Shropshire Star

Find out why HS2 could cause ALL West Coast train fares to rise

Fares are set to rise on train services to and from the West Midlands – all because of the halting of HS2.

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It has been reported that Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s decision to scrap plans to extend HS2 north of Birmingham could lead to significantly higher fares.

Mainline services between the West Midlands, London and Manchester would be affected.

Unnamed industry sources believe price rises will be needed to manage overcrowding.

HS2 trains will have lower capacity than current trains on the West Coast mainline
HS2 trains will have lower capacity than current trains on the West Coast mainline

The i newspaper quoted industry sources as predicting more hikes in future on the West Coast mainline.

Experts say aborting the HS2 northern section will worsen the already poor state of the rail on one of the UK’s most important rail lines.

Within five years, there is expected to be an eight per cent drop in capacity for trains going from the West Midlands north to Manchester and Glasgow, due to current government plans.