Virgin’s chief operating officer Chris Gibb has said that 135mph running on some sections of the West Coast Mainline is vital if rail is to challenge competition from the airlines and make best use of capacity.
Although Pendolinos are capable of operating at 140mph – and this capability is being maintained by Alstom – to travel at this speed would require signalling alterations, whereas 135mph would present no such issues as drivers would still be able to see two sections ahead, which deals with any sighting problems.
Mr Gibb said: ” We are pleased that Network Rail agrees with us in this instance and is working positively with us to deliver this change.”
