Midland Main Line electrification to the north ‘not affordable’
UK: Secretary of State for Transport Heidi Alexander says the government’s approach to rail investment ‘will be guided by securing value for taxpayers’ by ‘only supporting projects that are fully costed and affordable’.
Innovation Accelerator to support High Speed 2 project reset
UK: Applications have opened for the latest round of the High Speed 2 Innovation Accelerator, which is intended to address three specific challenges as part of the government’s ‘reset’ of the HS2 project.
HS2 bridge manoeuvre reflects Birmingham approach route progress
UK: A 1 631 tonne bridge for High Speed 2 has been successfully rotated and moved into position over Lawley Middleway in Birmingham, marking significant progress on the line’s elevated alignment into the city centre.
High Speed 2 train interiors designed for accessibility, comfort and convenience
UK: Accessibility, comfort and convenience were priorities when designing the interiors of the future Class 895 trainsets for High Speed 2 services, according to the Hitachi-Alstom High Speed manufacturing joint venture.
Productivity trumps sustainability for business travellers
EUROPE: The ability to use a train as a rolling office space is the key factor driving business customers to pick rail over other modes when they travel for work, according to a survey commissioned by Amex GBT.
Government sets out plans to sort out ‘appalling mess’ at High Speed 2
UK: Secretary of State for Transport Heidi Alexander has told the House of Commons that she plans to address a ‘litany of failure’ around the High Speed 2 programme.
Viewpoint: Buy tilting trains and finish Delta Junction to salvage HS2, says Gibb
UK: Procurement of a fleet of tilting trains and a focus on Birmingham – Manchester services are key to making the most the descoped High Speed 2 scheme, former Virgin Trains executive Chris Gibb tells Rail Business UK.
Rail industry responds to spending review
Britain ‘could be a global rail leader again’ says Burnham as he urges backing for ‘Northern Arc’
HS2 Ltd CEO confident ‘reset’ will succeed
Viewpoint: The future of HS2 could lie in its original vision
High Speed Rail Group seeks ‘Euston – Crewe core’ in HS2 vision
First of HS2’s deep tunnels nears commissioning stage
First HS2 Delta Junction viaduct section unveiled
HS2 invites Birmingham Interchange peoplemover bids
High Speed 2 SME Innovation Accelerator gets underway
High Speed 2 ATO over ETCS train control contracts awarded
Costain wins HS2 tunnel and lineside M&E contract
SNCF-designed electrification among £3bn of HS2 railway systems contracts let
Rail Minister Hendy strikes conciliatory tone as he backs ‘fresh start’ for UK rail