YES to High Speed Rail

This morning, the Public Accounts Committee published its final report into the sale of HS1. In response, Lucy James, Director of the Campaign for High Speed Rail, said:

“Whilst it is clearly important to learn the lessons from HS1, drawing comparisons with putting together the passenger forecasts for HS2 overlooks crucial differences.

“With HS1 we had a brand new train line that was capturing an entirely new international market and competing with low cost airlines. From the day that HS2 opens, it has ready-made customers as it picks up the overspill from existing lines, from an aviation market that is nearly at saturation, and from a road system with soaring petrol prices.

“There is proven passenger demand on our existing railways. The West Coast Main Line is seeing growth year on year of 6%, and is set to be full by 2024. Despite the recession, we are already seeing passenger numbers that were predicted in a decade’s time. The passengers for HS2 are literally ready and waiting.

“It is great to see that the Public Accounts Committee recognise the wider economic benefits that these schemes produce. The issue now is how to capture and measure the wider economic benefits that HS2 will bring, such as inward investment, regeneration around stations, increased connectivity between our major cities, and jobs not created directly in the building of the line.”

Notes

1. The Campaign for High Speed Rail is the national campaign supported by businesses, industury and trade unions across the UK. You can learn more about the campaign on our website: www.campaignforhsr.com
2. We have spokespeople available for interview upon request. For more information or to arrange an interview please call Lucy James on 07758 019 351 or email lucy@campaignforhsr.com.

ENDS