More information on the costs and impact of the HS2 rail project must be made available, MPs have demanded.
They say the public are still 'in the dark' about when it will open, how much it will cost and what its exact route will be.
In a new report the public accounts committee warns that estimated costs for phase 2—extending the network between the West Midlands and Crewe, and to Manchester and Leeds—are 'still volatile and must be firmed up urgently'.
It highlights HS2 Ltd’s recommendation that the planned station in South Yorkshire be moved from Meadowhall to Sheffield Midland station as 'one example of the significant uncertainty' that remains.
The impact of these proposed route changes on passengers, local communities, growth and regeneration is not clear, the PAC says.
Committee chair Meg Hillier said: 'The Government has promised significant benefits to taxpayers in return for their investment in HS2, expected to run to more than £55bn.
'Despite this, parliament and the public are still in the dark about crucial details – not least when the railway will open, how much it is expected to cost and precisely where it will go.'
