Blogs on the South Wales Metro (or Cardiff Metro), transport, politics, bees and other stuff…
In 2022 my wife and I travelled to Casperia and back by train (to La Torretta which my aunt/uncle/cousins have run since about 2000). I documented that trip here To Rome and back by train… – Mark Barry (swalesmetroprof.blog). We have just repeated that trip in April 2024 to mark something of a semi-retirement for … Continue reading To Casperia and back by train…
Earlier this week (on Tuesday 29th November 2023) I took a trip up to the top of the Dulais Valley, Onllwyn and the site of the Global Centre of Rail Excellence. My previous trip had been over five years earlier with MP Christina Rees and colleague Katie Allister to see what was then, Celtic Energy’s … Continue reading Pride and the Global Centre of Rail Excellence
This is a version of my submission to the Senedd Climate Change, Environment and Infrastructure Committee, in May 2022 as part of their review of bus and rail transport in Wales . The transcript is here. To note: the views and opinions expressed in this paper are those of Mark Barry and no other person … Continue reading Mark Barry, May 2022: Submission to Senedd Climate Change Committee
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!)
I originally wrote this piece in May 2019...so yes events (esp #brexit) have moved on, but I still stand by the substance of my assertions and analysis. If anything the #climateemergency is even more pressing....but given the vacuum of principled political leadership, seemingly less likely to be addressed! I have also covered some of the … Continue reading Climate Change, Brexit and The Economy (…and Wales)
This short article accompanies the publication of my "Case for Investment" work for Welsh Government in respect of Wales' rail network. It also appeared in the Western Mail on December 12th 2018 "Wales will be getting new trains, but they’ll operate on a “2ndGear Railway” In May this year the Cabinet Secretary for Economy and … Continue reading Wales’ Rail Network – The Case for Investment
I include an update of this analysis in my book (from late Oct 2024), "How to build a Metro". So please head over and take a look.... In November 2018 I was asked to submit evidence to the Economy, Infrastructure and Skills Committee at the National Assembly for Wales in respect of the procurement of … Continue reading South Wales Metro – Critique
In October 2018 we (Cardiff University, Arup, IWA, Capital Law) published a collection of essays related to the South Wales Metro to support the Metro and Me event held in Cardiff on 8th October. Capital Law did the heavy lifting (especially Lowri Gregory) to plan and manage the day. Thanks to all the speakers and … Continue reading Metro & Me, October 2018
I include a chapter on cars in my book (from late Oct 2024), "How to build a Metro". So please head over and take a look.... First published in April 2017 by the Institute of Welsh Affairs. I have made a number of minor updates since that first publication... I also made this short presentation … Continue reading Driverless cars as a service, batteries and urban spaces…