Opinion: Additional train paths from a scaled-back HS2

Current assessments of HS2 are too gloomy, as several frugal tweaks are available to improve its business case in the changed rail market.

HS2 Ltd and the Department for Transport need to acknowledge potential phased outcome scenarios, now that they have scaled back their original aspirations for 18 trains per hour (tph) at Euston. Defining the likely outcomes would help rebuild confidence in HS2’s efforts and prospects.