The South East Wales Transport Commission is recommending an ambitious ‘network of alternatives’ in its final report on sustainable transport options for South Wales. The Commission was set up to identify alternative options to expanding the M4 motorway as a way to tackle congestion.
Its proposals include construction of six new railway stations along the mainline rail network, connected through rapid bus networks and cycle corridors. It also recommends improvements to bus services in Newport and a fundamental redesign of the transport interchange in Newport City Centre to encourage more people to use the bus.
Welcoming the recommendations Barclay Davies, Bus Users Director for Wales said: “This is great news for bus users. Local bus services account for three out of four journeys made by public transport in South East Wales, some 30 million journeys each year.
“We are pleased that the report recognises the ability of bus and coach services to reduce congestion on the M4 around Newport. With practical priority measures, buses can provide a key role in offering a flexible, local service, moving people around towns and cities and connecting them to the rail network.
“The report also recognises the importance of bus stops as a crucial point of entry and exit from the network. Bus stops are often overlooked, so the recommendation that these should be of high quality, with seating and up-to-date information is very welcome, as is the commitment to having appropriate priority infrastructure to facilitate rapid and reliable journeys for passengers.”
The final report will now be considered by ministers to decide how to act on the recommendations. The full report can be found at: gov.wales/south-east-wales-transport-commission-final-recommendations
