Existing rail network requires investment, MPs advise

Date: 15/2/2010

Investment in a high-speed rail network must not be at the expense of the existing network, a group of MPs has advised.

According to a new report by the Transport Committee, greater investment in the existing rail network is required to make the train a viable alternative to the car.

It also noted that due to unprecedented levels of passenger growth over the past 15 years, some parts of the rail network are "creaking at the seams".

It proposed investment in lines around Manchester in particular to ease congestion.

Further electrification of the network should also be given priority, the MPs' report stated.

Chief executive of the Association of Train Operating Companies Michael Roberts welcomed the report, stating: "Getting more people using trains, rather than cars or planes, will secure the economic benefits of rail and help the UK meet its challenging climate change targets."