The HS2 project, conceived in 2012 to connect London with Birmingham, Leeds, and Manchester, has seen key sections canceled in 2021 and 2023. Ruth Cadbury, chair of the Transport Committee, noted that starting work without a complete design broke the maxim of plan slow, build fast. Now, facing budget overruns, Alexander has requested savings options, including reducing the line's maximum speed.
Reducing speed: a technical adjustment with implications 🚄
A possible reduction in maximum speed, initially intended to be the highest in the world, would modify design parameters such as curve radius and train power. This would allow for lighter, less expensive infrastructure but would lengthen travel times. Engineers are evaluating whether savings in materials and energy offset the loss of competitiveness against aviation, a delicate balance for an already fragmented project.
Plan slow, build fast... or build nothing at all 🛤️
It turns out the rule was plan slow, build fast, but with HS2 they did the opposite: plan fast, build slow, and cancel on the fly. Now, to save money, they suggest trains go slower. Perhaps the next idea will be for passengers to push the carriages downhill. At least that way they'd meet the budget, even if they arrive in Birmingham by the time their grandchildren retire.