Extra platforms, new stations, longer trains and more tracks are among the measures being proposed in a 10-year plan to improve Wales' railways (links below.)
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/wales/7425812.stmhttp://www.networkrail.co.uk/browseDirectory.aspx?dir=\RUS%20Documents\Route%20Utilisation%20Strategies\Wales&pageid=4449&root=\RUS%20Documents\Route%20Utilisation%20Strategies
Among the options being suggested are:
Adding more track between Wrexham and Chester and upgrading signalling at Abergavenny to improve the frequency and journey time of trains between north and south Wales.
Providing new platforms at Cardiff Central, Pontypridd and Caerphilly to help the long-term vision of 16 trains per hour through the South Wales Valley network.
Building new stations at Llanwern in Newport and Energlyn, Caerphilly, to support residential development in these areas.
Adding more track between Llanelli and Carmarthen to improve performance and consequently, encourage more people to use the train at Gowerton.
Creating a new freight terminal and connection at Blaenau Ffestiniog to allow trains to carry more slate waste.
Currently, around 31m people are estimated to use the railways in Wales each year but that is expected to rise to around 40m by 2018.
Dave Ward, route director for Network Rail, which has drawn up the Wales Route Utilisation Strategy (RUS) said the options were "realistic" and "cost-effective yet far-reaching measures to get the best out of the network."
Rail consumer watchdog Passenger Focus welcomed Network Rail's strategy and encouraged passengers to respond to the proposals.
The consultation closes on 22 August and the final strategy will be published by end of the year.
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