What is HS2?

a proposed new ultra-high-speed rail line designed to carry trains at up to 250 mph, much faster than any other wheel-based rail service anywhere in the world
initial section would run non-stop between London and Birmingham
in Stage 2, the line could be extended in a Y-shape to Manchester and Leeds
construction could begin soon after 2015 and the London-Birmingham section could be operational by 2026
Government says the London-Birmingham section would cost about £17 billion. But this is the so-called ’Present Value’ not the real cash cost. We believe it could be as much as £34 billion in real cash, for the London-Birmingham section alone.