TSSA says HS2 must run at full speed 

TSSA - the union representing staff directly employed by HS2 (High Speed 2) - has described as ‘very unwise’ the suggestion trains could run at slower speeds once the line is up and running.  

The Transport Secretary, Heidi Alexander, is said to be weighing up options to save costs on the long overrunning and curtailed project between London and Birmingham – including lower operating speeds until special tests are carried out on the trains.  

Commenting, TSSA General Secretary Maryam Eslamdoust said: “I’m afraid this is a very unwise idea. HS2 must be safe but instead of offering a choice between further delays or reduced speeds Ministers should be seeking solutions now so that HS2 is running at full speed on day one.  

“Frankly anything else will leave Britain in the slow lane not just in comparison with other countries in Europe but also China. HS2 is vital because a vibrant growing economy in the 21st Century needs reliable high-speed rai links. 

“If true, these proposals diminish our ability to grow local, regional and national economies, and therefore undermine what the government has long claimed as its top priority.”