The case for speeding up HS2:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-26604074
China in particular have went from having almost zero HS Rail to having the most in the world and linking up all their major cities in less than 6 years. An incredible engineering achievement. The UK is not as cash rich as China nor can we keep costs as low as China can with their huge workforce and less stringent Health & Safety laws. What I would like to ask is why can’t we build from both ends? Rather than starting from London to Birmingham, why not Start at Glasgow, Edinburgh, Birmingham, Manchester, Leeds and all the other cities at the same time?
The Chinese view HS Rail as a cheap and effective alternative transportation system to flying. Chinese trains can take hundreds of passengers at their incredible 307 km cruising speed, meaning the 800 miles between Shanghai and Beijing can be covered in about 5 and a half hours. Just 45 minutes longer than it takes to get from Glasgow to London on the Pendolino… and it should be added that the Chinese route stops far more than the UK West Coast Line.
This economic argument is one which is interesting to students. This is a financial investment in our future. Infrastructure is vital to generating jobs and growth. We have seen it in every developing country that have held an Olympics or Commonwealth Games. The investment they spend in infrastructure for the competition reaps benefits long term. Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia is a prime example, how through the building of a new airport and rail links as well as the inner city metro system has transformed the city in less than 20 years.
The social argument is obviously different. Everyone is quite rightly a NIMBY. But surely we have to look at the overall benefit HS Rail could bring? Imagine Glasgow to London by train in 2.5-3 hours or even quicker? That would change our society overnight.
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