Christian Wolmar (6 June) and Simon Jenkins (7 June) both argue against HS2 as an expensive white elephant. Indeed it is. A better alternative exists – High Speed UK – which would connect many more cities, meet climate change targets and fulfil the objectives of HS3 to create a “northern powerhouse”. HSUK would comprise four tracks from London to South Yorkshire, with the capacity to serve central stations in all major cities served by the present intercity network. Its route would be mostly on the surface, following the M1 and other established transport corridors; it avoids HS2’s unprecedented lengths of highly expensive tunnel and its intrusion into sensitive areas. On a like-for-like basis, it would cost £25bn less than HS2, and would integrate with the existing rail network.
Colin Elliff and Quentin Macdonald
Principals, High Speed UK
• Join the debate – email guardian.letters@theguardian.com
