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PRIVACY
Economic Development

HS2 wish list drawn up for new rail route

Rail customer watchdog Transport Focus reveals key items which future users of high-speed rail line between Birmingham and London want to see

CGI of the planned HS2 rail line

Trains on the £50 billion high-speed line between Birmingham and London should have on-board GPs, shops and gyms, according to a 'wish list' drawn up by passengers.

Travellers would also like to see 100-journey tickets rather than tickets for a fixed period of time while carriages should be big enough for buggies and bicycles.

Passengers should be guaranteed a seat even in peak hours while there could be standing areas on shorter journeys for those on lower-cost tickets.

The ideas for HS2, whose first phase came from a panel of 40 passengers selected by rail customer watchdog Transport Focus.

As well as the GPs, shops and gyms, the panel wanted to see different levels of comfort reflected in differing prices, fares "affordable to the masses" and tickets which included all modes of transport such as buses and taxis.

Passengers also said they would like to see showers and sleeping facilities and GPS-enabled mobile app directions so passengers can find their seats easily along with other suggestions.

Transport Focus chief executive Anthony Smith said: "Building a brand new railway presents a unique opportunity for passengers.

"HS2 has the potential to transform travel between our major cities but this can only be achieved by really understanding the needs of passengers.