• AnarchistArtificer@slrpnk.net
    link
    fedilink
    English
    arrow-up
    4
    ·
    19 hours ago

    It’s definitely good, but I do wonder (and worry) whether increased usage of rail contributes at all to the increasingly abysmal passenger rail services; when you look at the data, it’s horrific how overloaded the train lines are due to chronic under-investment.

    That being said, even if this scheme was impacting passenger rail, it’s probably still good overall, especially if it leads to more investment in infrastructure (i.e. passenger rail being drastically involved in the future); I have plenty of beef with Starmer’s Labour, but I also recognise that the trains getting as bad as they are now didn’t happen overnight, so will take time to improve. (Which reminds me: I should read more about the recent budget)

    • GreatAlbatross@feddit.ukM
      link
      fedilink
      English
      arrow-up
      5
      ·
      edit-2
      10 hours ago

      One of HS2’s huge benefits will be taking large amounts of passenger traffic off the ECML, freeing it up for more freight. Just gotta hope 2a gets un-cancelled…

      (Which is why I get grumpy when headlines scream “it’ll only save 30 minutes”: It’s not the only reason!)

      • Swedneck
        link
        fedilink
        English
        arrow-up
        2
        ·
        8 hours ago

        also like 30 minutes is a fucking chunky saving, usually with public transport you’re talking saving like 3 minutes! 30 minutes can very well be what makes services usable for way more people, getting them to switch from car to train.

      • AnarchistArtificer@slrpnk.net
        link
        fedilink
        English
        arrow-up
        2
        ·
        8 hours ago

        Didn’t they sell off a bunch of the land that was going to be used for that? I remember being very upset at how spiteful of a gesture it felt

        • Mex@feddit.ukOP
          link
          fedilink
          English
          arrow-up
          1
          ·
          4 hours ago

          I don’t think they got to this in the end before the election.