Millions for better rail services

PRIME Minister David Cameron has described a package of improvements to rail services connecting the North’s major cities and London as the biggest modernisation of the railways since the Victoria era.

The Government promised faster journey times along the East Coast Main Line with £240m of improvements to the route.

Ministers also confirmed the Government will fund the so-called Northern Hub package of measures to increase the number of transpennine rail services and cut journey times.

In addition, work will begin on plans to electrify the Midland Main Line that connects Sheffield and London at a cost of £800m as part of a scheme to create an “electric spine” connecting the North with south coast ports.

Business leaders have been urging the Government to invest in better transport connections over and above the long term plan to introduce new high speed rail services through the HS2 line.

Prime Minister David Cameron said: “From Crossrail, high speed rail and now the billions of pounds of investment we are announcing today, this government is committed to taking the long term decisions to deliver growth and jobs.

“In what is the biggest modernisation of our railways since the Victorian era this investment will mean faster journeys, more seats, better access to stations, greater freight links and a truly world class rail network.”

The improvements will be paid for through fare rises and “efficiency savings” with work starting in 2014.

Transport Secretary Justine Greening said: “Investment on this scale, in every region of the country, shows how this coalition government is focused on delivering an affordable, reliable and faster railway network that drives jobs and growth.

“These plans to increase capacity and shorten journey times on intercity, commuter and freight services are, alongside our plans for high speed rail, absolutely key to securing our country’s prosperity in the decades ahead.”