Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask Her Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer by Baroness Vere of Norbiton on 11 July (HL16737), what plans they have (1) to review their decision to deploy new bi-mode trains on the Midland Main Line in the light of the substantial cost reductions being made on current electrification projects, and (2) to compare the present and future costs associated with the bi-mode trains in the light of experience with such trains on the Great Western Main Line.

The Department does not plan to review the decision to deploy bi-mode trains on the Midland Main Line. The new East Midlands franchise, which was awarded to Abellio in April 2019, will deliver new bi-mode intercity trains from 2022.These trains offer operational flexibility and resilience on both electrified and non-electrified sections of the network.

Rolling stock procurement and operational costs are a matter for train operators or owners. East Midlands Railway is committed to the procurement and operation of these bi-mode trains as set out in the Franchise Agreement.