HS2 and planning incompetence.

[Workingman]

Just below the surface of 'superstar' trains all places have their workhorses that do the vast majority of the work.

We do not have the 'superstars' yet these are what our workhorses are often compared to. I have travelled on some rickety old stuff in Europe and the wider world, and by and large our mainline trains do a stellar job. Yes, they and the tracks could do with a bit of upgrading, and, yes, we could do with a few more services, but for the most part our rail services are up there with the best.

Compared to other places, inc mainland Europe, our major cities are close to each other. Big time savings between them are neither available nor necessary. Given the choice of saving seven minutes between Leeds and Manchester, or getting a seat on a comfortable train, I know which the majority would choose.

[TheOstrich]

Compared to other places, inc mainland Europe, our major cities are close to each other. Big time savings between them are neither available nor necessary.

This. Plus the general topography of the country makes the cost of building any proper "high-speed" line both difficult and costly.

[Kaz]

Compared to other places, inc mainland Europe, our major cities are close to each other. Big time savings between them are neither available nor necessary.

Absolutely! HS2 was always a stupid idea, most unnecessary in my opinion If it were to be scrapped, it would be a good move.

[TheOstrich]

Cheaper option here, and far more useful ...

https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/201 ... ay-history

[Workingman]

Beeching in reverse, eh?

Seriously, though. Leeds, Manchester, Liverpool and Sheffield are within 50 miles of each other. Brum is another 100 miles away, London another 100 miles.

Where are the numbers of commuters between these places for whom a few minutes less on a train is of paramount importance? They do not exist.

There are only two routes on mainland Britain where time savings could be important: London - Glasgow and London - Edinburgh; assuming that London is the centre of the known Universe. To make them work, however, they would have to be non-stop in both directions. The infrastructure costs cannot be justified.

I am not a fan of air travel, but for the very few who think that a few minutes saved is 'absolutely essential' then a couple of planes from Glasgow and Edinburgh to London should do the trick.