Rail Vision Launch in front of Temple Meads

Western Gateway receives ‘Highly Commended’ Collaboration Award for outstanding Rail Vision

The Western Gateway 2050 Rail Vision, which sets out the ambitions for the future of rail across South Wales and Western England, was awarded a Highly Commended award for collaboration at the Chartered Institute of Highways and Transportation (CIHT) South West Regional awards.

This award was given after a comprehensive assessment by the committee who recognised the great work of the Western Gateway and its partner organisations in producing an achievable vision that benefits local communities.

The Western Gateway is the pan-regional partnership which reaches from Swansea to Swindon and covers a population of 4.4 million people. The partnership brings together business, academia and governments from both sides of the Severn to work together in partnership to create new opportunities and reach net zero.

Led by the Western Gateway Partnership and ARUP, in partnership with Transport for Wales and the Western Gateway Sub-National Transport Body, the team worked with public and private sector organisations from across South Wales and Western England. The new vision shows how the area could nearly halve current journey times in between cities in the area and drastically improve journeys to London and elsewhere in the UK.

Ian Edwards, Chair of the Western Gateway Steering Committee on Strategic Rail and CEO for the Celtic Collection & ICC Wales says: “This award is testament to the collective dedication and vision of our partners and stakeholders. The Western Gateway Rail Vision offers much-needed ambition for an improved rail system that meets the area’s needs. Effective rail travel is vital to meeting our collective net zero responsibility but is also key in enabling us to access beautiful places and opportunities that exist across our geography.

“This Rail Vision will be transformational for communities at risk of being left behind and I am delighted to see that this collaborative programme of work is being recognised by the CIHT.

“As the Western Gateway continues its journey toward enhancing connectivity and unlocking new opportunities for communities, this award serves as a reminder of the vital role collaboration plays in achieving transformative outcomes.”

The full Western Gateway Rail Vision can be viewed here.