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country. In the decade to 2006 passenger I believe that high speed rail could be kilometres rose by 42 per cent – the a revolutionary change for the UK, like highest rate of growth in Europe – and now the original railways of Stephenson THE UNION RailWAY are at a higher level than at any time since and Brunel: not only a piece of new 1946. In contrast, Germany only achieved transport infrastructure, but a bold Andrew Adonis 22 per cent, Italy 5 per cent and France 34 economic policy for jobs and growth, per cent. Train punctuality and reliability a bold industrial policy to drive high- are at their highest level ever, thanks in tech engineering and innovation, and a part to modernisation of the train fleet; bold nation-building policy to promote A transport revolution is sweeping This global transformation led President and the number of services on the network national unity and help overcome the the world. High speed rail, largely Obama to observe recently that “High is at its highest level since Beeching. north-south divide, one of our most the preserve of Japan and France speed rail is not some fanciful pie-in-the- debilitating legacies from the past. until the 1990s, is now embraced sky vision of the future. It is happening More than £150bn has been invested by most major European and Asian right now. The problem is it’s been in transport infrastructure over the past Just look at the French, for whom the countries as their next generation happening elsewhere, not here.” decade. Thanks to John Prescott, we now TGV is not just a train but a vision of the backbone transport infrastructure. have the Channel Tunnel Rail Link, now future and a means to bring it about. The Well, it’s not happening here in Britain symbolically renamed as High Speed One, TGV is a force for national integration High speed rail is green, clean, fast, either, apart from the short line from and the gloriously rebuilt railway cathedral and regeneration and a source of intense high capacity, safe and reliable. It also London to the Channel Tunnel. And just as of St Pancras. Furthermore, our experience national pride, as much as a faster dramatically shrinks the psychological President Obama went on to say “there’s of HS1 is a positive one. As well as and more efficient means of transport distance between city centres, which can no reason why we can’t do this; this is Eurostar services to Paris and Brussels, local providing additional inter-city rail capacity. be a key driver in dispersing economic America” – so too there is no reason why services to Medway and East Kent towns The current French Prime Minister, activity from dominant cities and regions we can’t do this; this is Britain, the country are now starting to come into service, with Francois Fillon, recently described the to those beyond. In short, it is now pretty that invented the railways, and the country the new 140mph Javelin trains running TGV as one of the two infrastructural well a “no brainer” transport strategy which, in High Speed One, already has a on the high speed line to Ashford or transformations of modern France; for the 21st century, in place of extra state-of-the-art high-speed line, even if it Ebbsfleet and then on the existing lines to the other being energy independence motorways or short-haul aviation, provided is only 68 miles long and doesn’t actually destinations including Folkestone, Margate through the French nuclear programme. that realistic and sustainable mobility connect any of Britain’s major cities. and Canterbury, slashing journey times and requirements justify the investment, and its improving their connections. It is the very Britain’s major cities have a huge amount environmental impact, in the first place. So I am determined that at the Labour success of High Speed One – including to gain from high-speed rail and I strongly Conference this year – and in our manifesto its new terminus at St Pancras – which has welcome the “connecting cities” campaign, In France, more than 400 TGV sets now run for the coming election - Labour leads galvanised support for the second national chaired by Richard Leese, and supported over 1,100 miles of new high speed line, the way in setting out a compelling vision high-speed line which we are now planning. by Steve Purcell of Glasgow and Labour with four new lines under construction and for a high speed UK, and starts to take city leaders across the country, which I was up to six more planned. China’s network will the practical steps that will make this The need for sustainable additional proud to help launch earlier this month. be larger than the rest of the world’s put vision a reality. That’s why in January the transport capacity between Britain’s Most major cities stand to gain from together soon after the completion of the Government took the decision to establish principal conurbations; the potential high-speed rail, whether or not they are 800 mile Beijing to Shanghai line in 2012. the High Speed Two company, and to ask it to substitute lower carbon and more located directly on the next high-speed to recommend to us a north-south high- convenient trains for planes and cars; line. As in France, it is our intention that Then there is Japan, Germany, Italy, speed rail plan by the end of the year. the potential for getting far more freight high-speed trains should run off the high- Spain, Korea, Taiwan, Brazil, Belgium, off the roads and onto rail; the social speed line to destinations beyond, giving the Netherlands – the list goes on of Labour need not be defensive about its and economic benefits of high-capacity substantial travel time savings and transport countries now far beyond us in the relative record since 1997. We inherited the train and high-speed links between the north benefits to most of Britain’s cities from a scale of their high-speed rail networks. In wreck of privatisation, which took some and the south in England, and between London to Scotland backbone line. I am Europe alone, 3,500 miles of high-speed years and many billions to put right. Over England and Scotland – all these will be convinced that this new ‘Union Railway’ line are in operation, a further 2,000 are the past decade the railways of Britain have key factors in our decision on HS2 early will bring our country closer together – under construction and 5,300 planned. grown faster than in any other European in 2010 when I will set out our plans. physically, economically and culturally. CONTINUED ON PAGE 8 PAGE 6 the union railway - andrew adonis PAGE 7 the union railway - andrew adonis PAGE 8 the union railway - andrew adonis PAGE 9 the union railway - andrew adonis

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High-speed rail enables countries to escape Birmingham, but also on route proposals from the constraints which geography and for the line to continue to Scotland. technology imposed on the first generation of rail infrastructure, and it is essential that its It is also important that a new high speed full potential is exploited in this regard. We line interconnects from the outset with still think of the Channel Tunnel as a wholly the existing rail network, offering shorter exceptional engineering feat which one journey times and better connections wouldn’t think of repeating. Yet most other to cities and towns off the high speed major European countries are undertaking network. I have therefore asked HS2 – wait for it, a London-Paris high-speed broad vision of the often unquantifiable equivalents of the Channel Tunnel to to ensure full interoperability of the train service to compete with Eurostar. economic, social and environmental benefits overcome historic transport impediments as high speed line so that, for example, which can come from high-speed rail. But part of their high-speed networks. There is much faster journey times from London Once the Brussels-Amsterdam high-speed High Speed One took twenty years to plan no reason, to be imprisoned in our thinking to Scotland are possible from the line is open, direct London to Amsterdam and build. By comparison, the 22 years after of future rail corridors by the fact, for completion of the first phase of the services might be possible; and a high- the opening of the Liverpool to Manchester example, that the Victorians built the west line, by high speed trains running on speed line all the way to Scotland could Railway in 1830 saw the construction of coast and east coast main lines and didn’t the new and old network combined. have a significant impact on the 64 per all the main inter-city lines in England. go across the Pennines, which separate the cent of London to Glasgow and Edinburgh two largest conurbations in the country after Around the world technology is developing traffic which currently goes by air. The history of Britain and rail over the past Greater London and the West Midlands. as fast as the networks. Within five years hundred or so years is one of grandeur and a running speed of 400km/hr could be The rule of thumb is that a below three decline. The British literally built the first High Speed Two has taken as its starting both practical and efficient on high-speed hour journey time is the tipping point French railways, including exported navvies. point the rail corridor from London to tracks, a step change on the 300km/hr between rail and air, which ought to be Until the 1870s there was hardly a railway Birmingham. But I am also struck by the pioneered by Japan and France a possible high speed London to Scotland, development in the world without British limitations imposed by poor network generation ago. This would give a standard cementing our Union. These possibilities engineers and equipment, an extraordinary conditions elsewhere in terms for example journey time of just four hours for Beijing- don’t affect the current proposal for 40 year technological supremacy, and in of extraordinarily slow journey times Shanghai, slashing short-haul aviation. Heathrow expansion, which is needed some cases longer. By 1939 there was a between major conurbations. Consider anyway because of the growth of longer- 26,000 mile rail network in Argentina largely Manchester, Bradford and Leeds, three Rail is a relatively energy efficient means distance traffic; but they could affect longer built by British capital and equipment. of the biggest population and business of transport, contributing only around 2% term aviation demand, and, separately, centres in the country. Manchester and of the UK’s domestic transport carbon passenger access to Heathrow by rail Which makes it all the more odd that Leeds are separated by only 43 Trans- dioxide emissions. A high-speed line will could be transformed if there were an Britain should have stood so largely Pennine rail miles, but the rail journey expand capacity in a transport mode that is airport hub interchange on a new north- apart from the second, high-speed, rail time is 55 minutes – an average speed generally more energy efficient than short south high-speed line, an option we have revolution. That’s a mistake that I am as slow as London to Canterbury before haul air and long distance road journeys. asked High Speed Two to explore. determined Labour now puts right. HS1, which is quite an achievement. In other countries, the success of a first We only have to look at the success of My ambition is to see short haul inter-city high-speed line has led over time Eurostar in displacing air traffic. In the last aviation – not just domestic aviation to the construction of an entire network. All five years, since the speeding up of the but short haul aviation to north west cities therefore have a further significant Eurostar service with the completion of Europe – progressively replaced by rail, interest in the development of Britain’s first HS1, Eurostar’s share of the London-Paris including high speed rail. If we want to Lord Andrew Adonis is the inter-city high-speed line, as this would very air-rail market has risen from 60 per cent see this happen we have got to have Secretary of State for Transport likely be the start of a network. To make sure to 76 per cent, and from 44 per cent to 72 a high speed rail system that links our that momentum is maintained, High Speed per cent of the London-Brussels market. So major conurbations and makes them Two is engaged not only in detailed route concerned is Air France to keep its position far more accessible to Europe too. planning for the essential first stage of the in the short haul market to London that HS1 shows that we are capable of the north-south high speed line, from London to it is publicly contemplating a new service PAGE 10 HIGH SPEED RAIL - LOUISE ELLMAN PAGE 11 HIGH SPEED RAIL - LOUISE ELLMAN

