Written question WQ82553

We are building a public transport system for the region that is truly fit for 21st century Wales. The transformation of the Core Valley Lines is underway as the backbone of the South Wales Metro, which will see brand new electric trains operating four services an hour to the heads of the valleys with the new trains being introduced on the Core Valley Lines from 2023.

£800m is being invested in brand new rolling stock that will be used across the Wales and Borders network including the South Wales Metro, with the first of the new vehicles from the CAF assembly plant in Newport being tested now.

We have provided a £70m loan to Blaenau Gwent Council to fund the upgrade of the infrastructure on the Ebbw Vale Line, which will enable two trains an hour to operate from Ebbw Vale Town from 2023.

In 2018, the Cardiff Capital Region City Deal, in collaboration with the Welsh Government and Transport for Wales, identified a package of schemes to enhance, extend, add value and future proof our investment in the South East Wales Metro.

These include modern multi-modal interchanges, enhanced park and ride facilities, improved bus infrastructure to offer sustainable opportunities to travel for work, education, retail and leisure purposes.

Metro+ schemes will be future proofed by the inclusion of the latest technological advances in Ultra Low Emission Vehicles (ULEV), vehicle charging for bus, taxis, car clubs and cycles, including energy generation where possible. The programme comprises the following projects and are all scheduled to be completed during the 2022-23 financial year:

• Pontypool and New Inn Station Park and Ride

• Porth Interchange

• East Cardiff Bus Priority

• Severn Tunnel Junction Park and Ride

• Barry Docks Interchange

• Pyle Interchange and Porthcawl Bus Terminus

• Pentrebach Park and Ride Rail Station

• Abertillery Interchange

• Newport to Cardiff Bus Priority

• Caerphilly Interchange

We are now considering the scope of a future programme to align with the decarbonisation targets in 2030 and 2040, which is likely to include new stations; enhanced interchanges, service improvements, new rail, bus and active travel links.