Background

Substantial population and economic growth at a string of key locations along the London-Stansted-Cambridge-Peterborough growth corridor will put increasing pressures on West Anglia Routes’ services running from Liverpool Street through north London into Cambridgeshire, Essex and Hertfordshire.  In addition there will be the need to support possible growth at Stansted airport. 

The West Anglia Routes Group (WARG) is an association, with a wide membership, which represents public and private sectors organisations along this key route.  The Group aims to:

‘For the benefit of all those who live and work in the London-Stansted-Cambridge-Peterborough Corridor, the West Anglia Routes Group seeks timely upgrades to the West Anglia rail corridor to enhance capacity, improve reliability and promote growth.’

To achieve these goals, the Group has regular meetings and undertakes activities to raise the profile of the Routes and secure suitable investment.

Ongoing priorities include:

• Minimum service of four trains per hour to all suburban stations, at least two trains per hour elsewhere, and a ‘clock face’ timetable throughout the day and into the night.
• Refurbishment and replacement of existing rolling stock so that it meets customer expectations and accessibility standards.
• Station and interchange improvements to reduce congestion, increase accessibility and enhance safety and security.
• Investment in track, signaling and power supply enhancements, as well as finding a solution to the issues caused by level crossings.
• A Government commitment to investing in major improvements with immediate funding to commence the process of safeguarding, planning and project development.

To do nothing is not an option. There is agreement along the line that investment is needed and this will support economic development and regeneration by linking homes to jobs, while reducing already over-crowded conditions for passengers.

For more information about the Group’s work please see our news or contact us.