News

Meeting with the Undersecretary of State for Transport

Author: WARG Administrator
Date: 13 Jun 2008

On June 11^th, representatives of the West Anglia Routes Group (WARG) met with Tom Harris MP, Undersecretary of State for Transport with responsibility for rail, to discuss the investment these key routes need.

WARG representatives provided an overview of the composition and work of the Group, also making it clear that suitable investment in the WAR can improve access to employment, accelerate regeneration and support housing growth.

Key issues were summarised as high levels of housing and employment growth leading to even higher levels of overcrowding.  Improvements, including more frequent services, will also have positive impacts on the long term economic viability of communities.

Short term capacity enhancements were discussed, with the DfT indicating that the initial WAR allocation of 120 carriages would most likely replace Stansted Express rolling stock, with a subsequent cascade.  Points were raised about:

• Cascaded stock not being fit for purpose so funding is required for refurbishment and upgrade.
• Additional capacity on inner suburban services remaining an issue.
• Procuring new rolling stock.

Four tracking was discussed along with the importance of maintaining east-west linkages.  DfT indicated that, in light of work to develop a four tracking scheme, they are keen to engage with a representative group of stakeholders from along the line and see the WARG as well placed to perform this role.

Overall it was a positive meeting, with Tom Harris offering an opportunity for the 120 new carriages for the West Anglia Routes to be delivered early in the wider programme (2009 onwards), and DfT looking to engage with stakeholders on longer term capacity enhancements, with the WARG being acknowledged as well placed to perform this role.

A follow up letter has been sent to Tom Harris, outlining the positive outcomes and raising ongoing WARG concerns:

• If carriages are cascaded from Stansted Express, this stock will most likely not be immediately fit for purpose (particularly if it is configured for airport services) therefore funding is required for rapid refurbishment and upgrade.
• The Office of Rail Regulation propose significantly less funding than is required for train lengthening, meaning there is a potential shortfall in funding for improving outer suburban services, and no clear indication of how capacity on inner suburban services will be provided - a suitably funded short term solution needs to be urgently agreed.
• Four tracking from south of Coppermill Junction to Broxbourne station remains the preferred solution, since it offers greater service capacity and flexibility in the long term.  Any solution must also address the existing level crossings and significantly improve east-west movement.

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