Department for Transport

Department for Transport consults on implementation of Brighton Main Line strategy
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date 29 Sep 2006 00:00
source Department for Transport
type Press release

The Department for Transport today launched a consultation on how best to put into practice the principles laid out in the Brighton Main Line Route Utilisation Strategy, published earlier this year.

The Strategy aims to improve journeys for the majority of users on the line and address crowding issues. At the same time, it seeks to retain a high quality service between Gatwick Airport and Victoria to meet the needs of airline passengers.

Following publication of the Strategy in February, DfT has worked with rail and aviation industries on how best to achieve these aims. The consultation seeks views on a range of options in order to determine how to proceed.

Responses are being sought from all interested parties. After the consultation closes on 22 December 2006, the Department will take forward implementation of the strategy working with industry partners.

Transport Secretary Douglas Alexander said:

"The Strategy published earlier this year laid out the principles for improving the Brighton Main Line.

"In implementing these, it is important that we seek to achieve the best possible balance to meet the needs of Gatwick Airport passengers, while enhancing services for Sussex Coast commuters.

"On completion of the RUS, we began discussions with the industry on how it should be implemented. These identified a number of solutions, which whilst delivering the aims of the RUS could result in quite different timetables.

"It is therefore right that we consult on the options for putting the Strategy into practice."

Notes to Editors

1. The Brighton Main Line Route Utilisation Strategy was published on 2 February 2006. Its aim is to improve the journey experience for the majority of the users of the route by delivering improved punctuality and more seats at peak times.

2. Route Utilisation Strategies take a strategic look at the rail network and its timetable. They outline plans to improve timetables to ensure the best use is made of the current rail network and to ensure that services meet current and future demands. Strategies for other parts of the network are being developed by Network Rail.

3. The consultation is available on the DfT website:
http://www.dft.gov.uk/stellent/groups/dft_railways/documents/divisionhomepage/612620.hcsp

Railhub Archive ::: 2006-09-29 DfT-001