Tram-train or light rail option could be best chance of getting Wisbech line re-opened

The much anticipated Wisbech to March rail scheme could end up being a light rail service according to a report set to go to Wednesday's meeting of the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority's transport and infrastructure committee.

The committee will hear that whilst Nework Rail - which operates the railway system - believes a light railway could be the answer to securing the reopening of the Wisbech rail link - investigations into potential schemes have considered too many 'permutations' and more work is needed.

Not only have specialist consultants, Mott MacDonald, acting on behalf of the CPCA considered the light rail option, but they have also looked at a more conventional heavy rail operation.

Network Rail, has examined Mott MacDonald's reports in detail and has put its findings in a report to Wednesday's meeting. It has concluded that more work needs to be done and that discussions are needed between itself, the CPCA and the Department for Transport to determine the right direction for the project as there are too many options currently in the mix.

The transport operator also believes there are too many gaps and assumptions in the business case drawn up by Mott MacDonald making it difficult to fully determine the cost or viability of re-opening the line, either as a light or heavy rail scheme.

It also points out that various schemes have not been costed on a like for like basis, making it difficult to determine exactly how they compare cost wise.

Assumptions, which have been made, include the availability of track space to allow the Wisbech line to integrate seamlessly with the Peterborough to Cambridge line, but Network Rail says there currently is no line capacity for this to happen and assuming it will be available because of anticipated work at the Ely North Junction is not helpful.

There is also insufficient evidence showing what passenger usage might be or what demand there could be for a heavy freight option.

Having said that Network Rail described Mott MacDonald's reports as "well thought out" but the missing information means the report is not at the level usually expected of a full business case.

Network Rail said this is partly down to the fact it has not been heavily involved in the drawing up of the report but acknowledged Mott MacDonald had made a good job of highlighting the need for better transport links for Wisbech, which it described as an area of deprivation.

The rail operator says it now wants to see decisions taken to reduce the number of permutations for the project not only on whether it should be a light or heavy railway but also on other issues such as the location for Wisbech station.

By doing this it will make it easier to define the future of Wisbech Rail, which Network Rail, agrees could well see the light railway option being the most feasible.

That could mean having either tram, tram-train or very light railway vehicles running along the line once it finally opens. This would have the added advantage of having rolling stock that is able to run on both tracks and roads taking passengers directly into town.

Network Rail concluded: "A tram-train solution appears to be the best credible light rail option" and on that basis further work is recommended to look at all the options in more detail including cost estimates to help draw up a full business case for reopening the line.

* Wednesday's meeting will also be looking at bus routes across Cambridgeshire and Peterborough, including the Wisbech Tesco Bus - however papers for that item on the agenda have yet to be included on the CPCA's website.