Greenwood renews criticism of MML rolling stock strategy

Transport Select Committee Chairman Lilian Greenwood has criticised decisions made by Government regarding the Midland Main Line electrification and a potential rolling stock shortage

In a Parliamentary debate on February 14, Greenwood said: “If we believed Ministers’ promises back in 2012, passengers on the MML would be travelling on new electric trains this year.

“Instead, they are on old British Rail stock, the toilets empty straight onto the track, and they have to lean out of the window to open the door when the train arrives in the station. This is not great for anyone, and it is certainly not disabled-friendly.”

Government announced in 2012 ( RAIL 701) that the MML would be wired, with electrification extended from Bedford to Nottingham and Sheffield.

In July 2017, Secretary of State for Transport Chris Grayling then announced that wires would only go as far north as Corby and Kettering, and that bi-mode trains would be introduced from April 2022 ( RAIL 832).

This move was heavily criticised, and left operator Porterbrook facing a £50 million bill to ensure the current High Speed Train fleet on the route was ready for the accessibility deadline of December 31 2019. The company had warned Government of the problem, but received no backing regarding conversion plans.

Greenwood added that a Government inclusive transport strategy published last year does not include any commitment that all rolling stock will meet the deadline. She said the industry has known about this for 20 years, and yet the strategy give that commitment for buses and coaches but not for rail.

Rail Minister Andrew Jones replied: “We are making sure we are dealing with the disability issue. We want to make sure that the rail network offers smooth, easy journeys for people with disabilities. With regard to the rolling stock coming on to the MML, of course, we will deliver it as soon as possible.”

On February 11, Baroness Sugg told Lord Bradshaw in a Lords Written Reply that Government has no plans to refresh the business case for electrification of the full-length of the MML.

She said passenger benefits would be provided by “other means”, including the planned bi-mode fleet. She said the bi-modes would allow passengers to have new trains earlier than electric trains.