Kev
10-24-2005, 04:13 PM
A SUPER-fast train linking London to Liverpool in less than an hour is being considered by government ministers.
In July the ECHO (http://icliverpool.icnetwork.co.uk/0100news/0100regionalnews/tm_objectid=16287434%26method=full%26siteid=50061% 26headline=london%2d%2d%2donly%2dan%2dhour%2daway-name_page.html) exclusively revealed plans for a 311mph maglev system connecting Scotland, Merseyside and Manchester with the south east.
Now Transport Secretary Alistair Darling is to consider the scheme, which would see a floating train using magnetic power to hover above a guide track.
http://a248.e.akamai.net/6/592/1130/0/oas-eu.247realmedia.com/0/TrinityMirror/default/empty.gif (http://oas-eu.247realmedia.com/5c/icliverpool/news/regionalnews/1023602440/x60/TrinityMirror/default/empty.gif/35363832393966303433356338623530)
UK Ultraspeed, the company behind the idea, wants to build a nine-minute link between Liverpool and Manchester ahead of its proposed north-south connection.
The world's first operational maglev is already in operation, running between Chinese city Shanghai and its international airport.
Ultraspeed is in discussion with Liverpool Chamber of Commerce and met Mr Darling at a Manchester transport seminar.
Mr Darling told the ECHO: "We are examining the case for a north-south high speed link. We need to work out if there is an economic case.
"If it is decided that is the right thing to do, the second question is what sort of technology we need and we would go out to tender."
Ultraspeed project leader Alan James said the company was determined to provide the answer for Britain's future public transport needs.
He said: "Liverpool to Manchester is the link that ticks most boxes and the one we would like to focus on as the UK demonstrator.
"Liverpool to Manchester has a very strong case and if the north west gets the first route you are ahead of the game. You would have the operational control centre, key skills and depots. Everything will cluster around phase one."
Mr James said Ultraspeed was keen to work with the public and private sectors to make the scheme work.
He said: "If you are a great region, join the progamme, if you are a great business, join the company."
A spokesman for north west transport authorities said they could help secure the scheme by including it in their next local transport plan for 2006.
In July the ECHO (http://icliverpool.icnetwork.co.uk/0100news/0100regionalnews/tm_objectid=16287434%26method=full%26siteid=50061% 26headline=london%2d%2d%2donly%2dan%2dhour%2daway-name_page.html) exclusively revealed plans for a 311mph maglev system connecting Scotland, Merseyside and Manchester with the south east.
Now Transport Secretary Alistair Darling is to consider the scheme, which would see a floating train using magnetic power to hover above a guide track.
http://a248.e.akamai.net/6/592/1130/0/oas-eu.247realmedia.com/0/TrinityMirror/default/empty.gif (http://oas-eu.247realmedia.com/5c/icliverpool/news/regionalnews/1023602440/x60/TrinityMirror/default/empty.gif/35363832393966303433356338623530)
UK Ultraspeed, the company behind the idea, wants to build a nine-minute link between Liverpool and Manchester ahead of its proposed north-south connection.
The world's first operational maglev is already in operation, running between Chinese city Shanghai and its international airport.
Ultraspeed is in discussion with Liverpool Chamber of Commerce and met Mr Darling at a Manchester transport seminar.
Mr Darling told the ECHO: "We are examining the case for a north-south high speed link. We need to work out if there is an economic case.
"If it is decided that is the right thing to do, the second question is what sort of technology we need and we would go out to tender."
Ultraspeed project leader Alan James said the company was determined to provide the answer for Britain's future public transport needs.
He said: "Liverpool to Manchester is the link that ticks most boxes and the one we would like to focus on as the UK demonstrator.
"Liverpool to Manchester has a very strong case and if the north west gets the first route you are ahead of the game. You would have the operational control centre, key skills and depots. Everything will cluster around phase one."
Mr James said Ultraspeed was keen to work with the public and private sectors to make the scheme work.
He said: "If you are a great region, join the progamme, if you are a great business, join the company."
A spokesman for north west transport authorities said they could help secure the scheme by including it in their next local transport plan for 2006.