Scots transport giants bidding for HS2

L Stagecoach and Firstgroup both involved in joint venture contenders

which handles 640,000 passenger journeys on 1,900 train services every weekday.

Stagecoach chief executive Martin Griffiths said: “We are pleased that the extensive expertise and strong track record of Stagecoach and our partners has been recognised in the shortlists announced by the government for these two rail franchises, both of which are critical to the country’s economy.” The RMT rail union expressed anger that public sector options had been excluded from the West Coast Partnership and South Eastern rail franchises, arguing that “the usual gang of chancers, rip-off merchants and overseas opportunists have been lined up for yet another invitation to jam their snouts in the trough”.

Phase 1 of HS2 between London and Birmingham is scheduled to open in December 2026, with a second Y-shaped phase launching in two stages. Phase 2a from the West Midlands to Crewe will open in 2027, followed by Phase 2b from Crewe to Manchester, and Birmingham to Leeds.

Legislation for Phase 1 passed its final hurdle in parliament in January, while a bill to give HS2 Ltd the power to build Phase 2a is part of the government’s programme for the next two years.