PASSENGERS ON HIGH SPEED RAIL PLANS

Passenger Focus has responded to the Government’s policy on high speed rail:

Anthony Smith, Passenger Focus chief executive, said: “Passengers will welcome this bold plan. In the long term more and more people are going to want to use the railway. So, a step change in the ability of the network to handle more trains, longer trains and more reliable trains, all key passenger priorities for improvement, is needed now. This plan represents an important first step in unlocking this potential, that should also free up more space on the rest of network to handle more regional and local trains. More trains arriving on time are now helping to attract more passengers. Add higher speeds to that and a whole new group of passengers could be tempted to use rail.

“Passenger Focus welcomes the commitment that the new line will be an addition to the current network – not a bolt on, rich man’s railway. The ability to turn up and travel remains a key attraction of Britain’s railway – this new line, with fast frequent services could, with attractive fares, start to revolutionise intercity rail travel. The other commitment, that funding will not be diverted from the existing network, is also welcome.”

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