The effective re-use of the capacity released on the existing rail network will be a key benefit of HS2. It will allow new local and regional passenger and new freight trains to operate: services that are prevented now by network capacity constraints.
This new report from Greengauge 21 looks ahead to consider what rail services should operate on the existing network once HS2 has been delivered. A new regular interval timetable for the West Coast Main Line has been developed: this provides a step change in service provision once the longer distance non-stopping trains have been transferred to HS2. In addition, consideration is given to how the rail network might be developed further to make good use of the opportunities arising from HS2. New services will benefit the Chilterns, Buckinghamshire, Hertfordshire, Northamptonshire, Oxfordshire, Staffordshire and Warwickshire.