The Planner
Veteran Member
- Joined
- 15 Apr 2008
- Messages
- 15,985
I answer every time. Two things. By 2033, we will have a very different transport priority list, so HS2 is not guaranteed to be needed by then.
With growth still knocking around the 3 to 4% mark, with no real signs of slowing down we won't need any new tracks from London to the North to cater for the next 50 years? As much as everyone is bleating "London gets it all", that position is not going to change. Also considering NR is now getting to the point of bidding for funds for CP6 which runs to 2024 along with route studies that look to 2043 that suggests we don't know what the priorities are?
Targeted improvements at specific WCML pinchpoints and smart timetabling have been my responses to HS2 advocates every time, and I stick by that still.
So all the people at NR, Virgin, London Midland, TPE, Northern, Serco and all the FOCs etc cannot come up with a "smart timetabling" solution that somehow solves all the issues? The VHF December 2008 timetable is about the best you will get on the WCML. I am intrigued also to have your list of pinchpoints too that when fixed will unlock all this capacity.
But I say again. We don't need it now. We'll certainly not need it in 30 years time.
Sources or facts to back that up, again based on the growth that has no signs of slowing down?