Its scope will include exploring the costs and benefits of moving away from diesel trains to those powered by electric, bi-mode, battery and hydrogen fuels. The committee will also consider how such a shift could contribute to the Government’s aim of reducing transport emissions over the next two decades and meet the needs of passengers in the future.

“Trains and the technology behind them have been evolving since the invention of the railway,” said Committee chair Lilian Greenwood. “With the carriages commissioned now likely to be in service for the next four decades, it’s vital that the Government and industry look ahead to cater for the needs of passengers of the future and ensure they are accessible to all.

“With the number of journeys on the railway continuing to grow, this is also a chance to examine the role new trains can play in reducing the country’s carbon emissions from transport and improving air quality.”

Written evidence is sought on issues such as what role rail de-carbonisation can make to the Government’s wider commitments on air quality to 2040; whether there is adequate financial and other support from the Government for the development of alternatively fuelled rolling stock; and what passenger benefits alternatively fuelled rolling stock could provide.

The deadline for written submissions is 23 May. The Committee also invites comments by Twitter using the handle @CommonsTrans and the hashtag #CommonsTransFutureTrains

(Image: Alstom)