Member Article

Transport Secretary promises 4,000 more peak seats into London every day

Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin has today announced plans to give rail passengers in the West of England, Thames Valley and South Wales more seats, more services and two new fleets of modern trains.

The government has reached an agreement with First Group plc for First Great Western, (FGW) to continue to operate trains between London Paddington, the Cotswolds, South Wales and the South West until April 2019.

The new deal will include a host of extra benefits for passengers including around 3,000,000 additional seats per year by 2018 across the franchise.

McLoughlin has also promised 4,000 more morning peak seats into London every day by December 2018.

As part of the announcement, the government is also hoping to introduce of 58, four-car electric trains for Thames Valley services.

Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin said: “I am determined that passengers in the West, Thames Valley and South Wales get a railway that is fit for the 21st century.

“This is a fantastic deal which will give them more seats, more services and brand new fleets of modern trains.

“This government knows the importance of our railways. That is why they are a vital part of our long term economic plan, with over £38 billion being spent on the network between 2014 and 2019.”

FirstGroup Chief Executive Tim O’Toole said: “We are delighted to be awarded the contract by the DfT to operate the Great Western franchise to at least April 2019, in a deal that will deliver for passengers and taxpayers.

“As the proud operators of this important franchise, we will be using our unrivalled knowledge and experience of the network to help deliver significant upgrades over the next few years, in particular the introduction of new trains as the mainline is electrified.

Intercity Express Trains into service between London, Bristol and South Wales and the Cotswolds from summer 2017. Government will also work with FGW to improve the performance and quality of the rolling stock serving the south west of England, particularly for intercity services, during this Direct Award.“

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ellen Forster .