HS2 is ‘best solution for West Coast capacity crunch’ – Network Rail

Paul Plummer, Network Rail group strategy director, said: “The capacity case for a new high-speed line is clear. In just over a decade, Britain’s busiest and most economically vital rail artery will be full with no more space to accommodate the predicted growth in demand.

“Relying indefinitely on incremental growth on the existing route is simply no longer a viable option to provide the capacity we need for passengers and freight. HS2 will not only transform travel between our major cities, it also represents the best solution for solving the looming capacity crunch on the West Coast Main Line.

“Alternative schemes to HS2 have been put forward which would deliver some short-term capacity benefits, but they would come at a heavy price in terms of disruption to passengers and the wider economy. They also leave many other issues unresolved and in some cases would result in stations with severely reduced services or no service at all.

“Critically, none of the alternatives would solve the most pressing capacity constraint at the south end of the West Coast Main Line, leaving commuters unable to board packed trains at the busiest times of day.”