Great Western electrification a priority in Network Rail paper THE electrification of the Great Western Main Line has been slated as a priority in Network Rail’s Route Utilisation Strategy paper on electrifying the nation’s railways. The report asks whether further electrification will realise the three goals of the Depatment for Transport, and other local government; namely to lower operating costs, increase passenger utilisation and reduce environmental impact. The Great Western main line, which connects London Paddington to the South-West, passing through the Thames Valley, has been revealed to have the highest benefit to cost ratio, together with the Midland main line. The initial capital outlay is offset by a reduction in long-term operational costs, the report says. Electric trains emit 20-30% less carbon than their diesel counterparts, have better acceleration and breaking performance, and accommodate more passengers. There are also cost benefits: rolling stock operating costs are lower, the stock is more reliable, and it costs less to lease. The section of the track from London to Maidenhead is certain to be electrified due to the Crossrail project now underway, but Network Rail argues that further electrification to Bristol ‘is in the range of high value for money to financially positive’, thanks to high traffic and the relatively small section of track in question. Electrification is also considered beyond Bristol, and towards Swansea and Oxford, though the former is considered ‘low value.’ According to the report, the business case for the electrification of the Great Western main line is optimised if electrification is synchronised with the introduction of a Super Express fleet, which is part of First Great Western’s Intercity Express programme. Under this scenario, the benefits of electrification can be reaped as soon as the new trains are introduced. Discussions are underway with the government to fund this component of the scheme through their Regulatory Asset Base. Costs would include the purchase of new electric rolling stock, the procurement of grid supply points, as well as the specification, procurement, manufacture and testing of efficient ‘delivery units.’ The report says this process is lengthy and works should be spread over a long period. Network Rail will consider changes in costs and demand and the impact on the case for electrification. Currently, just 40% of the national rail network is electrified and it carries a similar proportion of the total passenger miles operated. To download the Network Rail paper in full, click here.