Cumbrian rail infrastructure to take ‘major step forward’

The Department for Transport has revealed new measures to improve the rail infrastructure of Cumbria.

The Secretary of State for Transport, Chris Grayling MP, this week (July 20) said further funding will be invested into the county’s railways.

Lilian Greenwood MP, Chair of the Transport Select Committee, confirmed that the number of direct train services between the Lake District and Manchester Airport will double from May 2018.

From 2019, Northern Rail will bolster its services with the rollout of new trains featuring more seats and improved on-board facilities, including free WiFi, plug sockets, air conditioning and toilets.

The transport operator will also explore using alternative-fuel trains on the route by 2021 with a view to protecting the environment of the Lake District, which was recently awarded World Heritage status.

Cumbria Tourism welcomed the announcement as a “major step forward” for the area’s £2.72bn visitor economy.

Jim Walker, MD of Cumbria Tourism, said: “We’re delighted to hear the Government are investing in the Lakes Line from Oxenholme to Windermere.

“Cumbria is a world-class destination and offers world class facilities to its residents and visitors, so it’s only right that our transport infrastructure should be equally as good.”

He continued: “Cumbria Tourism is firmly behind the development of new sustainable travel solutions, to help create greener ways for visitors to enjoy our epic and diverse landscape.”

The investment is part of the Government’s Great North Rail Project, which is aiming to ramp up train frequencies, add new direct services on the West Coast Main Line and improve overall journey times between Cumbria and the wider North West.

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