High Speed Trains could be used for mixed-use passenger and freight trains, according to Intermodality Managing Director Nick Gallop.
He told RAIL that the British Rail-style operation of newspaper trains, which also carried passengers, could be replicated using HSTs that are being made redundant by various operators.
“With a bit of rare joined-up thinking and breadth of vision, some of these services could carry passengers in dedicated or convertible spaces, creating new infill services during the day and overnight, unlocking revenue from the bus and coach industry,” he said.
“ROG” ( Rail Operations Group ) TOC are also looking at a very similar approach, IIRC