23.11.12
Connectivity and capacity
Who benefits from HS2 is a key question in the ongoing political battles over the construction of the new line, and the latest evidence from Greengauge 21 is unlikely to change minds.
That’s because the combatants are not so much London vs UK regions, as urban vs rural, in many cases: the research suggests that the UK regions will benefit more than the capital in the long-term, but dig a bit deeper, and it’s still really the major cities and those with easy connectivity to them who truly benefit most.
One of the major grievances felt by people directly impacted by the new line is that they don’t even stand to benefit from it, even as it disrupts their lives.
The Government has decided this is worth it, for national prosperity, improved railway capacity and economic growth. It’s hard to image any minds have been changed in the last 12 months, though.
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(Image: djim used here under a Creative Commons licence, some rights reserved.)