It is important that the regional impact As the debate on high-speed rail continues, of High Speed Two is considered much investment is required on existing High Speed Rail particularly in the North. The economic lines, including inter-regional routes. impact effect of such a line could be Improvements to capacity and speed on the A long term investment for the 21st Century major. The Northern Way report Moving Liverpool to Norwich route serving eight Louise Ellman MP Forward calculated that a trans-Pennine cities with a population of seven million connecter high-speed line, stretching including Liverpool, Manchester, Sheffield It is an exciting time for rail. Passenger services will be well used. These trains will from Liverpool to Leeds could boost the and Nottingham must be addressed. numbers are at an all time high with also play a key role in bringing passengers North’s economy by £3.5 billion. The Existing services, such as the 55 minutes an average of 2.7 million trips made in to the Olympic Park in 2012 travelling benefits of such a network would be felt in it takes to travel just 43 miles between a typical day. In 2008 rail passengers at top speeds of 140 mph. The new link the whole economy and it was estimated Manchester and Leeds must be improved travelled 30.1 billion miles, the greatest allows trains to travel at speeds of up to that high speed rail was worth £10 Billion through an electrification programme. distance since the Second World War. 190 mph (300 kpm) and this has resulted annually. This is why campaigns such Capacity should also be increased urgently. in drastic reductions of journey times to as HSR\\UK bringing together eleven In the Transport Select Committee major European destinations. A non-stop of the UKs major cities promoting a It has been suggested that high-speed report of July 2008, Delivering a journey to Paris now takes approximately UK high speed network are vital as the rail could be an alternative to a third sustainable railway: a 30-year strategy 2 hours 15 minutes. That compares with high speed debate gathers pace. runway at Heathrow. These proposals for the Railways, we assessed the 2 hours 55 minutes before Section 1 of need careful assessment and the government’s plans. We criticised the the high-speed rail on the UK side, and 2 The Chartered Institute of Logistics and government has suggested the line would government for its lack of vision in hours 35 minutes following the opening Transport (CILT) gave evidence to the include a link to Heathrow Airport or an failing to consider high-speed rail.1 of Section 1 of the CTRL in 1999. The select committee that the primary benefit interchange with the planned Crossrail improved service has seen passenger of high-speed rail was additional capacity. network nearby. Whatever conclusions It is encouraging to see a major change numbers rise with a record 9.1 million As much of our railway infrastructure is are reached in relation to aviation, high- of policy now that high-speed rail is high passengers in 2008, an increase of 10.3%. Victorian in vintage and overcrowded speed rail must be assessed on much wider on the agenda, with High Speed Two Ticket sales have also grown with £664 “at some stage it will be necessary to economic and environmental criteria. now well in to their detailed feasibility million of sales in 2008, a rise of 10.9%. lay new track and it may be better to study and due to present its proposals Increased demand can largely be explained build new (as with HS1) rather than to It is important that a decision is made in by the end of 2009. France, Germany, by a public desire for faster journeys, upgrade existing routes… The high- the near future, particularly as there is a Italy, the Netherlands, Belgium, Spain, better connections and an increasing speed option should not therefore long lead in time for such projects, for China, Taiwan and Korea all now concern over environmental issues. be dismissed.”2 As well as being less example both High Speed One and the possess, or are constructing, high-speed disruptive in the construction process, the Crossrail project had average lead times of systems. Recently, President Obama On January 15 2009, the government effect of building new track would free 20 years. In making a decision we must have outlined plans that would see high- launched a formal consultation process to up existing sections of track, particularly careful evaluation of long-term demand speed services in the United States. consider the suitability of a second high- for freight travelling at lower speeds. projections, a clear understanding of the speed line. A separate company, High capacity of existing networks, take into The UK’s High Speed One is already fully Speed Two, was set up with Sir David The impact that High Speed two could account relevant geographical, technical and operational. Previously known as the CTRL Rowlands (former permanent secretary have on the environment must also environmental considerations. It is critical (Channel Tunnel Rail Link), the project was at the Department for transport) as its be considered. Rail is relatively energy that we retain vision and long term ambition fully opened in November 2007 having Chairman. The company was initially asked efficient form of transport contributing so that we have a rail system for the future. cost £5.2 Billion to complete. Crucially for to prepare proposals for an entirely new just 2% to the overall emissions of the such an extensive project it was delivered high-speed line between London and the domestic transport sector. Likewise the on schedule and under budget. Much can West Midlands. Beyond this, they have 1. The UIC (International Union of Railways) defines high- potential for new high-speed rail lines to be learnt from the project with regard to been asked to consider the potential for speed rail as services which regularly operate at or above provide a modal shift from road users to 250kmh on new tracks, or 200kmh on existing tracks. the future of rail travel in this country. a high speed line further north to Greater rail is encouraging. It must be considered Manchester, West Yorkshire, the North East 2 . P.10 of report (EV155) Delivering a sustainable railway: that, due to electrification, the emissions The line itself links the British Rail network and Scotland. There is the potential to a 30-year strategy for the Railways of high-speed lines are linked to the to the continental high-speed network. almost halve journey times to the north of energy mix of the entire country. Increasing Louise Ellman is Labour & The high-speed domestic commuter England and Scotland. There are, however, the UK’s non-carbon energy generation Co-op MP for Liverpool Riverside service the ‘javelin service’will begin its concerns that proposals for high-speed rail will increase the energy efficiency of & Chair of the Transport Select full service in mid-December. Indications might never extend beyond Birmingham. any new rail services on a new line. Committee in the House of Commons from the partial service show that these PAGE 12 DON’T SPILL THE TEA - ANGELA SMITH PAGE 13 DON’T SPILL THE TEA - ANGELA SMITH

