Chiltern Railways has unveiled its 'Right Route' to 2030 vision, an ambitious proposal to invest in new trains and infrastructure over the next decade. The plan, which was unveiled to stakeholders and parliamentarians in Westminster, aims to deliver easier, greener, and better rail services for passengers across Chiltern's network.
The Right Route vision will see investment in new trains, to replace Chiltern’s current aging fleet as well as meeting the growing demand on the network. The upgrade in its fleet is long overdue as recent statistics released by the Office of Rail and Road revealing Chiltern’s fleet to be the third oldest on the network with an average age of 28 years. Chiltern’s new fleet it is expected will help reduce the current carbon emissions
In addition to investing in new trains, Chiltern is also investing in the railway's infrastructure. This includes upgrading tracks, signals, and stations throughout the region, with the upgrades expected to improve reliability and capacity.
It was also revealed that Chiltern hope to invest in new technology to improve the customer experience, introducing real-time information, and contactless payments.
"The 'Right Route' vision is our ambition for the future of Chiltern Railways" said Richard Allan, managing director of Chiltern Railways. “We are looking forward to working with partners to make a strong economic case for the necessary investment to make our 2030 vision possible.”
Chiltern Railways will now open discussions with the Department of Transport to agree the scope and funding required for new trains between London.
Iain Stewart, MP for Milton Keynes South and chair of the Transport Select Committee, said: “I welcome the ambition Chiltern Railways has set for the future and I look forward to working with them to help realise them. Chiltern has a strong track record in investing in the future, from the Total Route Modernisation back in the 1990s to the more recent Evergreen project to expand the network.
"I particularly welcome the planned investment in new and greener rolling stock. The views of current and future passengers should shape their design.
“Too often new trains are introduced which, while giving an improvement in performance, do not result in an upgrade to passenger comfort. This is a great opportunity for Chiltern to design a best in class new train interior.”
Photo Credit: Chiltern Railways
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