Government announces major review of ‘dire’ HS2
The Government has dismissed reports that construction of HS2 could be going ahead between the West Midlands and Crewe, and is launching an independent review of the costs of Phase 1 between London and Birmingham with the intention of learning lessons from the troubled history of the high speed line.
Transport secretary Louise Haigh was among more than 200 guests at the official opening of Derby’s Rail Campus, and during the event she emphasised that major railway reforms are already under way. The opening follows the recent creation of Shadow Great British Railways, which is to be based at Derby, and where the GBR Transition Team is already at work.
Reports this morning claim that the government is set to partly reverse Rishi Sunak’s decision to cancel HS2 north of the West Midlands, by building Phase 2A to Crewe. It is said that the Prime Minister could announce the change of heart in the New Year.
Members of the RMT and ASLEF on London Underground are set to strike during November unless an agreement can be reached over pay. Transport for London said talks had been held in ‘good faith’.
The Alliance agreement between ScotRail and Network Rail has been updated, and railway chiefs are hailing it as a ‘great opportunity’. The new agreement sets out the priorities for investment by Network Rail Scotland.
Northern says trials of a different style of train driving show that fuel consumption could be cut by 7 per cent, potentially saving three million pounds a year. The train operator has been working with specialists who have developed a model to calculate the best speed and braking patterns.
The chancellor should freeze rail fares next year, and make the announcement in the Autumn Budget at the end of this month, according to the Campaign for Better Transport.