Metro Project ‘huge opportunity for Wales’ says transport industry

Metro Project for Wales

An ambitious plan for a transformative integrated transport system in South Wales will take another step forwards today, as the First Minister launches a publicity campaign for the new Metro system.

Today’s campaign launch follows incredibly positive feedback from the transport industry on the Metro transport scheme, with many leading companies now lining up to become involved.

The scheme would see 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.

First Minister Carwyn Jones, who will be in Pontypridd today to launch a campaign to raise public awareness of the Metro project, ahead of a formal consultation early next year, said he was delighted with the response from industry:

He 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.

“The Metro is far more than just a transport project. It will be a catalyst for transforming the economic and social prospects of South East Wales and the country as a whole.”

Terry Morgan, chair of the Crossrail project said:

“The Metro project will be transformational for the Cardiff City Region providing additional transport capacity, reduced journey times and new journey opportunities. Metro will support regeneration and growth and unlock the economic potential of South Wales.”

David Stevens, Chief Executive Officer of Admiral and a member of the senior advisory panel on franchise negotiations and the development of the Metro for the Welsh Government added:

"Many of Admiral's over 5000 employees travel to work by train. The quicker, more frequent, more reliable services that the Metro can ultimately offer will make a huge difference to their quality of life and help encourage even more of our staff off the roads and onto trains"

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.

About Welsh GovernmentGovernment for Wales

The Welsh Government is the devolved Government for Wales.

We are working to help improve the lives of people in Wales and make our nation a better place in which to live and work.

The Welsh Government consists of:

The First Minister
Welsh Ministers
The Counsel General
Deputy Ministers.
They are supported by civil servants who work across devolved areas that include key areas of public life such as health, education and the environment.

We aim to be open and responsive to the needs of citizens and communities and are one of the few governments in the world that publishes Cabinet minutes and papers. Responsibility for most key areas of public life including health, education and environment is devolved.

With offices across Wales, including Merthyr Tydfil, Aberystwyth and Llandudno Junction, we are getting closer to the people we serve.

 

Contact
From
Welsh Government
Website
gov.wales
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