Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Rail Connectivity: Cambridge and Norwich

Thursday 8 February 2024 · 2 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 2 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Greater Anglia operates an hourly direct service between Cambridge and Norwich using new rolling stock.
  • Changing trains at Ely station is an alternative option for passengers.
  • The Ely junction capacity enhancement scheme is at the business case stage and referenced in the Prime Minister's Network North plan.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Jerome Mayhew Con Broadland and Fakenham
Transport
Context

The issue of increasing rail connectivity is being raised to improve travel efficiency between two major cities, with a focus on the Ely junction capacity enhancement scheme.

Question

What steps he is taking to increase rail connectivity between Cambridge and Norwich. Greater Anglia operates an hourly direct service using new rolling stock but changing trains at Ely station is also possible. However, delays in getting the Ely junction fixed are holding back improvements.

Answer from Huw Merriman

Greater Anglia operates an hourly direct service using new rolling stock, with journey time of around 80 minutes. Changing trains at Ely station is also possible. The Ely area capacity enhancement scheme could create improved regional journeys but it involves further investment case development and delivery planning.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific timeline for fixing the Ely junction was not provided.

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Q2 Jerome Mayhew Con Broadland and Fakenham
Transport Business & Trade
Context

Growing business costs in Cambridge are prompting calls for improved rail frequency and speed to promote the Norwich-Cambridge tech corridor.

Question

Costs are rising for growing a business in Cambridge, yet Norwich is just down the road and down the railway. We need greater train frequency and faster trains to make the tech corridor a reality. The delays in getting the Ely junction fixed are holding back progress. How soon will that be sorted out?

Answer from Huw Merriman

The Ely junction capacity enhancement scheme is referenced in the Prime Minister's Network North plan and is at business case stage. Further investment case development and delivery planning are needed, but it will deliver for rail freight.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific timeline for sorting out delays was not provided.

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