Written question WQ86894

To date, we have invested £751m in the South Wales Metro, and £800m in new rolling stock which will operate across Wales.

Our Metro programmes aim to change the way we travel by creating modern, sustainable bus, rail and cycling and walking networks, thereby also creating a range of work and leisure opportunities while reducing the environmental impact of our transport network. They play a critical role in delivering the priorities and objectives of Y Llwybr Newydd, the Wales Transport Strategy.

A programme of multi-modal Metro development work is underway across the Cardiff Capital Region, building on from the Transformation Phase of the Core Valleys Lines. Much of this is in early stages of project development. Potential new schemes take the form of extensions to the existing Metro network, new stations, improved interchange at existing stations, service frequency enhancements, and strategic high-quality bus and active travel routes.

Business cases are being developed for the three Priority Metro Enhancement Framework Corridors of:

• Newport, Chepstow and Eastern Valleys

• The Northwest corridor, between Cardiff and Rhondda Cynon Taff

• Porthcawl and the Bridgend Valleys to Bridgend, the Vale of Glamorgan and Cardiff

We are working collaboratively with communities to meet local needs and regional priorities, while meeting our obligations for future generations. This includes ensuring that those regions which do have a Metro programme build on those foundations through the development of their Regional Transport Plans, and importantly, we ensure that there is support for rural communities within regions which will allow people to travel within rural areas more sustainably and better connect with more urban communities via public transport.