Journey times between London and Glasgow could be reduced to just two hours and 16 minutes if Network Rail gets its way.
The operator has proposed a new £34bn high-speed railway line linking Scotland and London by 2030.
The line, which would also serve Birmingham, Liverpool, Preston and Manchester, now requires Government approval.
The Government is currently conducting its own rail network review and said it hoped to be in a position to make a decision next year.
The new line would cut the journey between London and Birmingham to 45 minutes, from a best time of one hour and 22 minutes currently.
Rail passengers would also be able to get to Liverpool in one hour and 23 minutes, compared to the existing journey time of two hours and eight minutes.
By Bev Fearis
