Memorandum by Westcoast Rail 250 (RES
6)
REGIONAL EUROSTAR SERVICES
West Coast Rail 250 notes with interest the
intent of the Transport Sub-committee to undertake an enquiry
in the regional Eurostar rail services, and the matters which
the Sub-committee intends to consider. I have just been informed
of this matter, and I would be pleased if you could take the following
points into account, relating to each of the main points of inquiry.
WCR250 understands that the route for these
services has now been cleared for services from Manchester and
Birmingham, and that clearance of the East Coast Main Line through
to Newcastle, Edinburgh and Glasgow will be completed early next
year.
WCR250 has not considered that services as proposed
by London & Continental provided any firm basis for a viable
commercial operation. Alternative proposals have been put forward
by Virgin Trains, and although WCR250 could not endorse these
at present, they do appear to provide a much more realistic basis
for a viable operation.
WCR250 sees few other opportunities for using
the regional Eurostar trains. They are only capable of operation
on either the East Coast or West Coast Main Lines, but in their
present form (i.e., length) may not be capable of working into
some stations such as Kings Cross. The very large seating capacity
within the 14-coach length also provides an overlarge capacity,
the use of which could perhaps be maximised by division into 7-car
sets, though this would entail additional capital conversion costs.
WCR250 is anxious that a decision is made soon
to commence services to the regions. Technical problems have already
delayed their introduction by several years, and just as these
have been resolved the whole future of the service has been thrown
into doubt.
Peter Robinson
Campaign Co-ordinator
23 November 1998
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