Simply put re the 2026 Budget and Rail in Wales.....Devolution, My Arse!
Devolution, My Arse – A quick Budget 2026 post re: rail in Wales
Simply put re the 2026 Budget and Rail in Wales.....Devolution, My Arse!
Category: Welsh Government
The Nelson Freight Line….
A full x-valley tram-train connection between Quakers Yard and Ystrad Mynach is a much better long-term option than just a partial reopening of the old freight line to Nelson!
Wales Rail Enhancement Priorities for UK Government, October 2026.
A copy of my letter to UK Government and Welsh Government Minister re my view of Wales rail enhancement priorities to 2030/31
Welsh Government Transport Priorities Sep 2026?
The new Welsh Plaid Cymru Government have a had a few months to bed in since their Senedd victory in May 2026. Now perhaps time for me to opine on what I think their transport priorities for the next few years should be...
Caerphilly Interchange…
Some reflections from me after my comments re the proposed new Caerphilly station last week. I got some things wrong...so hands up!
Caerphilly Station, Tenby & Abertillery extension…. are these the best VfM schemes?
Do some of the committed PT schemes in Wales lack a robust VfM case (eg Caerphilly Station, Tenby Station, Abertillery Extension, etc) preventing some other better VfM schemes from progressing?
Hey, Andy, time to devolve rail to Wales!
Time for UK Government and PM elect, Andy Burnham, to devolve rail powers and funding to Welsh Government. With reference to the latest Senedd commissioned research on rail enhancement funding in Wales which exposes the systemic underfunding by UK Gov that can be counted in £Bns!
The “Call Centrefication” of GPs
Some personal reflections/anecdotes on increasing barriers to accessing GP services in Wales, esp the "Call Centrefication" of GPs. As well as frustrations with appointment booking and NHS app functionality. We need better patient-centred services and integrated IT systems to improve healthcare access.
Today, Tomorrow, Together…
Transport for Wales has launched its Rail investment prospectus, "Today, Tomorrow, Together". This complements a UK Government commitment to a long-term funding programme for Wales rail network. How much new money has actually been committed? As usual the devil is in the detail. Here are my initial thoughts......
A Welsh Rail Enhancements Pipeline…
Wales has £4bn+ of rail enhancements in development....but where is the formal Wales Rail Enhancement Pipeline and when are Uk Gov going to fully devolve rail powers and funding so we can get on and deliver it out to 2040
GB Rail Bill: for Wales, see England!
The GBR Bill has just been published.... whilst much to applaud re industry rationalisation, sadly, for Wales, its more of the old Encyclopedia Britannica "for Wales, see England" mindset that sees Wales's major issues (control and funding) completely overlooked.
Post CSR, Rail Investment and Wales (updated!)
A brief reaction to the UK Governments 2025 Comprehensive Spending Review - and its impact on rail investment in Wales
The CSR, Wales & rail investment
A summary of the primary rail enhancement schemes needed in Wales to 2040 and justification for £4Bn commitment from UK Government to help deliver them.
The UK Govs GBR Consultation – my initial thoughts…
My initial thought in response to the DfTs GBR Feb 2025 consultation and reference to the reality that the UK economy is held back as a result of the relative underinvestment in public transport in the UKs major cities and city regions (outside London) when compared to Europe
Some “Metro” suggestions for TfW’s Board & Welsh Government
Welsh Government and Transport for Wales have made great progress with the development of the South Wales Metro - and deserve recognition for this enormous undertaking. However we can't sit still, there is more to do...Crossrail Phase 2 to address Metro gaps in Cardiff, revised staffing protocols to reduce operating costs, more overt bus/rail integration and for the region more TOD.