To me the HS2 is a vanity project based on the misguided political idiots. Other countries have them but few, if any, are a success. The construction/feasability industry will get paid £££££. Maybe their lobbying efforts are better than other groups against it.
That amount of money would be better used and more sensible if spent on long distance transport systems, road, rail perhaps combining with freight transport and local road deliveries, using overnight rail trains?
Major companies have centralised or regional distribution centres yet still send fleets onto roads. A decent example is Ford at Bridgend. Engines were transported by rail on a purpose built line linking the factory to the national network.
HS2 is going to be a premium cost option with companies paying employees fares, general public making very occasional journeys. No freight. The projections for benefits are great acts of fiction.
The last time I used a train was to go to pick up my 4/4 from Allon White. Train from Llanelli, changes at Bristol Parkway, Birmingham New St. Then picked up from Milton Keynes by car. When booking the ticket I discovered a £25 saving by buying a separate ticket for each leg rather than a single full journey ticket! A truly mad rail system.
