The full introduction of electric services on the Great Western Main Line (GWML) will not now take place until Control Period 6 (CP6, 2019-2024), with only the main line from Paddington to Cardiff due to be electrified by the end of 2019.
The revelation appears in Network Rail’s (NR’s) Enhancements Delivery Plan Update, ordered by its new chairman Sir Peter Hendy, and which was released on January 21 - a month later than the original target date.
And it could mean implications for the route’s main operator Great Western Railway (GWR), which is introducing bi-mode Hitachi Class 800 trains.
The hybrid units are capable of 125mph on electric power but only 100mph on diesel traction. They are due to enter service in 2017, and GWR insiders say it is important for NR to prioritise electrification of the 125mph sections of the GWML if they are to achieve timetabled journey times. Should they be restricted to long periods of running on 125mph sections under diesel power at 100mph, GWR insiders suggest that their ability to maintain timings could be in doubt.
- For more on this, read RAIL 793, published today.
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FrankH - 03/02/2016 11:55
It's fairly obvious if restricted to 100 mph they'd lose time on a 125 mph schedule. Looks like new trains on a partially electrified route running slower than the ones they're replacing, progress indeed.
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BigTone - 03/02/2016 12:12
If the GW mainline isn't ready, why send them there first? Time to rethink the deployment, VTEC and Hull Trains can make full use immediately
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Ben H - 03/02/2016 13:34
@BigTone Agreed - even more so if the AT300 version (with more diesel power available) cannot be delivered before 2018.
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hugp - 04/02/2016 13:28
piling hasn't even reached newbury yet! why not re think and extend electric wires to westbury, electrify bath to westbury, and through melksham, and continue to taunton. Then fill in taunton to Bristol.
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