Last week, Alun Cairns was at the controls of the morning rush hour London to Cardiff train as the MP saw the latest work on electrifying the line.
The Vale MP travelled in the driver’s cab to see electrification along the route - before getting off at the mouth of the Severn Tunnel to inspect the major upgrade work which has closed the tunnel for six weeks.
Mr Cairns highlighted the importance of transport links in a speech to the Institute of Directors in Cardiff, emphasising the economic link between South Wales and the South of England.
He told the Gem, “The closure of the tunnel has been a real challenge for many in the Vale who travel to London or the South West of England for business.
“It’s clear however, that the benefits of the work being carried out far exceed the temporary delays. The UK Government is committed to electrifying the Great Western Main Line, which runs through the Vale and is used by a large number of local people.
“Electrification will bring shorter journeys from South Wales to the London, and with Crossrail nearing competition, journey times to Canary Wharf will be slashed. The UK government is also investing in the link with Heathrow, cutting thirty minutes off a journey from Barry to Beijing.
“The better the transport infrastructure between the Vale and the rest of the UK, the more opportunities there will be for local businesspeople and entrepreneurs.”