Metro and other hopes (Crossrail, SWML, Brexit, PR, Severn Barrage, etc...) for 2025
Category: SWML
Cardiff Parkway…
July 2024 I cover some of these issues and wider opportunities re Metro in the Cardiff Capital Region in my book, "How to build a Metro", published on October 2024. This station should have happened already! PS Autumn/Summer 2025 - Planning issues removed and UK Gov via CSR have committed some funds (not enough yet) … Continue reading Cardiff Parkway…
The UK rail industry, Wales, HS2, Trans Pennine Upgrade, Network Rail spend, etc…
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…
No rail devolution? No Swansea Bay Metro!
I cover a little more about Swansea Bay Metro and the rail industry in Wales in my book (from late Oct 2024), "How to build a Metro" So please head over and take a look.... Without fundamental constitutional reform, a Swansea Bay Metro will likely never happen. A version of this blog appeared in the … Continue reading No rail devolution? No Swansea Bay Metro!
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 !
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…
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
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
Climate Change, Cars & Challenges (including Road Pricing!)
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!)
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