Metro Hopes for 2023…

I’m normally pretty positive and optimistic…and have talked and written about Metros in Wales in such a manner, even with some small measure of critique. For example, in these blogs from 2022: Wales’ Metros – Update Feb 2022 Do you believe in Metro? and these earlier papers from 2018 (Which events have overtaken somewhat): My … Continue reading Metro Hopes for 2023…

Metro Moans for 2023…

(PS still relevant in 2024....) Single track Coryton line limiting service frequency to an inappropriate 2tph I’m normally pretty positive and optimistic…and have talked and written at length about Metros in Wales in such a manner, even with some small measure of critique. For example, in these blogs from 2022: Wales’ Metros – Update Feb … Continue reading Metro Moans for 2023…

Do you believe in Metro?

In January 2021 a headline appeared in the Western Mail[i], attributed to me,  “South Wales Metro hampered by public disbelief as expert claims 'even my mother doesn't believe it”.  As a part time advisor to Transport for Wales, I am sure the headline caused some consternation in TfW as well as Welsh Government. The very … Continue reading Do you believe in Metro?

A Public Transport Grid for the M4 Corridor…

July 2020... In March 2020, I submitted a paper to the South East Wales Transport Commission to consider in their deliberations over the M4.  This essentially is that paper (with a few minor updates and reflections) which draws much from my blog “No new M4… so what instead” [i]  from Summer 2019. There is nothing … Continue reading A Public Transport Grid for the M4 Corridor…

Cardiff Transport White Paper

As a guide, its only 20~30% of traffic at peak times that causes 100% of congestion. So, we need to direct capital investment to provide sufficiently attractive public transport and active travel options to encourage 20~30% less car journeys - not building more roads to induce more car use. In doing so, we also need … Continue reading Cardiff Transport White Paper

Wales and HS2…

The issue of the long-term underfunding of rail infrastructure in Wales by UK Government & its approach to HS2 goes right to the heart of all that is wrong with the constitutional relationship between Cardiff Bay & Westminster Postscript August 2020....and updated Nov 2020.. Another post script. Trying to work out out what has been … Continue reading Wales and HS2…

WG National Development Framework – some quick reflections…

In August this year, Welsh Government (WG) published its National Development Framework[i] (NDF) for consultation (which is designed to complement and provide more spatial priorities for Planning Policy  Wales PPW published in 2018[ii]).  There is much to applaud – especially the emphasis on Transit Oriented Development (see Policy 1 - Sustainable Urban Growth) and the … Continue reading WG National Development Framework – some quick reflections…

A Cardiff Crossrail…

This blog first published in 2019 to support the Cardiff Council Transport White Paper... PS Jan 2023 - Worth looking at #1 in this blog re: pragmatic phasing of Cardiff Crossrail...A few more Jan 2023 PSs below as well... PS Nov 2023 - I have also added a link to a downloadable PDF of a … Continue reading A Cardiff Crossrail…