the rail investment necessary to underpin belt that makes up much of the old west regional economic development, northern riding. The north west region sits side by English cities such as Sheffield endured side of course with Yorkshire and is home economic decline on a massive scale and to nearly 7 million people, with Manchester Don’t spill the tea: an increasing sense of being isolated accommodating a population of 460,000 but from the benefits of economic growth. sitting cheek by jowl with other metropolitan Connectivity, Carbon Reduction and Comfort. areas such as Salford. In summary, what Angela Smith MP The French ambition for railway investment we have here is three cities, equidistant was breathtaking but it delivered. Never from each other and accommodating over mind that Tours is 148 miles from Paris; 1.7m people, whose ambitions to work As the great debate about the future of What lingers in the memory from these it takes only 1 hour and 10 minutes to primarily as economic hubs for their regions our railways gains momentum, more and two experiences is a sense of the potential get there on a TGV train. Sheffield, by and as drivers of economic development more people are learning about just how offered by rail to connect places not just comparison, is 165 miles from London and for the area as a whole are constrained by far Britain has fallen behind countries on a local, regional and national level, but yet the direct train connecting both cities an increasingly congested road network such as France, Germany and Spain when on an international level too. The TGV takes at least 2 hours and 7 minutes to and an inadequate and third-rate rail it comes to investing in attractive, high- experience also teaches us that high- complete its journey. Moreover, the quality network And that’s besides the other great speed options. France has 1,872km speed rail has obvious potential to act of the latter experience leaves something centres of economic activity, cities such of high-speed railway in operation, for as a catalyst for economic development, to be desired. Take this advice from me as Newcastle, Hull and Liverpool, all of instance, and plans to have 4,787km in because it draws businesses and labour – if you travel on the train from Sheffield whom could lay claim to similar problems. operation by 2025. Here in Britain we markets closer together with a seemingly to London, or vice versa, and there are have a short stretch of high-speed rail ruthless efficiency. The ‘agglomeration plenty of seats available, try to avoid the For the north of England generally there is from St Pancras to the Channel Tunnel. impacts’ of rail investment are already seats near the ends of the carriages. If you therefore a key economic imperative when The country which developed and proven; as mentioned earlier, just look at do have to take one of these seats, you it comes to examining the future of the rail pioneered rail travel, the country whose Britain in the nineteenth century to see will be lucky to keep your tea in its cup. network. Greater than average rates of industrial revolution was galvanized by how railway systems not only helped to economic growth are required to bring its the steam locomotive, now trails the maximize the economic development Other journey times are even more taxing. regions up to the national average and in pack. More often than not, UK citizens of even small towns like Grimsby, which Sheffield to Leeds, for instance, can be fact the Northern Way group of Regional returning from trips to the European became the world’s premier fishing port, travelled on the train at times varying Development Agencies has estimated that mainland talk admiringly of integrated but also helped to ensure a dynamic between 45 minutes to an hour. The the deficit for the whole of the north of travel networks and fast, comfortable which ensured mutual benefit as when, distance is 42 miles. Leeds is also 42 England is something in the region of £30 train journeys over long distances. for instance, the growing might of the miles from Manchester but the journey billion (North South Connections Report, Yorkshire coalfield was complemented takes on average 55 minutes by train. 2007). In this context, high speed rail My first experience of catching a train by the growth of exporting capacity Manchester to Sheffield completes the investment is considered as a potentially abroad was in Germany, back in the early on the part of the Humber ports. triangle; again the distance is 42 miles. powerful tool to be employed in the eighties, when I was stunned to find that a Travelling times by train vary from just process of closing that economic gap. The simple train journey home after a night out The French development of TGV quite under an hour to one hour and 17 minutes. ambition of the Northern Way is to see in Dusseldorf could potentially have taken clearly drew on an understanding of established a high-speed network that me all the way to what was then the Soviet how rail could help draw economies So there it is. These three great northern connects the north and south of England, Union. A sense then of how exciting rail closer together, how it could encourage cities, the third, fourth and fifth biggest with an estimated agglomeration benefit of travel can be, how it can connect seemingly national and even international economic cities in England, are all at least two hours this network for the whole country of £10bn distant places, was awakened. My other integration. At the time when TGV from London and are connected to each over a typical 60 year appraisal period. great rail experience on the European investment started, in the late seventies other with rail travel times that would mainland has been of course high-speed and early eighties, Britain was embarking have dismayed the Victorians. The facts It is important to understand here that rail. Travelling on a TGV from Paris to visit on a period of political change which saw here speak for themselves. Yorkshire and Northern Way have estimated benefits for friends in Tours, I remember feeling more an alarming widening of the economic the Humber, as a region, is home to over three options, an eastern line, a western line than anything else an almost overwhelming gap between London, the south-east 5 million people, with Leeds (760,000) and two lines linked across the Pennines. fear of missing my stop and ending up in and the rest of the country. And just as and Sheffield (550,000) sitting at either What is clear from their research is that Bordeaux, such was the speed of the train. regional cities in France started to enjoy end of the heavily populated industrial the agglomeration benefits gained from PAGE 14 DON’T SPILL THE TEA - ANGELA SMITH PAGE 15 DON’T SPILL THE TEA - ANGELA SMITH

it offers for reducing carbon emissions. 68 miles of high-speed capacity. Admittedly, establishing the full network are significant departements and regions must indicate a As was pointed out in The Guardian this investment has successfully linked our and greater than the sum of the two east greater regard for the rights, economically recently, transport is the second largest capital city to the European mainland, a and west options added together. What and socially, of the country as a whole, emitter in the UK behind the energy huge leap in terms of Britain’s traditional and is also interesting is the Northern Way regardless of the political persuasion of industry. It accounts for 21% of domestic relative isolation from its neighbours. But we assessment that ‘benefits are not driven the Presidency, the National Assembly greenhouse gass emissions. In modern need to go further. We are a country which by growth in demand per se, but rather by or the Senate. Ultimately, therefore, the terms, therefore, investing in high-speed needs to be linked more effectively with our better integrating the regional and national decision here in Britain as to whether or rail is a ‘no-brainer’. Not only would it economic partners via routes that extend economies’ (North South Connctions Report not to invest in high-speed capacity is not provide an attractive and almost irresistible across the length and breadth of the British 2007, p.14). The other important point only a test of our belief in the power of rail alternative to domestic air travel, as has Isles. When I can embark on a train journey made by the assessment is that although to galvanize economic development, it is been proved with the overwhelming in the north of England that takes me all the the benefits of high-speed investment also a test of whether or not our democracy success of Eurostar, it could also provide way to Paris and beyond, and when that would be felt in every part of the country, has finally grasped the importance to the a realistic and attractive alternative to journey offers me the comfort of a decent in terms of GDP it is the north of England country’s future of all its regions, regardless the car. Why, one might ask, would an seat and tea that stays in the cup, I will know which would benefit the most. Estimations of how far away they are from London. individual travel from Sheffield to Leeds that finally Britain has arrived in Europe. are that there would be an increase in by car, or from Leeds to Manchester, if GDP of 0.05% for the northern regions, as It will also be a test of our ability to think there is a reliable, fast and comfortable compared with a 0.02% increase for the long-term about the country’s economic alternative? Especially if such an alternative rest of England (North South Connections growth. Even if financial constraints properly allows for multi-modal travel, in Bibliography: Report 2007, p.14). Finally, it is worth dictate that high-speed rail investment other words park and ride facilities that North South Connections Report noting that the wider agglomeration must be restricted in the first instance, enables travellers to use other forms of 2007, prepared for The Northern Way, benefits of a two line, Pennine-linked it is nevertheless critical that any such public transport, or a bicycle, or even a by Steer Davies Gleave (Leeds) high-speed network offer twice the restriction be placed in the context of a car, to get to the train station. Such a impacts estimated by the Department for long-term plan to build a comprehensive modal shift is essential in environmental Transport for both the Crossrail project network that connects all Britain’s major terms, but it is also essential in economic Angela Smith is the Labour and the Thameslink project put together. cities. Hence if a line is built initially along terms. Increasingly, congested capacity MP for Sheffield Hillsborough the west of the country, then it must be on the roads is constraining economic and a member of the Standing out clearly from the Northern Way part of a strategic plan to build in the east growth. Rail, in this context, makes sense. Transport Select Committee assessment is an argument for investment and connect across the Pennines, in such So far, Britain has only managed to build in high-speed rail connectivity in the north a way that it links Glasgow, Edinburgh and of England that makes Britain’s miserable Newcastle to Sheffield, Leeds, Manchester record so far even harder to explain, and Birmingham. Moreover, it is also especially in the context of the development critical that such a network should be seen in France. Tours, for example, integrated as efficiently as possible with maintains a population of just 142,000 and the conventional network. Whilst it is true is part of a region with a relatively sparse that high-speed development would free population of 2.5m. In the end, it has to up capacity on the existing network, it is be concluded that it was political will and not necessarily inevitable that this capacity political culture that delivered TGV for the would be used to best effect. Quality French and in the latter case it is important planning to maximize the capacity benefits to remember the context of decision making for conventional rail would be required, in in the country. At the time when France took terms of both passenger use and freight. its momentous decision to build high-speed Finally, it would be remiss not to mention networks, there was also a significant political the obvious benefit of investment in high- shift towards decentralization of the country’s speed rail capacity in terms of the potential decision-making structures. This parallel development, from the 1980s onwards, of greater power for France’s many communes, PAGE 16 CONNECTING COMMUNITIES - RICHARD LEESE PAGE 17 CONNECTING COMMUNITIES - RICHARD LEESE

