Rail has long been hailed as the cleanest means of public transport. HS2’s demise will undermine the UK’s ability to improve its rail infrastructure and potentially lead to greater inequality.
Economists do not have the analytical tools to properly measure the full value of a megaproject. Deciding on whether to pull the plug or not is always a political matter.
HS2 has been controversial from the outset, not least because experts don’t agree about its benefits. However, canceling the Leeds branch is to the region’s detriment.
The government’s plan to shake up the national rail system is ambitious. Whether it will be cheaper for the customer – and for the nation – remains to be seen