The delay in the HST replacement project is understood to be a postponement, not a cancellation, with a decision in the New Year. Although the Agility Trains consortium (comprising Hitachi, John Laing and Barclays Private Equity) was awarded preferred bidder status for the IEP in 2009, the previous Government asked Sir Andrew Foster in February 2010 to review the scope of the project and that has prolonged the procurement process. The alternative of yet another refurbishment of the 1970s-vintage HST fleet has already been dismissed, as has a suggestion that passengers be made to change from electric to diesel en route.
展开▼
