Introduced in 1975, and still the world speed record holder for a diesel powered train, these glorious machines form the backbone of long-distance services between London and the West Country, as well as into the Highlands of Scotland. But they're getting to the end of their working lives and the previous government launched a programme to build a replacement.
Can I introduce the Agility Trains (= Hitachi) InterCity Super Express?
This project has been insanely managed by DfT, and the value for money even by their own measures has declined from "extremely high" to "moderate/high" borders as the specification has been changed.
A devastating report has just been published which trashes the fundamental ideas behind the project.
Unfortunately, I need a bit of time before I can post about it -- there are too many juicy morsels to miss -- so this is just a taster. Think of it as a trailer for a forthcoming feature. A feature that has so far cost tax-payers £20 million in consultancy fees, and the train manufacturing industry around £50 million in bidding and engineering costs.
Just wanted you to know.
2 comments:
I think the HST proper debut in 1977/78.
I think you're absolutely right. I have no idea why I wrote 1975!
At the other end, the last HST came off the production lines in 1982.
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