We can't stop once we have delivered the £1Bn South Wales Metro. To enable its wider benefits, we now need a Metro Economic Development and Regeneration Programme for Pontypridd and the Central Valleys.
Pontypridd – the Heart of The Valleys
Category: Valleys
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
Do you believe in Metro?
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?
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
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?
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?
Welsh Paradores and Sourdough Bread
Post Script. The Welsh Government Five Year Tourism Plan published early in 2020 now includes a commitment to develop a "Welsh Paradore". See Page 17! Growing the foundational economy across the South Wales Valleys... Wales’ City Regions are still in nascent form and grappling with how to address long term and structural socio-economic challenges with … Continue reading Welsh Paradores and Sourdough Bread
No new M4…so what instead?
This is a 2019 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 No new M4…so what instead?
Transit Oriented Development in the Cardiff Capital Region….
I include a chapter on TOD in my book (from late Oct 2024), "How to build a Metro". So please head over and take a look.... To note: This is really a brain dump article (so happy to take challenges) that will be subject to ongoing refinement as I learn more and better arrange my … Continue reading Transit Oriented Development in the Cardiff Capital Region….
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
South Wales Metro – Critique
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
Metro & Me, October 2018
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
Metro Impact Study, October 2013
Worth referring back to the 2013, Metro Impact Study. It now has a new relevance given we are about to build a #southwalesmetro . Note the older "metro map"...this has gone through a few iterations over the last few years!
What Metro Might Do? October 2016
The attached, "What Metro Might Do?" is the output of an event I hosted at Cardiff University in October 2016. It raised many interesting and challenging questions and ideas in respect of the wider impacts of the South Wales Metro. Given that Metro procurement was concluded in May 2018 and Keolis Amey selected as partner … Continue reading What Metro Might Do? October 2016