Wales Remains at the Bottom of the Pile in Rail Infrastructure
Transport expert warns that only full devolution can improve Wales’ rail network and funding
Wales, Rail Infrastructure, Transport, Stuart Cole, UK Government
Cardiff: A leading transport expert in Wales has expressed doubts about the Welsh Government’s plans for reforming the UK railways. Professor Stuart Cole believes that only full devolution will ensure Wales gets the rail network it truly needs.
Speaking to WalesOnline, he highlighted the urgency of the situation as Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s government has a chance to address long-standing issues this year. Prof Cole is skeptical that anything less than full control over rail infrastructure will lead to better funding for Wales.
He emphasized the need for decisions to be made in Wales, for Wales, to avoid being sidelined. The Welsh Government is currently pushing for additional funding from the UK government, but it seems they aren’t keen on taking full responsibility for the rail infrastructure.
Prof Cole doubts that the proposed setup under the Great British Railways organization will bring about significant improvements. He pointed out that Wales currently receives only a fraction of the funding it deserves, which hampers necessary upgrades.
He believes that if Wales had control over its rail infrastructure, it could lead to better funding through Barnett consequential payments from England’s rail projects. This could create a more robust financial situation for Welsh railways.
Prof Cole also noted that the average speeds on Welsh rail lines are significantly lower than those in England, indicating a pressing need for improvements across the network.