I understand the need for capacity, but if we are going to be encouraged to use trains then we need to be able to access them. There needs to be more thought given to stations outside major cities with plenty of parking so that mixed modes become viable. We live 30miles from Central London, and to get to Kings Cross to head north takes nearly 2hrs. So it’s easier just to drive to Leeds than use a train
i believe that HS2 was an opportunity to add a satellite station somewhere on M25. This would encourage those in the South East who are not in central London (there are a lot of us) to use the train to travel north.
I absolutely agree.
I've thought for years that trains and cars are seen as competitors, when there is plenty of scope for integration in commuter areas.
Take where I live, in South Bucks. Our nearest stations are Burnham and Taplow on the Paddington main line. There is generally a good reliable service with plenty of trains, and one day it will even be part of Crossrail.
But this is an outer suburban, largely rural area, so most people who want to get to work by train, to London or Reading, say, have to drive to the station and park for the day. But parking is very restricted at these places, and of course has a cost. So huge numbers don't bother and use the M4 and M40 instead.
Admittedly, trains are already crowded, so capacity is a problem, but Crossrail should help that, and the line has just been electrified so trains are more frequent.
But what should happen is that large car parks be provided at these stations, with electric car charging points. It should be free to use to rail travelers (or included in the cost of the ticket).
This is obviously a bit of an over-simplification, but the bottom line should be that transport developments should make it easier to get to the station. The train can't come to you; you have to go to the train.