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!
The Nelson Freight Line….
Tag: Cardiff
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
Metro and Us
I added some post event thoughts re: the 4th June 2026 "Metro and Us" event in Cardiff. The key question to ask is "what else we need to do, to maximise the impact of the South Wales Metro and especially to enable wider economic development and regeneration?". Click the image for more details.
Metro – A Catalyst for change….and TOD?
Could Metro prove to be a catalyst for a shift towards transit-orientated development across the Cardiff Capital Region?
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......
Developing a Vision, and getting a “Go” for a Metro…
A brief summary of the key facets of a successful Metro Vision - with reference to the success of the South Wales Metro
To Casperia and back by train (April 2025)…
A brief reflection on our 2025 Interrail trip from Cardiff to Casperia and back...
It’s all kicked off at Cardiff University…!
My quick reflections on the potential redundancies announced at Cardiff University and more broadly the role of Higher Education in our economy.
Welsh Rail Funding – Ministerial Correspondence December 2024
My December 2024 letter to Transport Minister Heidi Alexander re: lack of UK Government rail enhancement investment in Wales.
Cardiff Crossrail Phase 2
Cardiff Crossrail Phase 2 is essential for the economy of the city & wider region. It will address the gaps in the current Metro Programme in Cardiff, and provide the foundation for the full Crossrail that has the biggest mode shift and economic impact potential of any scheme in Wales
Metro and other hopes for 2025…
Metro and other hopes (Crossrail, SWML, Brexit, PR, Severn Barrage, etc...) for 2025
Why the UKs City Regions need Metros…
....and why it's not happening fast or big enough! A version of this article appeared in the November 2024 edition of Rail Technology Magazine. I presented at Connected Places Catapult event in Leeds in November on this subject and will also present at the UK 2025 Rail Summit, so this is a timely blog. It’s … Continue reading Why the UKs City Regions need Metros…
How to build a Metro…
It’s now fifteen years since I first set out my ideas for a Cardiff Capital Region Metro (or South Wales Metro) and just over 13 since my report, “A Metro for Wales Capital City Region” was published with the Cardiff Business Partnership and Institute of Welsh Affairs. It was in Autumn 2015 that FM Carwyn … Continue reading How to build a Metro…
Cardiff West Junction…
I cover many of the issues raised below and wider schemes Wales, in my book "How to build a Metro" This is a copy of an email I sent to UK and WG Ministers in July 2024 on the subject of "Cardiff West Junction" - a piece of essential rail infrastructure in Cardiff which has … Continue reading Cardiff West Junction…
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…