£37.5bn rail upgrade plan
Network Rail has outlined a £37.5bn plan to upgrade the UK’s railways over the next five years.
The proposals invest in an electrification programme aimed at improving reliability and speed, as well as measures to protect against floods and heat waves.
The plans assume a continued rise in fares, as well as Network Rail’s ability to make savings.
Network Rail’s chief executive said this morning that the UK’s rail system was already “performing out of its socks”, but emphasised the need for continued investment.
Sir David Higgins told Today: “We have to invest to save; we have to spend money now to create more capacity, to create a more resilient railway.”