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Electric trains to London proposed
A MAJOR rail scheme to electrify further large sections of track including the line from Sheffield to London was proposed today by infrastructure company Network Rail.
At present only 40 per cent of the rail network – 8,000 out of a total of 20,000 miles – is electrified, at a time when passenger numbers are at their highest for decades.
In a consultation document today, Network Rail recommended the busiest 3,000 miles of non-electrified routes should be electrified as a priority.
The routes include the Midland Main Line from London St Pancras to Sheffield.
Network Rail chief executive Iain Coucher said: "Electric trains are not only better for the environment, but are quieter and smoother for passengers while causing less wear and tear to the track.
"They are more reliable and often faster. Further electrification will also help open up more diversionary routes so we can keep people on trains and off buses as we carry out planned rail improvement work."
Transport Secretary Geoff Hoon said: "I welcome this positive step taken by Network Rail, who carried out a valuable study with the help of the rail industry.
"I am particularly pleased they have identified Great Western Main Line and Midland Mainline as key network priorities."
Michael Roberts, chief executive of the Association of Train Operating Companies, said: "Now that NR has published its strategy, the Government should honour the commitment it made in January to make a decision, by giving the green light to electrifying."
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Weather for Sheffield
Thursday 09 February 2012
Today
Light snow
Temperature: -1 C to 1 C
Wind Speed: 7 mph
Wind direction: South west
Tomorrow
Light snow
Temperature: -2 C to 1 C
Wind Speed: 13 mph
Wind direction: South east
