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: North East Wales
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…
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
GBR – WISP Consultation. My response…Jan 2022
The nascent Great British Railways and their transition team are/will be responsible for the new "Whole Industry Strategic Plan". They are are currently consulting on that and have a call for evidence open until Feb 2022. I submitted my response to that "call for evidence" which is as set out below... PS I also submitted … Continue reading GBR – WISP Consultation. My response…Jan 2022
Wales, Transport Planning & Choices…
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…
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