Ensuring buses and trains provide a practical and affordable alternative to travelling by car is a key priority for the South West Wales regional transport plan.
The priority was identified during consultation on a draft regional transport plan that’s set to cover Carmarthenshire, Neath Port Talbot, Pembrokeshire and Swansea.
Close to 900 people gave their feedback on the draft plan, which is aimed at creating a more reliable, connected and accessible transport network throughout the region, allowing residents to access essential services, education and employment while unlocking economic activity in South West Wales.
Other priorities identified during the consultation included good maintenance of streets, footpaths and cycleways, as well as better connections between different types of transport like buses and trains. The need to acknowledge the unique and diverse character of the region and the challenges which rurality poses to many residents was also a key theme.
All feedback has now helped shape further development of the plan, which will soon be considered for approval at the Corporate Joint Committee (CJC) for South West Wales.
Subject to funding, the plan includes initiatives and projects proposed for implementation between 2025 and 2030.
Cllr Rob Stewart, Chairman of the Corporate Joint Committee for South West Wales, said: “Initiatives like the Swansea Bay City Deal and Celtic Freeport mean there’s a huge of amount of investment ongoing in South West Wales to boost our economy and create well-paid jobs for local people, but a major improvement in our transport network is also needed.
“Such an improvement won’t just keep pace with the scale of regeneration that’s taking place but it’s also aimed at improving transport for residents in all our communities, both urban and rural.
“While addressing key issues like climate change and affordability, the plan is aimed at giving local people more transport options in the coming years as we look to make South West Wales better connected than ever before.”
Helping support the delivery of a rail and bus metro system in South West Wales, the plan comes in advance of the Welsh Government’s Bus Bill that’s aimed at improving bus services in Wales by allowing local authorities more of a say on bus travel and giving control to Transport for Wales who will franchise the services in South West Wales from 2027. It is intended that this will improve frequency and quality of service, as well as integration with other types of transport.
Cllr Darren Price, Chairman of the CJC’s transport sub-committee, said: “Transport is something that affects everyone in South West Wales, so feedback from residents, businesses and other organisations was key in developing a plan that meets people’s needs and aspirations.
“All views received during consultation have been taken on board as we also look to create a regional transport plan that’s prepared for future challenges.
“Accessibility and sustainability will continue to be championed, to ensure we deliver transport improvements for both urban and rural communities.”
The draft regional transport plan aligns with the Welsh Government’s Wales Transport strategy by focusing on aligning with the sustainable transport hierarchy and promoting the most sustainable modes of transport wherever possible.
The Corporate Joint Committee for South West Wales is made up of the Leaders of Carmarthenshire Council, Neath Port Talbot Council, Pembrokeshire Council and Swansea Council, as well as senior representatives of the Brecon Beacons and Pembrokeshire National Park Authorities.
