Transport for Wales has spent £14.2M on 40 consultants over two years at it rolls out its Metro project, but only six firms were registered in Wales, according to an investigation by Welsh Conservatives. The two-year spending spree included HR advice, management and IT assistance and the Tories say the initial £5 billion project is spiralling out of control and overdue. Commenting on the … [Read more...]
The train’s now arriving – on your phone
A new live digital map has been launched showing customers exactly where their train is at any given time. The map shows the location of every train on the TfW network, allowing customers to view their journey in real time and see the expected arrival time at each station on its route. Transport for Wales have partnered with rail technology innovator Signalbox to offer the interactive map, which … [Read more...]
Metro plan risks hitting Brexit buffer
The South Wales Metro multi-million-pound project faces being derailed if the UK leaves the European Union without a deal, warn the Welsh Government. Economy Secretary Ken Skates said Welsh Government officials are seeking clarity on what happens to necessary land transfers being managed by UK Government as part of the process. South Wales Metro project will see a revitalised rail and bus … [Read more...]
Call for Assembly inquiry into Welsh rail services
South Wales Central AM Andrew RT Davies has called for an Assembly inquiry into the rail network in Wales. Constituents across the region have contacted Mr Davies to express their dismay at the situation, which has seen a significant number of journeys cancelled or replaced by buses. Commuters have been warned that the travel chaos is likely to continue for at least the next three weeks … [Read more...]
“Shambles” rail services in Wales, claim Tories
Welsh Conservatives have criticised the chaos on local rail services after Transport for Wales took over from Arriva Trains Wales last month. In response to South Wales Central AM Andrew RT Davies, Transport Minister Ken Skates, declined the opportunity to apologise and also refused to answer why additional trains promised back in July 2017 by the Welsh Government had yet to materialise. The … [Read more...]
Newslines 15 October
The Wales and Borders rail service can be the best passenger rail service in the UK within the next 15 years. This is the message from First Minister, Carwyn Jones who will be on Pontypridd station today to mark the first full day of the new Wales and Borders rail services led by Transport for Wales with a £5 Billion budget to improve rolling stock, stations, information and passenger services, … [Read more...]
Newslines 8 October
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 routes, more services and newer trains, … [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 ideal for both urban and long-distance … [Read more...]
Newslines 21 April
The A40 will remain shut between Llandovery and Llanwrda over the weekend at least. It’s emergency closure follows the opening of a sink-hole in the carriageway on Wednesday evening and the diversions have caused chaos in surrounding villages struggling with HGVs on narrow sections. Plans to scrap the proposed electric rail line between Cardiff and Swansea have been defended by UK Transport … [Read more...]