Railway Electrification

Why are we waiting?

As far back as 1979, British Rail had a plan to cope with the oil crisis by developing an network electrification plan. It envisaged five teams stringing up 250 route-miles of overhead line equipment every year. The scheme died a death when Mrs Thatcher took power in the same year. The railways and Britain would have been in a much better position if the schem had gone ahead.
The many companies involved in the railways following rail privatisation in 1993 have forced electrification off the agenda for years. Short-term thinking and reluctance to invest without a quick profit have been allowed to marginalise strategic planning. There are now signs that Network Rail, the Government and even the Association of Train Operating Companies may be waking up to electrfication's many advantages. With global warming and road traffic pollution, they need to move faster.

Service improvements

Railfuture believes electrification of main lines and urban networks throughout the UK will bring major improvements to services and the passenger environment. Some minor lines should also be electrified to complete local and regional networks.

Less pollution

Railfuture supports electrification. In comparison to diesel, electric trains provide a quieter, faster, more pleasant journey. They prevent pollution in towns and cities, and are cheaper to run and more reliable.

Improved through services

An electrification policy is needed firstly on 'infill' routes to link existing electric networks where this will give operational gains passenger or environmental benefits. Electrification of the Chat Moss route between Manchester and Liverpool is a good example.

Electric rail for cities

Railfuture argues that a policy to develop electric urban networks with metro-style services will benefit all users and make a major contribution towards traffic reduction strategies.

The wider world

Even the Americans are waking up to the importance of conserving energy supplies by using electric traction for public transport. China is planning to expand its rail system from 43,000 to 62,000 miles. It will also electrify half that network.

When the oil runs short

For an American-based analysis of the current situation see: lightrailnow
It includes a link which allows you to download a 90-page report by Robert Hirsch on the energy crisis commissioned by the US Department of Energy.

Projects waiting for approval

Our present crop of scaredy-cat politicians need to wake up to the waste of opportunities in the past and the urgent need for action now.
Click electric projects to see some of the lines that should be electrified.