Finance Secretary Mark Drakeford will today bring business leaders in Wales up to speed on the Metro service, before the franchise change in a week’s time. He will tell them Metro will deliver against a range of policy objectives by creating a network that will serve communities, accessible to all and operating seven days a week with fare cuts on some … [Read more...]
Newslines extra 12 September
Wales Future Generations Commissioner Sophie Howe has questioned spending £1.4 Billion on the planned M4 relief road around Newport, including a new bridge over the Usk, remodelling the docks and building on grazing land. It will not cut congestion and is a "20th Century solution to a 21st Century problem”, said Ms Howe and suggested money would be better … [Read more...]
Newslines 31 July
Britain’s first full-sized driverless bus is being developed by Stagecoach. It’s partnered with bus manufacturer Alexander Dennis Limited and technology company Fusion Processing to produce a 12m single deck autonomous bus with trials planned in a depot and including technology which can be utilised when it goes onto the streets with a driver as it would … [Read more...]
Boost rail investment, Welsh Government tell UK Goverment
Transport Secretary Ken Skates has cited slow speeds, manual Victorian signalling and level crossings bringing traffic to a standstill up to 200 times a day in his call on the UK Government to make available an equitable level of funding for rail infrastructure enhancements in Wales. In May, Ken Skates announced Cardiff University’s Professor Mark Barry … [Read more...]
New ‘steam-age’ opportunity in Wales
A new steam-age of "clean" hydrogen-powered trains has been suggested for the forthcoming Wales and Borders services, a Plaid Cymru AM has said. Simon Thomas made the call off the back of research he commissioned on the potential to developing hydrogen infrastructure for transport in Wales. Hydrogen-fuelled trains emit osteam and condensed water and are … [Read more...]
New Wales’ rail service warning from Conservatives
A contract to run Wales' rail service for the next 15 years has been awarded by Welsh Government to two European firms. France's Keolis and Spanish-owned Amey will be responsible for the new franchise and will also oversee the South Wales Metro project, and Welsh Conservatives’ Russell George said it is a ‘significant moment’ but also highlighted concerns … [Read more...]
Metro hub development now on track in Cardiff
Leading figures of the new Metro Delivery Partnership visited the site of Cardiff’s new Integrated Transport Hub where work is underway to prepare for construction of the new bus station and interchange. The Welsh Government recently acquired the site for the new Interchange from Cardiff Council for £15m, including the rights to the original design, … [Read more...]
Engineers criticise Government and back rail electrification
Britain’s engineers are backing the case for rail electrification between Cardiff and Swansea. The Institution of Mechanical Engineers has also debunked Government claims over cost and said the proposed diesel & electric bimode trains will be less efficient, less economical and more polluting. Dr Jenifer Baxter, Head of Engineering at the … [Read more...]
Tradelines 28 March
Government plans for rail freight are unclear, says the Freight Transport Association. Proposals in the Rail Network Enhancements Pipeline but don’t contain targets for moving heavy goods on lines which are facing tough challenges compared to expanding use of HGVs. Leading garage equipment distributor and official UK agent of ATLAS automotive repair, … [Read more...]
Metro project assured, says Cabinet Secretary
The Welsh Government has a total and unwavering commitment to the Metro project, Economy & Transport Secretary Ken Skates has told AMs in a written statement. Responding to opposition criticism that the Welsh Government is wavering, watering down or altering its support for the massive transport network, he said the scheme would have to be completed … [Read more...]
