(Neath) (Ind):...The
relatively recent electrification programme on the route—itself
curtailed at Cardiff to save money—had, as part of its business
case, a 15-minute journey time reduction between Paddington and
Wales. Long-distance intercity trains from Wales, be they
Great Western
Railway or Grand Union, will be negatively impacted by
five minutes by the need to call at OOC, so the initial business
case for electrifying the south Wales main line is now
undermined. In particular, I see no way any passenger for south
Wales would choose a journey from Birmingham via OOC. That is one
thing that the rail industry does agree on...
(Newport East) (Lab):...The
Western Gateway 2050 rail vision document, mentioned by my hon.
Friend the Member for Neath, had its formal launch in Bristol
earlier this year and highlighted that the new stations are
eminently deliverable; related schemes and business cases are
already in planning. The stations could have transformative
benefits for the communities they serve, while helping to unlock
the huge economic potential of the wider region. It is important
to note that the rail vision document was endorsed by train
operating companies including Great
Western Railway, Transport for Wales and
CrossCountry, as well as my neighbour, the Secretary of State for
Wales, who welcomed the “ambition” of the report and
acknowledged:
“Connectivity within South Wales and South West England is vital
to growing our regional economy.”
For context, OPEN HERE
