Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask His Majesty's Government what is the latest cost-benefit calculation for the construction of the four fast-line platforms on the Great Western Main Line at Old Oak Common.

Old Oak Common station design has been reviewed, and it was concluded that considering programme, cost, and railway impacts as well as required operational flexibility, the best and only viable option is to continue with the existing design. The 8 platforms within the conventional station include the four fast line platforms, principally to be used for the Great Western Railway, and four relief line platforms principally used for Elizabeth Line passengers. Detailed modelling and analysis are ongoing to determine the optimum service pattern under different scenarios, and to inform decisions on calling patterns and frequencies at Old Oak Common.