HS2 replaced with Dacia Sandero train

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【Summary】The HS2 rail link between London and Birmingham will be replaced with a train of Dacia Sanderos, significantly reducing the project's cost. While the Sandero train won't reach the speeds initially promised, it will have exclusive use of the hard shoulder, allowing passengers to bypass traffic. The move aims to make commuters forget about the originally promised journey times. The insider believes this decision will solve all problems by being under budget and easier to maintain.

FutureCar Staff Oct 01, 2023 9:16 AM PT

The UK government has announced that the entire HS2 rail link between London and Birmingham will be scrapped and replaced with a train made up of Dacia Sanderos. This decision is expected to significantly reduce the cost of the project, potentially freeing up funds for the Phase 2 leg to Manchester. While the Sandero train will not be able to reach the high speeds initially promised by HS2, it will have the advantage of using the hard shoulder on the M1 and M6, allowing passengers to mock the frustrated drivers stuck in traffic.

The government believes that this change will help divert attention from the originally promised journey times of 52 minutes between the two cities, which were never achieved. An insider commented on the decision, stating that replacing HS2 with a train of Sanderos makes a lot of sense. They mentioned that it was initially seen as a joke, but it became apparent that it would solve many problems. The insider highlighted that the project would be completed under budget, without the need to destroy green belt areas, and maintaining a Sandero is much easier compared to a high-tech train carriage.

However, there will be no food or drinks service on the Sandero train, as the ticket prices are expected to leave passengers unable to afford additional expenses. Regarding the Phase 2 leg to Manchester, the insider expressed uncertainty due to the need to address numerous potholes in the north. They mentioned that the cost of a spare wheel for a standard Sandero is quite high, so further calculations are needed to determine the most cost-effective option.