We continue to provide a wide range of support to all businesses in Wales through Business Wales and the development bank. We also provide infrastructure investment and actions, which improve business conditions. 

We are putting together a comprehensive programme of measures to improve the attractiveness of public transport services across north Wales, ranging from initiatives taken forward as part of the north-east Wales metro, free weekend travel on TrawsCymru bus services and funding to local authorities through the local transport network fund.

The inspector’s report, following the public local inquiry, was received on 18 October. We are currently considering the findings and recommendations before we make a final decision on the scheme. We anticipate a decision this winter.

Whilst Welsh Government does not currently fund regional travel plan co-ordinators, local authorities and organisations can choose to do so to promote flexible working as part of their role.

Through our plans for the Metro, Pontypridd station will service a higher number of trains to Cardiff Central than any other station across the south-east Wales valleys. This will have a positive effect on the town and surrounding area’s local economy, through increased footfall, spend in local shops and restaurants.

We are making significant investments in transport in South Wales West, including funding initial concept development work for the Swansea bay metro and allocating £4,378,940 from the local transport fund in 2017-18 for the Swansea bay city region.

We have funded development work on the outline concept of a metro for south-west Wales via the local transport fund. Swansea county council is co-ordinating this work in partnership with the other local authorities in south-west Wales and the project is progressing well.

Work on developing SA1 is progressing well. All of the available development land has now either been sold or is currently under offer. The Welsh Government has also entered into the final construction works contract to enable the installation of the remaining infrastructure and public realm areas.