WAG off track on railway investment

2.30.00am GMT Wed 13th Aug 2008

The Ebbw Vale rail link botch-up is a symptom of the One Wales Government's refusal to invest in sustainable transport and a warning of what is to come Kirsty Williams AM has cautioned.

The new train line has carried 44,000 passengers a month in its first 6 months, which has not only doubled the forecast of 22,000, but has also even obliterated the 2012 target of 33,000 passengers. Concerns have been raised that due to inaccurate passenger forecasts the scheme had under-investment and opportunities for expansion were missed.

Kirsty Williams AM, Welsh Liberal Democrat spokesperson for Transport commented:

"The underinvestment has meant that a real opportunity to extend the service even further to include double tracks to Newport has been missed and will mean even greater expenditure in the future. This is symptomatic of the short term vision of our Transport Minister and his Plaid-Labour Government.

"Increasing fuel prices; financial unease and environmental concerns all mean that there is not only a need to move towards a Welsh integrated and sustainable public transport system but there is also a growing will. But with the Government continuing to plough money into road transport it could spell disaster in the future for our environment and our economy.

"The Assembly's Enterprise and learning committee has in the past expressed concern about the Assembly Government's passenger demand forecasts - believing them to be drastically underestimated- and this was before the rise in oil prices which appears to be encouraging greater rail use.

"The committee recommended that the Welsh Assembly Government should be planning to fund the necessary infrastructure to accommodate this additional growth but the Ebbw Vale experience coupled with the Heart of Wales concessionary scheme back track clearly show that this is not the case.

"In order for industry, businesses and the public at large to make this move we need mass investment and forward planning. Clearly trains have an essential role to play - particularly for commuters travelling between urban centres and we must see investment in rolling stock and tracks."