The £33 billion line between London Birmingham then Manchester/Leeds is causing a lot of opposition; due to the fact that the line would literally go through or split peoples houses, forcing them to re-locate.
Positives:
The only high speed line in Britain is High Speed 1 between London and Kent-which is for the Javelin and Eurostar services. The HS2 would severly reduce journey times to/from the capital to several major cities. The economy is set to benefit somehow but that is up for debate. The line could use current rail-lines such as the West Coast Main Line meaning that the trains can be used onto both types of track. Speed-250mph; people can only dream of going that speed in a Bugatti Veyron. The trains would be going so fast it would give Virgin Trains Pendolinos who runs 125mph some competition.
Negatives
It is understood the overall cost will be £33 billion. As the coalition have been boasting about cuts, it is a lot of money and it is amazing how at a time like it is how that chunk of money can be used. It has been branded a 'rich-boys toy'. If you are poor or not well off-forget it. It wil cut through areas of natural beauty such as the Chilterns; so tunnels are being thought of to get over that problem, as well as go through owners properties-meaning they have to move. Can the costs be recovered? That is the big question on wether the investment in a big project can break even. It will take years-not in my lifetime anyway.
Conclusion: The positives and negatives are fairly balanced. Worth noting that the first train between Birmingham and London wil not be seen until 2025; then the second phase will be between Manchester/Leeds and London in 2033. This country invented the railway-about time we caught up with the high speed game. Many countries around the world are leagues ahead of us.
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