4. Statement by the Deputy Minister for Economy and Transport: 'Llwybr Newydd: a new Wales transport strategy'

Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 4:13 pm on 23 March 2021.

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Photo of John Griffiths John Griffiths Labour 4:13, 23 March 2021

We've heard already, Minister, how Burns offers a blueprint for the sort of integrated transport system that we need to move to, and I'm very keen on that blueprint. I'm very keen on the new rail stations that are proposed in Newport East, such as the walkway station at Magor, which I know you're familiar with and is very innovative, and also at Somerton and Llanwern. We can have a bus interchange at Newport train station, which will also help with modal shift and which will be very significant and a possible early win, I think, and there are impressive active travel developments in train. So, I think we're fairly well set, Minister, but I just wonder whether there's any update you could give us, returning to the role of the UK Government, because we need that upgrade into the main line and the relief lines if we're really going to get the frequency of service and the opportunity for people to make that modal shift in the numbers and to the extent that we need. So, I'd be grateful if you could give us any update on the willingness of the UK Government to play their part. 

In terms of the pandemic, Minister, and air pollution, we've seen a reduction in air pollution. People have very much appreciated that and they have reconnected with nature. I think that's all to the good in terms of public support for the integrated system that we need. I just wonder whether there might be some further Welsh Government funding for electric buses—we've seen some impressive numbers coming into operation in Newport—and also for conversion of taxi fleets to more environmentally friendly, low-emission fuels. Because these taxis are around our town and city centres throughout the day and night, and if they were converted to friendlier fuels, as it were, I think that would be a further important gain in our efforts to tackle air pollution.