THERE has been a widespread welcome for the announcement of a 540km High Speed rail network by the transport secretary Andrew Adonis, but there have been renewed calls for the major Scottish cities to be included in the High Speed plans as soon as possible.
Even so, the campaigning group Transform Scotland said the initial route between London and Birmingham would still bring benefits much further north.
Paul Tetlaw, who chairs Transform Scotland, said: “Scotland should be served by High Speed rail services and we believe a High Speed line south of Birmingham brings that prospect closer. Across Europe, stretches of high speed line have been built to improve overall journey times but the trains run partly on these new lines and partly on conventional lines, which allows them to easily access city centres. So even a line from London to Birmingham will help Scotland in that it may take 30 minutes off the overall journey time from Scotland to London. Another benefit to Scotland of a new line south of Birmingham is that it would free up capacity on the traditional lines.”
Another campaigning group, Greengauge21, has been developing High Speed plans and lobbying the Government for a number of years. Greengauge21 director Jim Steer said: “This is a huge step forward for Government and an important step for the nation in the development of a national transport network suitable for the 21st century. We applaud Lord Adonis’s leadership in developing a strong case for High Speed rail in Britain and for understanding what a significant difference it can make to our economic competitiveness. Now is the time for well-considered and informed debate on the implications of these plans.”
The chief executive of Passenger Focus, Anthony Smith, said the prospect of new investment rather than funds diverted from other railway projects was particularly important: “Passenger Focus welcomes the commitment that the new line will be an addition to the current network – not a bolt on, rich man’s railway. The ability to turn up and travel remains a key attraction of Britain’s railway – this new line, with fast frequent services could, with attractive fares, start to revolutionise intercity rail travel. The other commitment, that funding will not be diverted from the existing network, is also welcome.”
Birmingham will be the first provincial city to benefit from High Speed rail, and the plans include a city centre station near Curzon Street as well as a new hub serving Birmingham Airport and the National Exhibition Centre.
NEC group chief executive Paul Thandi said: “I am exceptionally pleased that Lord Adonis has recommended that a High Speed interchange be constructed around the NEC and the airport. With travel times from the capital reduced to around 30 minutes, this line would provide a vital link for many of our London and Internationally-based clients and visitors.”
But the Association of Train Operating Companies is warning that the plans must make financial sense. ATOC chief executive Michael Roberts said: “The Government’s announcement confirms rail as integral to the future success of the British economy, linking the nation’s major cities in a way which will transform how people get around the country. But this is just the start. Now the hard work must begin. We need to look through the detail of the plans and work out the best possible deal for passengers and taxpayers. At a time of constrained public finances and when investment in the existing network must continue, high speed rail must be affordable.”
He also voiced a plea for private sector involvement, saying: “Making the most of the role of the private sector will keep costs down for the taxpayer and draw on the considerable knowledge and experience of train companies in making sure high speed rail meets the needs of passengers and businesses.”