High-speed rail report published

Date: 31/12/2009

A report has been delivered to transport secretary Andrew Adonis, advising on the development of high-speed rail services in the UK.

Delivered by High Speed Two, the company set up to advice the government on high-speed rail services, the report features a detailed route plan to take in London and the West Midlands.

It also includes options for extending the service north, to the North West, East Midlands, Yorkshire, the North East and Scotland.

Lord Adonis welcomed the report, stating that 2010 is set to be the year of high-speed rail in the UK.

"I am excited about the possibilities that high-speed rail has to transform transport in this country for the better, providing environmental benefits, encouraging investment and boosting business and jobs," he added.

Once the report has been scrutinised, the government intends to announce its plans for high speed rail by the end of March in a white paper.

This will include proposed speed rail lines and services, time scales and relevant environmental assessments.

Meanwhile, most regulated rail fares are set to drop in price from Saturday, it has been reported.