Caroline Pidgeon AM, Leader of the Liberal Democrat London Assembly Group, commenting on the confirmation today by the Treasury that funding has been secured to ensure the long overdue electrification of the Barking to Gospel Oak train line, said:
“This is incredibly welcome news. Electrification of this railway line stretching from Barking to Gospel Oak is exactly what long suffering passengers on this line have been waiting for. They can now look forward to a much more reliable service.
“However the benefits of electrification go much further than just an improved service for passengers. Electrification will lead to quieter trains and an end to harmful diesel particulates being churned out. An added benefit is also the ability for far more freight to be transported by rail as opposed to on our roads.”
“The Barking to Gospel Oak users group has done a great job over the years in helping to keep the pressure up on this issue and it has been a delight to have campaigned alongside them.”