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Waterloo to Reading Railway Line

Volume 454: debated on Thursday 14 December 2006

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what plans there are to change the (a) rolling stock and (b) engines on the Waterloo to Reading railway line; and whether older trains are to be re-introduced on this line. (108700)

Stagecoach, the successful bidder for the South Western franchise, will determine the rolling stock to be used on their routes. The Reading-Waterloo line is currently served by a mix of Class 450 “Desiros”, of which 17 more 4-car units have recently been purchased, and Class 458 “Juniper” trains. Both are modern, air-conditioned stock and there is no plan to introduce older stock onto this route. The older, but recently refurbished Class 455 units, are expected to run on more inner suburban services. Stagecoach will confirm arrangements to the public in due course.