In 2012 the Government set out the most ambitious rail programme since the Victorians – a £38 billion programme for enhancing and maintaining the current network. This will be benefiting Bath with the electrification of the Great Western Mainline.
However, important aspects of Network Rail’s investment programme are now behind schedule, something that could and should have been foreseen by Network Rail. That is why Transport Ministers have set out steps for getting on with this programme, including appointing a new Chairman who will develop proposals for how the rail upgrade programme will be carried out. I think this is the right approach.
I am also pleased that the Government has asked Nicola Shaw to report on the longer term future shape and financing of Network Rail. A scoping report has been completed, and a detailed report with implementation proposals will be published by the time of the Budget in spring 2016.