The Welsh Government has announced that it has approved the South West Wales Regional Transport Plan, which will see significant investment in the local authority areas of Carmarthenshire, Neath Port Talbot, Pembrokeshire and Swansea. The plan will guide investment and development in transport up until 2030 with the aim of making it easier, more affordable and greener for people to travel across the region.
As part of the plan, public transport, walking and cycle paths will receive investment in order to improve the interconnectivity of communities in the hope of making it easier for residents to travel in easy and beneficial ways while also supporting local economies.
The plan also aims to:
- Improve public transport connections between towns, cities and rural areas
- Support the development of a South West Wales metro system linking bus and rail services
- Encourage more sustainable travel options such as cycling and walking
- Ensure that rural and urban communities benefit equally from better access to jobs, education and services
The plan was developed by the Corporate Joint Committee (CJC) for South West Wales, which is a body that brings together the four local authorities and national parks in the region. There was a consultation process where 900 responses from residents, businesses and community organisations were received regarding the draft plan. This feedback helped direct the final plan.
There will now be a process of drafting and finalising the final list of schemes that will receive funding, and these schemes will be announced once they are confirmed.
In a statement Councillor Rob Stewart, Chair of the South West Wales Corporate Joint Committee, said:
“Welsh Government approval of our Regional Transport Plan marks a major step forward for South West Wales.
This plan will help make everyday journeys easier, more affordable and more sustainable for residents, while also supporting businesses and new investment.
With major projects like the Swansea Bay City Deal and Celtic Freeport transforming our economy, improving how people and goods move around our region is essential.
The plan will help us build a transport system that keeps pace with growth, tackles climate change, and connects all our communities — urban and rural alike.”
Cllr Darren Price, Chair of the CJC’s Transport Sub-Committee, said:
“This plan has been shaped by the people of South West Wales.
We listened closely to residents, community groups and businesses throughout the consultation, and their views have played a vital role in creating a plan that truly reflects local priorities.
The next stage will see us develop detailed proposals and deliver real improvements that make travel across our region more reliable, inclusive and sustainable for everyone.”
Three other Transport plans have also been approved by the Welsh Government as well. You can learn more about the plans by following this link to the Welsh Government’s announcement.
