'Royal commission' needed for travel infrastructure- East business group
It follows a new report, which claims that more investment into rail would create billions more for the economy
A local business group says 'a royal commission for infrastructure' is needed, to help the East grow faster.
It follows a new report, which claims that more investment into rail would create billions more for the economy.
The report by the Railway Industry Association, argues that rail plays a crucial role in boosting productivity, creating jobs, and reducing regional inequality.
It goes on to the say that the industry generates a 41 billion pound annual economic contribution.
"We have slow trains that aren't even up to the standard necessary"
James Palmer is chair of the Eastern Powerhouse:
"Investment here would see huge returns, we know that our rail network here is poor and what I mean by that is that it doesn't reach as many places as it could.
"Beyond that, large portions of the network are not even electrified, so we have slow trains that aren't even up to the standard necessary.
"The key areas where changes and upgrades are needed is between Norwich to Cambridge, between Ipswich to Norwich, here.
"Beyond that the routes between Cambridge to London and Ipswich to London, could and should be faster.
"I would also like to see the route between Peterborough and Cambridge upgraded, which at the moment is shockingly bad.
What's the Government said on this?
The Transport Department says it's set aside nearly nine million pounds for local authorities to make public services deliver quicker and more reliable journeys.