Rail industry highlights potential requirements for next 30 years

Date: 14/2/2013

A report published by a number of rail industry organisations has laid out a range of potential approaches designed to ensure the sector meets passengers' needs over the coming three decades.

The study considers a variety of scenarios for the future size and makeup of the national passenger rolling stock fleet that would be required for the next 30 years, with figures based on demand trends, infrastructure enhancements and further electrification of the network.

Rail Minister Simon Burns welcomed the report, which highlighted a possible requirement for between 13,000 and 19,000 new electric vehicles by 2042. Currently, there are around 8,500 electric vehicles in Britain.

Michael Roberts, Chief Executive of the Association of Train Operating Companies, which helped to produce the study, said: "The boom in passenger journeys heralds a bright future for the railways.

"A long-term rolling stock strategy helps the industry prepare for that future and underpins franchising as the best way to drive efficient delivery of fleet which meets passengers' needs."

This is the first time since privatisation that attempts have been made to outline a cross-industry strategy on rolling stock.

Posted by Sarah Bailey

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