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The HS2 rail link should run to Scotland to boost connectivity, cut carbon and rebalance the economy post Covid-19, according to a new report published today.
An article in The Scotsman says the High Speed Rail Group says joining the route to Scotland would cut travel time to London to just over three hours.
The report, produced by independent policy research group Greengauge21, suggests a programme of upgrades to existing lines, as well as new dedicated sections of high speed line.
Transport Scotland says work would get underway shortly to decide if there was a business case for the recommended improvements.
Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen has announced a £35 million transformation of Middlesbrough Station to deliver more train services to the town, including the first direct rail link to London in decades.
The Mayor has committed £22.5 million to the scheme, which in its first phase early next year, will see a platform extension facilitate more services and longer trains.
The extended platform 2 will be able to accommodate new LNER Azuma trains as Mayor Houchen leads discussions with the government-owned operator to restore daily services from Middlesbrough to the capital.
ScotRail is urging passengers to follow its five rules for safe travel, warning customers that it can’t guarantee physical distancing at all stages of a journey.
Passengers should not travel if they feel unwell or have a temperature, should try and avoid the main commuting times, and wear a face covering.
Among the measures implemented by the operator includes a big reduction in train capacity and floor markings at the busiest stations.
Finally, and 10 new projects, funded by rail research body RSSB, will help industry explore using data to improve performance and manage short term planning more efficiently.
The aim is to help operators ensure that they can run trains on-time, while providing the safest and most reliable services to customers.
RSSB has made over £4million available to fund 10 innovative data-focussed projects to help industry improve performance in the long term.
Photo credit: HS2 Ltd
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