Transport Focus response to the announcement on HS2 and transport across the North and Midlands

04 October 2023

Responding to the Prime Minister’s announcement on HS2 and transport across the North and Midlands, Transport Focus chief executive Anthony Smith, said:

“Without HS2 going to Manchester, passengers will want to know how demand will be dealt with on the West Coast main line and elsewhere. Commuting and business travel patterns have changed, but passenger numbers continue to recover strongly, and leisure travel is booming.

“Passengers tell us their top priority for improvement is a more punctual and reliable, value for money railway. Transport Focus will be seeking assurance on behalf of passengers that the planned improved reliability, extra seats, faster journeys and better connections this new line would have brought will now be delivered by a range of other projects.”