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...]
£700M Metro plan framework explained today
Businesses of all sizes from all over Wales are gathering at an event in Pontypridd today to hear how they can directly benefit from the £700m investment in the South Wales Metro. Transport for Wales (TfW), the not-for-profit company established by the Welsh Government to procure the next Wales and Borders Rail Service and Metro, is about to embark on a … [Read more...]
Newslines 15 August
Posting selfies behind the wheel, horn-happy drivers and litterbugs have been voted by Brits as the top modern day driving irritations, in a Kwik Fit poll. Over half (57%) of Brits surveyed said that being tailgated by other road users is the biggest driving annoyance, whilst aggressive driving (55%) and failing to indicate (53%) also grinds their gears … [Read more...]
Wales wants £700M from scrapped electric trains
The Welsh Government is demanding the estimated £700m saved by the UK Government by scrapping of the long-awaited Main Line electrification in South Wales be reinvested for future rail projects in Wales. Proposals for powers over rail infrastructure to be devolved to Welsh ministers should now also be progressed with immediate effect, Economy Secretary … [Read more...]
Tradelines 31 May
The first consignment of Chinese made Volvo S90s have started arriving in Europe after being shipped by rail from their factory, writes Robin Roberts. Up to 225 Volvo cars a week are shipped in special containers so they cannot move in transit on the Iron Silk Road trade route over 6,000 miles in about 18 days, reaching the UK in July. Electric cars … [Read more...]
Hogwart’s express for South Wales Metro ?
A futuristic fuel system has been suggested to cut engineering and running costs for the South Wales Metro service. Fuel Cell Systems, working with the University of Birmingham and Hitachi Rail Europe, has completed a six-month study for the UK rail industry, which shows that hydrogen fuel cell technology can be successfully retro-fitted to extend the … [Read more...]
Pontypridd on track to get hundreds of rail jobs
Hundreds of jobs will be created in Pontypridd after it has been named today as the location for the new South Wales Metro headquarters. Operating under the name of Transport for Wales, it will be located at the Taff Vale building, said Economy Secretary Ken Skates, and it will oversee the £1 Billion electricification, Metro and rail … [Read more...]
