Following the Government announcement on the electrification of the Great Western Main Line and the Intercity Express Programme, Edward Welsh, from the Association of Train Operating Companies (ATOC) said:
“Passengers will welcome new trains, more seats and faster journey times. It’s great news that even when public finances are severely squeezed, ministers recognise the need for sustained and targeted investment in Britain’s railways as the popularity of rail travel increases and with demand expected to double over the coming decades.
“This multi-billion pound investment in new trains and electrification to Bristol and Cardiff will bring significant economic and environmental benefits for Britain, helping to boost capacity, speed up journeys and cut carbon emissions. We particularly welcome the announcement that train companies will have greater opportunity to contribute to the design and specification of these new trains.”
