The government has recently confirmed that diesel trains will be operating on the East-West Rail project that links Milton Keynes to Oxford.
This decision has led many disgruntled due to the numerous environmental concerns as well as the fact that this project is not fully “future-proof” as extensive modifications may be required in the future.
Back in 2018, the government put forward plans to slowly phase out all diesel-only trains by 2040 – instead opting to utilise electric powered trains going forward. Due to this fact, further additional spending will be needed in order to convert the tracks later on down the line, potentially costing the taxpayer millions.
The Shadow Chancellor, Anneliese Dodds, took to social media to condemn the choice, she said: “Every rail expert will tell you it costs more to electricity railway lines later.
“More money wasted by this irresponsible government.”
Milton Keynes Councillor Emily Darlington also expressed her disappointment with the decision on Twitter, she posted: “Such a missed opportunity. Diesel is not the future. We need to be thinking about how we address climate change in the infrastructure decisions.”
