What do you think the money set aside for HS2 should really be spent on?

[Metrolink]

It’s been mentioned a lot on this forum but what are your opinions on HS2 and do you think there is a better and more economic than HS2. Yes I’m aware, HS2 is being built and nothing can be done to change it, and yes there are many forums on HS2 alternatives, however I am interested in what percentage of voters are in favour and who think an alternative can be provided.

In my personal opinion, the government should be investing more in new rolling stock and better capacity on lines not only north but in places where it needs (or deserves) it. However, as train fanatic I am very excited of the prospect of HS2 and NPR (if NPR ever happens).

 

[Bletchleyite]

A lot of HS2's funding is borrowed ahead from ticket revenue, so if HS2 isn't built then the money never exists. So this being the case, HS2 is the only correct answer.

 

[Purple Orange]

Ditto. The investment in HS2 will last for many many generations in to the future. No doubt the existing lines will be in use for centuries, even if technological advances meant track being ripped up and replaced. Our Motorway network may even be used for a rail based services too.

I’m interested to know what the people who voted for capacity improvements expect that should be delivered. Yet at the same time I don’t because that debate was settled years ago.

 

[DarloRich]

What @Bletchleyite said. Close thread.

 

[D365]

What @Bletchleyite said. Close thread.

Close thread indeed. Cancelling HS2 does not mean £bns in cash is suddenly available to the gov.

 

[swt_passenger]

As said, there is no money “set aside”. This question has been asked numerous times, and it has never been HS2 or some alternative.

 

[david1212]

IMO there is a much greater need for significantly faster journeys from Manchester to Sheffield and Manchester to Leeds. Without curtailing existing local services these can only be by additional routes.

Politics will ensure HS2 is used by removing most long distance trains from the current routes. The downside will be slower and lower quality services to places that are now first & second stop from London and other places depending on the finalised routes because only served by semi-fast services. The question is how much of the capacity released on the existing routes will ever be viably used.

 

[martin2345uk]

What's NPR?

 

[Peregrine 4903]

What's NPR?

Northern Powerhouse Railway. A proposed high speed railway linking Liverpool, Manchester and Leeds.