UK Government Commits £14 Billion to Welsh Rail Infrastructure, Seven New Stations Announced
UK government plans to spend £14 billion on Welsh rail. This will build 7 new stations and create 12,000 jobs. Find out what it means for you.
#WelshRail, #NewStations, #UKInvestment, #TransportWales, #JobCreation
https://newsletter.tf/uk-government-14-billion-welsh-rail-new-stations/
The UK government is investing £14 billion in Welsh railways, which is a huge amount of money to improve travel. This is more than many previous investments.
#WelshRail, #NewStations, #UKInvestment, #TransportWales, #JobCreation
https://newsletter.tf/uk-government-14-billion-welsh-rail-new-stations/
FORGOTTEN AGAIN: South West Wales snubbed as Starmer unveils seven new rail stations — but NOT ONE is for Swansea or the West
Prime Minister Keir Starmer and First Minister Eluned Morgan are set to unveil a major rail commitment today [Wednesday], promising to “transform Welsh rail” and support 12,000 jobs. However, the multi-million pound investment—billed as a decade of national renewal—appears to stop abruptly at the borders of South East and North Wales.
Seven New Stations—But None for Us
While the UK Government has committed almost half a billion pounds in this Spending Review to build seven brand-new stations, the list reveals a familiar geographical bias. Every single new stop is located in the Cardiff/Newport area or North Wales:
For commuters in Swansea, Neath Port Talbot, and Carmarthenshire, the announcement offers plenty of rhetoric about “national renewal” but zero new tracks or platforms on the ground.
The snub comes despite the region having a clear vision for its own future. The Swansea Bay and South West Wales Metro project aims to create a modern, integrated transport network for the region, while the South West Wales Regional Transport Plan was recently approved by the Corporate Joint Committee (CJC). Yet, while the plans are ready, the UK Government’s “generational” funding appears to have hit a buffer before reaching the West.
‘Historic Dither and Delay’—Or Just a Different Kind?
The Prime Minister claims the plan turns the page on years of “chronic chop-and-changing and underinvestment” by previous governments.
Keir Starmer said:
“This government is turning the page on historic dither and delay with seven new stations, thousands of jobs, and a generational commitment to build a rail network fit for Wales’ future. This isn’t tinkering nor sticking plasters. This is investment for the long term – and change communities will feel.”
However, for residents in the West, the “change” may be hard to feel when the nearest new station is over 40 miles away in Cardiff.
A ‘Huge Win’ for the East, a Snub for the West
The investment builds on the Welsh Government’s existing £1.1bn electrification of the Core Valley Lines and £800m in new fleet. While the government touts this as proof of what can be achieved when the UK and Welsh Governments work together, critics are likely to ask why that cooperation hasn’t extended to the West of the country.
The news comes just as Swansea records the weakest employment performance in Wales, further fueling concerns that the city is being left behind in the race for national infrastructure.
What Happens Next?
The Prime Minister is set to formally endorse the Transport for Wales vision today, which will set the framework for a pipeline of future projects. Whether that pipeline eventually reaches the West remains to be seen, but for now, South West Wales is once again watching from the sidelines as the East gets back on track.
#Carmarthenshire #NeathPortTalbot #newStations #Swansea #trains #TransportForWales #UKGovernment
Minister opens station and unveils sea wall plaque
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c0384pvz1m3o
#Exeter #Dawlish #Devon #Railway #GreatWesternRailway #Trains #NewStations
Delayed £16m Marsh Barton railway station still has no opening date
https://www.devonlive.com/news/devon-news/delayed-16m-marsh-barton-railway-8321787
[Bong-Bong-Bong]: "I'm sorry to announce the December 2016 Great Western Railway service for Marsh Barton has been delayed by approximately 7 years. I'm extremely sorry for the severe delay to this service."
#Exeter #MarshBarton #Railway #NewStations #GWR #GreatWesternRailway #NetworkRail
NewsletterTF
Editor
Jonathan Wright
