Welsh Government - Written Statement: South East Wales Transport Commission Final Report

Ken Skates, Minister for Economy, Transport and North Wales said:

“The Welsh Government welcomes the South East Wales Transport Commission’s report and the direction of travel it sets out towards a major upgrade of the south Wales mainline and better public transport along the M4 corridor. I’d like to thank Lord Burns and the Commission for a detailed and informed piece of work.

“As we outlined in our new Wales Transport Strategy, getting more people out of their cars and onto public transport is critical to our future and this report shows how that approach can relieve congestion around the Brynglas Tunnels and serve the economy and communities of the wider region. Newport Council has an important role to play in helping deliver the important shift this report sets out and we will work with them and UK Government to take forward the recommendations in this Report.

“As we have highlighted many times it will require the UK Government to play their part and to adequately fund rail infrastructure in Wales. Today’s report, built on a major upgrade of the south Wales mainline, is an important step forward and we hope the UK Government will help us take advantage of the exciting opportunity it sets out.”