A quick brain dump of predictions for 2026...some transport, some politics, some economic... Blwyddyn Newydd Dda
Mark Barry-Predictions for 2026…
A Welsh Rail Enhancements Pipeline…
Wales has £4bn+ of rail enhancements in development....but where is the formal Wales Rail Enhancement Pipeline and when are Uk Gov going to fully devolve rail powers and funding so we can get on and deliver it out to 2040
GB Rail Bill: for Wales, see England!
The GBR Bill has just been published.... whilst much to applaud re industry rationalisation, sadly, for Wales, its more of the old Encyclopedia Britannica "for Wales, see England" mindset that sees Wales's major issues (control and funding) completely overlooked.
The Sodium Battery Revolution…
Sodium battery adoption will transform the energy generation and distribution market and radically reduce the cost of domestic electricity (ps maybe!)
Wales, sport & the soul of nation?
Welsh sport, the soul of a nation and a constitutional metaphor
Post CSR, Rail Investment and Wales (updated!)
A brief reaction to the UK Governments 2025 Comprehensive Spending Review - and its impact on rail investment in Wales
The CSR, Wales & rail investment
A summary of the primary rail enhancement schemes needed in Wales to 2040 and justification for £4Bn commitment from UK Government to help deliver them.
Developing a Vision, and getting a “Go” for a Metro…
A brief summary of the key facets of a successful Metro Vision - with reference to the success of the South Wales Metro
To Casperia and back by train (April 2025)…
A brief reflection on our 2025 Interrail trip from Cardiff to Casperia and back...
The UK Govs GBR Consultation – my initial thoughts…
My initial thought in response to the DfTs GBR Feb 2025 consultation and reference to the reality that the UK economy is held back as a result of the relative underinvestment in public transport in the UKs major cities and city regions (outside London) when compared to Europe
Some “Metro” suggestions for TfW’s Board & Welsh Government
Welsh Government and Transport for Wales have made great progress with the development of the South Wales Metro - and deserve recognition for this enormous undertaking. However we can't sit still, there is more to do...Crossrail Phase 2 to address Metro gaps in Cardiff, revised staffing protocols to reduce operating costs, more overt bus/rail integration and for the region more TOD.
The AI Pandoras Box is already open… and our modern human society is doomed.
Does AI mean the end of modern human society?
It’s all kicked off at Cardiff University…!
My quick reflections on the potential redundancies announced at Cardiff University and more broadly the role of Higher Education in our economy.
Welsh Rail Funding – Ministerial Correspondence December 2024
My December 2024 letter to Transport Minister Heidi Alexander re: lack of UK Government rail enhancement investment in Wales.
Pontypridd – the Heart of The Valleys
We can't stop once we have delivered the £1Bn South Wales Metro. To enable its wider benefits, we now need a Metro Economic Development and Regeneration Programme for Pontypridd and the Central Valleys.