The electrification of the Valleys rail network was top of the agenda when the UK Minister of State for Transport, Theresa Villiers MP, met her Welsh Assembly party colleagues last night.
The Welsh Government is currently preparing a business case for the electrification of the Valley Lines network after plans to do so were unveiled last year.
Speaking after her visit, Theresa Villiers said: “We are overseeing the biggest rail upgrade programme since the Victorian era because we believe a better transport system can play a vital role in spurring economic growth. We want Wales to share in the opportunities that improved rail services can provide.
“Last year, we confirmed plans to electrify the railway line to Cardiff, a move that will bring real passenger benefits including significant time savings between London and South Wales and cleaner and greener train services. New trains will also add to passenger comfort and further speed up journey times.
“We are also supporting the Welsh Government in developing a business case for the Valley lines. Electrification of the Valley lines network was singled out as a priority in the budget, with a decision to be taken this summer.”
Conservative Assembly Members this week called on the Welsh Government to work “more positively and constructively” towards further electrification.
Members appealed for closer liaison with local authorities, Welsh MPs and the Department for Transport.
Speaking before the meeting, leader of the Welsh Conservatives in the Assembly, Andrew RT Davies AM, said: “Further electrification in Wales remains a crucial issue and I am pleased to welcome the Minister to the Assembly to discuss the obvious benefits it can bring.
“An integrated and effective transport system is a valuable cog in the wheel of economic growth in Wales. We already have electrification to Cardiff confirmed and that will prove to be a key driver for business.
“A further announcement on the Valleys lines would be incredibly significant – along with work to electrify the remainder of the Great Western Mainline to Swansea.”
Welsh Shadow Minister for Transport, Byron Davies AM, said: “Electrification is at the top of the Minister’s agenda and I am confident that it continues to be granted the time and importance that it deserves.”
What about Swansea ? The Valleys are important. But we are now facing a strange UK compromise involving special engines being pulled all the way to Paddington so that they can run the few extra miles to Swansea. A bit barmy. if you ask me, and all because the London parties do not think Swansea is important enough.
wrong clive, the severn tunnel cannot be electrified at present so hybrids are unavoidable