- 17/07/2012
- Posted by: Mike Hedges MS
- Category: Latest News
First Minister of Wales, Carwyn Jones and the Minster with responsibility for Transport, Carl Sargeant, have today welcomed the announcement that the Great Western Main Line to Swansea and the Valley Lines network will be electrified during the next railway investment period in 2014-19 – following a Welsh Government campaign involving Labour MPs and AMs.
Responding to the announcement, Carwyn Jones, said:
“I am delighted that electrification of the Great Western Main Line to Swansea and the Valley Lines network has been included for delivery in the next railway investment period. Investing in our transport infrastructure is vital as we look to improve the economic competitiveness of Wales and the electrification of the Great Western Main Line from Cardiff to Swansea will provide a strengthened east-west economic corridor that will enhance Swansea’s role as an economic hub. Today’s announcement supports our argument that Cardiff is not the end of the line or the end of our ambitions for economic prosperity in Wales.”
Transport Minister Carl Sargeant added:
“Electrification of the Valley Lines offers the opportunity for a step change in mobility and connectivity to employment centres for our Valleys communities, as well as a larger employment catchment area for businesses looking to invest in the region. The decision to invest in these projects represents the first step towards achieving my vision for a modernised rail infrastructure across the whole of Wales. We can build on this announcement by moving to the next stage in planning a truly integrated transport system for the south-east region.”
The Welsh Government led on developing business cases which were submitted to the Department for Transport and were considered for inclusion in the high level output specification (HLOS) plan.
