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Thursday 5 Mar 2015

Ed Balls MP visits state-of-the-art operations centre to see how Network Rail is delivering a more reliable railway for passengers in Wales

Region & Route:

Shadow Chancellor Ed Balls MP visited the Wales rail operating centre in Cardiff today to see how state-of-the-art technology makes running the railway more efficient and reliable for passengers.

Mark Langman, route managing director for Network Rail Wales, showed Mr Balls around the operations centre so he could see first-hand how the railway is run.

During the visit, Mr Balls met with staff who manage the signalling system in Wales, as well as the line from Shrewsbury to Crewe. This floor will expand as the signalling across the Wales route is renewed.

Mark Langman, route managing director for Network Rail Wales, said: “The Wales rail operating centre in Cardiff employs state of the art technology to make running the railway more efficient and reliable.

“We are delivering the biggest investment in the Welsh railway since Victorian times, which will help to modernise and transform the railway in Wales through electrification, new signalling technology and upgraded stations.

“By creating a world-class infrastructure we can boost the local economy by helping to bring people closer together, making Wales more competitive and a better place to do business.”

Passenger numbers in Wales have grown significantly over the last 10 years and this unprecedented growth is forecast to continue, which is why Network Rail is transforming the railway in South Wales through electrification and upgraded stations, as well as delivering the potential to boost capacity on the Cardiff and Valleys network.

This will help to deliver a more reliable railway for passengers with the potential for more seats and faster journeys in the future.

There are currently more than 100 staff working at the centre, which is designed to enable operational control, fleet management and passenger information to work as one unit. It has advanced signalling tools and technology to help reduce delays, improve performance, increase capacity and provide better information to passengers.

The building is one of the greenest railway facilities in Wales with eco-friendly designs including solar panels, rainwater harvesting and solar reflective glass to reduce the need for air-conditioning.