Specific tasks for the consultancies are:
1. Review and enhance the existing Long Distance Forecasting Model by increasing its geographical detail in the Manchester and Leeds areas;
2. Develop a station choice model and integrate it into the forecasting model to assess the benefits and impacts of a range of potential station locations in the vicinity of Manchester, Leeds, Sheffield and the East Midlands;
3. Establish the underlying demand for High Speed Rail in the key areas served by extensions to Leeds and Manchester and advise on optimising the service pattern;
4. Provide advice on the long-term strategy for High Speed Rail beyond Leeds and Manchester to ensure that the route to these cities is consistent with the long term strategy;
5. Develop a detailed NATA-based business case for the preferred scheme.
Mott MacDonald assistant project director Russ Cunningham said: 鈥淢ott MacDonald is delighted to be helping to plan HS2 beyond Birmingham. This project is set to re-shape the UK鈥檚 travel patterns. Our demand forecasting and economic appraisal capabilities have given us a unique opportunity to be part of this exciting project and we look forward to working with MVA, HS2 Ltd and DfT Rail to assess the true potential of high-speed rail in Britain鈥�
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