Priorities for the future of Welsh Rail Infrastructure

Financial considerations will shape what happens next with
Cardiff Central Station. How much will it cost, and where will the
money come from? A World Class station will come with a World Class
bill. What is affordable to funders is likely to shape the final outcome.
Alongside redevelopment of the station itself, there is also a need
for track and signalling upgrades around Cardiff Central Station.
Michael Tapscott of Arriva Trains Wales told us:
“I think our biggest concern with this [Cardiff Central] is the
capability of the track either side of the station. We understand
that relief lines are being developed or are part of that
development, but our concern is that we will have a nice station
but that having those pinch points outside Cardiff is still going
to be a big issue for the future.” 12
These aspects will also need to be addressed as part of station
redevelopments if we are to create a Capital City transport hub fit for
the 21 st Century.
We urge the Welsh Government to play a proactive role with UK
Government, Cardiff City Council, the City Region, Network Rail
and local businesses to develop a robust plan for Cardiff Central
Station accompanied by the track and signalling upgrades needed
to create a station fit for a 21 st Century capital city.
Electrification of the Valleys Lines
Our evidence found broad support for the Welsh Government’s
proposal for a Metro system in South East Wales. The concept has
captured the imagination of stakeholders, and is increasingly visible to
the public. The challenge now is to deliver that vision with pace.
Electrification of the Valleys Lines is a project that has high level
agreement, with funding arrangements now agreed between the Welsh
and UK Government. However, there remain questions about the scope
of the work, and the total cost.
12
Enterprise and Business Committee, written transcript, 28 January, Para 339.
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