December 2024
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This conference focused on next steps for transport policy in Wales.
It was a timely opportunity for policymakers and stakeholders to discuss progress and the outlook for the devolved Government’s 20-year Llwybr Newydd: the Wales Transport Strategy 2021, with the new First Minister highlighting connecting communities as one of her administration’s top priorities, as well as the recent Budget announcing £1.7bn for the Welsh Government aimed at enabling investment into areas including transport.
We expected the discussion to bring out latest thinking on actionable strategic options for achieving an integrated, sustainable transport system, looking at approaches for improving the quality and accessibility of public transport, and upgrading infrastructure. Delegates also discussed next steps following the FM’s pledges on delivering a better bus network, fixing roads and empowering local communities to make choices on 20mph speed limits, an issue where she noted particular concern and desire for change in specific cases.
With the FM’s aim to drive progress on transforming Welsh railways, delegates discussed priorities for improving reliability and affordability of transport services, including improving accessibility for rural residents and designing an interlinked system. The future for collaboration with the UK Government for improved cross-border rail service was also discussed, looking at how the Welsh Government will work with Great British Railways, with proposals for a Wales and Borders business unit within Great British Railways - GBR Cymru - and the proposed new Passenger Authority.
We expected discussion on the way forward for addressing high service cancellation rates and low passenger satisfaction scores, along with concerns relating to the performance of Transport for Wales highlighted in the May 2024 report by Welsh Parliament’s CCEIC. Areas for discussion also included key issues arising from the first Wales National Travel Survey in ten years, which is due to be published at the end of 2024.
The agenda also included a focus on decarbonisation and priorities for transport infrastructure, assessing what will be needed to ensure that it is safe, well-maintained and future-proofed against climate change, as well as options for overcoming delays and achieving value for money on major projects.
Looking at the transition to decarbonised transport, delegates considered practical measures, public messaging and priorities for improving accessibility of electric vehicles. It was an opportunity to discuss key issues emerging from the Government’s current consultation on amending regulations to ensure charging points are included in new buildings and buildings undergoing major renovations. Opportunities for further policy development were also considered, as well as incentives to accelerate the adoption of EVs recommended by the CCC in 2023.
Further sessions looked at priorities for increasing active travel, including walking and cycling, with the September 2024 Audit Wales report finding that the Government was far behind its goals in this area, and recommending prioritisation of active travel locally, encouraging behavioural change by improving and delivering new infrastructure, and creating a new funding framework and assessment standards.
Overall, areas for discussion included
- progress on the Llwybr Newydd: the Wales Transport Strategy 2021
- public transport services: priorities for improving reliability and affordability - forging an integrated system - improving access - options for rural residents - cross border services - potential impact of UK government policy changes - rollout of the South Wales Metro and other major infrastructure projects - growing passenger numbers
- decarbonisation and net zero: assessing effectiveness of current measures - public messaging and behavioural change - improving accessibility of electric vehicles
- transport infrastructure: maintaining and managing existing infrastructure - adapting to climate change objectives - grid capacity and investing in charging infrastructure - implementation of major infrastructure projects - value for money - overcoming delays
- policy priorities moving forward: addressing the delivery gap and implementing policy changes - priorities for alleviating transport poverty - incentivising take up of electric vehicles
All delegates were able to contribute to the output of the conference, which will be shared with parliamentary, ministerial, departmental and regulatory offices, and more widely. This includes the full proceedings and additional articles submitted by delegates. As well as key stakeholders, those that attended include parliamentary pass-holders from the House of Commons and officials from the Welsh Government; Audit Wales; DfT; ORR; DBT; and DWP.
