Maynard: wiring must bring benefits

By Richard Clinnick
|
25 October 2017
News

Government will only electrify lines where “it delivers a genuine benefit to passengers”, according to Rail Minister Paul Maynard.

Responding to a Commons Written Question from Mohammad Yasin (Labour, Bedford), regarding any possible review into the decision to cancel Midland Main Line electrification, Maynard claimed that plans for bi-mode trains and 12-car electric multiple units on the electrified section south of Corby and Kettering would enable reduced journey times.

“This will deliver improved journeys sooner, and is part of delivering the biggest upgrade of the Midland Main Line since it opened in 1870,” he said.

RAIL 838 reports on a row over the upgrade of the Midland Main Line, and is available now.

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Author: Richard Clinnick

Head of News (Print and Digital)

[email protected]

Our Head of News, Richard joined RAIL in 2005 from local press, where he had been working since 2002. He covers all aspects of news for the magazine and website, specialising in operations and rolling stock.

Comments (6)

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Comments

BigTone - 25/10/2017 17:05

My thoughts. The MML electrification does not begin to make sense until it reaches Nottingham and Derby. Then bi-modes (eg Class 319 Flex) can run on Lincoln to Leicester and Matlock to Newark Castle. As for the mainline services, the Intercity bi-modes MUST be capable of 125 mph in diesel mode. Elsewhere, I would suggest electrifying lines out of Leeds (similar to Manchester) in a radial pattern.
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FrankH - 25/10/2017 22:32

Bi- modes I'm afraid our going to be the governments answer to everything that needs OHLE erecting from now on. There may be the odd small extension but nothing major.
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Simon Eames1990 - 25/10/2017 22:32

Of course wiring brings benefits. So does DC third rail.
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- BigTone - 27/10/2017 12:34
  
  Certainly does down South where there bits of diesel haulage in a sea of 3rd rail
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Michael McCabe - 25/10/2017 23:03

This is interesting as an article in Global Rail news on 20 10 2017 makes reference in a recent Department of Transport report on rolling stock to the diesel engines on bi modes being replaced by electrical storage system. It remains to be seen whether bi modes will actually work in practice. Will they be the 21st century APT? However by the time problems arise the cuurent ministers will have no responsibility for ongoing problems. Easy for them to see bi mode as the answer to all issues.
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AndrewJGwilt1989 - 26/10/2017 11:42

Do you think that the Midland Main Line might be electrified north of Bedford to Kettering, Nottingham, Derby, Sheffield and Leeds. I think it will happen. With Chris Grayling who once postponed it has actually changed his mind. And the electrification can now get going. As well new Bi-Mode trains to be ordered.
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- BigTone - 26/10/2017 18:42
  
  Kettering is being electrified as that is where the turn-off for Corby is. It does seem silly that bridge clearances have been raised already but now not being wired (MIGHT be in the future) I've not remarked on track and signalling improvements as they bring benefits of their own.
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Manchester Mike - 26/10/2017 15:45

What about cleaner air for everyone along the line by replacing diesels? Isn't that important? It surely would help London reduce its toxic air pollution levels.
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- FrankH - 28/10/2017 11:36
  
  He or his predecessor probably said that before they cancelled the MML electrification. Now it's unspecfied genuine benefits, our idea of a geniune benefit will be slightly different I've no doubt.
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