Source · Select Committees · Welsh Affairs Committee
Recommendation 19
19
We are concerned that Covid-19 should not be used as a pretext for halting investment...
Conclusion
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
Government Response
Acknowledged
HM Government
Acknowledged
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.” The UK Government agrees with this recommendation in part. Our priority during a very challenging period has been ensuring the transport industry receives the support it needs. The Comprehensive Spending Review in the Autumn of 2020 reflected this priority and rightly redirected part of the rail enhancements budget for 2021–2024 towards the other parts of the rail industry that need support now. As we now approach another Spending Review, the preparation for which is underway at the time of writing, difficult circumstances for the rail industry remain given the continued impacts of COVID-19 on the economy and travel patterns. As stated in the response to Recommendations 8, 11, and 13, we recognise the identified potential benefits of the forum the Committee has recommended and propose to establish a senior-level Board with this remit. DfT will continue to work closely with the Welsh Government, TfW, Network Rail, and other TOCs operating in Wales.