Promises by the UK Government to deliver a £14bn commitment to
put right decades of rail underfunding have been kicked further
down the tracks.
The Welsh Government has been calling for £1bn as part of that
commitment in this budget but has only received a tiny fraction
(3%).
Deputy Minister for Transport, said:
"This figure is an insult to the people of Wales.
It means more people in Wales struggling to get to hospital
appointments, taking longer to get to work or see their family.
It's a missed opportunity for economic growth and tackling
climate change.
The UK Government's continued failure to invest in their network
in Wales demonstrates, now, more than ever, the need for
devolution of rail.
"We need to see their warm words turn into cold hard cash.
It's wrong to say these stations aren't shovel ready. The UK
Government committed to deliver this money in February and since
then we've agreed with Network Rail that Transport for Wales will
deliver the stations. Transport for Wales are ready to start work
we just need the UK Government to deliver on their commitment. I
made this point to the rail minister when I met him today.
"Wales deserves a fair and reasonable funding settlement. Despite
making up 10% of the Great Britain rail network, just 1% of
Network Rail's spending goes to Wales. We need a modern rail
network fit for the whole of Wales, supported by sustained
investment that reflects both need and economic opportunity.
We will stand up for Wales and continue to press for fairer rail
funding and a clear pathway to full rail devolution.
Notes to editors
- Transport for Wales published their vision this year and
the UK Government stated their commitment to its delivery as
quickly as possible backed by £14 billion investment. The UK
Government also committed to taking forward stations at Magor
and Undy, Llanwern, Cardiff East, Newport West, Somerton,
Cardiff Parkway and Deeside industrial park.
- There are a number of schemes ready to go in Wales. This
includes the Burns stations and Cardiff Parkway alongside further
enhancements to the Core Valley Lines. Network Rail and Transport
for Wales have already reached agreement that they will work
together to deliver the Burns stations.
