Rail electrification announced
The UK Government announces the electrification of the Valleys lines, as well as expanding the electrification of the Great Western line to Swansea.
Rail electrification: good for business
Businesses in Swansea have welcomed the announcement that the railway line from London will be electrified.
Local business owners are planning to make the most of the new rail links, and hope that the new infrastructure will encourage more business development in the area.
Welsh Government not expected to pay up for rail electrification costs
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Passengers welcome rail electrification
Transport Secretary promises "better, more cost effective" rail service
Rail electrification will lead to "more capacity" and "better connections", says the Transport Secretary.
Justine Greening MP said electric trains would be quieter, and lead to lower maintenance costs in the long term due to less "wear and tear" on the tracks.
"It's a big vote of confidence from the Government in the Welsh economy!"
Welsh Government welcomes electrification announcement
The First Minister and the Welsh Transport Minister have welcomed today's news of electrification of the whole Great Western line and Valleys lines.
– First Minister Carwyn JonesInvesting in our transport infrastructure is vital as we look to improve the economic competitiveness of Wales and the electrification of the Great Western Main Line from Cardiff to Swansea will provide a strengthened east-west economic corridor that will enhance Swansea’s role as an economic hub.
– Transport Minister Carl SargeantElectrification of the Valley Lines offers the opportunity for a step change in mobility and connectivity to employment centres for our Valleys communities, as well as a larger employment catchment area for businesses looking to invest in the region
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Gillan: 'Electrification shows Wales is open for business'
The UK Government has confirmed plans to electrify the line from Cardiff to Swansea, as part of a UK-wide £9bn investment in the rail network.
The Ebbw Vale, Maesteg, Merthyr Tydfil and the Vale of Glamorgan lines will also be electrified.
The project, which will cost more than £600m, to be spend during the period 2014-2019.
– Secretary of State for Wales Cheryl Gillan MPThis investment sends out a clear message that Wales is open for business. Electrifying the rail line to Wales’ second city and to the South Wales Valleys will give people in these areas a chance to fulfil their potential by improving connectivity to labour markets and opening up prospects for jobs and investment.
Department for Transport illustration showing the chosen routes.
Electrification plans for Swansea and Valley lines
The UK Government announces plans to electrify the line from Cardiff to Swansea, as well as several Valleys lines
Read the full storyElectrification to Swansea to be 'given go ahead'
There are reports that UK Transport Minister will announce a £1bn project to electrify the railway lines in south Wales.
Read the full storyNo meeting between UK and Welsh Transport Ministers today
– ITV Wales Political Editor, Adrian MastersUK Transport minister Theresa Villiers is in the Assembly later but she's not expected to bring news of further rail electrification...
... and because of a change in time for her visit, Theresa Villiers won't now be meeting Welsh Transport minister Carl Sargeant...
... however we do hope she'll be on Wales Tonight at 6pm.
