Obsession with speed
Who is advising the UK Government and why are they so obsessed with speed? If the last ten years has taught us anything it’s that speed does not make our life more convenient and pleasurable. If anything our life is more hectic and harassed than ever.
What then this High-Speed rail network proposed for Britain. At a cost of £33bn (where has that money come from?) it aims to decrease the travel time between the North of England and London.
After living between Preston and Westminster for the last six months I am one passenger who is more than happy with a journey time of 2 hours (fast!).
What I crave more than anything else is comfort. I want to know I am guaranteed a seat. I want to I don’t have to fight through crowds onto the platform at Euston. I want to be able to pass my heavy luggage to a carriage dedicated to that task. I would like the chance of a decent meal, good wi-fi and cheaper tickets. And if my seat were to recline, well, I’d be living the dream.
One day the decision-makers might give a thought to quality of life over speed, but they might never slow down enough to actually think that one through.
