Recommendation 1

There is a strong environmental and economic case for substantially enhancing the rail infrastructure that serves Wales, and the passenger experience of slow services and inadequate stations only underlines the need for an upgraded network. The South East Wales Transport Commission, chaired by Lord Burns, demonstrated the relationship between enhanced rail infrastructure, integrated public transport, decarbonisation and, ultimately, improved quality of life. Lord Burns’ commission made a convincing case for significant investment in the key route from Cardiff to Bristol as a means of reducing greenhouse gas emissions and driving a shift from car use to public transport. It is welcome that as a first step the UK Government is acting on Lord Burns’ findings by preparing a case to increase speeds on the relief lines that run through the Severn Tunnel.