As campaigners against High Speed Two try to reverse the government’s decision a new report published by Passenger Focus and Network Rail spells out public backing for the increased levels of rail service that will benefit hard pressed commuters.
The report also finds public support for the project increasing. HS2 will benefit commuters travelling between Northampton, Milton Keynes, Watford Junction and London. These routes can expect greater overcrowding in the coming years as demand for rail continues to grow.
However initial analysis suggests as many as twelve trains per hour could operate on this section of the route in the busiest peak hours.
Other key beneficiaries include passengers travelling between the major towns and cities of the West Midlands and between London and destinations in the Trent Valley. Companies that rely on moving goods by rail freight stand to benefit too.
Says Anthony Smith, Passenger Focus chief executive, ‘Passengers know that with more people using the West Coast Main Line it is only a matter of time before capacity runs out. If a new line was to free up this much-needed route, passengers, especially commuters, have signalled they want to be able to get a seat as well as more direct services.’
