A highly informative and interactive workshop was held at the prestigious St Pancras Renaissance Hotel, London, on 13 March 2014. The workshop was attended by international delegates who enjoyed an in-depth discussion on HSR concepts across several UIC regional authorities.
The Workshop was opened by Jim Steer, Director of Greengauge 21, with the keynote address from Richard Brown, Non-Executive Director at HS2. The day’s first session was entitled ‘Concept of High Speed, Connectivity and Cities’. Moderated by Michel Leboeuf, Iñaki Barrón Director of UIC Passengers and High Speed, opened the session with a presentation on the High Speed concept, followed by an overview of HS2 from Professor Andrew McNaughton, HS2 Technical Director. The session was concluded by Mr Masaki Ogata, Vice Chairman of East Japan Railways Company, who discussed Japan’s further growth with HSR.
The second session of the day focused on ‘Regional Trends’ moderated by Iñaki Barrón. Speakers included Imanol Leza from the Basque Ministry of Environment and Land Development who discussed the high speed development in the Basque region, followed by KellyAnne Gallagher from APTA, USA, who highlighted the High Speed plans for America. The UK was represented by Ben Still, Chief Executive of Sheffield City Region who detailed the concept of regional connectivity as a catalyst for growth in the northern regions of the UK, followed by Michel Leboeuf highlighting the work of the UIC Intercity and High Speed Committee in assisting the planning of new High Speed links.
The session was concluded with a presentation on system economic evaluation of development options for High Speed by Jaime Borrell from Alstom HQ, France.
The final session of the day opened with a keynote address from Robert Goodwill MP. Mr Goodwill is the Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Transport, responsible for HS2 Phase 1.
“To maximise the potential of HS2 one of the biggest challenges we face is to effectively integrate HS2 into existing transport networks in London and elsewhere, so HS2 becomes part of an efficient, door-to-door transport network. We want HS2 to be an engine for growth for the UK’s economy and for it to benefit all regions, including those not directly connected to the network” said Robert Goodwill MP.
The second keynote address was provided by Stephen Joseph OBE, Chief Executive of Campaign for Better Transport, followed by Mauro Moretti, CEO of FS Italia. The workshop was closed by Jean Pierre Loubinoux, General Director of UIC, who thanked all those for presenting and attending, showing an example of collaboration and understanding of the importance and challenges of global High Speed transportation.
“Today’s workshop was attended by a diverse international audience and presenters provided a valuable insight into their region’s HSR systems already in operation or development. Once again I’m reminded of the dedication that UIC and its members bring to the table for the development and growth of High Speed” said Professor Andrew McNaughton.
