Today, British railway companies have published a joint report announcing that our railways will see a £20 billion investment next year.
Major improvements will be made across England, Scotland and Wales will over 1000 extra services a week for passengers and 1000 new carriages. This includes 90 new trains on Southern Western Railway.
The industry has committed a long-term plan to improve passenger and freight services and this investment report builds on their aims to bring further benefits to customers, communities and the economy. The plan that was published two years ago has already seen 2500 new carriages introduced and an extra 4000 services running each week.
Plans mean that there will be 10 per cent more trains running by the mid-2020s, replacing over half of the nation’s old trains for newer, more efficient and improved versions.
For every £1 you spend on a train ticket, 98p goes into running and improving the railway which is where this £20 billion investment promise funds are raised.
Local MP, Caroline Dinenage, commented:
“While Gosport does not have its own rail station, I know that many of my constituents avoid our busy roads by travelling from Portsmouth or Fareham and I am pleased that there will be 90 new trains on the Southern Western Railway.
“Trains are not only vital for commuters, but also for residents travelling to visit families and friends and escape for holidays and day trips. Our rail system is far from perfect, but I am pleased to see that this vital funding will go to improving our services and connecting people across Great Britain.”
Paul Plummer, chief executive of the Rail Delivery Group, said:
“People want a better railway and we are investing in a long-term plan to make that happen. Next year, our passengers and the communities that rely on rail can expect more trains to more places and new carriages with more seats and better Wi-Fi. Those improvements will drive economic growth increase productivity and help set Britain up for success in the long term."
Mike Cherry, National Chairman at the Federation of Small Businesses, said:
“Small businesses rely on Britain’s railway to meet clients, attend meetings and ensure their staff can get to work, so investment in the network is very welcome. Rail services need to be reliable, regular and well-maintained, as well as providing decent wi-fi connections and proper power points.”
