Brian Binley MP for Northampton South and Chairman of the Northampton Rail Users Group has welcomed the written ministerial statement made today by Transport Minister, Theresa Villiers which has announced an additional 28,000 seats on the West Coast mainline.
The news came as the Department for Transport confirmed it has now agreed an extension with West Coast Trains Limited and Virgin Rail Group. Over the course of the extension, three new 600-seat Pendolino trains will be added to the line and 31 of the existing trains will be lengthened from 9 to 11 carriages. In all, 106 new carriages are being introduced on the route making 28,000 seats available each day.
Brian said: “I am absolutely delighted that additional capacity has been found for the West Coast Main Line and this will undoubtedly have a positive effect for commuters and passengers from Northampton.”
“Although only a few Virgin Trains stop at Northampton, the announcement should help London Midland services which will benefit the town.”
“Whilst I welcome the decision, it is clear that in the longer term, even with these improvements, the line will be at full capacity by 2024. We need High Speed 2 to free up the slots of the West Coast Main Line to provide the level of service Northampton will need to support its growth projections.”
“The additional capacity will also be of benefit to the nation as a whole. The West Coast Mainline is one of our busiest and most important rail arteries and is vital for trade and industry. We need the additional line support HS2 to guarantee the future prosperity of the Nation.”
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