😠 Old Oak Common Station

Westminster Hall

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The construction of Old Oak Common station for HS2 is set to disrupt rail services to the West and Wales for up to seven years, causing delays and slower journeys. MPs from affected regions expressed frustration over the lack of adequate mitigation, with the £30 million fund deemed insufficient and primarily focused on London improvements. The debate highlighted concerns about the long-term impact on journey times, with some trains potentially facing permanent delays even after construction. The Transport Minister acknowledged the issues and promised continued engagement to minimize disruption, noting that the future of train stopping patterns at Old Oak Common remains undecided.

Summary

  • Debate Topic: The session focused on the impact of the new Old Oak Common station on rail services to the West of England and Wales.

  • Current and Future Disruption: Construction of Old Oak Common will cause significant disruptions to rail services for the next six years. This includes 29 days of disruption in the current operational year, increasing to 47 days by 2028-29, with some days having no trains running at all.

  • Long-term Impact: After construction, all trains from the West and South Wales to London will have longer journey times, estimated at an additional four to seven minutes per trip.

  • Economic Concerns: MPs raised concerns about the impact of delays on local economies, particularly in tourism-heavy areas like the West and Wales, and requested assessments of economic disruption.

  • Mitigation Efforts: The government has invested £30 million to mitigate the impact, including electrification and alternative stabling for trains. MPs questioned whether this sum adequately compensates for the disruptions.

  • Service Improvements: Suggestions included improving rolling stock availability, enhancing Wi-Fi connectivity, and reducing overcrowding on trains. MPs also called for better communication about service changes to passengers.

  • Old Oak Common as an Interchange: There is potential for Old Oak Common to serve as a useful interchange for services to London, the Elizabeth line, and Heathrow. The government is considering whether all trains need to stop at Old Oak Common.

  • Welsh Rail Investment: Representatives from Wales expressed frustration over the lack of rail investment in Wales compared to other UK regions, and demanded fairer funding and consideration of their needs in the context of HS2.

  • Government Response: The Transport Minister acknowledged the disruptions and stated that the government aims to minimize them, while considering future timetables for train stops at Old Oak Common. The Minister confirmed ongoing research and meetings to address these concerns.

  • Public Engagement: The debate highlighted the need for better engagement with MPs and the public about the project’s impact and mitigation plans.

Divisiveness

The session displays a moderate level of disagreement, primarily centered around the impact of the Old Oak Common station on rail services to the West and Wales. Although the debate includes strong opinions and critiques, the tone remains largely cooperative. Participants share concerns about the construction’s impact, the adequacy of mitigation measures, and future service plans without overt hostility. There are no instances of personal attacks, but rather a focus on policy and its effects. The disagreement is constructively critical, with members from different parties proposing solutions and seeking assurances, indicating a willingness to work towards a common goal despite differing views on specifics.