Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, pursuant to the Written Ministerial Statement of 20 July 2017, HCWS85, on rail update, which models of (a) electric trains which would have been used on the lines will no longer be electrified and (b) bi-mode trains will now be used on those lines.

This Government is committed to using the best available technology to improve journey for passengers across the country – both through infrastructure works and new and refurbished rolling stock.

Electrification and bi-mode operation are not mutually exclusive. The Government is already taking advantage of the opportunities bi-mode trains presented by their ability to work across the network.

Great Western: From October 2017, passengers in Wales began to benefit from new bi-mode Intercity Express trains which will each deliver over 130 more seats, faster journey times and improved connectivity for south Wales to London with 40% more seats in the morning peak once the full fleet is in service.

Midland Main Line: Electrification of the whole route would have meant passengers waiting longer for new trains, as well as having more disruption to their journeys.

We will use the competition for the next operator of the East Midlands franchise to determine the precise model of train along the route.

Windermere: From May 2018, Northern will operate the route between Oxenholme and Windermere with a Class 319 flex, otherwise known as a Class 769. This is a bi-mode train, adapted from a former electric-only train which will be able to run under its own power as well.

Northern, the train operator, is looking at a number of technologies to improve journeys for passengers on this route and to protect the environment in this World Heritage Site.