Let's replace the HS2 project with local transport investment | Letters

Scrapping HS2 could mean ?500m each for 112 towns and cities, writes Bill Dodds, while David Biggs explains why Network Rail is selling off its commercial property armJohn Harris (Opinion, 11 June) highlights the need for greater emphasis on local transport services, which are being starved of investment to fund large-scale vanity projects such as HS2 (estimated to cost over ?56bn). Just imagine what could be done with this money.A more effective way to improve transport throughout the country (and air quality) would be to use this ?56bn to provide good quality local transport services. If this sum were to be shared between the 112 most populated towns and cities in the UK, they would have ?500m each to invest in local infrastructure. It is possible and desirable to provide improvements for walking, cycling, better bus services and the introduction of rapid transit systems, but it seems it will have to wait until there is a change of government.Bill DoddsNewcastle upon Tyne Continue reading...