Luke Pollard: New trains could be ordered today - so why the delay?

Labour candidate Luke Pollard has called on First Great Western and the Government to make an announcement on new trains before the election, not after it.

First Great Western has today been awarded a new four year franchise without any competition.

Luke Pollard, Labour’s Parliamentary Candidate for Plymouth Sutton and Devonport, said:

“The south west desperately needs new trains. What's hugely disappointing is that the decision to buy new trains could be taken today by the Government. Ministers do not have to wait until June when all the votes have been counted from the General Election.

I have been calling for months for Plymouth to have new trains on the lines, as our ancient rolling stock are soon going to be unfit for purpose.   New trains on the line means a better, faster service for customers who are paying ticket prices which have shot through the roof in recent years.

People in the south west deserve better than promises of proposals for new trains when the truth is the Government could green light buying new trains today if they wanted. We need new trains not more Government press releases and delays."