The three new high speed rail lines are being called the biggest advancement of the United Kingdom's public transit system in more than 50 years.
The new lines will connect London and Birmingham, with connections to Manchester and Leeds.
"Once they are completed, London to the Second City would take just 45 minutes, while Manchester could be reached from the capital in only 66 minutes. It is regarded as the biggest transport system change since the building of the motorways half a century ago.
Around 12,000 jobs would be created - but work will not start until 2017, with the first high-speed trains by 2026. Routes to Scotland are also being considered."
FULL STORY: Gordon Brown unveils three high-speed rail lines

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

Maui's Vacation Rental Debate Turns Ugly
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Defunct Pittsburgh Power Plant to Become Residential Tower
A decommissioned steam heat plant will be redeveloped into almost 100 affordable housing units.

Trump Prompts Restructuring of Transportation Research Board in “Unprecedented Overreach”
The TRB has eliminated more than half of its committees including those focused on climate, equity, and cities.

Amtrak Rolls Out New Orleans to Alabama “Mardi Gras” Train
The new service will operate morning and evening departures between Mobile and New Orleans.
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