we are working hard to improve internal city-regions, and the need to do so connectivity it is also more important than sustainably which convinces me of the need Connecting ever that Manchester has good transport for a High Speed Rail network in the UK. links to other economic centres in the midlands, north and Scotland to cities such Our rail network now is carrying more Communities as Birmingham, Glasgow, Liverpool and passengers than at any time since the Leeds, and to London. The Manchester Second World War on a much smaller Independent Economic Review, published network. Far from managing decline, & Building in April 2009 and the largest study of the railway industry is now tasked with Sir Richard Leese its kind ever conducted of a city region, accommodating the ever-increasing Opportunities concluded that there were significant number of passengers. Despite a £9 billion benefits to be gained by linking businesses investment in the West Coast Main Line and 2006. In Manchester itself 45,000 jobs in Greater Manchester with businesses there is little spare capacity on the network In the 21st century, for the first time, have been created in the city centre in the in other areas and thus gaining access around Greater Manchester, and what is more than half the world’s population last five years and significant economic to new markets, innovative practices and left is expected to be exhausted by 2020. are city-dwellers. The expansion of benefit has been realised by investing ways of working. Manchester has been Elsewhere, the Department for Transport knowledge intensive industries, from in conference and convention facilities – recognised by the Government as an forecasts insufficient capacity on the Great financial and professional services to high which is why Manchester has become a economic powerhouse of the UK economy Western Main Line out of Paddington, the tech manufacturing has been dependent most favoured destination for conferences. and the city with the most potential in Midland Main Line out of St Pancras and on providing a steady supply of skilled According to the 2007 UK Cities Monitor, terms of establishing itself as a major most of the East Coast Main Line from King’s workers, improved business to business Manchester is the best place in the UK to economic centre to complement the Cross to Edinburgh. Given this, we have connectivity and access to markets. set up a new headquarters or back office South East. Already there are links with little option but to expand the railway. The Doing this requires accessible high operation, and the second best in the UK – businesses in Leeds, London, Birmingham only question is how best to do this. There quality housing, a thriving entertainment after London – to establish a new business. and Liverpool, particularly in financial, legal is a diminishing law of returns to continually and leisure offer and, critically, a fit for and professional services, enhancement of upgrading the existing network, and I agree purpose transport network. Between these links will benefit the whole of the UK. with Lord Adonis’ assessment that “of the 1995 and 2005, for every one job created In Greater Manchester we have long £8.8bn spent on the West Coast Main Line in other sectors, 12 were created in recognised the importance of good Our approach to public transport policy is upgrade, more than £500m has gone in knowledge industries. Cities have proved connectivity. We have fought for the also a recognition of the impact of travel compensation payments to train operating uniquely well placed to provide what development of our light-rail network - on the environment. UK cities generally companies… If the cost of disruption is taken these industries need and those cities Metrolink, which currently links parts of are now facing the consequences of their fully into account, it is by no means clear with the right mix of assets – including Salford, Trafford and Bury with Manchester. success - the rising population in London that ostensibly lower priced upgrades are Manchester - have thrived as a result. Our Transport Innovation Fund (TIF) is putting increasing pressure on the always better value than new lines including Bid, whilst ultimately unsuccessful, was south east’s housing market and transport new high-speed lines”. The capacity of a The cities of the north have arrested the an attempt to optimise the use of road infrastructure; congestion is increasing the dedicated High Speed Rail line is such that decline of traditional industries and the space and thus improve connectivity and time taken to complete even the shortest it could take all the passenger traffic on high levels of unemployment and social reliability. Using the work done on TIF journeys and reducing journey reliability – a the West Coast, East Coast and Midland deprivation that go with them to create as a base, we have found another way of crucial factor for so many businesses; rail main lines twice over – it has the potential places attractive for businesses to invest delivering key elements of our transport patronage is at its highest level in more to carry up to 15,000 passengers per hour and for people to live and work. We package, and Metrolink will soon add than a generation - leading to economically in each direction between London and have invested in physical infrastructure, Oldham, Rochdale, Tameside, Chorlton, damaging levels of overcrowding as the other major cities, and to almost double regeneration initiatives and landmark Didsbury, Wythenshawe and Manchester network struggles to cope. The ever-larger this with the use of double deck trains. developments to transform ourselves. In Airport to its network, making it the largest number of motor vehicles on our roads is It was a lack of capacity around densely Greater Manchester, linkages have been in the UK. Metrolink is pulling Greater having both environmental and economic populated centres which was the spur for made with the region’s universities so that Manchester closer together; linking areas impacts that will have consequences for Japan to build the world’s first High Speed breakthroughs made in research have their of need with areas of opportunity, and our children and our children’s children. line, as it was for France 17 years later. It practical applications realised. As a result bringing business, their markets and It is the need to improve connectivity is a lesson that the UK should learn also. our GVA increased by 54% between 1997 pools of labour closer together. But whilst between Greater Manchester and other The increased speed would make business PAGE 18 CONNECTING COMMUNITIES - RICHARD LEESE PAGE 19 CONNECTING COMMUNITIES - RICHARD LEESE

Speed Rail and through the development We believe the case has been made, both in of knowledge based businesses replacing research and by looking at the performance previously derelict brownfield sites. High of our international partners, for High Speed Speed Rail then has the potential to spread Rail to address the transport constraints the benefits of economic development on major cities’ and thus the country’s, more evenly across the UK, and with the sustainable growth potential. There has key assets of the Channel Tunnel Rail been much planning done already and I Link and HS1 cities have the ability to believe it is a case of ”when” not “if” the link up to Europe – opening up a range UK embarks on building a High Speed of new markets, business and leisure network. It is vital that we move beyond opportunities. These impacts would help planning and begin now developing a us address the challenge of the “north- High Speed Rail network for the UK that south divide” and the £30bn annual will allow the economy to flourish. productivity gap that prevents the UK economy from reaching its full potential. and leisure trips between Manchester and cases better particularly when we factor Sir Richard Leese is a Labour London more attractive, cementing our in the development of low-carbon energy Councillor and Leader of economic ties. It would also displace much supplies. The potential contribution of HSR Manchester City Council domestic air travel, freeing up significant to carbon reduction as well as economic international slots at both Manchester and development is massive. And all of this Heathrow airports for long-haul journeys. can be achieved on a mode where, unlike Elsewhere, London to Birmingham in 45 aviation or conventional rail, delays are minutes would bring the centres of these two measured to seconds, not minutes or hours. conurbations much closer to the economic benefit of both, as well as reducing pressure And the benefits of High speed rail go well on housing demand in the south east. beyond the cities themselves to benefit North of the border, it could offer London the whole of the surrounding region. Not to Scotland journey times of less than three only do they gain access to the network hours, with the improvement in business itself, but removing long distance services connectivity this would provide being from the classic rail network to the new line reflected in a potentially huge modal shift frees up a significant amount of capacity, from air to rail. Other countries have shown making this available for commuting that where rail journeys can be reduced to and regional services. Frequencies and under three hours, significant numbers of journey times from satellite towns could air passengers will make the move to rail, be improved, and it would finally be and in a country the size of the UK, all major possible to provide some of our most centres of economic activity can be linked deprived communities, situated close to within this timeframe. The Eddington to the rail network but with currently no Transport Study estimated that the potential rail station, with a regular service to key carbon savings from transferring London- centres of activity and employment. Scotland air passengers to High Speed Rail could be 0.5 million tonnes per year. Over Experience in Europe has shown that 60 years this would amount to 30 million where High Speed Rail is integrated with tonnes – valued at £3.2 billion. Conventional cities’ long-term land use planning policies rail cannot achieve this, and new advances it can lead to massive improvements in in technology means that journeys on High regeneration opportunities; places like Lille Speed trains can be as energy efficient and Lyon in France, Turin in Italy and Köln as on conventional trains – and in some in Germany have all benefited from High PAGE 20 GETTING TO WORK - Keith Norman PAGE 21 GETTING TO WORK - Keith Norman

