BRIGG & GOOLE MP ANDREW PERCY EXPLAINS THE MANCHESTER TO SHEFFIELD PASSENGER TRAIN SERVICE ISSUE

This is not a firm proposal, it is an initial discussion document about how a new franchise may operate. There is therefore every chance it may change. 

The comments about poor rail investment are simply untrue, we are seeing the biggest investment in the railways for a generation. Between 1997 and 2010 just 9 miles of track were electrified. This Government is electrifying over 800 miles of track. 

It is something of a bitter irony that because of this record investment in electrification, there is going to be a squeeze on the number of diesel units available to run the non-electrified routes as there is obviously no incentive to invest in new diesel units with lifespans of decades, when their future use is limited. That is partly what drives this proposal for our route. 

We are pursuing electrification for our local routes, as the north bank has just had electrification announced through to Hull. Again, this is not that simple either as our route is very valuable and well used for freight. Freight operators have not been as keen on electrification for a variety of reasons, but that may be softening. 

It is important not over simplify this issue or to believe it is driven by a dis-investment in rail, it is actually the reverse. 

Martin Vickers MP (for Cleethorpes) and I are fighting this on two fronts. Of course we oppose the initial consultation (which is also based on low usage numbers beyond Sheffield) but we are also seeking a feasibility study into electrification through to Cleethorpes, too. Electrification remains one of the best ways of securing direct services. 

I hope this is of interest and thank you for your support on this matter. 

Regards

Andrew Percy MP