I thank the Members involved for bringing this debate to the Chamber, though following on from the Cabinet statements yesterday and the responses that followed, I'm not sure there's a great deal to add to what has been said before. But, in the great tradition of politicians, I won't let that deter me. It is universally accepted that Wales is in dire need of a modern integrated transport system, and it should be one that puts Wales at the forefront of what makes a benchmark public transport network. Only by implementing such a system will we be able to move away from a gridlocked road infrastructure, exacerbated by our overdependence on the motor car.

We have to acknowledge that Wales's topography is a barrier to achieving a seamless transport system, but given the right strategy and, of course, the financial commitment, there is no reason why the Welsh Government's goals cannot be achieved. It is a given that a well integrated transport system renders huge benefits, both economically and socially, so it is vital that the planned metro system, both in north and south Wales, is implemented with a rigid and timely schedule.

Although the use of trains has risen substantially over recent years, it is still true that buses carry 80 per cent of the people who use public transport. Therefore, it is vital that these services are run in as integrated and efficient a way as possible. Where deregulated bus operators are seen to be concentrating on profits rather than customer satisfaction, Transport for Wales should be given the powers to plan and specify the network in line with the guiding principles of providing targeted needs and the reduction of congestion.

Most of Wales is rural, and many of those who live in the countryside are solely dependent on public transport. Therefore, it is incumbent upon the Welsh Government to make sure that there is an adequate, well integrated public transport system with good connectivity between train and bus services so that our rural communities are not left behind in this move towards better quality public transport services. I mentioned earlier the potential shortfalls of a deregulated bus industry. I therefore agree with the proposal that Transport for Wales should have the powers to act as a development agency, so that it can intervene when services are not being run in an integrated or efficient manner.

We all recognise that in order to have a successful, modern economy, the ability to guarantee the smooth and efficient transportation of goods and people is a fundamental requirement. Failure to deliver this represents the greatest threat to the competitiveness of Welsh business. We look forward to the Welsh Government delivering the transport system that Wales so desperately needs.