East West wires
Electrification U-turn as EWR seeks second-hand fleet
ELECTRIFICATION could yet be on the agenda for East West Rail, after Government ministers confirmed that the decision not to wire the reopened railway could be reversed.
The announcement was made in the same week as the EWR Company revealed it was looking to lease second-hand diesel multiple units, in order to start running trains between Oxford, Milton Keynes, Bedford and Aylesbury.
Baroness Vere confirmed in a Lords Written Reply on March 11 that “electrification is being reconsidered after previously being descoped to reduce capital costs”.
As a minimum, there will be passive provision provided in construction so that overhead line electrification could be erected, she added.
Vere was replying to a question from Lord Berkeley, who had asked if EWR was designed to accommodate rail freight, if it was to be electrified, and if suitable terminal facilities would be included to serve logistics businesses on the route.
Vere replied: “The strategic scope for East West Rail is currently being developed, including options for depots. EWR Co are considering provision for freight, ensuring the route will support existing freight, and are currently undertaking a study to understand potential freight use.”
Meanwhile, East West
Railway Company has issued an Invitation to Tender in the Official Journal of the European Union (OJEU), for a train fleet.
In a statement, EWR Co said that this prioritises getting passenger services up and running as quickly as possible while creating time to explore a wider range of green technology. It also said it would allow for a smoother transition to electrification across the whole EWR line from Oxford to Cambridge.
“Our aim is to be a net
zero carbon railway by the time passenger services run all the way along the East West Rail line from Oxford to Cambridge, and a short-term approach at this stage in the project is the best way to help achieve this aim,” said EWR Co Chief Executive Simon Blanchflower CBE.
The ITT requires a fleet of 12 or 14 three-car units with European
Train Control System Level 2 and Driver Controlled Operation capability. There needs to be a full maintenance package included.
The lease is for four years with an option to extend for two years. Trains are due to be running to Bedford by the end of 2024. The deal is worth some £40 million and is due to end on May 10 2028.