Government pledges investment for over 2,000 new rail carriages

Date: 25/11/2010

The government has promised to deliver 2,100 new rail carriages by 2019 in an overhaul of the train network announced today (November 25th).

Transport Secretary Philip Hammond unveiled plans to modernise Britain's railways, tackle overcrowding, improve reliability and speed up journeys.

He confirmed London's Thameslink project will go ahead in its entirety, as will electrification projects and the roll out of a new fleet of intercity trains.

Mr Hammond said: "At a time of severe pressure on public spending, it would be tempting to cut back on investment in our railways. But we cannot afford not to invest in Britain's future."

The new carriages - 1,800 of which will be for new Crossrail and Thameslink services - will help to make UK trains fit for the 21st century, he added.

Transport Minister Theresa Villiers recently declared improving Britain's railways is a key priority for the government, during a visit to Merseyside where she met with local transport leaders.

Posted by Mary Treen