When was network rail privatised

Infrastructure Intelligence. Advertise with us Free e-newsletter. Twitter LinkedIn Youtube. Search form Search. You are here Home » News and Analysis. Andy Walker 20 May Twitter Facebook LinkedIn. If you would like to contact Andy Walker about this, or any other story, please email awalker infrastructure-intelligence.

Related articles. Rail diversity charter celebrates first year with organisations signed up. However, electrification involves big, upfront costs for Network Rail and ministers are anxious about spending the money. Also, when existing lines are being electrified, they tend to be closed down for a while and this is not good news for users.

Increasing train capacity to keep up with demand is problematic. Many lines run close to private property and there is no space to add new lines. Doubledecker trains, as used in some European countries, cannot be deployed because British bridges are too low. Longer trains could be added in some cases but this may require platform alterations or technology that prevents rear doors from opening.

There is already technology that is enabling trains to run faster and closer together — but this has its limits. Although these trains may run faster, passengers still need just as much time to get on and off, so bottlenecks emerge.

Building new lines tends to be less problematic than upgrading old ones and there is no disruption while the work is being done. But, it always involves significant expenditure. Almost certainly. The high-speed rail bill, which paves the way for the first phase of HS2 , London to the West Midlands, was passed in the House of Commons in March this year by votes to Talk to us on Twitter via Guardianpublic and sign up for your free weekly Guardian Public Leaders newsletter with news and analysis sent direct to you every Thursday.

Privatised, nationalised, electrified? A guide to the UK's railways. Rail upgrades are expensive and the government has to subsidise the industry. Other options. Close drawer menu Financial Times International Edition. Search the FT Search. World Show more World. US Show more US. Companies Show more Companies. Markets Show more Markets. Opinion Show more Opinion. Personal Finance Show more Personal Finance.