We’re heading on the right track

I WOULD like to congratulate our government on the new deal for Welsh railways as I believe they have used the rail powers well that have been devolved so far.

We are now edging a bit closer to burying (in Wales) the wretched privatised, franchise system in favour of the synergy of a company uniting infrastructure and trains – and responsible to our government which has, I believe, been listening to the people as to what we want.

There are now a number of priorities – for example, reversing the poke in the eye we had when Mrs May halted electrification between Cardiff and Swansea, which will enable “proper” electric locomotives to run all the way; ditching the heavy, fume-belching diesel engines; a rolling programme of route electrification; and a simpler and cheaper fare system.

I also trust any new rolling stock is well designed with more room for luggage, windows aligned with seats, functioning toilets and, dare I say it, an end to over-crowding.

To do a decent we need the final devolution of rail transport powers... and it would help, in my opinion, if we had at least 100 members in our Welsh parliament so that the Minister of Transport has just that one job rather than wearing several hats and trying to do justice to all demands.

John D Rogers President, Railfuture Cymru