§ Mr. PollardTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what options for additional capacity on the Thameslink rail route have been proposed since June 1999; and what is the timetable for such options. [109108]
§ Mr. HillThe loan of four class 317 units from WAGN and two class 319 units from Connex has resulted in longer trains on Thameslink services, providing 3,900 extra seats per week, and an extra train path from 26 September 1999. The SSRA are currently evaluating proposals for new rolling stock and further additional train paths on the Bedford to London section of the route. They are also investigating other options for additional capacity on this section. The earliest any further additional capacity could be provided by the acquisition of new rolling stock is September 2001.