DfT's updated business case for HS2 includes peak and off-peak indicative service plans that show classic WCML and HS2 services.

HS2 in its full development has the effect of drawing towns and cities closer to Birmingham, which is the centre of its network.

DfT explains its choice of high-speed rather than conventional. Reckons that on current route, a conventional speed services would reduce costs by 10% but cut benefits by 33%. Also reckons slower service increases costs by needing bigger fleet for same number of passengers.

DfT admits that building HS2 will generate carbon emissions but reckons that building and operating HS2 for 120 years will only generate as much carbon as the road network produces in one month.