South Wales 'Metro' expansion, including Hirwaun?

[positron]

With the all but confirmed plan for the class 231s to be given pantographs its got me wondering if this will push for at least electrification to Bridgend so it can be utilised more effectively. That way it's less diesel for the GWR trains and also less for the Maestegs. Also would allow them to do a fixed conductor bar setup in platform 1a to allow the Bridgend 756s to recharge.

 

[MikePJ]

Certainly Welsh Government has aspirations to electrify the main line - it's a matter of sorting the funding.

 

[anthony263]

Certainly Welsh Government has aspirations to electrify the main line - it's a matter of sorting the funding.

I suspect se could see the extra funding come in the spring statement. Given the recent admition about underfunding the Welsh rail network i think it be quite a good piece of news for both governments if they greenlight wires to Swansea and perhaps even Filton Bank to Bristol TM.

Quick easy wins there for them.

 

[positron]

I think filton to Bristol only makes sense if they fund the burns stations as that's the only service that would really use it. Unless they also do Swindon to Bristol and make it a fully electric diversionary route.

I think wires to Bridgend at least + part of North Wales mainline is the most likely to happen. Depends how much money they're willing to actually spend.

 

[anthony263]

I think filton to Bristol only makes sense if they fund the burns stations as that's the only service that would really use it. Unless they also do Swindon to Bristol and make it a fully electric diversionary route.

I think wires to Bridgend at least + part of North Wales mainline is the most likely to happen. Depends how much money they're willing to actually spend.

Speculation i suspect but there's talk around Bristol that we will see the go ahead given to the wires being extended to Bristol TM and Portishead being given green light in the spring statement.

Hopefully will include news of electrification to Swansea

 

[positron]

Speculation i suspect but there's talk around Bristol that we will see the go ahead given to the wires being extended to Bristol TM and Portishead being given green light in the spring statement.

Hopefully will include news of electrification to Swansea

I actually wonder if they'd be better off just doing to Bridgend to get the benefit for the 231s and and 756s and spending the other money on North Wales or other projects. Given most Swansea trains go through to Carmarthen now you don't gain much going to Swansea. (Well obviously less emissions but you don't get pure emu running or saved weight from lack of diesels)

Can resume to Swansea in future if the metro services ever get going where you'd want an electric back bone for your bi/tri modes.

 

[anthony263]

I actually wonder if they'd be better off just doing to Bridgend to get the benefit for the 231s and and 756s and spending the other money on North Wales or other projects. Given most Swansea trains go through to Carmarthen now you don't gain much going to Swansea. (Well obviously less emissions but you don't get pure emu running or saved weight from lack of diesels)

Can resume to Swansea in future if the metro services ever get going where you'd want an electric back bone for your bi/tri modes.

Split swanline at Swansea again like it was. Running through to Pembroke Dock already causes delays ill have to see how it goes this summer