Public transport links in Swansea and neighbouring towns are set to be improved as part of a five-year regional transport plan.
Swansea Council is set to endorse a long list of transport-related schemes, specific to Swansea, that could be developed from 2026/27 onwards.
The schemes are being proposed after extensive public consultation and will be subject to Welsh Government approval and funding.
They include improvements to main routes into and out of the city centre, along with more walking and cycling routes across Swansea and more sustainable transport links to tourism destinations in the city. They form part of a wide range of potential schemes listed in the Regional Transport Plan.
The Swansea Bay and West Wales Metro project will be part of the plan and has previously received grant funding through the current funding programme, helping to fund feasibility studies across different transport services.
The overarching vision for the Swansea Bay and West Wales Metro is to create a modern, sustainable and cohesive transport network – including trains, buses, taxis, walking and cycling
Each regional local authority is being asked to endorse the details of the plan ahead of it being considered for approval by the Corporate Joint Committee (CJC) for South West Wales.
The CJC 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.
The five-year plan will then be used to draw down grant funding from the Welsh Government, including local transport funding, road safety grants, safe routes in communities and active travel funding.
More than 900 responses to a region-wide public consultation that ended in April have previously been received and reflect the public’s desire to see better public transport provision as well as improved roads for car users.
Rob Stewart, Leader of Swansea Council and Chair of the CJC, said: “Swansea, along with neighbouring councils are working together so that a fully integrated network of sustainable transport solutions can be planned for the long term and provide improved connectivity across the region.
“In the future, funding for transport related schemes will come to the region, so it’s vital that we all work together and agree a long term plan that brings benefits for residents and visitors alike.”
Andrew Stevens, Cabinet Member for Environment and Infrastructure, said: “The public has also played its part and responded to the latest consultation on the regional transport plans.
“It’s clear that they want to see improvements to transport services including bus and rail across the region as well as improving roads for car users and creating more walking and cycling opportunities.
“Once each local authority in the region has given its approval to the regional transport list, it will be down to the CJC to endorse the plan and to work with the Welsh Government during the life of the plan to secure funding.”
