Written question WQ82554

We are responsible for the trunk road and motorway network in Wales, with local roads the responsibility of local authorities. As I’m sure you’re aware, the Burns report sets out a plan for a modern public transport system for Newport, which will ease congestion around the M4 and improve services for residents of the city. We have appointed Simon Gibson CBE as Chair of the Burns Delivery Board, with Dr Lynn Sloman MBE as Vice Chair. Together they will oversee the progression of the 58 Burns recommendations by the unit set up in Transport for Wales, for which a budget of over £4 million has been approved for this financial year and work has commenced.

Improving travel options is key for both residents, commuters and businesses in the region. There’s a lot of work to do, however, these ambitious recommendations are designed to make public transport and active travel in South East Wales as good as in Switzerland and the Netherlands. You can find our response to the South East Wales Transport Commission’s final recommendations here. Welsh Government has confirmed it will work with the UK Government, which remains responsible for the South Wales Main Line rail infrastructure under the current devolution settlement. We recognise there are some important proposals coming out of the Union Connectivity Review where governments across the UK can and should work collaboratively, respecting each other’s powers, to create a stronger transport network.

We are also extending our on-demand fflecsi buses to cover the whole of the Newport City local bus network, showcasing Wales as a world-leader in demand responsive travel, offering a model for future bus delivery in other parts of Wales.