Following work by Greengauge 21 for the Ministerial Task Force on North Wales Transport, the Welsh Government has committed to continue pressing the UK Government and Network Rail to deliver rail infrastructure and service improvements – including electrification – in North Wales. The Welsh Government also recognises the potential impact of HS2 on the Welsh economy in its response to the Task Force and will continue to work with all parties to maximise the benefits for North Wales.
The Greengauge 21 report – Economic Growth and Social Benefit potential from Modernisation of rail services in North Wales – provides evidence on the social and economic effects of investment in rail in North Wales and adjoining areas, and considers the wider case for electrification of the North Wales coast route to Holyhead specifically. The work considers the Business to Business and Labour Market benefits of investment, in addition to those measured by conventional transport appraisal.
The North Wales Task Force report and the Welsh Government response can be found at www.gov.wales/topics/transport/rail/north-wales-task-force/?lang=en