CHILTERN RAILWAYS will launch its delayed Mainline service in September, when it will start to link London and Birmingham in 100min.
Work on the necessary infrastructure improvements overran earlier this spring, delaying a hoped-for launch in May.
The project, known as Evergreen 3, was originally being run by Chiltern, but after serious problems emerged the Office of Rail Regulation intervened, and Network Rail took over management of the scheme at the start of March. The ORR said there were 'significant risks to timescales', which was why it had taken action.
At the time, the ORR's director of railway planning and performance, Michael Lee, had said: "The risk of not completing it on time to introduce new services in May had been growing and that was behind the decision to hand over project management to Network Rail."
Chiltern Railways chairman Adrian Shooter apologised for the postponement, but said it was preferable to a period of 'unplanned disruption'.
He added: "We are obviously disappointed to be postponing the launch of the Chiltern Mainline but do believe it is the right decision for our passengers. We are undertaking this project to offer a better service to passengers and are keen for customers to see the benefits of our investment as soon as possible. However, we would rather spread the work over a slightly longer period and enable our passengers to plan their journeys with confidence."
Chiltern now says it is on course to launch its new improved services on 5 September.
The infrastructure Improvements which are an essential part of Evergreen 3 have included two more restored platforms in the original GWR terminus at Birmingham Moor Street, as well as a new platform at Bicester North, an additional fast line at Princes Risborough, new crossovers and a new double-track bridge at South Ruislip.