Planned upgrade for rail routes
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/london/5301610.stm

Plans to upgrade rail services on some of London's busiest commuter
routes have been unveiled.
Network Rail announced a strategy for cross-London rail routes which
included new, longer and more frequent trains.

The move is to meet an anticipated 17% rise in passengers on the routes
over the next 10 years as well as an increase in freight.

Network Rail said the plans would "make the most effective and efficient
use of the capacity on London's railway".

Improvements to signalling, track, bridges and platforms were also put
forward by Network Rail.

The proposals referred to the north London line from Richmond to
Woolwich; the Gospel Oak to Barking line; the west London line from
Willesden to Clapham; and parts of the south London line between
Battersea Park and South Bermondsey.

Network Rail chief executive John Armitt said: "London's orbital routes
face passenger growth... but will also remain a key route for freight
traffic."

In a separate announcement, the Bombardier company said it had been
awarded a UKP223m contract with Transport for London to provide new
electric trains on the East London Line and the North London Railway.

The 100mph Electrostars will be introduced by May 2009.


Related TfL press release:
TfL awards UKP223m new trains contract
http://www.tfl.gov.uk/tfl/press-cent...-releases-cont
ent.asp?prID=882