Staffordshire’s economic growth leader has said that a new rail franchise combining HS2 with the West Coast Main Line would provide a boost to the county’s rail services & the wider economy.
The Government announced last week that the franchise is scheduled to start on April 1 2019, and will be called the West Coast Partnership. The chosen operator would be responsible for services on the West Coast Main Line and the first HS2 services from 2026.
Mark Winnington, who is also chairman of the West Midlands Rail Consortium, said: “Following this week’s news that Stafford will become an HS2 hub with direct links to the line, today’s announcement of a single operator for the West Coast Main Line and HS2 is a welcome one. It recognises the West Coast Main Line as one of the most important strategic rail routes in the UK. The West Midlands Rail Consortium has had an input in this process, and we will be in continued contact with the DfT and the Secretary of State to ensure we get the beat deal for Staffordshire. A fully integrated HS2 and main line rail network will make Staffordshire even better connected, offering benefits for local commuters, businesses and our visitor economy. We will of course carry on our work to mitigate the impact of HS2 on people and communities affected by it.”
On Monday, the ‘Changing Britain:HS2 taking root’ report by Sir David Higgins, Chairman of HS2 Limited, was published. It included detail of the Stafford to HS2 link at Handsacre, meaning hybrid services could reach London Easton in 53 minutes.
