British train factories may close

[JohnD]

A (presumably unintended) consequence of the HS2 shambles.

"The future of two factories set to build trains for the High Speed 2 line from London to Birmingham is in doubt because a lack of other orders may force their closure before the work is due to begin, Hitachi and Alstom have warned.

Ministers this week told Hitachi that they would not place a new order for conventional trains that would have kept its Newton Aycliffe plant in the north-east of England in business until the HS2 build began in 18 months, according to people familiar with the matter.

Meanwhile, France’s Alstom has told the Financial Times that it had “all but run out of time” to secure the future of its plant in Derby because it also faces a gap in production.

Train companies are technically in charge of making rolling stock orders, but their budgets for these are set by the government."

FT.com

The country needs a transport policy.

 

[Mottie]

You've posted this in the wrong place. You should have posted this in your 'Things that make me happy' thread.

 

[blup]

The country needs a transport policy.

And a transport newtwork

 

[Murdochcat]

the London tube network is at capacity, most of the main lines are at capacity.

HS2 is about capacity, to speed and needs to be completed to the original plans and there needs to be a new east west link up north.

It’s that simple

 

[carmanmemoranda]

the London tube network is at capacity, most of the main lines are at capacity.

HS2 is about capacity, to speed and needs to be completed to the original plans and there needs to be a new east west link up north.

It’s that simple

Its not speed that's needed, it's capacity.

But needs long term thinking and planning

 

[fillyboy]