To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what recent estimate he has made of the average number of trains that will leave Penrith each hour following the construction of HS2 phase (a) 2a and (b) 2b.
Answered on
18 September 2023
No decisions have yet been taken on the train services that will operate when HS2 opens. These decisions will be taken nearer the time of delivery, drawing on advice from the West Coast Partnership and Network Rail. These proposals will be subject to public consultation and will cover the high-speed services as well as the recommended use of the capacity that will become available on the West Coast Main Line.
The Department is clear that the high-speed and West Coast services will complement each other to seek to maximise the benefits for passengers across the region.