Extract from Economy and Transport Questions at the Welsh Assembly - Mar 7

Suzy Davies AM: As part of the UK's consultation into the future of the Great Western railway position, I've actually done my own transport survey locally, mainly talking about the possibility of a parkway in Felindre or somewhere similar. That proved quite popular, but also ideas were put forward about improving local internal rail links as well, as Mike Hedges has mentioned, to help ease congestion and feed into what a parkway can do, because one of the advantages of a parkway, of course, is that it could help focus the movement of people and of traffic westwards into the city deal area, not just eastwards as we might expect. Obviously, there's a UK element to this. Have you had an opportunity yet to discuss yourself the opportunities that a parkway would present for the whole of the city deal region, not just for Swansea itself? 

Ken Skates AM: Yes, indeed. In fact, just this morning I met with Councillor Rob Stewart to discuss many issues, including the one that the Member has identified, and I think it might be helpful, perhaps, if I was to offer Members sight of my response to the consultation on the GWR franchise route. And I think that will identify how Welsh Government is making numerous demands of UK Government in terms of improvement of passenger services, and improvements to journey times and frequency of services as well. I think it's an exciting time, potentially, for the Swansea bay region. Of course, we've had the very sad, regrettable decision concerning electrification, but we are funding work concerning the potential development of a metro project, and I think this has all the potential to radically change the region and to bring further prosperity and opportunities for growth to Swansea bay and the surrounding communities.