improve their work/life balance. an over-dependence on Heathrow, and British workers currently endure the longest promoting leisure travel will all contribute commutes to work of any European significantly to regional economies. In workers. Yet the UK’s first high speed fact academic research states that travel Getting to work commuter service, Javelin trains which time from London is crucial in determining was opened by transport minister Lord regional productivity and competitiveness. Adonis in June, travels at an average & getting to speed of 140 mph. It will ferry commuters A high-speed rail network across the UK will from Ashford in Kent to London’s St also create new jobs. Building and main- work quicker Pancras in under the half the previous taining the network will provide a welcome KEITH NORMAN journey time. Just 37 minutes instead of boost to British industry. Hopefully, the bulk almost 90. In fact the service is so much of contracts to build new trains and tracks quicker that the train operator abandoned will be for UK sites, creating much needed The Labour Government’s proposal With up to 220 trains using a line of plans to introduce a trolley service on skilled jobs in manufacturing, construction to invest up to £30b in a high speed track every day, each with an additional the presumption that commuters would and engineering. Long-term jobs will also rail network is perhaps the boldest 50 percent capacity, HSR has the not have time to enjoy breakfast before be created in staffing, maintaining and run- announcement made during this potential to change not only how we arriving at their destination. The 338 ning the new trains and infrastructure. Of parliament. The plans, which would travel but where we travel. It will open seat trains, which can carry up to 508 course, on top of the employment created eventually link London with Birmingham, up regions that have up to now been passengers, currently run just three times directly from building and servicing a high- Manchester, Liverpool, the north east, seen as weekend-only destinations or a morning during peak hours but is due speed rail network, thousands of other jobs Scotland and Wales (the UK already has accessible only via environmentally to be increased in December 2009. will also be created as businesses benefit a high speed link to continental Europe) damaging domestic aviation. The from faster and more efficient transport have the potential to transform twenty- government’s vision of an economically Towns and cities in the Midlands, on the links between Britain’s great cities. We only first century Britain just as motorway diverse, regionally strong Britain, made South Coast and to the west of London, need to look at the campaigning from major construction transformed Britain in possible by High Speed Rail, has the currently considered to be on the very cities including Bristol, Glasgow, Leeds and second half of the last century. Ironically, potential to transform the way we live, edge of the commuter belt, will suddenly Manchester to appreciate the economic as industrial nations seek to end an the way we work and the way we travel. be as ‘commutable’ as parts of the south benefits they feel will flow from investment in over-reliance on unsustainable car and east and the home counties, which have high-speed rail. domestic air travel, they are once again But as we have seen from the Channel suffered from massive over- crowding looking to the railways as the future. Tunnel Rail Link the delivery of HSR and hyper-inflated real estate due to their For the first time the government, which can not happen overnight. That is why proximity to London. High Speed Rail, initially seemed to be caught out by the Britain has lagged far behind our European the government, having announced its together with smarter working will provide Conservative opposition’s claim to have neighbours in this respect, but a Labour intentions, must embark of the realisation a massive boost to regional economies shifted ‘greenwards’, has made the demise government, which more than ten years of this project immediately, before currently struggling to compete with of domestic aviation an explicit policy goal. ago promised an integrated transport our creaking network, which is already the capital, as more workers can choose With the journey time from central London network, has finally acknowledged that High nearing full capacity on certain key where they want to live and spend. to Scotland potentially reduced to just Speed Rail is an idea whose time has come routes, becomes any more congested. three and a half hours, and with similarly and put its money where its mouth is. HSR offers a viable long-term solution The economic benefits HSR would deliver drastic cuts in the time it will take to travel to the problems of capacity that is at to the regions can not be overestimated. from London to other northern cities, the With the number of trains using the network the same time greener, offers increased The Northern Way pressure group, which government hopes to switch 46 million at a record level the capacity benefits passenger comfort and is of course faster. campaigns to narrow the north-south divide domestic air passengers a year to the north- of High Speed Rail, at a time when our calculates that a north-south HSR link south HSR link. The environmental benefits roads are increasingly congested, are You would expect me to say that any together with a trans-Pennine HSRL, a sort this would bring are manifestly in the public extremely attractive. They will provide not investment in the railways is a good of northern Crossrail, would generate an interest. Linking a British HSR network just high-speed inter city links, but free thing. But with the advent of High Speed extra £10b, or an additional 40 percent, for with those already in existence in Europe - up existing routes for regional passenger Rail, users will be getting so much more the northern economy. Bringing regional France, the Netherlands, Germany, parts of trains and freight services. In short High for their money than quicker trains. For centres closer to the capital, boosting Scandinavia and Spain are many years ahead Speed Rail is good news for all rail users. some passengers HSR will drastically business activity in these centres by ending of the UK- will mean it is not just domestic PAGE 22 GETTING TO WORK - Keith Norman PAGE 23 HIGH SPEED NORTH EAST - MICK HENRY aviation that can be replaced by train travel. With the opening up of the Barcelona to Many short haul flights to Europe, which Madrid branch, another socialist prime currently account for seven out of ten of minister, Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero is all flights, could be replaced by train. reaping the benefits of his predecessor’s HIGH SPEED long sightedness. With increased Nowhere has the introduction of a HSR investment construction work is in progress link been more dramatic than in Spain, across the country, building bridges, NORTH EAST: Y where a new service, travelling at a top tunnels, stations, laying high speed track MICK HENR speed of 217 mph completes the 410 mile as the government pours an additional journey mile from Madrid to Barcelona, 108 billion euros into the scheme. Tens previously the worlds busiest ‘air-shuttle’ of thousands of Spanish construction The case for linking North East England with in just 2 hours and 35 minutes. It is the workers who might otherwise be suffering a national high speed network of the future latest development in a 15 year £83b from the collapse in house building are in project to upgrade the entire Spanish Rail employment and the nation is grateful. Network. For HSR to fulfil its potential The North East of England, the In presenting the case for the North East, trains need tp pass through stations In its first year of operating the Barcelona- birthplace of the modern railway, our fundamental starting point is that we which are easily accessible. The Spanish Madrid train has taken nearly half, is playing a leading role in the high must have a high speed network that links government aims to have 6,200 miles (46%) of the market from airlines and speed rail debate, which is critical to all regions and major cities of the country, of high-speed track by 2020, meaning each passenger cuts their own carbon the region’s future aspirations, linked to enable all regions to realise their full that 90 percent of the population will footprint on the journey by a staggering to sustainable economic development. economic potential and contribute to be no more than 30 miles from a station 83 percent. Previously cut off from many We are also drawing inspiration from sustainable future growth for the UK. through which the train passes. It is a cities, with their universities, hospitals, cities and regions in Europe and hugely popular policy in a country almost employment opportunities, by the across the world which have seen their Any proposition for a single route covering two-and-a half the size of Britain but it mountain ranges that traverse Spain, vitality enhanced by the development just the western side of the UK would did not become a reality overnight. many Spaniards are discovering their own of new industries and connections, promote imbalanced growth, which is country for the first time, in a punctual centred around high speed rail links. neither economically or environmentally The story of Spain’s AVE (Alta Velocidad and stylish way. It is a great gift for a sustainable. It would also encourage Espanola or Spanish High Speed) began government to be able to bestow on its For regions and the nation to continue development away from the UK’s main in the 1980’s when socialist prime minister people. With the same level of planning to make economic and social progress, trading partner, Europe, and from the east Felipe Gonzalez commissioned a line to be and commitment it is not too late for and to contribute to a greener, more coast ports which are vital for serving these built between Madrid and his home town our own Labour government to bring sustainable future, we need to be visionary. trading links. A strategic approach to of Seville. Opponents saw the project as a about a similar revolution here at home. A bold and ambitious approach to future high speed rail for the UK must go much white elephant, a testament to Gonzalez’s It must make sure that from the earliest transport investment and infrastructure further than a single corridor approach. ego. However the line proved to be a stages regions are allowed to compete is at the heart of driving future progress spectacular success and Spaniards, used fairly for routes and the supporting and in creating opportunities for all parts Delivering Our Vision for Future Growth to the same problems of unreliability as we infrastructure, it may be necessary to of the country to develop and prosper. Brits, discovered that train travel could be ease certain costly planning restrictions Our vision for a sustainable future needs to affordable, stylish and, importantly, could and it must draw on the experience of Proposals for a future high speed be one which encourages and promotes get you where you needed to be on time. our European neighbours, who have network create the potential for regionally balanced growth and which Seventeen years after the Seville-Madrid been offered a once in a lifetime chance innovative transport solutions on a scale creates a new economic geography that line commenced operations, just one in of a cleaner, greener, 250 mph future. never imagined, with opportunities for will enable the North East to realise its ten passengers still takes the plane. fundamentally changing the economic aspirations. National policy frameworks geography of the United Kingdom. need to reflect the opportunities that exist in regions to play a greater role in Keith Norman is the General We believe a network approach to high national economies, whilst at the same Secretary of ASLEF. speed rail is needed in the UK, and that time, supporting regional and sub-regional it is essential for both the region and the economic growth, competitiveness country that this includes the North East. and sustainable development. PAGE 24 HIGH SPEED NORTH EAST - MICK HENRY PAGE 25 HIGH SPEED NORTH EAST - MICK HENRY

