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.... 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 … Continue reading Do you believe in Metro?
Category: Metro
North-South Rail(& bus) in Wales!
I include an update of this article in my book (from late Oct 2024), "How to build a Metro". So please head over and take a look.... There has and continues to be much debate and discussion re: strategic north south connectivity in Wales; road, rail and air. It is a bottomless pit of views, … Continue reading North-South Rail(& bus) in Wales!
Wales’ Metros – Update Feb 2022
A summary of this blog appeared in the Business Section of the Western Mail in March 2022 There has been some recent coverage in the media and some social media chatter about Wales’ Metro projects, their status and what they might deliver. Given my involvement in all of them – Cardiff/South Wales since 2010 and … Continue reading Wales’ Metros – Update Feb 2022
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
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…
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…
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
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…
Toilets on Tram-trains?
PS April 2025 - I first wrote this blog in 2018! The issue has reared its head again surrounded by misunderstanding and misinformation. So a few tweaks and a repost! On reflection I should also have covered in my 2024 book on the Metro, "How to build a Metro" There has been quite a bit … Continue reading Toilets on Tram-trains?
A Metro in North West Wales…?
I include an updated version of this article in my book (from late Oct 2024), "How to build a Metro". So please head over and take a look.... In June 2018, after a lengthy and innovative procurement process, Transport for Wales (TfW) awarded the Wales & Borders franchise for 2018-2033 to Keolis Amey. Much is … Continue reading A Metro in North West Wales…?
A Cardiff Crossrail…
Cardiff Crossrail