Better Transport

11 March: The Government is announcing plans for a high speed rail line today - we'll be looking at them closely.

High speed rail only makes sense if it's about replacing plane and car journeys, not just creating more journeys overall. That means if the scheme is to be a success, the Government must cut train fares, make domestic flights more expensive and stop expanding airports and building roads.

Our other major concern is that planning and building the new line could suck billions of pounds from local public transport. The rail network needs investment now. We'll be watching to see whether the money would be better spent on reducing overcrowding, rail reopenings and lower fares.