Government’s continual U-turns are no laughing matter
You could produce a pantomime with the continual U-turns and rhetoric produced by this Government on railways.
The timing of the announcement cancelling electrification was a typical move to prevent debate. Switching to bi-mode traction in the light of the announcement about diesel is a parody. Reducing one only to increase another defies reason. Some will say the switch will protect jobs, but the majority of bi-modes are likely to be built elsewhere.
I have read that bi-modes are inferior to electric in many ways. They may well improve, but seemingly have not undergone exhaustive performance tests relative to the work they will have to do, and are not powerful enough for freight or a high-speed passenger service. How can a whole transport policy be changed on that knowledge?
I understand bi-modes were to be a stop-gap for the Great Western Main Line (GWML). It is madness therefore to accept that it is a long-term solution.
The electrification to Swansea was an add-on, but it made sense. Then there is Bath to Bristol Temple Meads and Bristol Parkway - a major station without wires until goodness knows when.
And so to the poor old Midland Main Line - always the bridesmaid, never the bride, despite having a Benefit:Cost Ratio (BCR) as good as most and better than the GWML.
As for HS2, I believe that the project should be ‘paused’ for five years, thus allowing for resources to upgrade the network.
From where has the £6.6 billion for civils contracts materialised ( RAIL 833)? This sort of money would more than pay for the electrification programme. Transport Secretary Chris Grayling needs a rethink, and the railway needs a champion. M Thornton, Bristol