Editing West Coast Main Line (section)

== Proposed development ==
[[File:Crossrail extensions.png|thumb|Outline map of the possible future Crossrail extensions as recommended in the 2011 RUS, which include the WCML<ref name="rus2011" />]]

=== Increased line speed ===
In 2007, Virgin Trains put forward plans to increase the line speed in places on the WCML – particularly along sections of the [[Trent Valley Line]] between Stafford and Rugby from {{cvt|125|to|135|mph}} after the quadrupling of track had been completed. This would permit faster services and possibly allow additional train paths. {{convert|135|mi/h|km/h|abbr=on}} was claimed to be achievable by Pendolino trains while using existing lineside signalling without the need for [[cab signalling]] via the use of the TASS system ([[Tilt Authorisation and Speed Supervision]]) to prevent overspeeding. In practice, regulations introduced by the HMRI (now ORR) at the time of the ECML high-speed test runs in 1991 are still in force prohibiting this. Network Rail was aware of Virgin Trains' aspirations;<ref name="Business plan 2007">{{cite web |url=http://www.networkrail.co.uk/aspx/3085.aspx |title=Business plan 2007 |publisher=Network Rail}}</ref> however, in November 2009 [[Chris Mole]] MP (then Parliamentary Under Secretary of State, Transport) announced that there were no plans for this to happen and thus for the foreseeable future the maximum speed will remain at {{convert|125|mi/h|km/h|abbr=on}}.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.parliament.the-stationery-office.co.uk/pa/cm200809/cmhansrd/cm091104/text/91104w0004.htm |title=Hansard |publisher=House of Commons |date=4 November 2009}}</ref> In promoting this proposal, Virgin Trains reported that passenger numbers on Virgin West Coast increased from 13.6&nbsp;million in 1997/98 to 18.7&nbsp;million in 2005/6, while numbers on CrossCountry grew from 12.6&nbsp;million to 20.4&nbsp;million over the same period.<ref>{{cite news |first=Neil |last=Connor |title=We won't bid if rail link becomes a 'bus run' |date=25 April 2006 |url=http://icbirmingham.icnetwork.co.uk/0100news/0100localnews/2006/04/25/we-won-t-bid-if-rail-link-becomes-a-bus-run-50002-16989620/ |work=icBirmingham.co.uk |access-date=25 June 2013}}</ref>

=== Crossrail extension ===
In the ''London & South East Rail Utilisation Strategy'' (RUS) document published by [[Network Rail]] in 2011, a proposal was put forward to extend the [[Crossrail]] lines, currently under construction in central London, along the West Coast Main Line as far as {{rws|Tring}} and {{rws|Milton Keynes Central}}. The scheme would involve the construction of a tunnel in the vicinity of the proposed new station at {{rws|Old Oak Common}} in West London connecting the Crossrail route to the WCML slow lines with a potential for interchange with the planned [[High Speed 2]] line. Under current plans, a proportion of westbound Crossrail trains will terminate at {{rws|Paddington}} due to capacity limitations; the RUS recommends the WCML extension as it will enable these services to continue beyond Paddington, maximising the use of the central London tunnels. The RUS also notes that diversion of WCML regional rail services via Crossrail into central London would alleviate congestion at Euston station, and consequently reduce the need for infrastructure work on the London Underground network which would be required to accommodate HS2 passengers arriving at Euston. The Crossrail extension proposal has not been officially confirmed or funded.<ref name="rus2011">{{cite web |url=http://www.networkrailmediacentre.co.uk/imagelibrary/downloadMedia.ashx?MediaDetailsID=4858#page=149 |publisher=Network Rail |title=8. Potential new lines |work=London and South East Route Utilisation Strategy |pages=149–153 |date=28 July 2011 |access-date=20 January 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120314070733/http://www.networkrailmediacentre.co.uk/imagelibrary/downloadMedia.ashx?MediaDetailsID=4858#page=149 |archive-date=14 March 2012 |url-status=dead }}</ref> In August 2014, the government launched a study into the Crossrail extension.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.gov.uk/government/news/government-launches-study-into-potential-crossrail-extension |title=Government launches study into potential Crossrail extension |website=GOV.UK}}</ref>