As Virgin Hyperloop One takes shape, transport think tank calls for
   UK-wide conventional high-speed network
     * Simon Calder Travel Correspondent
     * Tuesday 29 May 2018 00:22 {{^moreThanTen}}
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   The debate on high-speed rail is accelerating, with proponents of
   competing schemes insisting they have the best solution for the UK.

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   “The cost of building Virgin Hyperloop would be, I think, about a third
   of building high-speed rail, and much, much quicker.

   “It can either be underground, it can be on the ground or it can be
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       dream
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   The US entrepreneur Elon Musk has founded The Boring Company to
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   Meanwhile the environmental transport think tank, Greengauge 21, has
   called for a conventional high-speed rail network connecting Britain by
   2050.

   A new report, Beyond HS2, says that the move would put “rocket fuel in
   Britain’s economy”. It would also reduce the relative advantages of
   London by lowering journey times between other cities.

   While France, Spain, Germany and Italy have extensive high-speed
   networks, Britain’s only such line is High Speed 1, connecting London
   with the Channel Tunnel.

   High Speed 2, a £56bn, 250mph line connecting London with Birmingham,
   Manchester, Sheffield and Leeds, is planned to open in sections from
   2026.
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   main line.

   High-speed tracks are also needed across the Pennines, connecting
   Liverpool and Manchester with Sheffield, Leeds, Newcastle and Hull,
   says the report.
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   centred on London to a fully national network.

   “Britain lacks a long-term national railway strategy beyond HS2.

   “We need a plan to put rocket fuel into our economic productivity and
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   the country.”
   More about
   High Speed 2 |  Virgin Hyperloop One |  Sir Richard Branson |  Elon
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