Rail network needs upgrading, say MPs

Mon 15 Feb 2010

The government has been urged to step up the level of investment in the UK's railway network.

According to the Transport Committee, investment in areas such as high speed rail services should not detract from much-needed medium-term investments on the "classic" rail network.

The group of MPs has therefore urged the government to consider options such as putting more funding into the existing infrastructure or bringing old lines back into service.

Capacity constraints at the Manchester Hub were cited as one key issue that needs to be given priority, as this rail bottleneck "critically affects" both passenger and freight services across the north of England.

MPs also recommended that the government focus more attention on electrifying the Midland Main Line between London and Sheffield.

The Transport Committee's recommendations have been welcomed by the Association of Train Operating Companies, partly because they could help to boost the environment.

Chief executive Michael Roberts said getting more people onto the rail network could help the UK meet its targets on reducing carbon emissions.