Recommendations & Conclusions
5 items
5
Recommendation
First Report - Railway Infrastructure i…
Accepted in Part
The Williams-Shapps White Paper sets out comprehensive reform of the British rail network and makes a strong case for electrification as the main mechanism for decarbonising rail travel. The Government’s analysis and commitment to technological upgrades is welcome and the Wales Office must ensure that key routes in Wales are …
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The Williams-Shapps White Paper sets out comprehensive reform of the British rail network and makes a strong case for electrification as the main mechanism for decarbonising rail travel. The Government’s analysis and commitment to technological upgrades is welcome and the Wales Office must ensure that key routes in Wales are considered in this context.
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Government response AI summary
The government agrees in part, reaffirming its commitment to a net zero rail network by 2050 and an ambitious electrification programme guided by Network Rail’s Traction Decarbonisation Network Strategy (TDNS).
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Wales Office
8
Recommendation
First Report - Railway Infrastructure i…
Accepted in Part
A number of witnesses to our inquiry suggested that a more joined-up and clearer approach to Wales’s infrastructure needs was required in order to unlock investment. We therefore recommend that the UK Government should establish a Wales Rail Board, consisting of itself, the Welsh Government, Network Rail, the rail operators …
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A number of witnesses to our inquiry suggested that a more joined-up and clearer approach to Wales’s infrastructure needs was required in order to unlock investment. We therefore recommend that the UK Government should establish a Wales Rail Board, consisting of itself, the Welsh Government, Network Rail, the rail operators providing services in Wales, and Transport for Wales. The Board would be tasked with identifying and developing a prioritised set of proposals for rail infrastructure improvement and investment in Wales. The Board should be established, with its membership and terms of reference published, by this Autumn. (Paragraph 41) Management of rail infrastructure
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Government response AI summary
The government agrees in part, proposing to establish a senior-level Board with director-level representation from relevant bodies, with Terms of Reference under discussion for an initial meeting this calendar year.
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Wales Office
10
Recommendation
First Report - Railway Infrastructure i…
Accepted in Part
Network Rail’s revised structure has helped Network Rail respond to incidents in Wales, build relationships with Transport for Wales (TfW) and sharpen its focus on Wales and borders services. However, Network Rail should be alive to concerns that its regional structure will lessen its focus on supporting an all-Wales approach …
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Network Rail’s revised structure has helped Network Rail respond to incidents in Wales, build relationships with Transport for Wales (TfW) and sharpen its focus on Wales and borders services. However, Network Rail should be alive to concerns that its regional structure will lessen its focus on supporting an all-Wales approach to integrated transport. Network Rail’s regional structure must flex to afford Wales the degree of prioritisation it requires.
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Government response AI summary
The government notes the recommendation and states that while Network Rail operates at arm’s length, DfT will work with Network Rail and ORR to ensure its regional structure remains flexible and can prioritise operations for local requirements in Wales.
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Wales Office
16
Recommendation
First Report - Railway Infrastructure i…
Accepted in Part
The development of the HS2 programme in England could yield direct benefits to Welsh rail passengers if it is accompanied by enhancements to the North Wales mainline, including the upgrades at Chester and Crewe stations which will be required for full electrification of the North Wales mainline to proceed. We …
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The development of the HS2 programme in England could yield direct benefits to Welsh rail passengers if it is accompanied by enhancements to the North Wales mainline, including the upgrades at Chester and Crewe stations which will be required for full electrification of the North Wales mainline to proceed. We recommend that the UK Government, working in partnership with the Welsh Government, should prepare a full strategic case for the upgrade and electrification of the North Wales mainline. Consolidating the benefits of HS2 for Wales by reducing journey times within North Railway Infrastructure in Wales 37 Wales, increasing freight capacity and improving connections from Holyhead to the West Coast main line would be consistent with the UK Government’s economic and environmental objectives and with the objectives of the Union Connectivity Review. (Paragraph 107) The implications of Covid-19
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Government response AI summary
The government notes the recommendation and is developing an Outline Business Case with Network Rail for journey time improvements on the North Wales Coast Main Line, aiming to increase line speeds and improve journey times, with work expected to conclude in February 2022. This addresses …
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Wales Office
19
Recommendation
First Report - Railway Infrastructure i…
Accepted in Part
We are concerned that Covid-19 should not be used as a pretext for halting investment which, in the long term, would only further cement the car as the transport mode of choice in Wales. Instead this should be an opportunity for the Department for Transport, Welsh Government, Transport for Wales …
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We are concerned that Covid-19 should not be used as a pretext for halting investment which, in the long term, would only further cement the car as the transport mode of choice in Wales. Instead this should be an opportunity for the Department for Transport, Welsh Government, Transport for Wales and Network Rail to take stock and consider the role of rail Wales’s future transport network. Using the Wales Rail Board we have recommended, this process should: • establish immediate infrastructure investment priorities; • consider how passenger services can be improved without inadvertently reducing freight capacity; and • determine on a route by route basis what improved services will mean for passengers in terms of frequency, speed, and cost. (Paragraph 114) 38 Railway Infrastructure in Wales
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Government response AI summary
The government agrees in part, recognizing the benefits of the proposed Wales Rail Board and proposing to establish a senior-level Board with the specified remit. However, it notes that rail enhancement budgets were redirected due to COVID-19 and difficult circumstances persist.
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Wales Office