Latest on IEP/GWML

[LE Greys]

What loading gauge is the GWML, the map I have here seems to show it is mostly now cleared as W8 (as a side note it shows most of the ECML as W9)?

It used to take 9ft 7 width coaches, but I imagine that various structures have intruded into it since then.

 

[Solaris]

announcement tomorrow.....?
http://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/w...south-wales-expected-tomorrow-91466-28251462/

 

[WatcherZero]

The Welsh press have gone crazy on positive speculation the last couple of weeks with no real basis in fact. I fear they may be dissapointed but then I wonder if the governments as stupid as to make a dissapointing announcement on St Davids day!

 

[krus_aragon]

A major policy announcement in Wales by the Westminster government, two days before a referendum on whether Westminster needs to give prior authorisation for the Welsh Assembly Government to make legislation? I think the electoral commission would blow its top...

 

[Solaris]

A major policy announcement in Wales by the Westminster government, two days before a referendum on whether Westminster needs to give prior authorisation for the Welsh Assembly Government to make legislation? I think the electoral commission would blow its top...

Good point. However, given rail infrastructure investment is not a devolved matter (and is unaffected by the referendum result on Thursday) then perhaps not such a big issue?

 

[WatcherZero]

The statement on IEP and Electrification will be 4:30 today in House of Commons.

 

[Zoe]

The statement on IEP and Electrification will be 4:30 today in House of Commons.

Everyone switch on BBC Parliament then, I doubt it will be live on any of the news channels.

 

[anthony263]

between 15:30 & 16:30 according to once website

 

[starrymarkb]

http://www.parliamentlive.tv/Main/Player.aspx?meetingId=7728

Currently discussing Aid - IEP is second on the agenda

 

[Nym]

*Turns to channel 81* Ready for an argument anyone?

 

[Zoe]

*Turns to channel 81* Ready for an argument anyone?

201 for me.

 

[Nym]

Must we disagree on everything Zoe?

 

[Zoe]

Must we disagree on everything Zoe?

Not a disagreement, I was just saying that I was watching channel 201, BBC Parliament.
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---
Live now on BBC Parliament.

 

[Nym]

Nooooooooo!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Agility trains is staying

 

[Zoe]

11000 more peak time seats on GWML and ECML. Hitachi confirmed train assebly plant in Contry Durham.

 

[starrymarkb]

RT: TheFactCompiler: Activate Alstom Legal Team

 

[Zoe]

Electrification confirmed to Bristol and Cardiff.

 

[Nym]

Bristol and Cardiff Confirmed

Beat me!

 

[Zoe]

Faster journey times to Bristol and Cardiff. Business case for electrification depends on frequency. London to Swansea is only one train per hour. No viable business case for electrification from Cardiff to Swansea. Journey times to Swansea to be shortened, trains switching to diesel power at Cardiff. No time saving benefits from electriciation. Business case to remain under active review.

 

[Nym]

Carfiff Valley lines have a good case!

 

[Zoe]

Good case for electrifying Cardiff Valley lines, dft to work with Welsh Assembly Governemnt for business case during next control period. Best value for money electrification in Wales.

 

[starrymarkb]

Valleys to be done too
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---
but wales must buy their own units

 

[WatcherZero]

IEP continued, financial close before end of year.
11,000 seats on GWML and ECML from IEP.
Newton Aycliffe will be the Hitachi factory 500 direct jobs + others in supply chain.
Didnt mention anything on stock specifically but sounds like it will still be a mix of all electric, all diesel and bi-mode.

Electrification to Bristol and Cardiff (sounds like heavy WAG pressure)
Jounrey time L-C 1hr 52m. GWML electrification to Swansea rejected, not frequent enough to be commercially viable and no time bonuses from better accleration due to speed limits. Valley commuter lines do have a business case at first glance, will work up a feasability study for 2014-2019 electrification, Electric trains to operate would be ordered/leased by WAG.

 

[Zoe]

So it's still possible that Cardiff and Bristol will be EMUs then with only Swansea requiring bi-mode?

 

[WatcherZero]

Labours asking a lot of good questions, we will see if he answers any.

Also apparantly government sneaked out yesterday the announcement they were axing the Rail Services Development Grant (which pays for a trial of services to see if passenger numbers make it viable as a permanent optional or required franchise requirement)

 

[Nym]

Yes, effectively the core of services will be Electric only...

Out of the 7.5tph off Paddington on the current timetable..

3.5tph will need to be Bi-Mode, and 4tph Electric Only (2tph Bristol, 1tph Cardiff Terminator, 1tph Oxford Terminator).

Hopfully cross country will see some IEP Trains...

 

[Zoe]

So that's 1 tph to Swansea, 1 tph to Worcester/Moreton, 0.5 tph to Cheltenham? Where's the other bi-mode train?

 

[Nym]

Penzance / Plymouth

 

[Zoe]

Penzance / Plymouth

That won't be b-mode though will it? I thought HSTs were to be retained for that route.

 

[WatcherZero]

Hammonds answers:
IEP stock will start being delivered to GWML from 2016 and ECML from 2018.
Cardiff electrification to be completed in 2017.

LOL! After criticising labour for maxing out NR credit card by borrowing against asset base Hammond is now saying Valleys electrification will be funded the same way, borrowing by NR.