08.11.2016 PRESS STATEMENT from TravelWatch SouthWest CIC
In response to today’s announcement that Network Rail will not complete the Great Western Electrification Project as planned:
TravelWatch SouthWest, the region's passenger watchdogwarns that the electrification delays will have far reaching effects for passengers.
"The government's announced deferment of four rail electrification schemes is bad news for all those who rely on Great Western services. The Government is renaging on the promise for newer trains thereby frustrating the delivery of better capacity, reliability and sustainability to passengers, qualities which are long over due and can only be delivered by electrification. The Government's plans mean that there is now no certainty that the country's fastest growing city outside London will be connected to the electric network so benefits of greener services, faster dispatch times and scope for higher frequency will be lost.
Deferring completion of Thames Valley electrification to Oxford undermines the promised cascade of the Turbo trains that are needed for the planned Bristol Metro and the modernisation of services through Wiltshire to the south coast. This means that passengers could lose many of the improvements promised by the Government for local services in Somerset, Devon and Cornwall which were going to come as the inadequate four-wheeled 'Pacer' trains were replaced by more comfortable, higher capacity trains released from the Bristol area. Passengers have been crying out for better trains with more seats. Network Rail's failure to deliver to time or budget is a savage blow that is forcing the Government and Great Western to renege on their franchise commitments to passengers and communities through the South West. The Government must hold Network Rail to account; attain certainty for passengers by agreeing a timetable for electrification; and compensate passengers for the railway's broken promises by providing additional trains to meet the over-crowding passengers suffer. In resetting the clock, Government must take responsibility for minimising the disruption to passengers and work in closely with all parties affected for the benefit of passengers."
Vinita Nawathe
Chair
TravelWatch SouthWest CIC
Bryony Chetwode – Company Secretary
TravelWatch SouthWest CIC
You can contact Bryony Chetwode to arrange interviews on 07730357377 or the via the office email at:
TravelWatch SouthWest CIC is a company limited by guarantee.Registration Number: 5542697
Registered Office: The Old Carriage Works, Moresk Road, Truro, Cornwall TR1 1DG
Administrative Office: South Watch Harcombe, Lyme Regis DT7 3RN
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