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100,000 extra rail seats pledged 100,000 extra rail seats pledged
(29 minutes later)
Network Rail has promised to provide more than 100,000 extra seats a day for rail travellers under modernisation plans for the five years to 2014.Network Rail has promised to provide more than 100,000 extra seats a day for rail travellers under modernisation plans for the five years to 2014.
It follows a government announcement of up to £10bn investment from 2009 to increase services and lengthen trains.It follows a government announcement of up to £10bn investment from 2009 to increase services and lengthen trains.
The proposals include 1,700 extra carriages and the redevelopment of stations in Reading and Birmingham.The proposals include 1,700 extra carriages and the redevelopment of stations in Reading and Birmingham.
Network Rail said its plans aimed to create a "bigger, better" railway with "more trains, more seats, more often". Consumer groups welcomed the investment but urged Network Rail to ensure passengers received improved services.
As well as £9.6bn to provide extra carriages and seats, £11.4bn will be spent on renewing track, signals, structures and stations, and £10.4bn on day-to-day maintenance.As well as £9.6bn to provide extra carriages and seats, £11.4bn will be spent on renewing track, signals, structures and stations, and £10.4bn on day-to-day maintenance.
Other plans include:Other plans include:
  • £2.6bn modernisation of the cross-London Thameslink service
  • £2.6bn modernisation of the cross-London Thameslink service
  • Redevelopment of Reading station at a cost of £455m
  • Redevelopment of Reading station at a cost of £455m
  • The £153m remodelling of London's King's Cross station
  • The £153m remodelling of London's King's Cross station
  • Redevelopment of Birmingham New Street station, costing £134m
  • Redevelopment of Birmingham New Street station, costing £134m
  • A further fund of £234m will be allocated for small improvement schemes and another £156m will be spent on improvements to other stations
  • A further fund of £234m will be allocated for small improvement schemes and another £156m will be spent on improvements to other stations
  • Funded by Transport Scotland, there will be investment of £170m for the Glasgow airport link and a new railway link from Airdrie to Bathgate, costing £145m
  • Funded by Transport Scotland, there will be investment of £170m for the Glasgow airport link and a new railway link from Airdrie to Bathgate, costing £145m
    • Usage boomingUsage booming
    Network Rail chief executive Iain Coucher said major investment was needed because "more and more" travellers were using services.Network Rail chief executive Iain Coucher said major investment was needed because "more and more" travellers were using services.
    According to a recent study, more people are now using trains than at any time since 1946.According to a recent study, more people are now using trains than at any time since 1946.
    A better railway able to carry more people in comfort is urgently required George MuirAssociation of Train Operating Companies
    "Delivering a safe, punctual and reliable railway each and every day will always stay at the core of our business," Mr Coucher said."Delivering a safe, punctual and reliable railway each and every day will always stay at the core of our business," Mr Coucher said.
    George Muir, director general of the Association of Train Operating Companies, welcomed the plans.George Muir, director general of the Association of Train Operating Companies, welcomed the plans.
    "A better railway able to carry more people in comfort is urgently required. Passengers want it and if we can get people out of their cars it will be good for the environment.""A better railway able to carry more people in comfort is urgently required. Passengers want it and if we can get people out of their cars it will be good for the environment."
    The company also announced it will begin moves to use renewable energy sources to power electric trains as well as introduce light-weight trains to reduce the impact on the environment. Passenger Focus, an independent rail consumer watchdog, questioned Network Rail's claims that almost 90% of trains ran on time and said travellers' main priorities were value for money, getting a seat and having more punctual services.
    But chief executive Anthony Smith said he hoped the investment would "in time deliver an improved service for millions of passengers".
    "It is now up to government, Network Rail and the regulator to work together to ensure that the money needed to do all this is available."
    Network Rail also announced it would begin moves to use renewable energy sources to power electric trains as well as introduce light-weight trains to reduce the impact on the environment.