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There is “a world of difference” between passenger forecasts for HS1 and HS2, says campaign
In response to the publication of the National Audit Office’s report on HS1 this morning, Lucy James, Director of the Campaign for High Speed Rail, said:
“There is clearly a world of difference between putting together passenger forecasts for a new train between London and Paris, and a national project which will help to relieve the proven passenger demand on our existing railway network.
“1998 forecasters faced the challenge of projecting a new, international customer base and competition from low-cost airlines, whereas HS2 is a domestic project providing more rail capacity to link up our major cities in the UK.
“We have had over a hundred years of experience of putting together passenger predictions for the rail network in this country, and also have the luxury of learning the lessons from HS1.
“The West Coast Main Line is seeing growth year on year of 6%, and is set to be full by 2024. At certain times of the day, passengers are sitting on the floor because there are no seats left – and this is only set to get worse.
“As an antidote to the excessive amount of pressure on the West Coast, HS2 literally has passenger demand ready and waiting for the train line to open.”
ENDS
Contact:-
1. The Campaign for High Speed Rail is the national campaign in support of high-speed rail. We are supported by businesses, unions, civic society and members of the public.
2. For further information or comment please call The Campaign for High Speed Rail on 07758 019 351 or email lucy@campaignforhsr.com. We have a range of spokespeople that we can put forward to interview upon request.