Norfolk MP George Freeman has advised that he is seeking support to upgrade the Norwich to Cambridge rail line into what he terms as the ‘Innovation Express’. The Innovation Express should include wi-fi; smart trains; e-ticketing; bike racks at the stations; and a half hourly service. He outlined that a better service between the two cities could potentially bring further investment into our region and that he will be discussing the idea with Patrick McLoughlin, the Transport Secretary when he meets him later this year.
Mr Freeman, MP for Mid Norfolk, said: “Norwich and Cambridge are two world class centres in technology and innovation and in any other advanced economy the rail service between these centres should be frequent, fast and high quality, with modern and well equipped stations.”
Caroline Williams, Chief Executive of Norfolk Chamber said: “Norwich has a thriving digital creative sector and is a Tech-City. We are also the base for the world-renowned Norwich Research Park. Therefore, it is important that Norwich and Norfolk are well connected to allow our businesses to compete on a level playing field with the rest of the UK. Having good infrastructure links is vital and Norfolk Chamber wholeheartedly supports Mr Freeman’s calls for an ‘Innovation Express’ for our rail links between Norwich and Cambridge.”
Mr Freeman outlined the improvements that he wanted to see be:
- Faster delivery of the doubling of the Ely North Junction – work that would be crucial to any line enhancements.
- Faster delivery on the upgrades at Ely station to Ely North Junctions
- The doubling of the Trowse Swing Bridge
- An increase in line speeds between Norwich and Ely to 90mph or 100mph
- The delivery of the Felixstowe to Nuneaton and Norwich to Ely electrification
- An improvement to the day-to-day infrastructure performance to improve punctuality
- A half hourly services between Norwich to Cambridge
He also called for further improvements such as train refurbishments to include wi-fi and plug points and improvements to stations along the line.
