3. Statement by the Minister for Economy, Transport and North Wales: Burns Recommendations — Next Steps

Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 3:45 pm on 8 December 2020.

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Photo of Ken Skates Ken Skates Labour 3:45, 8 December 2020

I thank John Griffiths for his questions. That delivery unit is going to be vitally important, as John Griffiths outlined, and governance and programme costs are under consideration at this moment in time. With regard to bus services in and around Newport, Transport for Wales are conducting a mapping exercise across Wales, and that will inform both Welsh Government and Transport for Wales as to where additional routes and services and novel forms of services may be required. Of course, we're keen to make sure that Newport is considered a priority for any introduction of new such services. Integration is going to be absolutely vital in delivering affordable transport solutions for the public. I'm very keen to make sure that we develop ticketing systems that are similar to very advanced systems that exist across other parts of the UK and further afield, including, for example, in Liverpool, where very, very affordable forms of public transport are available to the public. I know that the Magor action group have worked tirelessly to promote a new station in their community, and we're keen to go on working with them through the development process to ensure that that piece of infrastructure is in place as Lord Burns recommends. And in terms of active travel, on page 82 of the recommendations, Members will note that an early delivery of the Burns report could be the introduction of the Newport cycle hire scheme. I would very much welcome such a scheme, as it would give an opportunity to people to utilise hire cycles in the same way that other cities around Wales and the UK have enjoyed them in recent times.