HS2 and decreased capacity

According to Network Rail, HS2 ‘releases capacity’ for ‘faster, more frequent trains’ on the West Coast Main Line.

However, the available evidence suggests that HS2 is more about ‘decreased capacity’ than ‘released capacity’.

On the busiest section of the West Coast Main Line – the London approach – the number of tracks would be permanently reduced from six to five, so at any one time, inbound and outbound capacity would not be equal.

This problem would be compounded by the number of classic platforms at Euston reducing from 18 to 13.

At St Pancras, hundreds of millions of pounds were spent on a cack-handed redesign of the station, which left the Midland Main Line with just four platforms. Despite growing commuter demand from the east of London, half the capacity of the Channel Tunnel Rail Link (HS1) goes unused, because it, and New St Pancras, was not designed to take trains from Essex.

Is Theresa May’s government really going to proceed with an even bigger botch?

HS2 as a 24-hour transport system

According to a building information modelling video featuring its chief engineer Andrew McNaughton, the HS2 railway is to be a ’24-hour transport system’.

But the same video says HS2 would be closed for maintenance between midnight and 05:00.

So, on that reasoning, a shop that is open to the public between 08:00 and 18:00, but cleaned and restocked overnight, is a ’24 hour retailing system’.

HS2 on-board GPs, shops and gyms

Birmingham Post HS2 wish-list extract

Rail “watchdog” Transport Focus (formerly Passenger Focus) has “revealed key items which future users of HS2 between Birmingham and London want to see”, the Birmingham Post reported. (At the time of writing, the Transport Focus website does not appear to carry details of this research.)

[HS2 wish list drawn up for new rail route, 23 June 2015]

Trains on the £50 billion HS2 high-speed line between Birmingham and London should have on-board GPs, shops and gyms, according to a ‘wish list’ drawn up by passengers.

The ideas for HS2, whose first phase will run between Birmingham and the capital from 2026, came from a panel of 40 passengers selected by rail customer watchdog Transport Focus.

[…] As well as the GPs, shops and gyms, the panel wanted to see different levels of comfort reflected in differing prices, fares “affordable to the masses” and tickets which included all modes of transport such as buses and taxis.

Passengers also said they would like to see showers and sleeping facilities and GPS-enabled mobile app directions so passengers can find their seats easily along with other suggestions.

[…] HS2 technical director Professor Andrew McNaughton added: “HS2 will transform long-distance rail travel in the UK and that’s why it’s so important that we listen to what passengers want.

“Today’s report will help us focus on the issues that matter.”