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The future of highspeed rail
This paper explores options for high speed rail within the UK including maglev, HS2/3 and hyperloop.
The future of highspeed rail: The options for highspeed rail in the UK
This paper will look at the different high speed rail options for the UK. These include the HS2/3, a maglev line and a Hyperloop system. Whilst this paper will not recommend a specific course of action it will look at the scientific background, histories, existing examples, advantages, disadvantages and proposed routes for these proposals. This paper will also include several possible solutions for issues a hyperloop or maglev system may need to overcome.
Quick summary
- There are three options for highspeed rail in the UK: Maglev, HS2/3 and Hyperloop.
- HS2 and 3 use proven technologies but risk being dated once the lines are eventually built.
- Maglev is less proven but has also been used in several lines. This type of transport probably strikes the best balance between older types of railways such as HS2/3 and newer technologies such as Hyperloop.
- Hyperloop is faster than Maglev but has been tested less which is a barrier to using it for a large line.
Authors
Torrin Wilkins
Director and Founder
Torrin founded Centre in 2020. In the role has written numerous papers including one backed by the Gaps in Support APPG which contained 260 MPs. He has also written policies for political parties and appeared on a wide range of media including TV and radio. He has a Political Studies degree from Aberystwyth University.