13.11.12
Theresa May warns over Crossrail replacing fast services
Home secretary Theresa May, who is MP for Maidenhead, has spoken of her “disappointment” that there will be no fast services on Crossrail and said the project must complement and not replace existing fast services.
Following a meeting with Crossrail chairman Terry Morgan, May told local newspaper the Maidenhead Advertiser that she understands Network Rail is looking at how the mainline timetable between Maidenhead and Paddington might be changed when Crossrail services start at Maidenhead station in 2019.
A Network Rail spokesperson told the paper: “The combination of Crossrail services and other enhancements, such as electrification of the Great Western main line and the remodelling of the railway at Reading, will dramatically increase rail capacity between Maidenhead and London.
“As described within the Route Utilisation Strategy, there are no plans to reduce the fast services from Maidenhead, however the final decision on long term planning will ultimately be taken by the Department for Transport in the specification of the future Great Western franchise.”
(Image copyright Crossrail Ltd)
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