The Association of Train Operating Companies (ATOC) has given its support to a new public interest initiative, known as Greengauge 21, which will lead the case for examining new railway lines in Britain.
Greengauge 21, which will bring together industry players such as ATOC as well as local and regional stakeholders, is being launched as a public interest group with the aim of developing a strategic plan for future rail expansion.
Chief executive of ATOC Michael Roberts said that the initiative would inject some much needed rigour into the debate about new rail capacity.
"Greengauge 21 will examine whether might be a case for high-speed lines," he said. "We need to plan ahead now for any new schemes but at the same time need to deliver and accelerate a range of network improvements over the next five years."
Greengauge 21 has welcomed an announcement by the Conservative Party's shadow Secretary of State for Transport, Theresa Villiers, which stated the party's commitment to increasing rail infrastructure in Britain.
Greengauge director Jim Steer said that high-speed rail is the key national transport investment needed for the century ahead.
"It will reduce carbon emissions, reduce oil dependency and provide a huge stimulus to regional economies," he explained. "High-speed rail will add capacity to our national transport network."
By Daniel Garrun
