THE good news now arriving on platform one is more rail services to Waterloo – and they’ll run faster too.
Long-suffering commuters will be encouraged by a meeting that Wokingham MP John Redwood had with Mark Carne, Network Rail’s chief executive last week.
He revealed that plans are being made to introduce digital train controls which, it is hoped, will increase rail capacity to Waterloo by up to 40%, meaning more trains will be able to run during rush hour. However, these are long term plans over the next 30 years.
Writing in his blog, Mr Redwood said: “[Mr Carne] made clear his commitment to improve services and the efficiency of the rail network. He has accepted the case many of us have made that there is insufficient commuter capacity at morning and evening peaks.
“He wishes to invest heavily in digital train control, which he thinks will enable more and faster trains on the existing track. Services into Waterloo are a priority for this new wave of investment. He aims to raise capacity into Waterloo by 40% by introducing digital signals. This would be helpful for our local train services on the Waterloo lines.”
Speaking to The Wokingham Paper, a spokesperson for Network Rail confirmed that Mr Redwood is on the right tracks with the plan which affects what is known as the Wessex route.
They said: “Network Rail is producing a programme of geographic route studies, in conjunction with rail industry partners and other stakeholders. The Wessex route study investigates what capacity and capability will be required from the railway network in Control Period 6 (2019-2024), and beyond up to 2043.”
“The Wessex route study is a vital part of our long-term planning process for the railway. With input from a wide range of stakeholders, including local authorities, train operators and passenger groups, the study sets out a vision for how the railway in Wessex can best meet demand and support economic growth over the next 30 years.”
