Responding to Alistair Darling’s speech at a national rail conference on 15th March 2006, pteg Support Unit, Director, Tim Larner, said:

‘We welcome the comments made by Alistair Darling.  He recognises that investment in the rail network is essential to meet growing demand, and that this growth is taking place throughout the network, not just in and around London.  He mentions the problems being faced in Birmingham, Manchester and Leeds, and we are seeing rapid growth and record passenger numbers across our networks. We want to work with him to solve the capacity problems and maintain the economic growth these cities are delivering to the regions in the Midlands and North of England.’ 

‘But there are some ‘quick wins’ to be had.  We need speedy investment in longer trains and platforms, followed by improved frequencies, better inter-urban connections and upgraded infrastructure, particularly on trans-Pennine routes and links to regional airports.‘

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