In this context, the North East has many The Need for a Whole Connecting Cities, Regions, Both airports play a major role in strengths; its ‘can do’ approach, an Network Approach Capitals and Nations supporting the competitiveness of existing impressive track record in innovation business, including knowledge based and and technological advances, abundant Network Rail’s recent intervention in favour Relative to the South East, the North global industries in chemicals, steel and natural resources, including water of developing a West Coast line would East of England is one of the most engineering/architectural design, which reserves, land availability, open spaces carry significant risks for the North East of peripheral of the English regions, rely on scheduled services providing and exceptionally high quality of life. England, having the potential to seriously which makes it especially important direct links to key markets. We recognise disadvantage the North East, the region’s that its transport infrastructure and that this is an issue of lesser importance Alongside these natural assets, the economic potential and businesses. connectivity with other regions and for other parts of the country, where there development of new and renewable cities is strengthened in the future. are already in existence several transport energy industries and technological By virtue of its geography, the North East alternatives available for business innovation are further reinforcing the North currently faces longer journey times to Whilst we do inevitably look southwards and leisure passengers. Distance, East’s position as a place to live, visit, do London than many other UK cities and to London and the South East, and to our journey time and access to global business and invest in. Such credentials regions. Typically journey times to London links with Yorkshire and Humber and the connections are, however, key factors for are already becoming recognised on are: Birmingham 1 hr 22 mins; Manchester North West, the North East also looks consideration in a North East scenario. a national and international stage. 2 hrs 07 mins; Newcastle 2 hrs 50 mins towards its strategic and political links with and Darlington (Tees Valley) 2 hrs 25 Scotland. Proximity to Edinburgh and Speed, Capacity and Linking Tourism and the leisure industry are also mins. We also know that perception of the closeness of the Tyne and Wear and Centres of Population a vitally important part of our regional journey time and accessibility can play an Edinburgh City Regions, present significant economy. The North East is the only important part in how attractive a region opportunities for strengthening economic, Speed and capacity, linked to connectivity region outside London to have seen a can appear to potential inward investors business, trade and tourism links. and the need to join up centres of growth in visitor numbers last year. The UK and businesses seeking to re-locate, population to improve productivity, are Tourism Survey, commissioned by national sometimes challenging and removing Transport is a key economic driver at the heart of the North East’s case for tourism body, VisitBritain, showed visitor psychological barriers to development. and, as a region, the North East relies high speed. The Tyne and Wear City numbers were up by 10%, with more than for its regional competitiveness and Region has a population of 1,650,000, four million people visiting the region. A phased approach to high speed would growth on good road, rail, air services of which 1,000,000 are of working age, This increase in visitor numbers is an undoubtedly give an early economic and seaways. Our geographical whilst the Tees Valley City Region has expression and reflection of the exciting advantage to those areas connected first. location, relative to UK and European 875,000 inhabitants. With Leeds and developments in regeneration and It is critical this does not send a signal markets, again places the North East Sheffield City Regions providing an cultural renaissance that has taken to investors which will be difficult to turn in a unique position, in that we regard additional 4.4 million population, there place in the North East over the past back from. Encouraging development air services and high speed as being is a compelling case for a northerly decade, as well as those that are part along a single corridor would create complementary rather than competitive. route to connect these urban areas with of our rich history and heritage. lop-sided economic growth in the UK. the South of England and Scotland. The effect would be to spread the issues The current debate on a future high We cannot divorce, therefore, the current of environmental capacity, pressure on speed network for the UK is inextricably As London and the South East come debate on a high speed network for the infrastructure and doubtful economic linked to the current Government increasingly under pressure with regard UK from national and regional strategies sustainability which already exists in Inquiry into National Networks and to environmental resources and land aimed at promoting opportunities for the Greater London area up a narrow strategic national corridors – including costs, City Regions are strongly placed economic growth and recovery, linked strip of the country. This reinforces road, rail, ports and airports – as to relieve that pressure and play a more to the new industries of the future and the need for a network approach to part of the ‘Delivering a Sustainable active and productive role in the national the region’s tourism potential. Economic high speed to improve the economic Transport System’ consultation. economy. Research and experience development opportunities rank as highly competitiveness of all regions and The case for high speed for the North has demonstrated that to maximise the in this crucial debate, as those linked to make best use of their assets for the East urges the adoption of an approach capacity of high speed rail, there does higher speeds and increased capacity. benefit of the country as a whole. that recognises the vitally important need to be very large centres at each end role that Newcastle International of the route, or that there needs to be and Durham Tees Valley Airport play relatively large centres of population and in the economy, at regional, City activity along the length of the route. Region and sub regional levels. PAGE 26 HIGH SPEED NORTH EAST - MICK HENRY PAGE 2527 CHIGHOMM SPEEDUNITY NORTH HEAT WAR EASTMS - UMICKP - ALAN HENR WHITEHEADY

socio-economic characteristics. As a result of its high speed connection, Given the predominance of large the last 10 years, with the East Coast Lille, once a major industrial city, Lille became the focal point between urban centres of population in cities Main Line expected to see another 69% historically heavily invested in coal and Paris, Brussels and London, successfully along the length of the East Coast, increase in passenger demand from 2006 manufacturing, suffered badly from transformed its economy and acting as there are compelling economic to 2016. The East Coast Main Line is economic slowdown in the 1980s, as the key driver to its phenomenal growth arguments for high speed to link reported to be experiencing the highest its traditional industries and goods since the mid 1990’s Now France’s third with the North East of England. levels of crowding over its entire route and were replaced by cheaper imports most powerful financial, commercial and capacity problems are being exacerbated from other parts of the world. By the industrial centre, with a population at its High speed rail has the potential to by growth in the commuting market. end of the 1980s unemployment was highest level since the 1960s, the Lille transform cities and City Regions, with With capacity on the ECML expected to high and the city was reaching the experience is a positive and powerful the reduction in journey times between exceed demand by up to 40% on some depths of a population decline. Strong example of what can be achieved. London and the cities of the North, sections by 2016, high speed alternatives political leadership engineered a shift allowing all regions to maximise their offer a major opportunity to free up towards a service based economy that contribution to a more sustainable capacity along the route, particularly the marked the beginning of economic Cllr Mick Henry is the economic growth pattern for the UK. more heavily stretched approach into recovery and regeneration. Labour Leader of Gateshead London. The release of capacity on the Borough Council and While the term high speed rail places a existing network for slower, inter-urban Chair of the Association natural disposition towards the benefits or suburban passenger trains and freight of North East Councils linked to speed, we also recognise the trains would bring significant benefits. enormous benefits that high speed can deliver in relieving the capacity Transforming the North East: pressures of the existing rail network. Regeneration and Prosperity

