Britain Government invited local authorities and private sector companies to invest in the rail network, as private companies have been asked to come forward with ideas to deliver a new southern rail link to Heathrow Airport.
In addition, they are being invited to propose schemes around the country that could enhance and expand the rail network. Promoters and investors now have 2 months to start working up proposals which are financially credible without government support.
Heathrow Airport link will be one of the first projects under government plans to invite third parties, such as local authorities and private sector companies, to invest in the rail network, over and above the EUR 53.6 billion the government is already planning for the next 5 years (CP6).
On March 20, Transport Secretary Chris Grayling launched a call for ideas on market-led proposals to enhance the country’s railways. There are already a number of consortia looking to construct the southern link to Heathrow.
“By encouraging innovative ideas and new investment on our railways, we can relieve the burden on taxpayers and fare payers with projects that match our transport needs. This can also support our economic and housing aspirations to ensure everyone benefits from an enhanced rail network,” Grayling said.
Proposed schemes would need to make commercial sense, build on the government’s significant investment in rail infrastructure and have the needs of passengers at their heart, without the over-arching need for government support.
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