Metro

Transport for Wales appoint consultancy firm Mott MacDonald to provide advisory expertise during the procurement process -
http://www.walesonline.co.uk/business/b ... s-11278096

At least some movement and Mott McDonald are experts in transport. Bit worrying that electrification isn't expected for 7 years though, how will the Pacers still be going by then?

I'm encouraged that thought will be given to
the setting up of businesses in or near Metro stations as happens in parts of London. I would think things like newsagents, cafes or even bars might work, of course location is everything.

Really interesting piece from Mark Barry - the guy who wrote all the initial Metro proposals. I just wish he used less jargon!

http://www.walesonline.co.uk/business/business-news/next-steps-south-wales-metro-11313133

Further endorsement for "light rail" on core valley lines....

http://www.walesonline.co.uk/business/business-news/french-transport-giant-keolis-joins-11343265

Further endorsement for "light rail" on core valley lines....

http://www.walesonline.co.uk/business/business-news/french-transport-giant-keolis-joins-11343265

It's very encouraging to see the size and quality of the companies bidding to be involved. At the risk of jinxing it, the Metro looks more and more like something that is actually going to happen.

I would hope that use would be of the latest technology such as smart bus stops and transfer hubs.

On occasion I watch a programme called Homes under the Hammer and a common theme in many parts of the country is that the closer a property is to a tram/metro/underground station the more attractive that property is and in addition, the more attractive that area is compared to areas further away. This is one possible way of selling the Metro to the wider community. But more broadly, I suppose it's about selling a commuter culture.

https://www.theguardian.com/business/economics-blog/2016/jun/01/george-osborne-misses-the-point-over-his-northern-powerhouse

Not directly related to Cardiff but I thought there was an interesting lesson therein. Looking at transport links and the supposed failings of regional economies it suggests than transport links within cities is far more important than links between cities. At least if the experience of Germany and the Netherlands is anything to go by. Much of the focus on the 'northern powerhouse' has been on improved connectivity between the major northern conurbations and of course HS2 (although most of the evidence suggests that would benefit London most). Perhaps focusing on the local metro is where we need to be!

I was at a meeting where the Director of the Centre for Cities was also in attendance yesterday. While I think they do good work on regional economic statistics, I'm not quite so sure on their policy-focused work. They really push devolution of tax and spend to local or regional authorities as a big part of the solution to regional inequalities - but there simply isn't that much evidence for or against such a proposition. There isn't that much tax devolution in either the Netherlands or Germany, for instance. There is substantial devolution in the US but also high levels of inequality.

I think the main issue comes back to general economic structure, which has long roots. The UK has become more economically concentrated as manufacturing declined and services rose. Neither Germany nor the Netherlands saw that to the same extent. Other countries that did - like Italy, France and Spain, also see high regional inequality.

I think the solution to the UK's "problem" of high level of regional inequality is much more complex than devolution, intra-city transport, and education. I don't think inter-city transport is the panacea either.