This argument is the astonishing stupidity that comes from inheriting a network of railway lines, only 100 years old, but using them for roads, hotels, homes, trading estates and, since 1981, for tramways. Our tramways were replaced by railways 200 years ago. Fast forward to a past age. Andy and Richard are the latest two smart guys, from the only two political parties we ever elect. It actually reflects very badly on us lot!
"The Wednesbury to Brierley Hill line presents a tremendous economic and regeneration opportunity to the Black Country as well, which is demonstrated in the strength of the attached business case and the benefit to cost ratio of 2.5:1. It will align initiatives in employment, education, health and tourism along the 11km corridor, making the whole greater than the sum of its parts. In terms of housing, upwards of 50,000 homes will be stimulated by the project, and approximately 170 hectares of brownfield land brought back into use.
"The project will dramatically reduce journey times along the corridor to the Curzon Station HS2 Hub, for example, the current journey from Dudley Bus Station to Curzon Street would be reduced from 65 to 40 minutes, and the scheme will more than halve journey times from the more remote stops along the route into central Birmingham.
"As you are aware, we are also working on a case for transferring the ownership of the line from Network Rail to the West Midlands Combined Authority which we think will help to ensure we are able to control costs and deliver to timetable whilst making provision for future national rail use of the route." (my mischievous emphasis!)
FROM:
https://www.metroalliance.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/WBHE-Business-Case-June-2017.pdf
Andy's Forward to the Business Case, page 3 June 2017
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