Eleanor Burnham, Welsh Liberal Democrat Assembly Member for North Wales, challenged Rhodri Morgan during First Minister's questions in Plenary today, to improve the transport system in North Wales so that railway becomes a more viable option for business. Ms Burnham demanded that the First Minister have the vision to improve the total infrastructure and connectivity of North Wales transport.
"I am very concerned about the state of the North Wales railway line. In its present condition, businesses cannot use the railway as a trustworthy method for transporting goods because it is slow and inefficient. The Assembly Government needs to set aside sustained funding to improve the railway system throughout North Wales in order for business to move off the roads and onto the railway, a move that could also ease the traffic problems for ordinary drivers on the A55.
"The Assembly Government must also address the issue of connectivity between different methods of transport when shipping goods. Every time a business has to change from road to rail or road to sea it adds to the cost. To compensate for the added cost, connectivity between different modes of transport must be quick and efficient. This is definitely not the case at the moment with the North Wales transport system
"I urge the Assembly Government to begin improvements to the transport system in North Wales by electrifying the North Wales line and improving connectivity between road, rail and shipping."
