An updated version of this article appears in my book (from 14 Oct 2024), "How to build a Metro" So please head over and take a look.... The costs and estimates (let alone the scope) for projects like HS2, etc keep changing; and we are yet to see what the forward programme for rail enhancements … Continue reading The UK rail industry, Wales, HS2, Trans Pennine Upgrade, Network Rail spend, etc…
Category: HS2
Pride and the Global Centre of Rail Excellence
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
The butchering of HS2, Wales and the NWML…
I address the issue of rail funding in Wales in a little more detail in my book (from late Oct 2024), "How to build a Metro" So please head over and take a look.... So, this week, Rishi Sunak, No 10 and HMT announced “Network North”[i]. This in effect killed HS2 and included in the … Continue reading The butchering of HS2, Wales and the NWML…
Metro Hopes for 2023…
I include an update of the future of Metros in Wales in my book (from late Oct 2024), "How to build a Metro". So please head over and take a look.... 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 … Continue reading Metro Hopes for 2023…
200 to 1: English Rail Investment V Wales Rail Investment !
I include an updated 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.... PS October 2023. Given PMs announcement cancelling HS2 north of Birmingham and a suggestion of £1Bn for OLE on the NWML I … Continue reading 200 to 1: English Rail Investment V Wales Rail Investment !
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
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
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
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…
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?
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…
Wales and the Williams Review
My article in the April 2019 edition of Rail Professional It explores the impact (or not) of Williams and sets out perhaps more important issues facing the Welsh Government in relation to rail policy and network development - particularly the long term underinvestment of the Welsh rail network. Seems the link is broken...so here is … Continue reading Wales and the Williams Review
Wales’ Rail Network – The Case for Investment
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