The UK’s electric car revolution is becoming a bloody affair. From initially resisting the new technology on cost grounds including writing off established investments in petrol and diesel engine technology and having to develop hybrid or pure electric powertrains, along with making tens of thousands of workers redundant, manufacturers have struggled to convince buyers into showrooms or on-line … [Read more...]
Changes to Wales and Borders train services
Rail passengers are being urged to plan ahead and check before they travel this Easter with some timetable amendments in place across the Wales and Borders network. Transport for Wales (TfW) will be carrying out infrastructure upgrades across the Core Valleys Lines network for the South Wales Metro, resulting in buses replacing rail services on some routes. Buses are replacing trains … [Read more...]
Newslines 17 March
Transport for Wales’ bus replacement of all services on the Conwy Valley route, as well as Wrexham’s Borderlands route is insulting to users of the lines in North Wales who depend on these services to make their regular commutes, said Welsh Conservative Shadow Transport Minister, Natasha Ashgar MS. The entire cancellation of rail services on some North Wales branch lines because of fire risk with … [Read more...]
Welsh rail chaos this week after trains catch fire
Wales' train services face days of disruption this week after 100 cancellations on friday. The Class 175 locomotives were pulled out of service after a series of fires caused by mechanical defects and there is insufficient rolling stock to replace them. Transport for Wales said the services were withdrawn for safety reasons to protect users but the extent of the review and maintentance will … [Read more...]
Train strikes deter drivers from making the switch
More than two-thirds (67%) of people say that the recent wave of strikes means they’ll use trains less in the future. February’s Startline Used Car Tracker reports that the vast majority – 78% – plan to travel instead by car with 35% walking more, 19% using other public transport such as bus and tram, 13% using a traditional bike and 11% an electric bicycle. However, a significant minority … [Read more...]
Tradelines 4 January
Mercedes-Benz is recalling over 123,600 models made between 2001 and 2011 to check and secure potentially faulty sunroofs sold in the USA. Nearly 80 mid-range models are included over the ten year period and any UK owners who have experienced sunroof issues should contact their local dealer for possible rectification free of charge. Germany's Rheinmetall has won an order worth more than a … [Read more...]
TfW’s five-year plan to boost public transport
Transport for Wales has published a five-year Corporate Strategy outlining how they’ll improve public transport and encourage more people to travel sustainably. The not-for-profit organisation, which is wholly owned by Welsh Government is delivering a transformational programme that will enhance rail, bus and active travel routes. Last year, the Welsh Government released Llwybr Newydd: The Wales … [Read more...]
Worst ever winter breakdowns, said RAC
The RAC yesterday coped with over 12,000 breakdown calls in what it said was the ‘worst-ever winter breakdown cocktail’. RAC Breakdown spokesperson Rod Dennis said, “Yesterday was officially our busiest day for breakdowns on record, with around 12,000 drivers needing help, the equivalent of eight every minute of the day. Even our busiest day during the infamous Beast from the East in 2018 didn’t … [Read more...]
Cardiff Parkway station plan is in the sidings
The Welsh Conservatives have accused Labour’s transport policy of consisting of nothing but delays and empty rhetoric as plans for the Cardiff Parkway station were placed on hold. Commenting, Welsh Conservative Shadow Minister for Transport, Natasha Asghar MS said, “When the First Minister took the unilateral decision to go against the independent planning inspectorate and cancel the M4 relief … [Read more...]
Welsh Government dictate road closure
Welsh Government has told Cardiff to reconsider traffic arrangements and consider permanently closing Castle Street. It was shut to traffic during the Covid pandemic in summer 2020 and then gradually reopened but modified with restricted lanes. The Welsh government has now told the city council to find alternatives to cut pollution. The council said its cabinet will take a … [Read more...]