Are road schemes getting priority over rail?
Away from the gloomy news about the coronavirus was the unexpected announcement ofthe 10 projects successful in gaining grants in the first round of the Ideas Funding project - part of the next step to develop a business case, with the aim of reopening new stations or returning passenger services to closed or freight-only lines.
While the news was welcome, the accompanying press release from the Department for Transport was inaccurate, lacking coherent detail and worst of all, seemed hastily prepared.
It talked of 'reinstatement oflines' although four lines already exist! In one case the 'reinstatement' meant a passing loop to permit more services. Perhaps the words should have been 'enhancement' or 'reintroduction ofservices'? However, it's a step in the right direction.
There were 60 schemes or so under consideration. Oddly, some rail reopening projects are further advanced than those selected and might have cheaper overall costs, being able to realise benefits sooner by encouraging a modal shift to rail, yet 50 failed to attract funding. Many rail commentators were surprised at the choice, not only questioning the process, but what weighting was given to applications. It also wasn't clear if failed applications are automatically submitted for a second round offunding. Confusing? You bet!
Government must deliver clear and concise information to the public - something that has been very much lacking oflate - but announcing 4,000 miles ofroad-building plans worth £28billion while simultaneously pushing a 'decarbonising' strategy leaning towards rail simply adds to a mixed message from the Dff.
Transport Secretary Grant Shapps says "public transport and active travel will be the natural first choice for our daily activities" and "we will use our cars less".
So why isn't more ofthe £28bn being spent on rail projects - new electrification, grade-separated junctions or route enhancements for increased capacity? Not everyone wants to or can drive. Not everyone can cycle or walk to work, but needs to use one or a combination ofreliable public transport options.
IfMr Shapps is serious and wants us to use our cars less, let's get the ball rolling with a programme ofeffective fill-in and rolling electrification schemes and other enhancements which actually encourage greater rail use.