Improvements to help make buses and trains a more practical solution than travelling by car have been identified as a top transport priority in South West Wales.
Over 70% of people who took part in recent consultation picked such improvements as the most important that could be introduced to make transport better across Carmarthenshire, Neath Port Talbot, Pembrokeshire and Swansea.
More than 800 people took part in the consultation on the case for change for a regional transport plan, which was run by the Corporate Joint Committee (CJC) for South West Wales.
Other priorities highlighted in the consultation include more transport options for rural areas, better connection between different transport services, and improved maintenance of roads, footpaths and cycleways.
The feedback will now help inform the development of a regional transport plan that could lead to more train services to and from South West Wales. The future could also see more regular local services as part of a South West Wales Metro project that’s aimed at providing people with reliable, connected and affordable bus and rail journeys throughout the region.
Cllr Rob Stewart, Swansea Council Leader and Chair of the CJC for South West Wales, said:
“We know transport improvements are needed across South West Wales for the benefit of our residents and businesses and to help attract more jobs and investment to the area.
“People’s views on what should be prioritised in future are crucially important though, so we’d like to thank everyone who took part in the recent consultation.
“All views received will now help inform a draft regional transport plan that will also be made available for feedback in the early New Year.”
Other recent consultation findings include 92% of respondents finding trips that involve more than one bus or train to be difficult, 91% agreeing that lack of rail services in some areas is a key issue, and 87% noting that walking and cycling is not always practical for some people.
Cllr Darren Price, Carmarthenshire Council Leader and Chairman of the CJC’s transport sub-committee, said:
“We need a transport system in South West Wales that meets the needs of modern times while better connecting our communities.
“This is important because transport affects each and every one of us – whether you’re a motorist, a bus or train user, or someone who walks or cycles to get from one place to another.
“Once the draft regional transport plan is available for feedback, we’ll ensure as many people as possible again have an opportunity to have their say.”
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.
Feeding into the committee, sub-committees have also been set up for themes including transport.
