He called for a revamped station design that enabled faster boarding through multiple doors, and fares would be exchanged before entering the station – similar to subway or light-rail systems.
But these pale beside the money spent on Tube upgrades, Crossrail, and revamping stations in London, and the regions can only look enviously at the regulated bus service, fully integrated Oyster smartcards and rejuvenated overground commuter lines.
Mr. DiFrancesco, who is also president of the State Senate, convened a special task force a year ago for just such an investigation after the revamped inspection stations opened to widespread breakdowns and long lines.
A revamped bus station nearby would complement Cardiff Central train station to become an "integrated transport hub".
Later this year yet another colossal shopping centre will open, above the revamped New Street station: Grand Central Birmingham will hold 40 shops, including the largest John Lewis outside London.
Earlier this week, one of Falluja's leading imams, Sheikh Nazar, who has been a critical ally against al-Qaeda, officiated at the opening of a revamped police station.
But that appears to be changing, most visibly in the area surrounding the revamped train station, where outdoor cafes and casual bars now exist to cater to after-work commuters and young families, as well as students.
As well as a large convention centre, it would also include 4m sq ft of office space and a revamped bus station.
"HS2 will support the creation of some 20,000 jobs for Londoners, provide extra space on the existing lines for more commuter services, a completely revamped Euston station, and improved connectivity with our great northern cities," he said.
