Plan to make rail line one of most advanced (From Swindon Advertiser)

Plan to make rail line one of most advanced

1:40pm Tuesday 9th March 2010 in

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SWINDON’S rail passengers could benefit from an electrification scheme and new trains, according to a rail industry study.

The Great Western document published by Network Rail says lines could benefit from more trains, better connectivity and shorter journey times – especially in key growth areas.

Residents could also see the main line become one of the “country’s most advanced” with the implementation of cutting-edge signalling technology by the end of the decade.

There would also be improvement to the infrastructure of the Great Western main line by powering trains with electricity. The scheme is currently at the early development stage and is expected to be delivered from 2016 to coincide with the launch of a new fleet of trains.

The Route Utilisation Strategy is also considering additional signals to Kemble as part of the Swindon-Kemble redoubling scheme, which hopes to increase capacity on the route.

Mike Greedy, manager of the rail watchdog Passenger Focus in the South West, said: “Passengers tell us that their future priorities include better punctuality, less overcrowding, later evening trains, better connections and journey time improvements.”

He said this study is a step in the right direction.