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Thameslink Programme inquiry

Status: Closed Opened: 3 Nov 2017 Closed: 3 Nov 2017 1 report
Inquiry scopeThe Thameslink Programme is a major project to extend Thameslink Rail services to 100 new stations and increase capacity on trains into central London, as well as updating rolling stock. The programme, sponsored by the Department for Transport, is worth £7 billion. It includes infrastructure works in central London managed by Network Rail, and acquiring 115 new trains. A recent report from the National Audit Office found that Network Rail had remained within its current infrastructure budget and introduced measures to better monitor the project’s finances. However, acquiring the new trains is behind schedule, and the UK’s wider rail network cannot yet support the new Thameslink services reliably. For example, between July 2015 and March 2017 13% of all cancellations and delays over 30 minutes have been due to track or signalling failures. As a result, the Department for Transport has elected to introduce services more slowly, with full rollout in December 2019, a year later than planned. The Public Accounts Committee will take evidence from the Department for Transport and Network Rail to ask about the Programme’s progress and how problems with the rail network can be addressed. The Committee will also seek assurances that the programme can be delivered without further delays, and avoiding cost increases.

Reports

1 report

Oral evidence sessions

1 session

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Date Session and witnesses Source
6 Dec 2017 No witnesses recorded View ↗