The Guardian - UK / March 9, 2007
The Intercity 125, the workhorse of Britain's long-distance rail network, will cost at least £1bn to replace after the government yesterday revealed plans for a new generation of high-speed trains.
The new trains will be introduced from 2014, the Department for Transport said. At least 500 carriages are needed to replace the 30-year-old fleet but the final order could be for up to 2,000, which would value the deal at between £1bn and £4bn, with each carriage costing up to £2m.
The 125 is being phased out in preparation for a 30% rise in train usage over the next decade. The national passenger watchdog warned that the trains should not duplicate the cramped conditions that are a feature of many rail services. Colin Foxall, chairman of the rail watchdog Passenger Focus, said: "We will not get people switching from cars to the train unless a reasonable experience is provided, one that people are prepared to tolerate."
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