UK Ultraspeed publishes intercity plans:
London – North England maglev business case
Policy regarding high speed has developed substantially in recent months.
In England, considerable attention has been focussed on the London – Birmingham – Manchester spine, with various possible extensions.
To inform the evolving debate, UK Ultraspeed is today publishing the business case for the southern 458 km of the proposed Anglo-Scottish maglev network; the route from London and Heathrow via the Midlands to Manchester, Liverpool and Leeds.
The document was prepared in Summer 2008 and is now undergoing further development.
Important note: whilst this business case deals specifically with the London – North West/Yorkshire route, Ultraspeed is ultimately designed to deliver a full-scale Scotland – London connection.
Studies consistently show that, in UK conditions, more maglev can be delivered for less whole-life cost than TGV-style rail. Maglev can link all the major city regions between London and Scotland with one system; wheel-on-rail needs two lines. Maglev can feasibly traverse the Pennines, TGV-style rail cannot.
These advantages means that maglev, and only maglev, is realistically capable of including the North East and Scotland in Britain’s high speed future.
The full business case can be downloaded via the link below.
UK Intercity Maglev Business Case
Tuesday, 21 October 2008
