£38bn rail revamp 'reset' over costs and delays
A £38 billion five-year government plan to overhaul Britain's railways is being "reset" because it is "costing more and taking longer", Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin has said.
Network Rail's plans 'ambitious' but 'too optimistic'
Network Rail signed up to "highly ambitious" targets which "proved too optimistic", according to the Rail Delivery Group.
Michael Roberts, the director general of the group, which represents operators, said: "Britain’s railway is carrying record numbers of passengers and freight and in some places is virtually full to capacity, making continued investment crucial."
He added: "The majority of proposed enhancements will still go ahead, and it is important that the industry, government and regulator learn from this situation to ensure we do better in delivering the future improvements the railway needs.”
More top news
-
Joe Biden vows to fight racial inequality with economic agenda
The Democratic presidential candidate may also have shown his cards on his choice of running mate.
-
Trump reverts to promoting unproven drug as coronavirus treatment
The US president also shared a post on Twitter accusing Dr Anthony Fauci of misleading the public over hydroxychloroquine.
-
What the papers say – July 29
Fears over an impending second wave of coronavirus dominates Wednesday’s front pages.