25.04.13
Long-term planning for London and South East
A new Network Rail study explores the wider role travel will play in the economy 10 to 30 years in the future. It covers rail services in London and the South East and recommends how investment should be focused for the period covering 2019-2014.
Passenger numbers are expected to increase most on routes that will benefit from capcity improvements in the next five years, and should focus on accommodating peak demand, offering stations a minimum of 3-4 trains per hour and quicker journey times.
Network Rail has also published two studies covering regional urban and freight markets.
Richard Eccles, Network Rail’s director of network strategy and planning, said: “This is part of our new approach to planning, which looks at the role that rail plays in the economic life of Britain.
“What we need to decide is how the network should develop to achieve economic growth, help reduce carbon emissions from transport and improve quality of life for people.
“This approach allows greater freedom of thought and is not constrained by current service patterns or cost and deliverability, though of course we will look at these issues in subsequent planning stages.”
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