Local communities not currently served by the UK’s rail network could receive a boost as the UK Department for Transport is to provide a fund for new stations.
The £20m fund is intended help local British communities to boost their economy as more new stations are likely to be opened en route.
Robin Gisby, the managing director of network operations at Network Rail, said, ‘Rail is absolutely vital to the economy, connecting people with jobs, bringing friends and families together and helping businesses move goods from ports and airports to our high streets.
As more and more people decide to travel by train, it is important we not only expand capacity where it is needed but also improve access to rail travel. This fund will provide a welcome boost for all those who wish to see better rail links in their community.’
Nick Ellins, the director of policy for the Association of Train Operating Companies (ATOC), said, ‘With train travel more popular now than it has been for 90 years, train companies play a vital role in helping Britain grow and create jobs by connecting families, friends and communities. This fund is yet another way of helping improve and widen access to rail travel even further and aims to build on today’s near record levels of passenger satisfaction.’
The funding proposals for the new stations are likely to be assisted by the rail operating companies and Network Rail.
Network Rail has also welcomed the UK Government decision to propose HS2 phase 2, a new high-speed route that is intended to transform the way that people travel in the UK. The new rail route is expected to provide better connectivity between UK cities.
