Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 4:36 pm on 12 December 2017.
Can I thank the Cabinet Secretary for his updated statement? We all acknowledge that transport, in whatever form, is essential for most aspects of daily life. It provides opportunities for people to gain access to jobs, leisure and social activities, as well as vital services, including health and education. It is crucial as a driver of economic prosperity, connecting businesses with their customers and their suppliers. It can also have a profound effect on the environment, communities and even our health. The accessibility and availability of transport can influence where people live and work, their leisure activities and their opportunities to interact with friends, family and the wider community.
Does the Cabinet Secretary believe that the financial support afforded to bus companies is adequate enough for them to deliver their obligations in this sector? The lack of good transport links causes congestion, which costs the economy millions of pounds each year, which is why improved transport links and reliability are consistently cited by Welsh business as one of its top priorities. There are also growing concerns about the impact transport has on our health and well-being. We note here the legislation and initiatives, such as active travel, which have been brought forward by the Welsh Government with very laudable aims. But does the Cabinet Secretary believe that enough is being done to promote active travel, given its potential to ease the—I'm sorry, I've lost the word; I really have lost the word this time—'congestion' is the word I'm looking for—[Laughter.]—congestion in both our cities and our towns?
Wales needs a transport system that reflects our country's distinct geographical and historic nature. The traditional industries such as coal and steel meant travel was limited for much of the population, with many being able to walk to work. The decline of these industries has meant that the population often has to use some form of transport to access work, many for medium or long journeys. Growing affluence has meant that the predominant form of transport is the car. The Welsh Government faces an uphill fight to replace this cheap, flexible and convenient form of transport. Does the Cabinet Secretary not agree that only by making public transport cheap, reliable and readily accessible can he hope to facilitate this sea change in our approach to accessing work?
The huge change in work patterns is witnessed in the flows of traffic into and out of our major conurbations—the primary inward flows being those for Cardiff, Swansea and Newport in the south, and Caernarfon, Bangor and Wrexham in the north; and outward flows being from the Vale of Glamorgan, Caerphilly and the south Wales Valleys in south Wales, and from Anglesey and the north-west in north Wales. Does the Cabinet Secretary believe that there is a strong enough holistic approach to facilitate a comprehensive solution to Wales's transport problems? We acknowledge that the metro, both in the north and more especially in the south, is designed to solve many of the problems mentioned above. Why, therefore, Cabinet Secretary, are we not seeing the delivery of the metro on the ground?
Despite the questions raised, we look forward to working with the Cabinet Secretary to deliver these ambitious plans, which are so vital in delivering a vibrant Welsh economy.