New Rail Line Proposed as Cheaper Alternative to Scrapped HS2 Northern Leg

The new 50-mile route between Staffordshire and Cheshire aims to connect the Midlands and North West with 85% of HS2 benefits at a lower cost.

A new report proposes a slower but cheaper 50-mile rail line to replace the cancelled HS2 extension between the West Midlands and Manchester.
The alternative route would connect with the Northern Powerhouse Rail, enhancing passenger and freight capacity between the regions.
Journeys between London and Manchester would be only 15 minutes longer than the original HS2 plans, but still 30 minutes faster than current travel times.
The new line could deliver roughly 85% of the benefits of HS2 Phase 2 at 60-75% of the cost, saving taxpayers £2 billion by reusing existing resources.
Mayors of Greater Manchester and the West Midlands, along with private sector leaders, urge the government to establish a steering group to advance the project.