02.10.12
Alternative solutions considered by Network Rail
A new document looking at development in tram train, electrification and community rail has been published by Network Rail.
The ‘alternative solutions’ draft network RUS, which is going out for consultation, sets out the industry’s collaborative thinking on how to provide value for money rail growth.
The document concludes that the best circumstances for tram-train conversion of infrastructure or services can be found in cities and regions with existing tramways, particularly Greater Manchester, the West Midlands, South Yorkshire and Nottingham.
It also considers battery powered trains as an innovative approach to electrification, and allowing electrically powered train services coasting through extended neutral sections is planned for use on the Paisley Canal electrification scheme.
For community rail partnerships, the study’s draft conclusions state the positive impact of current partnerships and that the rail industry and funders would like more of them, but they cannot be imposed.
Paul Plummer, Network Rail’s group strategy director said: “To maintain the mandate to further invest in our railway the industry has to demonstrate a clear commitment to greater efficiency and cost effectiveness. This means being open to alternative solutions and we hope that this new study will prompt fresh thinking and debate.”
The report is at: http://www.networkrail.co.uk/aspx/4449.aspx and is out to consultation for 60 days.
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