Passenger panel reveals HS2 wish-list

Travellers would like to see shops and gyms on-board HS2 trains

Trains on the £50 billion HS2 high-speed line should have on-board GPs, shops and gyms, according to "a wish-list" drawn up by passengers.

Travellers would also like to see 100-journey tickets rather than tickets for a fixed period of time, while carriages should be big enough for buggies and bicycles.

Passengers should be guaranteed a seat even in peak hours, while there could be standing areas on shorter journeys for those on lower-cost tickets.

The ideas for HS2, whose first phase will run from London to Birmingham from 2026, came from a panel of 40 passengers selected by rail customer watchdog Transport Focus.

The passenger panel also wants to see:

• Different levels of comfort reflected in differing prices;
• Fares "affordable to the masses and not just the London and Birmingham business people";
• Tickets that include all modes of transport (trains, buses, taxis and car parking);
• Music and high-quality local food at stations, as well as showers and sleeping facilities and a visible staff presence;
• GPS-enabled mobile app directions so passengers can find their seats easily.

HS2 technical director Professor Andrew McNaughton: "HS2 will transform long-distance rail travel in the UK and that's why it's so important that we listen to what passengers want.

"Today's report will help us focus on the issues that matter," he added.