London transport network to be developed
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Wayne Brophy

Jan 09, 2013

London transport network to be developed

Following the release of new figures predicting a significant increase in the population of London over the next few years, transport bosses have announced plans to expand the capacity of the capital's transport network, therefore helping to reduce congestion and enable more efficient logistical operations for businesses. Network Rail has announced plans for a new £37 billion investment in the national railway network over the next six years, following a recent report into overcrowding on trains. It was discovered that a number of commuter trains, particularly those in the area around London, were severely overcrowded, with the 07:44 between Henley-on-Thames and London Paddington emerging as the most extreme case. As the public transport network struggles to meet the growing demand from increasing numbers of commuters, the likelihood is that more people will turn to the roads during rush hour. This, in turn, may well pose problems for the logistics industry as freight vehicles now face the prospect of increased traffic. The news that the national railway network is set to be upgraded will therefore be welcomed by the business sector, with Network Rail pledging to add an extra 115,000 seats to London commuter trains by 2019, translating to a 20 per cent increase in capacity. With the capital's population expected to rise by around ten to 15 per cent over the same period, the proposed expansion could help to cushion the effect of an increased number of commuters. Transport for London bosses are also doing their bit to aid the traffic problems within the M25 by announcing new plans for further redevelopment of the tube network. Vauxhall station is to receive a £45 million makeover in order to improve access and increase capacity, while the Northern Line is to be extended to Battersea, therefore improving the public transport options in south west London and helping to remove some of the traffic from the roads. The new developments should help make life easier for freight transporters and other logistics service prodders, therefore helping the industry grow and opening up new careers in logistics. Cast UK is one of the country's leading professional level supply chain recruitment consultancies. Fill your next vacancy with us today!