Disused Welsh rail systems could soon see light of day

29 October 2009

The Welsh Assembly Government (WAG) is to identify places where light rail could be deployed.

In evidence to an assembly committee, Welsh transport minister, Ieuan Wyn Jones said the WAG would look at further opportunities to reopen disused railways where trackbeds existed.

‘We will look at this sustainably and holistically, and identify opportunities for light rail and how we can integrate walking and cycling proposals and park-and-ride facilities into these proposals,’ he said.

Swansea Council is planning a light-rail feasibility study. Prof Stuart Cole, of the Wales Transport Research Centre, claimed Swansea needed light rail to achieve significant modal shift, because its heavy-rail station was remote from the city centre (Surveyor, 16 October).

Mr Jones said the WAG was considering light rail and bus rapid-transit for Cardiff. He was speaking soon after the Ebbw Vale-Cardiff rail service conveyed its one millionth passenger, in less than half the expected time.

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