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Mon, 23 Mar 2026

Mon, 23 Mar 2026 HS2 trains could run slower than planned to save money

The government is looking at ways to make much-delayed London to Birmingham railway line cheaper to deliver.

* HS2 high-speed trains may be limited to lower speeds than initially planned due to cost concerns.
* The Department for Transport (DfT) has instructed the company building HS2 to consider slower speeds on the London-Birmingham route.
* HS2's original design allows for speeds of up to 360km/h, but testing at this speed would require a bespoke test track or a trip to China.
* Lowering initial operating speeds could bring costs down and help complete the project sooner.
* The Transport Secretary is exploring every opportunity to reduce costs and delivery times.
* HS2's completion deadline has been delayed until after the May elections, and its estimated cost has risen above £100bn.