tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3086624128165582510.post1714361958423199113..comments2023-09-09T00:26:22.835-07:00Comments on njak 100: 51M: a cut and shut case?Nickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06437364068843189726noreply@blogger.comBlogger3125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3086624128165582510.post-69964356842601829542012-04-16T11:36:32.829-07:002012-04-16T11:36:32.829-07:00Richard, I haven't been name-calling anyone, I...Richard, I haven't been name-calling anyone, I totally understand the local opposition to HS2. However, the stats released recently about consultation responses confirm there is a strong local element to the objectors.<br /><br />Of course the declining BCR is some cause for concern, but BCRs are only a limited tool to assist planners, not a be all and end all about whether a project goes ahead -- that is the tail wagging the dog. That said, despite the recent revisions, HS2 remains substantially better value for money than any alternative yet put forward, and none of 51M's cheerleaders have yet disputed the analysis laid out above.<br /><br />I would also contend that the BCR models used for HS2 fail to account for many of the clear benefits of the project, not least the massive capacity released on the existing rail network once the fastest London-bound expresses have been transferred. What economic value does HS2 Ltd attach to this? None, as far as I can see. Likewise, the significant regional rail service reductions (including station closures) offered by 51M ought to incur an economic penalty in the modelling in my opinion, but again I see no evidence of this.Nickhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06437364068843189726noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3086624128165582510.post-52982257652123298262012-04-12T07:15:51.283-07:002012-04-12T07:15:51.283-07:00Hammond resorted to name calling as he had no soli...Hammond resorted to name calling as he had no solid argument for HS2 and it continues.<br /><br />If HS2 really had such a solid case then the opposition (which is not limited to people on the route) would not be so strong. The project simply doesn't stack up. <br /><br />Yesterdays' downward revision (the 4th to date) of the cost benefit ratio to nearly 'poor value' is just enough example of the unavoidable flaws in the plans.Richard Houghtonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08955191801862175231noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3086624128165582510.post-56703464540959689992012-03-25T00:29:07.293-07:002012-03-25T00:29:07.293-07:00"It is quite astounding that a cabal of local..."It is quite astounding that a cabal of local councils and their think-tank acolytes should expect us to repeat the misadventure"<br /><br />Hardly Nick - after all we should recall just <b>where</b> this "cabal" of local councils is situated, geographically in relation to the approved Phase 1, ROUTE 3 option? <br /><br />It might be instructive to put a small map showing the approved pathway route overlaid on to a map showing the territories for each of the local council members of the 51M Group - they can't all be NIMBYS can they?<br /><br />The sad truth of course is that, virtually to a man woman and child, <b>they are!</b>padavhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14116208668349010374noreply@blogger.com