Funding to improve Wales’ rail infrastructure will be spent on connecting communities to new jobs and opportunities, the Secretary of State for Wales has said.
Speaking at the RIA Wales Rail Summit in central Cardiff, Jo Stevens MP told delegates about the UK Government’s plans to spend at least £445 million on improvements to rail infrastructure in Wales.
She said:
“This investment of at least £445 million is fundamental to achieving economic growth across Wales, which is the UK Government’s number one priority. It is real, committed funding that means more and faster trains across North and South Wales.
“The UK Government is delivering for Welsh rail and is delivering for Wales.”
The Secretary of State also made clear the importance of collaboration for achieving results and thanked both the Welsh Government and Transport for Wales for their work which she said was already having an impact.
Earlier in the day, attendees heard from James Price, Chief Executive Officer at Transport for Wales, who reflected on the evolution of the organisation.
James said:
“This is way more than about trains – it is about people, places and possibilities.
“We don't just want to build infrastructure, we want to build skills, we want to create jobs, we want to support local supply chains, we want to invest in people because they are the ones who will deliver the future.”
RIA Wales & Western Chair Phil Harrison said:
“Wales is rapidly becoming an exciting market for UK rail suppliers, and we are proud to be a part of it. The high level of speakers and attendees attracted to today's summit shows the significant interest and commitment to rail and public transport in Wales. We'd like to thank all who attended and participated, including the Secretary of State for providing a keynote address.”
