Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Chiltern Railways: Capacity

Thursday 10 October 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

  • Neil Shastri-Hurst asked the Minister to take steps to help expedite the approval of additional trains to increase capacity on Chiltern Railways.
  • Officials will continue to work with Chiltern Railways to support its fleet renewal programme, exploring options to expedite procurement of additional trains.
  • Chiltern's business case assesses both like-for-like and enhanced capacity options to relieve crowding on the Chiltern main line.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Neil Shastri-Hurst Con Solihull West and Shirley
Transport
Context

The question arises from the need to increase passenger capacity on Chiltern Railways, which has an aging fleet over 30 years old. The MP seeks steps to expedite train approval for improved service.

Question

If she will take steps to help expedite the approval of additional trains to increase capacity on Chiltern Railways. Chiltern Railways has the oldest fleet and needs additional capacity to meet constituent demands in Solihull West and Shirley.

Answer from Simon Lightwood

Officials will continue to work with Children Railways to support its fleet renewal programme, exploring options to expedite procurement of additional trains while ensuring robust assurance steps are followed for value for money.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The answer did not provide a specific timeline or commitment on expediting the approval process.

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Q2 Neil Shastri-Hurst Con Solihull West and Shirley
Transport
Context

The MP is concerned about overcrowding due to the aging fleet and seeks specific steps to address this issue for constituents in Solihull.

Question

Chiltern Railways has an old fleet over 30 years of age, necessitating additional capacity. The Department is committed to reducing overcrowding by moving rolling stock where needed. Can the Minister elaborate on specific steps being taken to reduce crowding on the Chiltern main line?

Answer from Simon Lightwood

Chiltern's business case assesses like-for-like and enhanced capacity options. Like-for-like offers similar capacity but with modern trains, while enhanced capacity would run more services to relieve crowding. Both are under consideration ahead of further market engagement for a final decision based on value for money.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The answer did not provide specific steps or a timeline for reducing overcrowding on the Chiltern main line.

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