Written question asked by Lord Darling of Roulanish (Labour) on Tuesday, 29 January 2013, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Friday, 1 February 2013. It was answered by Simon Burns (Conservative) on Friday, 1 February 2013 on behalf of the Department for Transport.

East Coast Railway Line

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport when he expects the (a) high-speed diesel trains and (b) electric trains operating on the East Coast Mainline to be replaced; and what estimate he has made of the likely cost of such replacement.

[140797]

Answer

The InterCity Express programme will provide sufficient new rolling stock to replace East Coast’s existing diesel High Speed Train fleet and to provide some additional capacity. This rolling stock is due to enter service on a phased basis during 2018 and 2019. This phase of the programme has a net present value cost of £1.8 billion at 2009 prices, which includes the capital and maintenance costs for trains and depots for the duration of the 27.5 year contract.

The programme also includes an option for the Government to secure further electric carriages as a follow-on order. The Department is currently analysing the strategic options for replacing or upgrading the electric InterCity 225 stock, including the option under the InterCity Express programme. A decision on whether to exercise this option is due to be taken later this year.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 140797; 557 c1005W
Session: 2012-13
Subjects: East Coast main line Rolling stock
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk

East Coast Railway Line

Secondary information

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