The Government has announced a £9.4 billion investment into the UK’s rail network which it claims is the biggest modernisation since the Victorian era.
Crossrail, Thameslink, and electrification between London and Cardiff, Manchester to Liverpool and Preston, and across the Pennines, are among £5.2bn of projects already committed to during 2014-2019.
New schemes totalling £4.2bn unveiled today include an ‘electric spine’ running from Yorkshire and the West Midland to South Coast ports allowing for more reliable trains and completion of the "Northern Hub" improvements across Manchester city centre, Manchester airport and across to Liverpool.
There is also a new £500m rail link between the Great Western Main Line and Heathrow allowing direct services to the airport for passengers from the West Country, the Thames Valley and Wales.
The ‘High Level Output Specification’ package will be funded in part from fare rises already announced in 2010 and also from the substantial efficiency savings which projects like electrification will have on the long term operating costs of the railways.
Prime Minister David Cameron said: "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."
Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg said: "This is the biggest expansion in railways in over 150 years, with more than £9bn of investment across the country.
"The ‘Electric Spine’ will make a significant difference for passengers linking London, the Midlands and Yorkshire in a much more efficient rail line, connecting the South and North more effectively than ever before."
