13.07.07
GNER welcomes progress on east coast rail route strategy
GNER has welcomed Network Rail’s publication by of the Draft East Coast Route Utilisation Strategy (RUS), a 10-year strategic blueprint for the flagship East Coast Main Line between London and Scotland.
The long-awaited report launches the next phase in a continuing consultation process. It outlines a number of options as to how best to manage available track capacity and accommodate the needs of different operators on a busy route, as well as increasing services to meet the predicted rise in passenger numbers.
One of the key proposals is the creation of a new even-interval timetable with a better spread of timings. This would help to improve punctuality and to increase capacity, with extra services in and out of London in both peak and off-peak periods.
GNER’s Chief Executive Jonathan Metcalfe said: “This is a significant step in the right direction, but there is still much work to be done. The East Coast Main Line is a route of national strategic importance. For the first time, the RUS will decide what this railway is for and how the sometimes differing requirements of different operators and users can best be met. “The challenge for the industry is to transform this strategic blueprint into an actionable working timetable that delivers extra services to satisfy growing demand for rail travel. We will continue to play our full part in delivering a bigger and better railway.”
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