Alok Sharma, Member of Parliament for Reading West, today met with the new Network Rail Chief Executive, Andrew Haines, along with Mark Langman, Western Route Managing Director.

At the meeting, Andrew and Mark updated Alok on rail-related matters in the Reading West constituency. Andrew and Mark began the meeting by recognising issues with train performance this year, but provided assurance that all the infrastructure is now in place for the electrification of the railway from Reading to Newbury. This will mean that from January 2019, Great Western Railway (GWR) will be able to run new electric trains on this route. These trains will have more seats than the previous ones, and will cleaner and greener for the environment.

Andrew and Mark also provided an update on Theale Station, which was allocated funding after a campaign by Alok, Theale Parish Council, West Berkshire Council and local Theale residents, to persuade the Department for Transport to fund accessibility improvements at the station. Andrew and Mark explained that Network Rail will start work to tidy up the designs for the station ahead of going out to tender for the new footbridge and lifts to be delivered.

Alok recently formally supported a bid by GWR for Government money from the Access for All fund to improve access at Tilehurst Station.

Mark Langman also confirmed that Network Rail are considering the feasibility and potential timescales for installing shading for the lighting at Reading West Station so it does not disturb neighbouring homes. This comes after local residents contacted Alok to raise their concerns about the lighting, as both platforms are high above the neighbouring houses and gardens.

Alok said: “I am grateful to Andrew and Mark for taking the time to meet with me. It was useful to discuss train service punctuality, signalling works and accessibility issues at Tilehurst, Theale and Reading West stations.”

Mark Langman said: “Train performance has rightly been under a lot of scrutiny recently. Passengers want their train to arrive at their destination on time, and we recognise that the services have simply not been good enough. Together with GWR we are working to improve train performance and we have a plan setting out measurable actions over five key areas – fleet, traincrew, stations, external delays, infrastructure and planning – to recover and restore the stable railway passengers deserve.”

Photo (L-R): Mark Langham, Western Route Managing Director, Alok Sharma MP, Andrew Haines, Network Rail CEO