Secretary of State for Transport Chris Grayling was forced to defend his comments regarding bi-mode trains, during a House of Commons debate on April 19.
Rachael Maskell (Labour/Co-op, York Central) stated that on July 20 last year, Grayling had said bi-mode trains could “achieve the same significant improvements to journeys”.
She then highlighted the recent National Audit Office report into electrification that said this was not the case (RAIL 850).
Grayling claimed: “Let us be clear. I stand by every word that I said then. We will deliver smart new trains and improved journey times for passengers on the Midland Main Line, as we are currently doing and will continue to do on the Great Western Main Line, and as we will do on the East Coast Main Line and the trans-Pennine route.”
He reiterated his claim that spending £1 billion on wiring the MML would save just one minute in journey times.
He made these comments just after stating: “Trains on the Midland Main Line require the addition of one engine to provide a little bit of extra acceleration, but they already exist, and will be great for that line as well,” during a debate with Jonathan Edwards (Plaid Cymru, Carmarthen East and Dinefwr).
- To read the FULL story regarding the NAO report, see RAIL 850, available digitally on Android/iPad.
AndrewJGwilt1989 - 23/04/2018 23:32
Bi-Mode trains are the future of replacing HST’s and Intercity fleets. Including the Class 800’s & Class 802’s that are the replacement of the Class 43’s used on GWML and other lines operated by GWR. Class 755’s that Greater Anglia have ordered are the replacement of Class 90’s+Mk3’s used on London-Norwich main line service and also are to replace the older DMU units used on the rural regional lines in East Anglia that will enter service from late this year or from next year. Plus Class 801’s that are the replacement of the Class 43 HST’s and Class 91+Mk4’s that will be used on the East Coast Main Line. When they enter service from next year.