High-speed link to London
Written: 24th June, 2008
THE journey time for a train travelling between Cardiff and London could be slashed to 45 minutes if a new high-speed track is created, it was revealed today.
Network Rail today announced it was looking at the possibility of building a new high-speed line between the UK capital and South Wales to cope with increasing passenger demand. Trains on the line could be capable of travelling at up to 186mph – similar to the TGV trains on the French network – slashing journey times.
The new high-speed route is among five across the UK being considered as part of what rail bosses say amounts to the largest track build since the 19th century.
The company says consultants will be appointed by the end of July and the first report into the possibility of building new lines is expected by next summer. The consultants will look at five of the busiest routes in the country – including the Great Western main line, which runs between London Paddington, Cardiff and Penzance.
Currently, it takes at least two hours to go between London and Cardiff. On a new high-speed line it would take about 45 minutes to reach the Welsh capital. The trains travelling between the two cities currently travel at a maximum speed of 125mph.
A Network Rail spokesman told the Echo: “It is likely that it would stop at the bigger stations only. Potentially London, Bristol and Cardiff.”
The spokesman added there was no indication of what the cost of a ticket would be for the service.
National Rail believe the five lines will be full to capacity by 2025 even after planned improvements are made in the coming years.
The Rail, Maritime and Transport Union welcomed the move. Bob Crow, the union’s general secretary, said: “The future lies in high-speed rail and electrification of the existing network, because the environment and the economy are crying out for a decisive shift away from never-ending expansion of road and air travel and because the oil crisis is not going to go away.”
Source Wales Online