26 May 2021
The Government announced around £400 million of rail investment, including on the Trans Pennine route, increasing capacity to the Midlands and to build new stations in the South West.
Darren Caplan, Chief Executive of the Railway Industry Association (RIA), said: “The Railway Industry Association and our members will welcome the Government’s confirmation of further electrification work on the Trans Pennine Route, and look forward to the green light for electrification of the whole route.
“With the completion of electrification on the Midland Main line – delivered to time and budget – a consistent profile of further electrification work will help retain the skills, expertise and capabilities needed in the industry, to build the world-class railway network the country needs as we move on from the Coronavirus pandemic.
“We hope the announcement today is the start of an extensive programme to electrify the UK’s railway lines around the country. As RIA’s Rail Decarbonisation 2021 campaign highlights, a rolling programme of cost-effective electrification – coupled with Government support and fleet orders for hydrogen and battery trains – will be essential if the UK is to hit its goals of decarbonising rail by 2040 and securing Net Zero by 2050.
“RIA also welcomes investment in new stations in the South West and increasing the capacity on lines as part of Oxford Phase 2 project. By improving connectivity for communities across the country, and continuing to enhance the rail network with intensified electrification for example, UK rail really can support the Government’s ‘build back better’ agenda, boosting jobs, investment and economic growth for UK plc, at this critical time.”