the economy and society.’
A Department for Transport spokesman said: ‘We are pleased that the committee has recognised the government’s commitment to investing in the railways, and that such investment represents good value for money.’
