A smart HS3 timetable?

First published May 2014, and updated September 2019

Most High Speed routes seem to include only a few stations miles apart from each other; areas in between are deprived of access, and often resent construction because they lose out. What if HS3 were to include loops into existing stations on local networks? We can improve the concept for HS3 by learning from the reactions to HS2 design.

A carefully constructed timetable would allow fast trains to stop infrequently but at different stations.  Everybody would have good access, great connections, and high speed. Win, win!

That's the thinking in Build me a BEAVER which is the second of the Buffalo Future novels; details at Hiss Farm Concepts

Let's integrate HS3 and Crossrail 2

Updated September 2019

Elsewhere I have argued that HS3 should serve maximum population density. Crossrail 2 gained momentum with the announcement in January 2015, covered by Railway Gazette and others, that consultants have been appointed to work up the scheme. How about integrating these projects?

Clearly High Speed and Crossrail would need separate tunnels, but linking the two at some stations would improve access. It would involve smart timetabling.

Crossrail 2 image

I'm not sure we should put London First, as in the campaign above, but ought to consider what would be best for the whole country. In other words, let's add HS3 thinking to the existing Crossrail 2 concept. That would give us great access to and across the city.