A proposed multi-billion pound trans-Pennine high speed rail link has won the support of the UK business travel community.
The so-called HS3 line between Liverpool and Hull would complement the second phase of the planned £50 billion north-south HS2 line by linking together the Leeds and Manchester spurs of the Y-shaped HS2 route north of Birmingham.
HS2 chairman, Sir David Higgins, predicted that HS3 would become “as important to the north of England as Crossrail is for London”.
Journey times between Leeds and Manchester could be cut from more than 55 minutes to between 26 and 35 minutes, depending on which option is chosen.
Travel between Leeds and Birmingham, Leeds and Sheffield Meadowhall, York and Birmingham and Nottingham to Birmingham could also be halved, and many more journeys across the country substantially shortened, according to Sir David.
Phase one of HS2 involves a new high-speed line from London Euston to Birmingham, with an expected completion date of 2026.
The project faces strong opposition by some councils and residents along the route.
The second phase was originally scheduled to be completed in 2032/33, although Sir David is keen for this date to be brought forward.
Guild of Travel Management Companies (GTMC) chief executive, Paul Wait, said: “The GTMC’s extensive research tells us that business travellers want and need greater connectivity in addition to the already well connected south-east region.
“The GTMC is clear that enhancements in infrastructure outside of Greater London are essential to avoid further exasperating the North/South economic divide.
“The GTMC welcomes investments that demonstrate how seriously the UK takes business commitment in all areas of the country.
“Access to other major UK cities will encourage greater business hubs in other areas of the country which brings further knock on economic benefits.
“The combination of High Speed rail developments across the UK is a strong step forward for UK PLC.”