Skip to main content

A future vision for transport in Wales

A new report by the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT) Cymru Wales, Vision 2035: Cymru Wales, looks to the future and visualises how transport and logistics in Wales would develop, taking account of population changes, technological developments and social and political change. By 2035, Wales will be making decisions on all aspects of transport, including air passenger duty, rail franchising and road policy. There will also be greater government involvement in public transport operatio
November 13, 2014 Read time: 3 mins
A new report by the 6500 Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT) Cymru Wales, Vision 2035: Cymru Wales, looks to the future and visualises how transport and logistics in Wales would develop, taking account of population changes, technological developments and social and political change.

By 2035, Wales will be making decisions on all aspects of transport, including air passenger duty, rail franchising and road policy. There will also be greater government involvement in public transport operations, with not-for-profit business models being adopted.

The report indicates that will be significant enhancements in the transport network, with electrification on all major rail routes. Journeys to London from all parts of Wales will be quicker, using trains that can achieve at least 140mph. Some additional road capacity will be provided, but driverless vehicles will improve road network capacity.

Urban areas, such as the city regions, will be characterised by metro-style systems using bus and rail based technology and focused on interchanges. These interchanges will be centres of economic activity, both retail and employment, and designed to include walking and cycling. Car-sharing will be normal for journeys that cannot be completed by public transport.

Providing cost effective rural transport will be a challenge. Rural railways that are not electrified will need innovative solutions such as providing shared coach and rail routes. Demand responsive bus services will be widespread, while electric vehicles will be more common. Deliveries of goods are likely to be to community based hubs, for collection by customers rather than to shops.

International connectivity will see Cardiff Airport handling around 4.5 million passengers, with a range of long and short haul destinations. However, capacity constraints in South East England may make this an underestimate. Welsh ports will also develop more services, particularly to handle container traffic.

The report also highlights some potential developments after 2035. High speed rail lines from South Wales to London and Northern England will be planned, offering journey times from Cardiff of less than one hour. Discussions will also be taking place regarding a rail tunnel from Holyhead to Dublin, as a major European transport corridor.

“As an essential part of the economy, it is hoped Vision 2035 provides a long term view of transport in Wales,” commented Dr Andrew Potter, Chair of CILT Cymru Wales. “By thinking now about the opportunities and challenges ahead, better solutions can be found that make a real difference to passengers and businesses alike”.

For more information on companies in this article

Related Content

  • Voting for change - the democratisation of transportation
    December 8, 2014
    Contra Costa is using an innovative planning method to gather suggestions and craft future transportation spending plans. Public opinion in matters relating to transport rarely exceeds complaints about congestion on the roads, crowded metros, slow buses with ‘exorbitant’ fares or perhaps enforcement cameras.
  • Vital sign of the times
    June 18, 2013
    Part of Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council’s Anita Scheme to improve traffic management as well as accessibility and information for cyclists, pedestrians and bus passengers, UK company Vital Technology’s Vital Tri-Sign variable message sign has been installed at key locations in the area. The Highways Agency-approved Vital Tri-Sign is a series of rotating prisms; one face of the prism advises vehicles of normal running conditions, the other faces give information on unusual circumstances such as a predi
  • Cubic completes acquisition of Serco transport solutions
    November 27, 2013
    Serco’s transport solutions business will become a part of Cubic Transportation Systems following Cubic Corporation’s acquisition of the business for an enterprise value of US$70 million. Serco’s primarily a UK-based transport technology and services business and had revenues in the last calendar year of approximately $67 million.
  • ITS in Taiwan
    January 20, 2012
    In June, ITS Taiwan will host the 11th ITS Asia Pacific Forum and Exhibition. Dr. Bert J. Lim, president of the World Economics Society and a member of the local organising committee, provides an insight to ITS development in the country. Many of the thought-provoking issues he raises could be applied equally to most countries around the world. Governments need to assume a far greater leadership role, not just in ITS R&D, but also ITS deployment. In the case of Taiwan, it is time for the Ministry of Transpo