Future of Welsh rail network features 140mph trains

Electrified railways, metro-style systems and innovative technology-enabled rural transport solutions will be common in the future, according to a report published today (November 12) by the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport Cymru Wales.

Vision 2035: Cymru Wales visualises how transport and logistics in Wales would develop, taking account of population changes, technological developments, and social and political change.

By 2035, Wales will be making decisions on all aspects of transport, including air passenger duty, rail franchising and road policy. There will also be greater government involvement in public transport operations, with not-for-profit business models adopted.

There will be significant enhancements in the transport network, with electrification on all major rail routes. Journeys to London from all parts of Wales will be quicker, using trains that can achieve at least 140mph. Some additional road capacity will be provided, but driverless vehicles will improve road network capacity.

For more, see RAIL 762, published November 26.