High Speed Rail consultation
The government is currently consulting on plans for High Speed 2, a rail link between London and the Midlands, as the first stage of a national High Speed Rail (HSR) network which will link to Manchester.
We need as many individuals, organisations and businesses in the region to respond.
HSR will help free up capacity on overcrowded commuter services and boost the economy, early estimates suggest the region's economy will benefit by at least £967 million every year and will help create a minimum of 10,000 jobs across the north.
Current proposals for High Speed Rail are for a Y-shaped route, connecting London with Birmingham and then branching off to Manchester and Leeds, with a Manchester to London journey time of just 80 minutes.
Greater Manchester is promoting High Speed Rail as it will benefit business, commuting residents and support tourism.
In summary, why HSR is good for Manchester:
- This isn't just about faster trains
- Railways are full, we need more trains with seats for commuters to meet the increasing demand
- More jobs. Creating 40,000 jobs directly in the UK and at least 10,000 in the north
- The Y route brings a HSR network and better connections to Birmingham, London and Europe
- Boost to the economy
By simply responding to the consultation you can help bring High Speed Rail a step closer and support the continued growth of the region's economic future.
Register to have your say and simply answer seven questions.
The deadline for consultation responses is 29 July.
This page was last updated on 27 July 2011
