HS2 has been a massive disappointment, with billions of taxpayer money wasted and little progress to show for it. The new CEO aims to reset the project for cost-efficiency and timely delivery.

Labour blames the Tories for the project's failures, but now faces the challenge of salvaging what they can from this debacle.

Key questions arise about the history of high-speed rail in the UK, the reasons behind HS2's failures, and the potential future of the project.

What is the history of high-speed rail in the UK?

High Speed One was a successful project, but High Speed Two has been plagued by delays and cost overruns. Originally envisioned to connect London to the Midlands and northern England, the project has now been reduced to a much smaller scale.

What went wrong?

Construction started prematurely, leading to unstable designs and optimistic cost estimates. Changes in government leadership further complicated matters, resulting in significant setbacks and increased expenses.

Notable cancellations of crucial project components, such as the Manchester link, have added to the chaos and mismanagement.

Did anybody notice?

The Infrastructure and Projects Authority highlighted major issues with HS2, questioning its viability. The Department for Transport also criticized the project's ineffective management and constant scope changes.

When HS2 finally opens, how much faster will the journey be?

The journey from London to Birmingham is expected to be 45 minutes, a significant improvement from the current travel time. However, delays and reduced running speeds may impact the overall efficiency of the service.

Is there any hope for the northern section?

A lower-cost alternative for the northern section could provide some connectivity benefits. Experts suggest that a more conventional approach to the railway may be more practical and effective in achieving the project's original goals.

Despite its challenges, HS2 remains a critical investment in transforming the UK's economic landscape and addressing regional disparities in productivity.