HST2 Shunted Into The Sidings

Photo by nicksarebi Can you spot the mistake?

Sadly I have a funny feeling that this was inevitable - the government have decided that they can't afford the HST2 programme any more.

These were the much-hyped high-speed trains which were to replace the ageing 125 and 225 fleet used on Intercity services in Britain. The idea was that rather than having just one rail company commit to having them designed and built, the government would take on that commitment and spread the risk, with the train operating companies leasing however many they needed. They even had Hitachi lined up to design and build the trains, before getting cold feet.

The government are blaming current debt levels, of course. Here was me thinking that one way to reduce the debt and create jobs would be to invest in the future.

Another factor, according to the government, is a slowdown in the growth of passenger numbers. While I can't deny there has been a slowdown - I see it with my own eyes - the fact is passenger numbers are still growing.

We need the trains to be started now, otherwise in ten years time we'll be crying at the lack of capacity on a fleet which is falling apart more than it is at the minute. Our European cousins can see that - why can't we?