Extravagance for the authorities; austerity for the rest of us - my definition of corruption!
£750 million for the grand Grand Central Shopping Centre, atrium and concourse with the mainline station put in the basement - tagged along as an afterthought. Still, on the platforms and in the ‘Stop and Crawl’ car tunnel, poisonous diesel fumes to harm our health. Still, no additional tunnels for the trains to ease train congestion!
£190 million magnificent New Library of Brum opened as smaller libraries closed or were given restricted opening hours. Just like the new library in its second year of opening!
£86.6 million for Midland Metro trams to Centenary Square from Snow Hill Station (less than one mile) - to replace buses. Cast iron business case for this profligacy, of course.
£62 million to promote cycling in Birmingham and to give away 5,000 free bikes to Brummies. No business case of any kind, I believe.
£25 m for a tram on one line for one mile, and the test track on the other. This prevents the Black Country ICE (inter city express) Line of 13 miles re-opening.
£10 million per mile for Beeching rural line re-opening in depopulated southern Scotland in September. In this age of austerity, a strong business case was made. Yet, nothing for the Black Country ICE (inter city express) Line that remains closed.
£100 million per mile for smooth, sleek electric trams to return to Brum city centre to replace hybrid buses. In this age of austerity, a robust business case made the funding vital. Yet, nothing for the Black Country ICE Line that remains closed.
£130 million for 1.5 Km (just under one mile) that includes some new trams for the Eastside extension. In this age of austerity, an unassailable business case was made for the project to go ahead. This is 13 times more expensive than reinstating passenger trains and stations on nearly 50 miles of freight only lines, like the unused Black Country ICE (inter city express) Line.
£1,000 million per mile (estimate) for HS2 to come to Curzon Street Station in 2026. Whatever the cost, the watertight business case made this project essential. It is absolutely vital for the transport and economic health of the nation. Isn't it funny, that there is still nothing for the Black Country ICE Line that remains closed to passengers?
Isn’t it funny that every business case that is written strongly confirms whatever the unthinking, grey-suited, fine old politicians of ours, want?
15 July 2015
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