Sunday 27 February 2011

WHY SUPER-FAST RAIL SERVICE HAS TO BE DERAILED

It is worth reminding ourselves that our opposition to HS2 high-speed rail is not simply emotional or nimbyistic (if such a word exists). As a side issue, what is wrong with feeling strongly against something which directly affects you?  A recent article by Christian Wolmar reminds us of the stupidity of the assumptions made on cost savings in the Government's "Business Case" -

"Let’s look at the economic argument. This is based on a piece of mumbo-jumbo called a “business case” which actually falls apart as soon as it is examined. The Government says the £17billion cost of the line between London and Birmingham is worth it because it will attract more than twice that amount in  “benefits”.
What are these benefits? They are not for the most part fares income but rather the small savings made by people using the line. These account for nearly £20billion of the supposed £32billion benefits and are calculated on the basis that the value of these travellers’ time is equivalent to a salary of £70,000 a year. So every minute saved is worth about 50p or £30 an hour, which suggests the promoters think the line will be used mostly by fat-cats.
SUCH “savings” also assume that travel time is wasted. That may be the case in a car, where even making a hands-free call can be unwise, but a train with internet access and laptops can be a wonderful working environment."

Well worth reading the rest of what Christian Wolmar says by clicking:

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