There is a lot of talk today about High Speed 2 after the transport secretary Phillip Hammond has launched a public consultation for the route between London Euston and Birmingham, with extensions to Manchester and Leeds. Its a laudable exercise that both him and his predecessor Adonis have clearly been enthusiastic about.
Me not so much, a High Speed link between London and the “North” is a great idea, and one that i have nothing against. Im just of the view that before we start on the big schemes like Hs2 we should massively increase both the standard and capacity of regional services in both the North as well as Wales and West of Reading. Two carriages on principle routes is not enough not nearly enough.
As well as stock improvements, electrification of at least the Midland Main Line and Transpennine routes should come before Hs2.
It won’t happen though because its not a grand scheme.
Posted on February 28, 2011
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