How might new trains be powered and what can be done now to
ensure that they are suitable for the needs of passengers in the
future?
The Transport Committee is today launching an
inquiry into the development of alternatively fuelled
trains and how carriages can be designed to meet the changing
demands of the travelling public.
Scope of the inquiry
The inquiry will examine the costs and benefits to the rail
industry as it takes decisions about moving away from diesel
powered trains to electric and bi-mode and the use of alternative
fuels such as batteries and hydrogen. It will consider both
passenger benefits and how a shift could contribute to the
Government’s overall aim of reducing transport emissions over the
next 20 years.
With private vehicles and public transport likely to adapt to
changing technology demands from younger passengers, the
Committee will also be looking at how to ‘future proof’ rolling
stock, against changing expectations and technological
innovation.
Chair’s comments
Launching the inquiry, Chair of the Committee, MP, said:
“Trains and the technology behind them have been evolving since
the invention of the railway. With the carriages commissioned now
likely to be in service for the next four decades, it’s vital
that the Government and industry looks ahead to cater for the
needs of passengers of the future and ensure they are accessible
to all.
With the number of journeys on the railway continuing to grow,
this is also a chance to examine the role new trains can play in
reducing the country’s carbon emissions from transport and
improving air quality.”
Call for evidence
The Committee is calling for written
evidence on the following:
- what role
rail decarbonisation can make to the Government’s wider
commitments on air quality to 2040;
- whether there is adequate financial and other support from
the Government for the development of alternatively fuelled
rolling stock;
- how the industry is responding to the challenge of a
carbon-free transport future by 2040 and developing technologies
to achieve that;
- what challenges there are to deploying alternatively fuelled
rolling stock on the GB rail network, particularly given issues
with standards and loading gauge;
- what passenger benefits alternatively fuelled rolling stock
could provide;
- whether alternatively fuelled rolling stock would be cost
effective compared to EMUs over a 25-40 year life-cycle; and
- what the train interior of the future needs to have to ensure
continued growth in rail travel, particularly amongst young
people and future generations and to be fully accessible to all.
The deadline for written submissions is 23 May
2019.
