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Authors' call to speed up rail electrification

Tuesday, 30 September 2025 at 10:49

By Gareth Joy X @lookoutwales2

TFW

The authors of a new book are calling for the electrification of the UK's rail network to be sped up.

John Buxton, who chairs the Barry War Museum and Heritage Centre, has co-written 'Lines of Power' as part of the Railway 200 project, along with Donald Heath.

It comes after new electric trains were introduced on the Penarth line this summer as part of the South Wales Metro project - with the rollout of 24 'tri mode trains' on the Core Valley Lines now completed.

But despite being pioneered in the 1890s, only 40% of the UK's current railway network has been electrified, compared to almost complete coverage in Switzerland.

Mr Buxton, who spent 50 years in the rail industry, said: "'Lines of Power' offers readers the opportunity to reflect on almost two centuries of rail electrification and explore how lessons from the past can shape a cleaner, greener and more efficient future."

"Only a coherent electrification strategy can meet net-zero targets and unlock rail's potential for shifts away from road and air. We need to learn from the past to create a better future for us all."

The book was co-written by Donald Heath, who oversaw the London (North) to Edinburgh electrification in the 1980s and 1990s, the biggest scheme of its kind ever seen in the UK.

According to both authors, it examines the history, politics and economics of electrification, using industry insight and external critiques to reveal 'serious shortcomings in the start-stop approach' adopted here, as well as highlighting initaitives to improve efficiency and drive down costs to deliver a rolling 25 year prorgramme.

They add: "The book argues how, by supporting such a strategy, informed industry stakeholders, policymakers and community leaders can drive decarbonisation as well as delivering a cleaner, faster and more efficient rail system."

A launch event, being held in conjunction with Transport for Wales, will be held at the Barry War Museum on Wednesday, discussing future rail strategy and will include a video message from transport minister Lord Hendy.

Events have been held throughout the year to mark Railway 200 and the UK's rail heritage, such as the 1902 electric trials on the Swansea and Mumbles Railway through to the current South Wales Metro Project.

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