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The future of highspeed rail

This paper explores options for high-speed rail within the UK, including Maglev, HS2 and Northern Powerhouse Rail, and Hyperloop.

A pink strip at the top of the paper with the words: "Centre Think Tank ISSN 2634-4696". The paper title is "The Future of high-speed Rail Briefing paper - the options for high speed rail in the UK". Below is a light blue section with a blue maglev train travelling along a one grove track. Under this are the words "Briefing paper. By Torrin Wilkins, August 24th 2019". At the bottom is a white strip with the Centre logo in pink beneath.

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.
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Quick summary

  • There are three options for high-speed 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 is the Founder and Director of the Centre. His experience includes authoring over a dozen papers and over one hundred policies. His policies have been backed by an All-Party Parliamentary Group of over 260 MPs and included in various party manifestos. He regularly appears in a wide range of print and broadcast media and previously had a weekly column for a national publication. He also has a degree in Political Studies from Aberystwyth University.