15 Oct 2026
How a Welsh Music Cassette Bought in America Led TfW employee to a Life in Wales and becoming fluent in the Welsh Language
A Transport for Wales employee from Washington DC has shared how a passion for Welsh-language music inspired him to learn Welsh and become a fluent speaker.
Ed Reid, a Bus Network Planning Manager at Transport for Wales who has Welsh ancestry, developed an interest in Welsh music long before moving to Wales. While living in Ohio, he bought his first Welsh-language cassette tape, beginning a connection with Wales that would shape the next chapter of his life.
Originally from Washington DC, Ed later moved to the UK, working in a variety of roles across the UK and in Wales.
After making Wrexham home with his wife, who is originally from Bangor, Ed began learning Welsh through Popeth Cymraeg in Denbigh.
He continued developing his language skills over the years and completed the Meistroli Welsh programme through a combination of exams and practical assessments.
He has now been a fluent Welsh speaker for ten years.
Ed joined Transport for Wales and now works as a Bus Network Planning Manager, helping to design bus routes and the wider bus network across Wales.
His role has also given him more opportunity to use his Welsh professionally.
Ed said: “I started learning Welsh when I moved to Wales in 1999. Before I began learning the language properly, I started listening to Welsh-language music, which played a big part in my learning journey.
“Now, as a fluent Welsh speaker, one of the things I really enjoy about my role at Transport for Wales is having the opportunity to use Welsh every day. I use it more here than I have in any other workplace.
“I'd encourage people to speak Welsh as often as they can and to immerse themselves in the language wherever possible. Even something as simple as saying 'diolch' can go a long way. I try to use it at the end of every conversation.”
Ed’s passion for Welsh culture extends well beyond the workplace being a proud member of the Washington DC Welsh Society, which brings together Welsh speakers and learners from around the world who share a connection with Wales and Washington DC.
Having spoken about his passion for Welsh music and radio, Ed particularly enjoyed seeing the Eisteddfod come to his hometown of Wrexham last year, giving him the opportunity to enjoy the language, music and atmosphere on his doorstep.
Ed also hosts his own Welsh-language music radio programme, sharing his passion for Welsh music with listeners in the US and Canada.
Lowri Joyce, Head of Welsh for TfW said: “Ed's story is a brilliant example of how the Welsh language can connect people from all over the world. From discovering Welsh music to becoming a fluent Welsh speaker and using the language every day in his role at Transport for Wales, his journey shows that Welsh belongs to everyone.
"As a proudly bilingual organisation, we're committed to creating opportunities for our colleagues and customers to use Welsh, whether they're fluent speakers, learners or just beginning their language journey. Shwmae Su'mae Day is a great opportunity to celebrate the language and encourage more people to give it a go."
Ed's story is being shared as part of Shwmae Su'mae Day, which is celebrated annually on 15 October. The event aims to show that the Welsh language belongs to all.
