Forget HS2 or for that matter HS3, Transport company Direct City Networks (DCN) is developing a plan for “the world’s fastest underground system” running between Liverpool and Hull.

Using trains that levitate above the tracks, commuters could travel the thirty one miles between Liverpool and Manchester in just seven minutes traveling at speeds of 350mph and do the journey to Leeds in around nine minutes.

The proposal has been passed to Transport for the North, the Manchester based body which is charged with bringing a world-class transport network to the Northern Powerhouse.

It has, according to reports, proposed an additional scheme running between Manchester and Leeds, linking to HS2 with the project being extended to Liverpool and Hull.In theory the complete Trans Pennine Journey could take less than thirty minutes.

The concept of Magnetic Trains is not new, a similar system already operates in Japan, the maglev hovers 10cm above the tracks and is propelled by electrically charged magnets while in China, the Transrapid system in Shanghai sends passengers at speeds of over 250 miles per hour.

The Trans Pennine proposal, rather than using long “trains”, would instead use passenger pods, or capsules.

DCN believes a tunnel would be the best option for its line as it would allow for a straight line and would avoid the costs and disruption associated with building a new intercity line at ground level through cities and the Pennines.

A spokesperson for Transport for the North said: “TfN has been provided with information by Direct City Networks (DCN) PLC regarding a proposal to initially link Manchester and Leeds with a high speed ‘MagLev’ connection, with the possibility of this being extended to Liverpool and Hull.

“We have responded to DCN, highlighting several areas where we think substantive additional development work would be needed before any proposal could be given more detailed consideration.

“Our current priorities include the preparation of a long-term Strategic Transport Plan for the North and development of the Northern Powerhouse Rail proposals, which will identify plans for infrastructure needed to transform the region’s economy by offering fast, frequent and reliable transport around the North for both passengers and freight.”

 

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