Plans for future of rail network slammed by South Gloucestershire councillors (From Gazette Series)

Plans for future of rail network slammed by South Gloucestershire councillors

2:46pm Wednesday 10th March 2010

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PLANS for the future of the region’s rail network have been slammed as too vague.

Network Rail’s Great Western Route Utilisation Strategy does not include specific details about improvements and funding, say South Gloucestershire councillors.

The strategy is a blueprint for the future of the rail network for the next 10 years but it has been met with disappointment.

South Gloucestershire Council’s executive member for transport, Cllr Brian Allinson (Con, Stoke Gifford), said: "As far as I am concerned, this strategy could be a lot better in terms of setting out in precise terms when improvements will happen and how they will be paid for.

"I still have concerns that Network Rail is underestimating the scale of future demand which will only lead to further overcrowding and ultimately undermine the attractiveness of local rail travel."

He added: "With regard to new infrastructure at Yate station, such as a turnback facility, we were clear that the scheme should be funded by the rail industry as soon as possible and we are continuing to press for further clarification about how the business case could be improved without relying solely on developer funding as Network Rail seems to suggest.

"Although Network Rail talks about a 10-year timeline, the council will continue to work with the individual train companies in an effort to build on the specific service improvements we have seen over recent months."

Network Rail chief executive Iain Coucher said: "Development of this strategy has followed a now well-established process.

"Initially, analysis was carried out into the capacity and capability of the existing network and train services taking into account major changes planned over the next 10 years.

"Future demand was then analysed with a number of gaps identified and options to resolve these gaps appraised. Those which demonstrated best value for money are included in the strategy."

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