There is a pressing need for a dedicated High speed rail as the fastest mode rail network to provide additional capacity, of transport for journeys of between which would release spare capacity on 150km and 800km, would have a the East Coast Main Line for regional transformational impact on the North travel, commuters and for freight. East and the economy of the North East in the way that they internationally High speed rail offers exceptionally and in many European regions. high capacity, predicted to carry around 50% more passengers than a three In the North East, we often refer to lane motorway at about a third of the ‘the Lille effect’, which transformed the time of the equivalent road journey. economy of Lille, a region in France We have witnessed a growth in the number remarkably similar to the North East, with of rail passenger by as much as 45% over its strong industrial heritage and familiar PAGE 28 DON’T FORGET THE PASSENGER - ANTON VALK PAGE 29 DON’T FORGET THE PASSENGER - ANTON VALK

platforms for high speed services a are improving the delivery of information luxury the industry cannot afford. to passengers as well as our station staff High Speed Rail: Don’t This pressure to improve capacity was who to immediate access to transport also behind our decision to invest information across the complete network. in and pioneer ERTMS to allow high Forget the Passenger speed services to operate across In 2010, we look forward to opening ANTON VALK borders at 300 km/hr. This will bring the first Dutch style cycle facility at a step change to capacity and the Leeds Central station. This will be a accessibility of major Dutch cities. fully manned facility for around 500 bicycles which will offer passengers retail, NedRailways was delighted to host a hire and repair facilities as well as full visit to the Netherlands by the Secretary confidence in the security of their cycle. of State for Transport, Lord Adonis, and A vote of confidence for The Dutch experience of Andrew McNaughton in May 2009 to If developed smartly and effectively, the UK rail industry high speed rail learn about the Dutch experience of alongside route modernisation programmes, developing high speed rail services. stations can become major drivers for inward The decision to build new high speed Inaugural services on the Dutch system investment and local regeneration. This is lines is a vote of confidence for the started operating between Rotterdam Don’t forget the passenger something we have seen in the Netherlands UK rail industry and we must work and Amsterdam on 7 September. at several stations and we are please to together to support the Government These will be extended to Breda When undertaking huge engineering be sharing best practice in this area with in the delivery of its vision. and on to Brussels in 2010, giving a challenges it is vital not to overlook the the DfT during its review of stations, being journey time between Amsterdam and needs and expectations of passengers. As led by Chris Green and Sir Peter Hall. Some have criticised the UK as falling London of 4:05 instead of 6:02. an operator, I am a service provider and behind the rest of the world in developing it is my aim to ensure that modernisation, A modernised network securing high speed connections. However, the Connectivity with the European network is whether to the high speed or classic long term investment example of HS1, delivered on time and crucial to realising the full benefits of high network, is focused ultimately on to budget, is itself a benchmark for the speed travel and will be an important issue delivering on the needs of passengers. Maintaining focus on the needs of rest of the world and a great example for the UK as it pursues its own vision. In passengers while delivering a major of what the UK is capable of delivering. the case of the Netherlands, international In this respect, stations play a pivotal role. engineering programme such as high I look forward to the next phase of trips in Europe made by train will be They are the gateways to the network speed rail will be an enormous challenge. development with great anticipation. faster than the same trip by airplane. and must be attractive and convenient As operators we stand ready to support the to use for all users. If they are not they government in meeting that challenge. The construction of new high speed However, high speed rail can have a very become equally effective as barriers. infrastructure must be carefully integrated positive effect over shorter distances If we do this successfully the demand for with existing classic networks so that too. Connecting major conurbations The needs of passengers are becoming rail services will continue to grow and this as many towns and cities as possible triggers inward investment and job more sophisticated. They quite rightly seek will enhance the industry’s sustainability and benefit from the investment. It is also opportunities. The Dutch high speed improved information, reliable and efficient competitive position compared to other important to remember the needs of the system will reduce domestic journey interchanges, better security and ticketing transport modes. And the consequences passenger when taking on such major times by 50%, for example: Amsterdam systems, and improved station facilities. of this should not be underestimated. In engineering challenges. Not just during to Rotterdam in 35mins instead of 1:08. Stations are the key link in facilitating the a post Eddington era of policy making, the disruption caused by construction, end to end journey of the passenger. rail’s competitiveness will be the keystone but when setting long term objectives Capacity is another important issue. to securing long term and reliable levels for issues such as network accessibility. In the Netherlands we have worked At stations in our UK companies we are of public investment that are crucial hard to optimise capacity from existing working to meet these needs. Facilities to delivering the full economic, social, This is something I will touch on later. It and new infrastructure by integrating such as MtoGo at Merseyrail offer a environmental benefits of a dynamic, is an area we have worked hard on in the domestic and international high speed combined retail and ticket service which high speed, modern rail system. Netherlands where the full end to end services so that both share platforms and is improving customer service as well as journey of the passenger is the driver of rail station facilities. The constant pressure to security at stations by keeping them staffed Anton Valk is Chief Executive of Ned Railways investment and development decisions. deliver more capacity makes dedicated longer. Blackberry trials at Northern Rail PAGE 30 GOING GREEN, GOING FAST - ANDREW PAKES PAGE 31 GOING GREEN, GOING FAST - ANDREW PAKES

tell you. Across the country passenger travel on short-haul journeys, particularly numbers are at their highest since the where rail can offer journeys below three 1940s and demand for high speed services hours. High-speed rail has the potential Going Green, Going Fast: to major cities is clear – the Eurostar in then to reduce people’s impact on the 2008 carried over 10% more passengers environment but at the same time enhance than the previous year5. By taking many their travel choices. For example, in France, The environmental case for high speed rail. long distance passengers off the existing the TGV service between Paris and Marseille Andrew Pakes network, high-speed rail will free up railway has seen rail gain up to 70% of the air-travel capacity, reduce overcrowding and improve market8. A similar modal shift was seen in High Speed Rail journeys are compared Over my lifetime, one of the biggest services on the rest of the network. For Spain, where in 2008 high-speed rail travel with those of other forms of transport, changes we’ve seen is the speed at example, one recent report noted that a grew by 28%, whilst passenger numbers High Speed Rail is consistently ahead in which we are able to travel. When my high-speed rail network could provide an on domestic flights fell by 20%. In 2007, environmental terms. A recent report found parents were young, a trip to the seaside extra 9,100 seats per hour to London – this air travel carried 72% of the 4.8 million that at just 25% capacity, the most energy was an annual occasion while overseas is the equivalent of 900 flights per day6. long-distance passengers who travelled intensive High Speed train still emits less travel was a once in a lifetime chance. by air or rail. This has now decreased to CO2 per passenger per kilometre than Today we don’t think twice about a daily The question of which cities a new 60%9. All of this suggests that a cross- an Airbus A319 at full capacity2. Even commute to work of a similar distance, network connects will also be important border high-speed rail service could replace the recently released report by Booz or travelling to yesterday’s holiday for the environmental, social and business many of the short haul flights that account Allen Hamilton, which shed doubt on the destinations just for a meeting. Access case for high-speed rail. To maximise for 70% of all British journeys by air. environmental credentials of the Tories’ to travel has shaped the lives we live environmental benefits of taking cars off plan to build high speed rail to just Leeds, today - offering new opportunities for the roads and planes out of the sky, the This is an opportunity that cannot be found that a link between London and work and broadening the types of jobs new high-speed rail network should extend missed. We need to act now. Network Rail Glasgow or Edinburgh could reduce carbon we can do, allowing us to stay in touch to Scotland’s largest cities and rather than has already warned that the west coast emissions by approximately 30% over a with distant friends and relatives and stop at the north of England as some mainline corridor is running out of room. 60 year lifespan, compared to jet travel3. helping us embrace other cultures. have suggested. Network Rail’s recent People aren’t going to stop travelling, so report ‘Meeting the capacity challenge: if new transport solutions are not created, Not only is high-speed rail travel generally But transport currently contributes over the case for new lines’7 demonstrates that people will be forced to plug the gaps in our more carbon efficient than short haul a quarter of our carbon emissions and stopping a new high-speed rail line in the transport services with the only alternatives flights, but because it uses electrified has increased significantly in recent years north of England – as the Conservative available – cars and planes. Turning people 1 rail lines it is likely to become even less by 9% from 1990 to 2006 . Domestic air party propose – would not take enough away from rail will be disastrous for the carbon intensive in the future. As the travel in particular has a worrying forecast of the market to make a business case for country, economically and environmentally. Labour government pushes forward with of growth. It is already the fastest growing the line. But, if the line is extended to In the 19th Century Britain led the way in decarbonising energy production, the source of emissions and its impact further Edinburgh and Glasgow, this would allow engineering, building the world’s first railway. carbon footprint of travel on high-speed rail intensified by radiative forcing. If we are to high-speed rail to tap into a large enough Two hundred years later we led the way (and other electrified tracks) will fall even meet the government’s ambitious targets market to cause a much more significant in passing the world’s first climate change further. One of the reasons the Eurostar of an 80% reduction in greenhouse gas ‘modal shift’ from air to rail. Continuing act. It’s time we brought this ingenuity and emissions by 2050 it is vital that we halt can claim such low CO2 emissions (ten 4 a high-speed rail line to Scotland leadership together to build a new low- times less CO2 emissions than flying ) is this trend. While many argue that the therefore makes business sense as well as carbon, high-speed transport network that because its trains are mainly powered by only answer is to halt travel, decoupling environmental sense – capturing more of is truly fit for the planet in the 21st Century. French low carbon emitting power stations. transport from carbon emissions offers the ‘market’ and in doing so moving far And never has high-speed rail been more a much more progressive solution. And more passengers from planes to trains. high-speed rail must be a key part in that needed by passengers. Capacity on peak long distance routes is at bursting point, Andrew Pakes is Chair of SERA progressive solution to climate change. Finally, and perhaps most importantly, as anyone who has travelled from London and Labour/Co-op PPC for To begin with, research has demonstrated international evidence shows quite clearly to Yorkshire on a Friday afternoon can Milton Keynes North that when the CO2 emissions for various that passengers will chose rail over air 1. Building a low-carbon economy – The UK’s contribution to tackling climate change, Committee on Climate Change, December 2008, p.253. 5. Euronews website http://www.euronews.net/2009/01/13/eurostar-passengers-at-record/ [Accessed on 160909] 2. http://www.greengauge21.net/assets/Impact_of_HSL_on_Heathrow.pdf 6. From Network Rail’s ‘Meeting the Capacity Challenge: the case for new lines’, p6 ‘The benefits’ 3. http://www.dft.gov.uk/pgr/rail/researchtech/research/newline/carbonimpact.pdf 7. Network Rail’s paper ‘Meeting the capacity challenge: The case for new lines’ 4. Eurostar Website http://www.eurostar.com/UK/uk/leisure/travel_information/before_you_go/Green_Eurostar.jsp 8. from the Scottish Chambers’ paper “High Speed Rail: The case for Scotland” [accessed on 160909] 9. http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2009/jan/13/spain-trains PAGE 32 PROGRESS PLUS EQUALITY - José Blanco López PAGE 33 PROGRESS PLUS EQUALITY - José Blanco López

