WATTS THE DIFFERENCE! RAIL’S ELECTRIFYING!
ASLEF has long argued for the electrification of the UK rail network. Our three chief arguments are that electrification; would make for a railway that is cleaner for both driver and passenger; that cuts down on the emissions that cause global warming; that, by cutting reliance on oil, ensures there will be a rail network in the future.
The campaign must involve us with a range of other organisations who share some of our objectives. In particular this must involve
- Passenger groups
- Environmental campaigners
- Those with concerns about oil dependency
It must also involve other central issues, specifically about the way that the additional electricity demand will be generated and who is to provide funding for such a major project
We are arguing for perhaps the most fundamental change in the railway infrastructure since we moved from steam to diesel. Obstacles and objections will litter our path. It will not be easy, nor quick.
But I believe that it is essential. And I am convinced that if we all play our part, we can be successful.
For all our sakes, I hope I’m right.
Keith Norman - General Secretary – ASLEF
Click here to view campaign flyer
WE’D ALL BENEFIT FROM ELECTRIFICATION
There is a growing consensus that the electrification of rail must change from being a desirable objective into a vital necessity. A number of pressing events have come together to cause this: the shortage of oil, the concern over the environment, pressure on cab conditions and demand from passengers for higher standards.
GOVERNMENT VIEW(S)
In 2008 even Ruth Kelly, the Minster of State for Transport, began to make positive noises about electrification. This was welcome, if a little unexpected. Only last year the government published a White Paper called ‘Delivering a Sustainable Railway’. The section dealing with electrification was discouraging. It said, ‘It would not be prudent to commit now to ‘all-or-nothing’ projects, such as network-wide electrification’ although the case would be ‘kept under review’ (which is government- speak for shoved in a cupboard and ignored). The White Paper outlined three main reasons for not pursuing it. These were
• Electrification is expensive. If would bear the cost of more urgently-needed investment in increased carrying capacity
• The future performance of electric and self-powered trains is unpredictable. There remain considerable uncertainties about the relative pace at which these technologies will develop
• Electrification would be more cost-effective if it were implemented after radio-based cab signalling
However, the government position seems to have changed. Ruth Kelly told a ‘Transport Times’ Conference on 'Action on Climate Change: A Role for Transport'.
‘In last year's Rail White Paper we rightly prioritised investment for the next five years in a massive increase in carrying capacity – but looking beyond that I can see great potential for a rolling programme of electrification.’
She went on to say that, ‘Electric trains are cheaper to operate than diesels, require less maintenance, and emit between 20%-35% less carbon’ and ‘Electric trains are zero emission at point of use – improving local air quality’ and they offer ‘additional carrying capacity and improved passenger comfort.’
ALLIES COMING OUT OF OUR EARS!
Apart from the environmental aspects, electrification can help the continued rise of our railways. Journeys on electric traction trains are quieter, smoother and usually quicker. They are less noisy for people who live near lines. Marketing specialists talk about the ‘sparks effect’, saying that as passengers notice increased investment is made, they are attracted to this mode of transport. Electric traction also benefits smaller station because trains can stop more often with a smaller time delays – so it is easier to service less popular stations.
WHEN DO WE START?
ASLEF’s campaign starts now. When Ruth Kelly said she saw ‘great potential for a rolling programme of electrification’, she committed the government to set up a ‘cross-industry working group to re-examine the business case for electrification, explore how costs can be brought down much further and agree priority schemes.’ She aims to have an initial study completed during 2008.
ASLEF will play its full part in that process because we believe that we can, through electrification, improve conditions for staff and passengers, ensure the future of a growing and efficient railway network and stop unnecessary waste of our planet’s resources.
KEITH's COMPASS ARTICLE - to read keiths article click on this link http://www.compassonline.org.uk/news/item.asp?n=3246
