Source · Select Committees · Welsh Affairs Committee
Recommendation 1
1
Paragraph: 34
There is a strong environmental and economic case for substantially enhancing the rail infrastructure that...
Conclusion
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.
Paragraph Reference:
34
Government Response
Not Addressed
HM Government
Not Addressed
The UK Government notes this recommendation. The intervention in the South Wales Relief Lines is currently being worked upon by Network Rail at Outline Business Case stage. The remit has been developed to ensure alignment with the aspirations of the South East Wales Transport Commission (Burns Commission), as endorsed by Sir Peter Hendy’s Union Connectivity Review (UCR). The proposals seek to increase line speeds on the Relief Lines (40–60 mph), to the same speed as the Main Lines (95 mile/h), between Cardiff, Newport and Severn Tunnel Junction, providing the potential for additional capacity and/ or improved journey times. It would also improve connectivity, network availability, and resilience. The upgraded lines, which are currently used predominantly for freight traffic, will serve to provide greater passenger connectivity within South Wales and across the border to Bristol and Gloucestershire. Transport for Wales (TfW) has an aspiration to operate additional cross-border services and the department is exploring options for this with them. Development of the Outline Business Case is underway by Network Rail, and we expect the final Business Case document to be presented for approval this year.