Have your say on the future of the Western route rail network

People across the South West can have their say on the future of the region’s rail network following the publication by Network Rail of the rail industry’s draft Western route study.

Open for consultation until January, the study looks at the demands that will be placed on this part of the rail network over the next 30 years, including significant increases in passenger numbers and the need to continue to drive and support economic growth in the region. Passenger numbers into Bristol are set to rise by half in less than a decade, while demand for journeys into London from the West will double within 30 years. The study outlines options for how these demands can be met, such as through investment opportunities to increase the capacity of the network and options to make changes to train services, including increasing their frequency and increasing the number of carriages.

Patrick Hallgate, Network Rail’s managing director for the Western route, said: “The Western route is already one of the busiest in the country and is currently undergoing a major programme of investment including electrification, new track and signalling, and a new fleet of electric trains to make sure it is fit for the future. But there is more we will need to do to keep up with the continuing growth in demand for rail travel between London, the Thames Valley, the West and South West of England.

“The purpose of this study is to ensure that we are in the best possible position to meet this demand and continue to drive economic growth across the region. This includes enabling increasing travel for leisure and business purposes and helping companies to move more goods, more efficiently by rail.

“To achieve this aim we need to hear from the public themselves, which is why we are seeking their feedback through this consultation on the study and the options it outlines.”

Consultation on the draft Western Route Study is open until 9 January 2015 with the final version of the document expected to be published in spring 2015. The study will then be used to inform the Department for Transport’s strategy for the industry’s next funding period from 2019 through to 2024.

Anyone who would like to comment on the draft study can do so by visiting Network Rail’s website.