Why Oh Y HS2 grand projet, great delusion or 为什么哦Y HS2 大项目、大妄想或.pptVIP

Why Oh Y ?HS2 -- grand projet, great delusion or national network ? Jonathan Tyler Passenger Transport Networks, YORK Institute of Railway Studies and Transport History National Railway Museum / University of York 1 June 2011 Why I’m sitting on the fence [1] as a long-time environmentalist I hold to a radical critique of high capitalism / the presumption of globalisation / the concept of eternal growth / hyper-mobility but transition to a less mobile society will take time and we need excellent public transport why I’m sitting on the fence [2] demand for rail travel is growing strongly and rail’s mode share is rising there are some difficult capacity issues significant sections of the infrastructure are of poor quality the pattern of services requires overhaul high-speed rail could be part of the solution The case for the grand projet [1] capacity is at a premium on WCML and will become so on MML and ECML expanding capacity by rebuilding the existing railway is out of the question the nation therefore needs new railway on fine new alignments if doing that then we should build a high-speed line using the best available technology – indeed, a 400 km/h railway the case for the grand projet [2] maximises economic benefits (shorter journey times, enlarged markets) the best route to serve major centres, relieve the main lines and capture traffic from other modes is the ‘Y’ the new railway will release capacity on the ‘classic’ railway for growth in commuting, regional travel and freight It’s a beautiful concept, but DOUBTS My involvement long-time advocate of better timetabling Greengauge 21 – use of WCML post-HS2 timetabling support for critics Arup – advice to eastern regional bodies Doubts [1] is capacity really (going to be) tight ? timetabling operating practices, performance regime size of trains - load factors and the fares system - peak hours (should we query the economics ?) - the Friday evening phenomenon - growth assumptions doubts [2]