No first class seat and shorter trains, the HS2 cuts that were not expected

An HS2 train crossing a modern bridge countryside
A view of a bridge. CGI of the current design of the River Blythe Viaduct HS2

A British newspaper claims to have seen documents from within the UK government. The internal memo suggests that passengers might not be sitting so comfortably on the HS2 high speed railway project. The cancellation of much of the planned HS2 network has led to unintended consequences, and a squeeze on passenger carrying capacity. Officials are looking at ways to avoid that embarrassment on the new Birmingham – London route.

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Author: Simon Walton

Simon Walton is UK correspondent for RailTech.com and Railfreight.com

5 comments op “No first class seat and shorter trains, the HS2 cuts that were not expected”

David Sands|31.01.24|15:52

Well done, everyone!

Peter Lee|31.01.24|16:50

Yet more dumbing down Time it was scrapped completely and a much better return found easily elsewhere on the rail network. Second-rate trains make no sense at all on what is supposedly a premier line.

Brian Jones|31.01.24|17:54

How about Chiltern using the Blue Pullman HST hired from LSL set as a “First Class only” service between Moor Street Birmingham and London Marylebone.This would fill the niche for customers who value comfort over speed and I am convinced it would be a winner.

Nigel Lovell|03.02.24|14:24

Nigel Lovell
Decades ago, as a boy, I remember watching the First Class only Bristol Pullman running non-stop, I think, between Bristol Temple Meads (and Bath?) and London Paddington on a weekday morning, and back again in the evening. A service like that between Birmingham and London running on HS2 track, say, every two hours every weekday,
would provide that premium service, whilst creating spare capacity on other (“non-business” trains).

Joachim Falkenhagen|05.02.24|20:48

Adding another train every hour or just at peak time would solve any capacity issues.

However, do existing trains from Machester on the WCML also carry passengers between Birmingham and London, that would in future not use that capacity?

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No first class seat and shorter trains, the HS2 cuts that were not expected | RailTech.com

No first class seat and shorter trains, the HS2 cuts that were not expected

An HS2 train crossing a modern bridge countryside
A view of a bridge. CGI of the current design of the River Blythe Viaduct HS2

A British newspaper claims to have seen documents from within the UK government. The internal memo suggests that passengers might not be sitting so comfortably on the HS2 high speed railway project. The cancellation of much of the planned HS2 network has led to unintended consequences, and a squeeze on passenger carrying capacity. Officials are looking at ways to avoid that embarrassment on the new Birmingham – London route.

Want to read more?

Subscribe now!

Take advantage of our exclusive offer to get full access to all premium content.

See the offer

Author: Simon Walton

Simon Walton is UK correspondent for RailTech.com and Railfreight.com

5 comments op “No first class seat and shorter trains, the HS2 cuts that were not expected”

David Sands|31.01.24|15:52

Well done, everyone!

Peter Lee|31.01.24|16:50

Yet more dumbing down Time it was scrapped completely and a much better return found easily elsewhere on the rail network. Second-rate trains make no sense at all on what is supposedly a premier line.

Brian Jones|31.01.24|17:54

How about Chiltern using the Blue Pullman HST hired from LSL set as a “First Class only” service between Moor Street Birmingham and London Marylebone.This would fill the niche for customers who value comfort over speed and I am convinced it would be a winner.

Nigel Lovell|03.02.24|14:24

Nigel Lovell
Decades ago, as a boy, I remember watching the First Class only Bristol Pullman running non-stop, I think, between Bristol Temple Meads (and Bath?) and London Paddington on a weekday morning, and back again in the evening. A service like that between Birmingham and London running on HS2 track, say, every two hours every weekday,
would provide that premium service, whilst creating spare capacity on other (“non-business” trains).

Joachim Falkenhagen|05.02.24|20:48

Adding another train every hour or just at peak time would solve any capacity issues.

However, do existing trains from Machester on the WCML also carry passengers between Birmingham and London, that would in future not use that capacity?

Add your comment

characters remaining.

Log in through one of the following social media partners to comment.