§ Mir. RedwoodTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what additional charges Network Rail will make to express train operators for each express train path, following the upgrade of the west coast main line. [125753]
§ Dr. HowellsThe rail regulator is currently conducting an interim review of Network Rail's track access charges payable by franchised passenger operators. As part of this he is considering the costs that Network Rail will incur and the scope for efficiency savings both in relation to the west coast route modernisation and the rest of the work that Network Rail has to undertake.
§ Mr. RedwoodTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many extra passengers he estimates will be carried each day on the west coast mainline following the upgrade of the route. [125760]
§ Dr. HowellsThe Strategic Rail Authority's plan for the west coast main line upgrade, published in June, envisages an increase in passengers of between 15 per cent, and 25 per cent, between London and Birmingham, Manchester, Liverpool and Glasgow.