West Coast Main Line set for boost if HS2 goes ahead

PASSENGERS on Britain’s busiest rail route will benefit from faster, more frequent trains, less crowding and better connections if the first phase of the proposed HS2 high-speed rail line between London and Birmingham goes ahead as planned.

These are the conclusions of a report published by Network Rail and Passenger Focus, which sets out the improved level of service passengers on the West Coast Main Line could experience due to extra capacity and 125mph trains which would become available if long-distance services were to migrate to HS2.

Commuters travelling between Northampton, Milton Keynes, Watford Junction and London, where the overcrowding is at its worst, are expected to benefit most. Initial analysis suggests as many as 12 trains per hour could operate on this section during peak hours.

However, passengers travelling between the major towns and cities of the West Midlands and between London and destinations in the Trent Valley are also expected to see better services.

The report suggests there are also likely to be opportunities to improve connectivity between the south end of the route and towns and cities further the north.

More than 5,000 current passengers and almost 1,000 potential new rail users were surveyed by Passenger Focus for the report, highlighting the key priorities for the capacity which would be released if a new rail line such as HS2 is built.

Anthony Smith, Passenger Focus chief executive said: “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 seat as well as more direct services.”

Passengers stated first and foremost they want to be able get a seat. Direct services were also high up the list of priorities for both current passenger and non-users. In the additional comments section punctuality and reliability also featured.

Network Rail is using the survey results to produce a framework outlining nine key improvements. These include shorter journey times between London and the Trent Valley or additional direct services between major towns and cities in the West Midlands.

Paul Plummer, Network Rail group strategy director, said: “The West Coast Main Line is Britain’s busiest and most economically vital rail artery – but by 2024 it will be full, with no more space to accommodate the continued predicted growth in demand. HS2 would not only transform travel between our major cities, it is also the best way to solve the capacity crunch facing passengers and businesses on the West Coast Main Line.

“This joint study with Passenger Focus means we now know what commuters, business and leisure travellers and freight companies want from their railway, so we can work with our customers and government to help plan for a future West Coast Main Line which best meets the their needs and supports rather than stifles economic growth.”

In the majority of cases Network Rail has concluded most of the improvements could be delivered if the first phase of HS2 goes ahead.