HS2 Trains Slower and Less Capacious as Costs Soar to Over £66 Billion

Revised plans lead to axing of northern leg extension and reduction in seat capacity, with completion expected between 2030 and 2033.

The HS2 trains running between Birmingham and Manchester will be slower and hold fewer passengers than the current trains, due to revised plans.
The predicted cost of delivering the HS2 project between London and Birmingham has soared to more than £66 billion.
The planned extension to the stations in Crewe and the new station at Manchester Piccadilly for the northern leg have been axed.
The speed of HS2 trains from Birmingham to Manchester would be the “same” as current trains on straight sections of track but would have to be slower around bends.
The project is scheduled to be completed between 2030 and 2033.