Status
“How to build a Metro” is my story of the Cardiff Capital Region Metro / South Wales Metro since I first set out the concept in 2010, and one record of the advocacy and development of perhaps the most important public transport project in Wales. The book was drafted between 2021 and July 2024 – and will be subject to further revision.
I should also point out, that if you want the detailed technical story of the rolling stock, overhead line electrification (OLE), civil engineering, signalling, etc then I am not qualified to cover that; many others closer to those “spade in the ground details”, will tell a better story than me.
I did originally consider getting this book formally published using a traditional publisher and editor. However, after several conversations I have decided at the present time to adopt an 80/20 approach and put my content online for all to see and use. Where appropriate I have reused and updated content from earlier articles and blogs. The reality is that this book is perhaps like painting the Forth Rail Bridge; it will never be finished.
It is an unedited personal view and record that I am sure some will challenge. As I control the content and can update as the need arises, I welcome such challenge. I am not precious about hard copies collecting dust on shelves either.
This is “work in progress”…
Enjoy. I will make the book available as a PDF.
Audience
The intended primary audience for this book are those in Wales with an interest in public transport, planning, economic development, regeneration, government policy thereof and the workings of the Welsh Government and civil service.
It is deliberately not presented as an academic book (although it is a useful resource – including perhaps for colleagues and students at the School of Geography and Planning at Cardiff University) and is, I hope, accessible to a wider audience of those with an interest in the subject matter. I am happy for others to reference material from this book with appropriate acknowledgement/citation.
Given some of the backroom details included, it may also act as a “how to” guidebook for people and organisations in other places that need a Metro. Let me know if you need any help! You can contact me at mark@mgbarryconsulting.com or via Mark Barry – Linked In.
Thanks
Thanks, and appreciation to all those people who kindly helped me on my journey (and those who reviewed some or all, of the content of this book). Where I was able to remember, these individuals have been noted throughout. My apologies to those I forgot – happy to rectify in future drafts/versions.
Mark Barry Oct 2024