East Midlands Trains says electrification is good news for passengers

David Horne, Managing Director of East Midlands Trains today (16 July) welcomed the announcement by the Government to fund the £800m electrification of the Midland Main Line and upgrade key sections of the route.

Mr Horne said: “We welcome the news that the Government has today given the go-ahead to fund both the electrification and the upgrading of the Midland Main Line. This is a significant announcement which benefits our passengers and the communities we serve. Electrification will provide a smoother, quieter and quicker ride for passengers, cutting journey times while crucially delivering more capacity to cater for future growth.

“Not only will it be good for the environment, the project will create hundreds of jobs during the construction period, providing an estimated £450m of wider economic benefits to the cities and towns we serve.”

He added: “Today’s announcement is a particular credit to the combined efforts of MPs and councillors from all parties, East Midlands Councils, South Yorkshire PTE, local authorities and the LEPs throughout the East Midlands and South Yorkshire who have all worked together with the rail industry to argue the need for this investment to Government.

“Electrification will significantly reduce the costs of rolling stock, energy, track access and maintenance. It is estimated that electrifying the line from Bedford to Sheffield will save up to £60m every year in industry costs. That means within ten years of completion, the electrification of the line will have paid for itself and will continue to reduce the cost of rail to the taxpayer year on year.”