Campaigners expect new trains to be part of the new East Anglia franchise due to be announced soon. But new trains alone, they say, are not enough with infrastructure improvements also needed.
Chloe Smith, MP for Norwich North and Joint Chairman of the Great Eastern Mainline Taskforce, said: “We’ve had a big campaign with huge ambition. We have demanded the highest standards possible. In the franchise soon to be announced we are expecting new trains - that’s a huge part of the campaign - but there is more to do. We need track improvements as well, so the work continues.”
The Taskforce submitted its ambitions to Secretary of State for Transport Patrick McLoughlin ahead of the new East Anglia rail franchise being announced.
In the letter the Taskforce reiterated its desire for new rolling stock to be included in the franchise tender, the delivery of journey time improvements and a comprehensive package of infrastructure improvements.
The Taskforce wants journey times of London to Chelmsford in 25 minutes; London to Colchester in 40 minutes, London to Ipswich in 60 minutes and London to Norwich in 90 minutes.
- For more on this, read RAIL 804, published on July 6.
Comment as guest
Comments
FrankH - 17/06/2016 00:11
Not a hope of a 90 min (currently 120) schedule, not with 7 stops @ 2 mins each. 30 mins for 45 miles Ipswich - Norwich, that's do able until you factor in 3 stops including Norwich and a single track swing bridge with a speed restriction, which makes todays 45 min schedule look ok to me. You can't run a limited stopper because there's nowhere to pass until after Colchester/Chelmsford when 4 tracks come in.
Reply as guest
Gizzy - 17/06/2016 10:53
A few years ago I went on a visit to Crown Point Depot in Norwich. I was told that the Norwich-Liverpool Street consists rarely ran at full line speed of 100mph when possible. Usually at 80-90 mph. Timings allowed 100 mph running to catch up if there were any delays, but the lower speeds meant a reduction of electricity consumption from the OLE. (Similar reasons as to why there is no 140 mph running on the ECML.) I guess if the level crossing and thus speed restriction issues can be sorted then 'Norwich in Ninety' may be feasible, but probably without any slack in the timings for any unexpected delays....
Reply as guest
FrankH - 19/06/2016 15:53
A 90 minute schedule with 7 stops which all Liverpool St - Norwich trains have would need an average speed of 90 mph or very near. 75 mins running time and 15 mins station stops.
Reply as guest
Andrewjgwilt1989 - 17/06/2016 13:58
First Group and National Express along with Abellio are bidding to win the East Anglia rail franchise and I think First Group and National Express could win the franchise and to improve the franchise with better services and refurbished trains.
Reply as guest
Andrewjgwilt1989 - 17/06/2016 15:00
Even though Abellio might win the contract and could extend their franchise contract to 2025 or 2026 and to remain as "Abellio Greater Anglia" if Abellio does win the contract and extends their franchising with Beaulieu railway station to be built from next year and to open in early 2020 outskirts of Chelmsford City Centre as it will serve North Chelmsford area and Boreham as its next to the A12.
Reply as guest
7D3 - 17/06/2016 17:26
I think we should leave the GEML to the Intercity 225s (London to Norwich) and the HSTs (London to Great Yarmouth via Norwich). All Cascaded from Virgin Trains East Coast.
Reply as guest
7D3 - 17/06/2016 17:30
I think we should leave the GEML to the Intercity 225s (London to Norwich) and the HSTs (London to Great Yarmouth via Norwich). All Cascaded from Virgin Trains East Coast.
Reply as guest
7D3 - 17/06/2016 17:33
I think we should leave the GEML to the Intercity 225s (London to Norwich) and the HSTs (London to Great Yarmouth via Norwich). All Cascaded from Virgin Trains East Coast.
Reply as guest