What mode is best......? An updated version of this article will appear as a chapter in my book (from late Oct 2024), "How to build a Metro" So please head over and take a look.... Postscript April 2022 - I have made a small number of edits re WG Bus legislation and rail v bus … Continue reading Wales, Transport Planning & Choices…
Author: @swalesmetroprof
Professor of Practice in Connectivity at Cardiff University's School of Geography and Planning. Conceived & been working on The South Wales Metro since 2010...also KOd some thinking re Swansea Bay Metro and Cardiff Crossrail!
South Wales Metro & Devolution
This is the full version of the article that appeared in the December 2021 edition of Rail Technology Magazine and the February 2022 edition of Rail Professional. As many will know, I have been involved in the South Wales Metro project in various roles since my first report on the subject, “A Metro for Wales … Continue reading South Wales Metro & Devolution
Severnside – My 2012 Blog
I just found an old blog (see below), that was originally published by the IWA in 2012 on the subject of "Severnside", which I thought I should share unedited! Interesting to see how much, and how little, has changed since 2012. Especially the Climate Emergency, Brexit, the cancellation of GWML electrification to Swansea, a recognition … Continue reading Severnside – My 2012 Blog
What sort of Britain do we want?
July 2021... In February 2020, I published a blog “What sort of Wales do we want?” followed up by “The environment, Tax and Wales” earlier in 2021, and then augmented by a blog to counter the fallacious, "Wales isn't capable and cant afford independence" trope in March 2022. I also followed up in early 2024 … Continue reading What sort of Britain do we want?
Levelling Up, Working Together? A Transport Enhancement Programme for Wales
A challenge to UK & Welsh Governments... A summary of this article appeared in the Western Mail on 28th June 2021 PS some minor edits made in Sep 2022, and in 2024 (noting events have overtaken some of the content somewhat) Most of you will know that I have written and spoken at length over … Continue reading Levelling Up, Working Together? A Transport Enhancement Programme for Wales
The Rail White Paper – some quick reflections…
I haven't had time to fully digest the UK Gov Rail White Paper...but I thought a few bullets might help summarise my initial response/thoughts (and I will keep updating this): Here's the White Paper for ref: Great British Railways: Williams-Shapps plan for rail - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk) To start, we should acknowledge, that most of the … Continue reading The Rail White Paper – some quick reflections…
Climate Change, Cars & Challenges (including Road Pricing!)
I include an update of these details in a chapter on cars in my book (from late Oct 2024), "How to build a Metro". So please head over and take a look.... PS April 2023. I have published a brief update blog on this subject. Back in 2021..... In the last three months I have … Continue reading Climate Change, Cars & Challenges (including Road Pricing!)
Better rail services for NE Wales
I have not written or blogged specifically on north east Wales. So, let me make up for that oversight and address some real issues and opportunities, especially given the commitment to extend HS2 to Crewe as part of phase 2a. A relativity small capital investment of £200-300M will enable significant economic and environmental benefits through … Continue reading Better rail services for NE Wales
Welsh Rail Infrastructure Investment
I include a chapter on the rail industry and funding in Wales in my book (from late Oct 2024), "How to build a Metro". So please head over and take a look.... My written submission to the Welsh Affairs Select Committees review of Rail Infrastructure Investment in Wales Since appearing to present oral evidence in … Continue reading Welsh Rail Infrastructure Investment
The Environment, Tax and Wales
I’ve tried to write this blog a few times over the last year - and failed. So here is another brief attempt that sets out for me some of the primary considerations that need to be reflected in our fiscal systems – which I assert are now completely out of sync with the world we … Continue reading The Environment, Tax and Wales
A Public Transport Grid for the M4 Corridor…
This is a 2020 blog! I update some of the details and my thinking in my 2024 book "How to build a Metro" and especially the chapters on cars (especially the evidence of the impact of building more road capacity and induced demand), transit-oriented development and the section on public transport measures needed on the … Continue reading A Public Transport Grid for the M4 Corridor…
Covid19, Safe Spaces & Wellfield Road?
Coronavirus is and will continue have a big impact on how we live, how we work …and how and when we move. This presents an opportunity to recraft our urban environment so that it safer, cleaner, greener and helps support local economies. Already many cities elsewhere in the UK, and around the world [i] [ii] … Continue reading Covid19, Safe Spaces & Wellfield Road?
Corona Virus, Homeworking and Transport
Written in April 2020....at the start of the first lockdown Given recent events associated with Corona Virus, not least a complete transformation in travel patterns, I wanted to offer some thoughts on mobility and working from home, or not… But firstly, a nod of appreciation to all those working in our health services, essential workers, … Continue reading Corona Virus, Homeworking and Transport
What sort of Wales do we want?
A version of this article also appeared Nation Cymru in March 2020 I have also written another related blog (Jan 2021) that covers Tax, Climate Change and Wales' ability to sustain a viable economy as an independent nation in July 2021, I followed up with, "What sort of Britain do we want?" What sort of … Continue reading What sort of Wales do we want?
Transit Oriented Development in the Cardiff Capital Region #2
PS As of October 2024 I have updated a lot of these details/contents in my book "How to build a Metro". The book contains a chapter on Transit Oriented Development. Maybe worth a look? Last year I published a blog on Transit Oriented Development in the Cardiff Capital Region. This provoked a lot of discussion … Continue reading Transit Oriented Development in the Cardiff Capital Region #2