28.06.16
Funding decision for Class 801 bi-mode conversion due in autumn
The decision on how to fund the conversion of the Great Western Main Line Class 801 units to bi-mode operation will be made in the autumn, the DfT has said.
In response to a question from Lilian Greenwood MP, Claire Perry, the minister for rail, said that the department is currently considering a number of funding options for the conversion process.
“I plan to make a decision on funding in the autumn,” she said.
Originally the Class 801 fleet was to be all electric, supported by 36 five-car bi-mode Class 800s due to be running on the Great Western routes from 2017-18.
But, last month, after receiving a formal submission from Agility Trains West, the train supplier, to convert the Class 801s to bi-mode operation, the DfT approved the decision.
However, Perry didn’t elaborate on how the DfT expects to recover the conversion costs.
Greenwood served as shadow transport secretary until she stood down on Sunday as part of a flurry of resignations from the Shadow Cabinet in protest at Jeremy Corbyn’s role in the campaign to remain in the EU, as reported in RTM’s sister title PSE.
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