HS2 - security checks, reservations and standing

[deltic]

Does anyone know whether people will be subject to security checks when using HS2 as happens on Eurostar, the Spanish AVE and apparently the Chinese high speed rail network?

Are you likely to require seat reservations as per TGVs - allowing for walk on passengers when space is available?

Will standing be allowed? Presumably there are no limits to standing on HS1 domestic services?

Given the capacity figures being mentioned for HS2 services what is the likely coach configurations - ie will they be spacious with plenty of legroom as per Eurostars or crammed in like today's reconfigured HSTs?

 

[dggar]

Should international trains ever run from Birmingham, Manchester and Leeds, I would imagine that passport controls will be introduced at those locations and the the trains would only stop at either Stretford, Ebbsfleet or Ashford on this side of the tunnel.

Domestic trains will probably be similar to long distance trains as they are at present. International platforms would be spearated fom domestic platforms.

 

[ukrob]

Should international trains ever run from Birmingham, Manchester and Leeds, I would imagine that passport controls will be introduced at those locations and the the trains would only stop at either Stretford, Ebbsfleet or Ashford on this side of the tunnel.

Domestic trains will probably be similar to long distance trains as they are at present. International platforms would be spearated fom domestic platforms.

I don't think that was really the question.

I don't think that the answers have been mentioned in any documents yet.

 

[swt_passenger]

Domestic services on HS1 (ie SE Highspeed 'Javelins') have none of these restrictions, it is only international services that do.

There's no obvious reason I can think of why the same shouldn't apply on HS2.

 

[ChrisCooper]

If they had security checks they would be loosing some of the advantage of High Speed Rail over domestic air travel. It will also cut the time advantage over current services, particularly on short distances like London to Birmingham. Increased security is one reason for the move from air to rail for domestic journies, not just in the UK but around the world. It would also be a problem for services running onto the high speed lines from the rest of the network, as it would require special facilities and segregated platforms at all the stations they called at before joining the high speed lines.

 

[Geezertronic]

What security checks do they implement for Eurostar/EuroTunnel services through the tunnel already? I would asume the same (or similar) would apply?

 

[The Barlow Boy]

London to Birmingham - security checks? There goes the time advantage.
HS2, what a waste. In Spain the AVE train passengers have large items zipped through an X-Ray machine. It don't take but a few moments. The jobsworth culture here will ensure that a real meal is made of it.

 

[ukrob]

What security checks do they implement for Eurostar/EuroTunnel services through the tunnel already? I would asume the same (or similar) would apply?

Bag X rays etc.

Why would you assume that the same measures would apply?

 

[WatcherZero]

Thats because there is an open border between France and Spain, no need for passport control. That isnt the case with UK/France.

 

[NSEFAN]

Why would security checks be necessary for internal services? The existing intercity services manage fine without such procedures.

I like the idea of no standing allowed, but I doubt that enough trains will be ordered to accomodate the number of people travelling, even if the seating layout ends up like the Great Western HSTs.

 

[Bald Rick]

Should international trains ever run from Birmingham, Manchester and Leeds, I would imagine that passport controls will be introduced at those locations and the the trains would only stop at either Stretford, Ebbsfleet or Ashford on this side of the tunnel.

Ah-ha ! The secret location for the HS2 station in Manchester is revealed! Handy for the M60, but a bit of a schlep into the City Centre.

 

[dggar]

Ah-ha ! The secret location for the HS2 station in Manchester is revealed! Handy for the M60, but a bit of a schlep into the City Centre.

Well spotted , I missed that.

 

[starrymarkb]

What security checks do they implement for Eurostar/EuroTunnel services through the tunnel already? I would asume the same (or similar) would apply?

Basic X-Ray & Metal detector. I managed to get through Security and Passport control having arrived at St P about 5 mins before departure (delayed inbound train and non-working tube) and still had about 3 mins to take my seat - however at Lille check in was closed 10 mins before departure (with border control leaving their huts) and the escalators switched to exit about 5 mins before departure

 

[brianthegiant]

Agree internal domestic services running into Euston wouldn't need any security.

international services which would go Old Oak Common -(missing out Euston)- Stratford - Europe would likely have seperate international facilities at Curzon St / Manchester / EastMidlands. However platforms can be switched international / domestic by locking / unlocking the appt doors. And for stations with not many international services. the security / passports area can be quite small a la Bourg St Maurice / Moutiers / Avignon on the Eurostar Ski / Provence services.

My experience is that Eurostar security checks are much quicker, less onerous than airport security. Much less restricted re liquids etc. no messing about taking shoes off & laptops out of bags etc.

Nonetheless, I've no doubt this thread will run with endless speculation until a final announcement is made, much like the 'DB running on HS1' thread in 'International Transport' until DB finally announced their intention to install security facilities at Koln HBf for London services