 Work on Phase One of the route began in 2017, and passenger services are planned to begin in 2026.Phase 2a to Crewe on the initial part of the western leg of the "Y" is due to start services in 2027, and the remainder of phase 2b by 2033.High-speed rail has been expanding across Europe since the 1980s, with several member countries – notably France, Spain and Germany – investing heavily in new lines capable of operating at over .