NEW METRO PLAN FOR SOUTH WALES
Published at 23:47 on Tuesday 1st December 2015
Tags: Valleys, South Wales, Metro
Welsh Assembly
An ambitious plan for an integrated transport system in South Wales has taken a step forward following the launch of a publicity campaign for the new Metro system.
The Campaign follows incredibly positive feedback from the transport industry on the Metro transport scheme, with many leading companies now lining up to become involved. It would result in a substantial increase in speed and frequency of public transport right across South Wales, using a combination of heavy rail, light rail and bus rapid transit, as well as other infrastructure improvements and integrated ticketing.
Launching a campaign in Pontypridd, to raise public awareness of the Metro project, ahead of a formal consultation early next year, First Minister, Carwyn Jones, said: “The Metro project represents the future of public transport in South East Wales which will provide faster journey times and more frequent services covering a greater area. It is an ambitious project linking people and jobs across South Wales in a fast, efficient and environmentally positive way.”
Forming part of the All-Wales rail franchise, the rail portion of the Metro would be run and managed by the not-for-dividend company being set up by the Welsh Government to operate the rail franchise on its behalf after 2018.
The commercial consultation began in June when the Welsh Government began market testing the proposals with an industry engagement event in Cardiff. Since then potential bidders, rolling stock operators, maintenance operators, financiers and interested parties have explored and discussed the new franchise and Metro directly with the Welsh Government.
