Weston rail line electrification 'not viable', says DfT

[whole diary]

[Timmer]

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-bristol-13695270

The Department for Transport has officially ruled out electrifying the rail line between Bristol and Weston-super-Mare.

The government confirmed in March that the rail line between London and Cardiff would be electrified at a cost of ^1bn. The West of England Partnership wrote to the government to query if Weston would be included in the scheme. But the DfT^» (Department for Transport - about) replied saying there was not a "viable business case".

Stephen Howe, from the DfT's major network upgrades department, added that bi-mode trains that work on electric and diesel would serve Weston. He went on to tell the West of England Partnership that services did not run often enough to the seaside town to justify the spending.

"High frequency of services is needed if the fixed lineside cost are to be offset by the savings in train maintenance. "Unfortunately the frequency of trains between Weston-super-Mare and Bristol is not high enough to offset these costs."

Mr Howe added there could be hope in the future saying the Secretary of State said he would keep future electrification "under active review".

[anthony215]

 Similar to what they said about not extending the wires to Swansea.

I wonder if the DFT^▸ (Department for Transport) have taken into consideration about the Cardiff/Bristol Parkway - Weston Super Mare - Taunton services

[paul7575]

Similar to what they said about not extending the wires to Swansea.

I wonder if the DFT^▸ (Department for Transport) have taken into consideration about the Cardiff/Bristol Parkway - Weston Super Mare - Taunton services

They probably account for the fact that they are DMUs^▸ (Diesel Multiple Unit) and there's no current intention to change that.  I'm wondering if the earlier quote actually meant there aren't enough through trains from Paddington to Weston? 

Paul

[JaminBob]

Thats' a real shame. Short sighted. We're talking about 30mi of track which would have a huge benefit for the Bristol area. It may not even need a transistor you could just 'tack it on' to the main line's electrics. It could transform the WSM-CDF^» (Cardiff - next trains) and BPW^» (Bristol Parkway - next trains) routes allowing for 1/2hr and longer trains.

It may be worth anyone who lives in Liam Fox territory to write to him on the matter. MP^▸ (Member of Parliament)'s do read their letters.

 

[Tim]

They probably account for the fact that they are DMUs^▸ (Diesel Multiple Unit) and there's no current intention to change that.  Paul

There is no current plan to change the DMUs, but DMUs do not last forever.  When they need replacing the business case for electrifcation may be completely different.  I think we make the mistake as seeing electrification as all about improving services (longer, faster trains).  It isn't to the DfT^» (Department for Transport - about).  The question they ask is "will wires plus EMUs^▸ (Electric Multiple Unit) be cheaper than replacing the DMUs on this route".

Electrication can and will happen but only if it fits with teh rolling stock plan.

[eightf48544]

Electrication can and will happen but only if it fits with teh rolling stock plan.

Rolling stock plan! Which back of the envelope are you refering to?