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Rail Minister Meets West Anglia Routes Group

Author: WARG Administrator
Date: 08 May 2009

On 2nd April, West Anglia Routes Group (WARG) representatives met with Lord Adonis, Transport Minister, to discuss current challenges, including existing crowding, and the DfT's emerging strategy for accommodating future growth - West Anglia Main Line Progress Report.  It was a positive meeting, following which a letter highlighting key points was sent on behalf of the WARG:

• 120 new carriages are welcomed and it was reassuring to hear the DfT talking about a short term refresh of existing stock, along with replacement of inner suburban carriages by 2018/19.
• To make an informed response to the DfT's emerging strategy for improving services and accommodating future growth, the WARG would like to see the detail of the underlying assumptions and costs.
• Proposed improvements to outer suburban and airport services are a positive step but work still needs to done to look at increasing inner suburban service frequency (particularly along the Lea Valley).  Therefore it is important that DfT ask Network Rail to look at the full range of options for improving the West Anglia Routes.

Lord Adonis has responded positively to some of the points the Group raised:

• DfT were asked to provide further details of the work underpinning the West Anglia Main Line Progress Report.
• Further work is required to evaluate regeneration benefits in relation to the Lea Valley and consider options for improving transport links in general.
• Whilst DfT work is helping to shape future plans it is at an early stage and is definitely not yet concluded.

Following these positive developments, the West Anglia Routes Group will continue to work closely with key stakeholders, including the DfT, to make sure that investment is secured to enhance capacity, improve reliability and promote growth for the benefit of all those who live and work in the London-Stansted-Cambridge-Peterborough Corridor.

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