Cross-border train routes will not be split into 'English' and 'Welsh' services

[whole diary]

[IndustryInsider]

There will be uproar West of Cardiff then if that is the case 

As I see it NR^» (Network Rail - home page) are refusing to be pinned down on a date for Swansea because of all the problems they've had with slipped targets and cost overruns meaning whatever date they give is likely to be a bit of a guess until they've had chance to complete or nearly complete other areas of the electrification.  They've said CP6^▸ (Control Period 6 - The five year period between 2019 and 2024) which could be anywhere from 2019 to 2024.  It's clearly not going to be 2019 as Cardiff is only expected to be finished by December 2018, and I doubt it'll be as late as 2024, so I would imagine 2021/2 is most likely.

The Bi-Mode IET^▸ (Intercity Express Train)'s should be quite happy on diesel engines west of Cardiff for those intervening years and will likely reduce the journey times of the current HST^▸ (High Speed Train) fleet on the section from Swansea to Cardiff, so why will there be uproar?

[Rhydgaled]

As I see it NR^» (Network Rail - home page) are refusing to be pinned down on a date for Swansea because of all the problems they've had with slipped targets and cost overruns meaning whatever date they give is likely to be a bit of a guess until they've had chance to complete or nearly complete other areas of the electrification.  They've said CP6^▸ (Control Period 6 - The five year period between 2019 and 2024) which could be anywhere from 2019 to 2024.  It's clearly not going to be 2019 as Cardiff is only expected to be finished by December 2018, and I doubt it'll be as late as 2024, so I would imagine 2021/2 is most likely.

So Swansea electrification is still supposed to be CP6 then? If so, good, that's much more reassuring than 'postponed indefinately'.

There will be uproar West of Cardiff then if that is the case 

The Bi-Mode IET^▸ (Intercity Express Train)'s should be quite happy on diesel engines west of Cardiff for those intervening years and will likely reduce the journey times of the current HST^▸ (High Speed Train) fleet on the section from Swansea to Cardiff, so why will there be uproar?

Swansea-Cardiff was promissed infrustructure investment, if that investment is 'cancelled' then I would think uproar is understandable. Plus it isn't only the London trains, no wires means the Swansea-Cardiff stoppers (and possibly Maesteg line services depending on whether Cardiff-Bridgend is counted as part of the ValleyLines project or Cardiff-Swansea) will probably be stuck with 150s rather than getting EMUs^▸ (Electric Multiple Unit) (which given the Anglia fleet replacement might be modern Electrostars) as part of the Cardiff metro plans.

[IndustryInsider]

Swansea-Cardiff was promissed infrustructure investment, if that investment is 'cancelled' then I would think uproar is understandable. Plus it isn't only the London trains, no wires means the Swansea-Cardiff stoppers (and possibly Maesteg line services depending on whether Cardiff-Bridgend is counted as part of the ValleyLines project or Cardiff-Swansea) will probably be stuck with 150s rather than getting EMUs^▸ (Electric Multiple Unit) (which given the Anglia fleet replacement might be modern Electrostars) as part of the Cardiff metro plans.

Agreed that if it's cancelled altogether it will be.  Though nobody has said it's cancelled.  Peter Hendy of NR^» (Network Rail - home page) has simply stated that the funding for CP6^▸ (Control Period 6 - The five year period between 2019 and 2024) has yet to be determined and so he can't guarantee it until it is.

[John R]

Network Rail are currently grappling with the implications of a change in regulations regarding safe clearances on overhead line electrification. This has already substantially increased costs on the Edinburgh to Glasgow scheme.  So I can understand why they don't want to commit to any dates, and indeed the change could have an impact on the whole progress of electrification during CP6^▸ (Control Period 6 - The five year period between 2019 and 2024).

I doubt there will be uproar. I would have thought the dire need to increase rolling stock in the valleys is a more pressing issue that needs to be addressed.

[anthony215]

I can see Network Rails point and I do still think wires would reach Swansea around 2020 ish  as I don't think anybody wants the political fallout if it was cut back to Cardiff.

Operationally I think the electric traction the better as it would make it  a little more easier to path trains especially between Bridgend and Cardiff Central and what with some plans to perhaps  re open the Pontyclun - Beddau line and have a 30 minutely Beddau - Cardiff service in addition to the proposed half hourly Maesteg - Cardiff service. Electric traction would also help services to serve more stations with less time penalties compared to a dmu which is one reason I have heard  why Network rail  have been against Brackla station.

An hourly swanline service as well would be great especially if the Cardiff - Swansea journey time can be reduced from the current 65 minutes to 60 minutes or less. Can sometimes have issues with a delayed swanline from Swansea to Cardff holding up the HST^▸ (High Speed Train) following behind. I have seen the swanline being looped before now to allow the hst to overtake.