Rail users' views sought

A consultation will run until January 2015 following publication by Network Rail a study which looks at the demands that will be placed on this part of the rail network over the next 30 years, including significant increases in passenger numbers and the need to continue to drive and support economic growth in the region.
Demand for journeys into London from the West are expected to double within 30 years.
The study outlines options for how these demands can be met, such as through investment opportunities to increase the capacity of the network and options to make changes to train services, including increasing their frequency and increasing the number of carriages.
Network Rail’s managing director for the Western route, Patrick Hallgate, said: “The Western route is already one of the busiest in the country and is currently undergoing a major programme of investment including electrification, new track and signalling, and a new fleet of electric trains to make sure it is fit for the future. But there is more we will need to do to keep up with the continuing growth in demand for rail travel between London, the Thames Valley, the West and South West of England.
“The purpose of this study is to ensure that we are in the best possible position to meet this demand and continue to drive economic growth across the region. This includes enabling increasing travel for leisure and business purposes and helping companies to move more goods, more efficiently by rail.
“To achieve this aim we need to hear from the public themselves, which is why we are seeking their feedback through this consultation on the study and the options it outlines.”
Consultation on the draft Western Route Study is open until next January 9 with the final version of the document expected to be published in spring 2015.
The study will then be used to inform the Department for Transport’s strategy for the industry’s next funding period from 2019 through to 2024.
Anyone who would like to comment on the draft study can do so by visiting Network Rail’s website www.networkrail.co.uk/long-term-planning-process/western-route-study-draft-for-consultation