HS2 could reduce number of fast trains in Cov, report claims
COVENTRY could be set for fewer fast trains to London after HS2, a new report claims.
A document setting out Warwickshire’s rail strategy for the coming years has revealed early indications suggest the frequency of fast trains between Coventry Railway Station and London Euston would reduce from the current three per hour, to two.
This would come into play after the opening of HS2 phase one.
Currently, this fast train service is operated by Virgin Trains, though First Trenitalia are set to take over the franchise in early December.
However, the document highlights a potential solution to this - with the West Midlands Rail Executive proposing that the third fast train could be reinstated by diverting a Trent Valley service via Coventry.
It is thought that Warwickshire County Council is in support of the proposal - welcoming a stopping pattern at Warwickshire stations - Nuneaton and Rugby at a minimum.
They have claimed that this would maximise the benefit of this service to the county.
The Warwickshire Rail Strategy covers plans from this year up to 2034 - and some of the proposed upgrades to the region’s railway network is the introduction of new stations.
According to the document, “This strategy sets out Warwickshire County Council’s ambitious and challenging plans to improve the rail offer in Warwickshire.
“Rail services in Warwickshire make a significant contribution to the local economy, business and local communities, helping to make Warwickshire an attractive place in which to live and work.
“The County Council has an excellent track record in delivering rail infrastructure and helping to improve services. Warwickshire intends to continue this support and investment in the local rail network to help improve wider connectivity, contribute to the delivery of housing and employment opportunities and maximise the benefit of economic growth in Warwickshire over the next fifteen years and beyond.”
On the Trent Valley and Wolverhampton to Coventry corridors, there are proposals for a new station at Rugby and Polesworth.
The Rugby station would be a parkway station, to the east of Rugby itself with a proposal of two trains an hour to the capital.
A delivery timescale of 2019-2026 has been given for the Rugby Parkway proposal. There are longer term proposals on the Nuneaton to Leamington via Coventry line.
With a delivery timescale of 20262033, a station at Warwick University is being proposed - located between Kenilworth and Coventry Railway Station.
It is noted that this would require an additional rail capacity between Coventry and Leamington, and new highways infrastructure.
Warwickshire County Council’s communities and overview and scrutiny committee will discuss the report and consultation at a meeting on November 27.
They have been asked to note the report, which is then expected to be discussed by the cabinet at Shire Hall.