Plans to electrify the Valley Lines rail network have been welcomed by Plaid Cymru’s Assembly candidate Ron Davies.
In a statement at Westminster recently, the Transport Secretary committed the UK Government to working with the Welsh Assembly Government to electrify the Valleys Lines.
The campaign for electrification for the Valleys lines has been a key campaign issue for Plaid Cymru.
Mr Davies, who is also Caerphilly Council’s cabinet member for regeneration, said: “Creating a modern transport system is essential to the future economic growth of the Valleys, and to meet our challenging carbon reduction targets.
“Electrifying the Valleys Lines will create a quicker, cleaner and more efficient mode of transport and will allow greater capacity as well. New and modern electric trains will allow us to carry more passengers.
“It will form an attractive alternative to travelling by road and will build on the improvements that have already been provided by Plaid in government for the Valley lines, such as the extended platforms, increased carriages and frequency of service.
“Progressing this issue will provide huge benefits for Caerphilly constituency and all of the South Wales Valleys.”
I can't fail to see the irony that for 13 years Labour held power in Westminster yet did so little to invest in the valleys. Along come the Tories, who destroyed most of the valleys during the Thatcher years, and now do what Labour should have done!
Electrification of the Valley Lines is to be welcomed but it's not been confirmed that all the Valley lines will be so upgraded. The poorest part of the UK Government's announcement is that the line from Cardiff to Swansea will not be electrified.
However people using the Rhymney Valley line will know that I've argued long and hard for a range of improvements including longer trains (which have not been provided yet). Indeed I've been congratulated by the Minister for Transport, and Leader of Plaid, for my work on behalf of constituents.
Why have we waited so long for better stock on our railways.What did the last Labour government do,what is this Con/Dem gov doing? we always get second best here in Wales.