2009-01-15 Government recognises rail investment is key to Britain's transport future (ATOC)

_______________________________________________________________

date 15 May 2009
source ATOC
type Press release

Commenting on the publication by Network Rail of its proposed electrification strategy, Michael Roberts, Chief Executive of the Association of Train Operating Companies, said:

“Now that Network Rail has published its strategy, the Government should honour the commitment it made in January to make a decision, by giving the green light to electrifying the Great Western and Midland Main Lines.”

“Electric trains are better for the environment and bring lower costs, better reliability and more capacity and shorter journey times. These are all key factors in improving the value for money which passengers are calling for.

“An electrified Great Western route will transform the train service, with faster, quieter and greener trains serving Wales and the West Country, improving journey times.
“Our aspiration is to extend the benefits of electrification to the Midland Main Line. Eventually, we want to find cost effective ways of providing electric train services for up to 80% of passengers.

“As these are long term projects, we must start planning now so that electrification can unlock the major modernisation of important long distance routes
“It is also important to press ahead in the shorter term with smaller infill schemes which can plug some of the gaps in the electrified network. This will prepare the way for more substantial investment in main line electrification after 2014 by allowing electric fleets to be used more effectively.”
-ends-

For further information, please contact the ATOC Press Office on 020 7841 8020
Notes to Editors
1. The last major electrification scheme undertaken on what is now the NR network was the East Coast Main Line in the early 1990s; however, High Speed One has been electrified from the start.
2. Electrification can also play a role in reducing carbon emissions as well as improving air quality and reducing noise. Electric vehicles, on average, emit 20% to 30% fewer CO2 emissions than diesel.
3. Rail emits less than 1% of total UK CO2 and has a demonstrably lower carbon footprint than both car or air: on average rail travel produces around half the CO2/passenger km of car and a quarter that of domestic aviation.
About ATOC
The Association of Train Operating Companies (ATOC) is the official voice for the passenger rail industry - representing train companies to the government and other opinion formers on transport policy issues. Britain's train operators are working together to change rail travel for the better.
ATOC manages many joint activities for train operators including revenue allocation and settlement, impartial retailing, National Rail Enquiries, Railcard marketing, staff travel arrangements, international products and travel agent licensing.

Railhub Archive ::: 2009-05-15 ATO-001