Written question WQ82619

Our proposals for the Metro look to the future, our recovery from Covid and the development of a high-quality, integrated transport system fit for purpose. The Cardiff Capital Region City Deal in collaboration with 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.

The individual schemes include Transit Orientated Developments (interchanges of the future based around a range of uses beyond transport), enhanced park and ride facilities that promote interchange and integration for all modes, and new and extended Metro networks that allow the wider community to access sustainable opportunities to travel for work, education, retail and leisure purposes.

We have awarded Local Transport Fund 2021-22 for the following in the Porthcawl area:

Cardiff Capital Region Metro Plus Programme - Pyle Interchange & Porthcawl Bus Terminus - £450,000 - WelTAG Stage 3 of a Park and Ride facility as part of the development of an integrated transport hub that serves the local community of Pyle and the nearby settlements of Porthcawl, Kenfig Hill, Cefn Cribwr and Cornelly. The existing 23-space car park at Pyle is currently at capacity and a minimum of 18 additional spaces are being designed as part of the future development. The scheme will include the design and delivery of an additional P&R facility that can cater for current demand and future growth based on an updated business case. The proposal will also include appropriate Active Travel connections and will also give full consideration to the inclusion of EV charging points, and the provision of additional cycle parking facilities. In addition, the provision of a new bus terminus along the Portway will enable direct bus connections between Porthcawl and Pyle.

Metro Enhancement Framework - Cardiff-Maesteg-Bridgend-Porthcawl Corridors- £150k - WelTAG Stages 1/2 - this corridor has been selected as one of four priority corridors for further work. It will be taken through the first stages of the Welsh Transport Appraisal Guidance (WelTAG) process - the proposed outcome will be a short list of potential solutions, categorised into short, medium- and long-term solutions based on factors such as ‘strategic fit’, affordability and deliverability. Potential solutions will be identified from a range of sources including existing proposals, stakeholders and emerging strategies. On completion, a coherent transport investment program for the proposals will be prepared, which will have a priority ranking targeted at areas with the most pressing transport-related needs.

Bus services to Porthcawl have recently increased with service number 404, operated by New Adventure Travel, having extended its previous route (Pontypridd to Bridgend) to Porthcawl from Monday 7 June 2021. In addition, First Cymru Buses Ltd introduced one of their Cymru Coaster seasonal services on Saturday 31 May (service number 99), which is an open-top bus, operating from Trecco Bay to Rest Bay.