In a report, it said the Victorian system is failing to live up to modern expectations, with passengers experiencing slow services and inadequate stations.
It believes urgent upgrades should be made, backed up by sufficient investment from central Government.
In particular, a full strategic case for the upgrade and electrification of the North Wales main line should be prepared.
Electrification of the railways is expected to play a key role in the UK Government’s transport decarbonisation agenda, which was announced today. In March, MPs called for 30-year rolling programme of electrification across the UK as a matter of priority.
The Committee said the decision to cancel the electrification of the Great Western main line from Cardiff to Swansea was “short-sighted” and urged the UK Government to bring forward proposals for greater connectivity between Swansea, Cardiff and Bristol before the end of the year. These could require completing electrification...