the parliamentary opposition: Spanish speed railways. In Spain only, they avoid : conservatives even raised doubts and the emission of billions of tons of CO2 into Progress Plus Equality sowed distrust about a high speed the atmosphere each year, contributing system which finally yielded priceless that way to an essential modal shift on the The Most Profitable Investment benefits to the whole society. global fight against the climate change. José Blanco López “Boondoggle”, “Loss-making whim”, On the coming months, Fomento will “Monument to bad territorial planning”… continue to develop several HS corridors Shielded behind overly simple, sort- throughout Spain with the cooperation of sighted cost-benefit analysis, critics Spanish companies, which in the last years complained with those arguments have proved to be at the forefront of the civil against high speed projects over years, engineering and railway transport markets. until the success of each one of the new corridors proved them wrong and At the end of December we will see showed that in troubled economic times, the best proof of how big the effort Troubled economic times like the one The effort under way is so big that, by the best investments for a society are we are currently doing is: Ministerio de the European nations are going through 2012, Spain’s HS network will be the the ones which improve equality. Fomento will close the year with a total nowadays are characterised by the longest one in service in Europe. And Today, like we did over the last 20 years, investment of 19 billion euros, most of number of opportunities they offer, but only eight years later, by 2020, another we have to express our conviction in them on High Speed Rail corridors. also by the uncertainties ahead and historic landmark will be achieved a brilliant future for high speed rail in the doubts about taking decisions now when more than 90% of the country’s Spain, with the extension of the network We are committed to develop, as much as which could oblige in the long term. total population will have a HS train to each edge of the country, building a possible, a unique European railway market station at less than 31 miles away. multi-node web in which each city is a taking advantage of the Spanish presidency Someone could think that we, the political centre. A network which draws territories of the European Council during the first half representatives in charge of looking after Nevertheless, none of this would have together and grants equal opportunities to of the next year, and we will hold meetings the public interests by assessing the been possible if Felipe Gonzalez’s each citizen, no matter where he lives. A like the World Transportation Infrastructures opportunity costs of each choice, would be government, back in 1989, hadn’t taken network which ties us strongly to Europe. Congress in Valence, at the end of 2010, tempted to follow the easy path on those the first, crucial step by committing at the same time as the opening of the crucial crossroads. But this is not the case. itself to build Spain’s first high speed Now more than ever, we have to look Madrid-Valencia High Speed Line. line between Madrid and Seville. towards the future and we shouldn’t Maybe Spain, with the socialist party at the slow down our pace, because each new In moments like nowadays, citizens don’t head of successive governments, is the best This decisive action was continued by high speed line carried out will be at the want us to take timid or wary decisions. They example of how a mindful combination of the next governments, receiving a final same time a retaining wall against the demand their representatives to choose courageous decisions on difficult times, push when José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero economic crisis and a lever to get the those alternatives which pave the way for the power of a cabinet lead by egalitarian arrived at the Moncloa Palace and with society ready for the incoming recovery. the future with the same courage as they principles and the supportive effort of the subsequent approval of the Strategic face up their difficulties,. They demand the taxpayers, can lead a country to new Plan for Transport Infrastructures, a The new opportunities which lie ahead are we use the public power with intelligence heights of economical and social progress. master plan which draws almost all the strongly linked with a new and sustainable by developing systems like high speed steps to follow in the next years. development model, based mainly on railways, which could accelerate the recovery Our high speed rail network reaches now technological innovations. And there’s and reduce inequalities, and give as result several edges of the Iberian Peninsula, A cursory glance over the last 20 years no transport mode better prepared to the best profit of all. The social profit. and connects some of the most important could make somebody think that the achieve such a objective than the high cities of Spain with the most sustainable path followed was an easy one, but this José Blanco López is transport mode and in a fast, safe and conclusion couldn’t be more wrong. Minister of Transports and clean way: Barcelona, Madrid, Malaga, Although PSOE’s support on high speed Public Works, Spain Seville… and Valencia at the end of railways was clear, determined and 2010. Its next objectives will be Galicia, firm since the very first moment, other the north coast, Portugal and France. sectors of society were not so keen -like PAGE 34 HIGH SPEED RAIL - KEN LIVINGSTONE

HIGH SPEED RAIL

Ken Livingstone

Andrew Adonis’s plan for a high speed global temperature rising by more than rail link that allows Britain to begin two degrees Celsius but there is almost catching up with the rest of Europe’s no scientist working in this field that levels of rail investment is a key part believes it is still possible to achieve of the 21st century agenda. Nor is the two degree target. For that to work it just an isolated gesture given his we needed to start a decade ago. The determination to tie up the contracts Tyndall Centre analysis shows that we so Crossrail, Europe’s biggest single barely have a 50 percent chance of rail project, goes ahead and is stabilising at a four degree increase protected from being cut or delayed which would mean many countries in the event of a Tory government. ceasing to be viable and hundreds of million of climate change refugees. Leave aside the not irrelevant fact that it’s just a lot nicer getting on Eurostar With that background the issue is not rather than struggling through Heathrow can we build one new high speed rail to get to Paris or Brussels but it’s also link but how soon we can upgrade an essential part of tackling climate the rest of our long distance rail and change which is rapidly turning out to link it in to the emerging European be a much bigger threat much sooner network in order to shift passengers than anyone expected a decade ago. from short haul flights which have I am sure the Copenhagen summit become one of the biggest sources will get a post-Kyoto treaty in which of the increase in carbon emissions. governments agree to work to prevent

Ken Livingstone is former Mayor of London Fast Forwards; Labour’s Case for High Speed Rail

SERA is the Labour Environment campaign. We have been campaigning for over 30 years to bring together the joint causes of environmental progress and social justice. This pamphlet launches our campaign for high speed rail and in support of a bold commitment to public transport at the heart of Labour’s future vision.

“High Speed rail is now pretty well a ‘no brainer’ transport strategy for the 21st century, in place of extra motorways or short-haul aviation.” Lord Andrew Adonis, Secretary of State for Transport.

“When I can embark on a train journey in the north of England that takes me all the way to Paris and beyond, and when that journey offers me the comfort of a decent seat and tea that stays in the cup, I know that finally Britain has arrived in Europe.” Angela Smith MP

“The Labour Government’s plans for High Speed Rail have the potential to transform twenty first century Britain just as motorway construction transformed Britain the second half of the last century.” Keith Norman, ASLEF

“Getting the Eurostar is not just nicer than struggling to Heathrow to get to Paris or Brussels but its also an essential part of tackling climate change, which is rapidly turning out to be a much bigger threat much sooner than anyone expected a decade ago.” Ken Livingstone, former Mayor of London

www.sera.org.uk