HS2 - THE MYTHS AND THE TRUTH

MYTH 1

“HS2 will be profitable”

THE TRUTH

HS2 will lose money. Your money.

MYTH 2

“HS2 is green ”

THE TRUTH
 

Speed is not green. HS2 will create twice the emissions of conventional trains.

MYTH 3
 

“HS2 will deliver wider economic benefit and cure the North / South divide ”

THE TRUTH
 

The Department for Transport says that 73% of estimated new jobs will be in London.

MYTH 4

“HS2 is essential to solve capacity problems ”

THE TRUTH
 

Alternatives more than meet future demand for a fraction of the cost and benefit all rail users along the line.

MYTH 5

“HS2 will greatly reduce domestic air travel ”

THE TRUTH
 
 

There are no air services from London to Birmingham. Airlines confirm that any slots vacated further north will be filled by international flights.

MYTH 6

“The UK needs to catch up with continental Europe ”

THE TRUTH
 

The UK has been ahead for a long time. Europe’s high speed rail systems are in difficulties. They are a warning of what NOT to do.