6. Member Debate under Standing Order 11.21(iv): Public transport network

Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 5:08 pm on 13 December 2017.

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Photo of Ken Skates Ken Skates Labour 5:08, 13 December 2017

I should say that Transport for Wales is being designed as an expert group to be able to offer advice and to manage rail services. I think it will require more than just Transport for Wales to deliver the maximum value for land and land-use planning that the Member and others have outlined. I don't see this being a role just for Transport for Wales, but for an entire raft of partners working together to exploit improved land values and opportunities for development. In terms of, for example, Cardiff Central railway station, that's become incredibly congested. It's six times busier than any other station in Wales, but I am pleased to announce that we have a vision for Cardiff Central station as a world-class transport hub, and today I'm able to announce our intention to enter into a formal joint venture with Cardiff council and their partner developer to take this vision forward. We'll start by focusing on the development of a new bus station in Cardiff. Our aim is for the joint venture to deliver on all of our ambitions for the interchange.

But it won't just be Cardiff that benefits from our vision. I'll be outlining tomorrow additional funding for a transport interchange in another part of Wales as we seek to roll out a north Wales metro, again spreading prosperity and opportunity across the country. Our vision of a transformed, integrated transport system that delivers economic growth and achieves social and environmental health and cultural benefits has been outlined. It's about enhancing transport infrastructure and services to reduce congestion and improve journey times, both of which are recognised as being fundamental to prosperous economies and sustainable environments.