Welsh Government
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Metro Project ‘huge opportunity for Wales’ says transport industry

An ambitious plan for a transformative integrated transport system in South Wales took another step forward yesterday, as the First Minister launched a publicity campaign for the new Metro system.

The 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 was in Pontypridd yesterday 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.

RELATED LINKS

Cardiff Capital Region Metro

 

Channel website: http://gov.wales

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