Agenda item

The Committee were provided with an update report on the progress of the Regional Transport Plan (RTP). The report also sought approval of the RTP Policy Framework and revised programme of work to develop and deliver the RTP.

Reference was made to the Wales Transport Strategy, Llwybr Newydd, 2021. It was explained that Officers had been working on interpreting the Strategy and identifying how it related to the Southwest Wales Region; the RTP Policy Framework set out the context of how Llwybr Newydd would be implemented at a regional level.

A discussion took place in regard to the timescales of delivering the RTP. Officers had previously raised concerns in regard to the timescales due to a number of influences that impacted progress. It was noted that Officers were seeking endorsement to amend the timeline, specifically, moving final submission from April 2025 to June 2025.

Members received the following updates in regard to progression of the RTP:

It was noted that a ‘data book’ had been produced in order for Officers to begin to understand how to prioritise schemes and such like; the ‘data book’ was essentially a distillation of all the information that had been collected from various sources.

Officers explained that the public consultation on the ‘Case for Change’ had now concluded; just over 800 formal responses had been received, all of which were currently being collated. It was noted that there had been slightly more responses received from the Swansea and Neath Port Talbot areas; however, it was the view of colleagues, conducting the consultation, that there was a representative sample. Members were informed that in readiness for the next round of public consultation, Officers would be looking to target the younger demographic.

Further to the above, it was highlighted that two key themes had emerged from the consultation; there were concerns regarding active travel elements of the Welsh Transport Strategy 2021 (Llwybr Newydd), particularly in the rural areas. The second theme noted was the availability of public transport, particularly the bus services; it was evident that the public would use bus facilities more, however there were concerns with times of operation, days of operation and costs.

A discussion took place in regard to the Wellbeing Assessment, which was progressing. It was explained that the scoping report was currently being reviewed by Officers; this will be sent out for formal consultation with the statutory consultees.

Officers confirmed that the next step in the process was to start looking at specific schemes; individual Local Authorities across the region were assisting in this step by bringing forward proposals for various schemes. It was mentioned that Officers would also be looking at a number of schemes which could potentially interface with rail and trunk road. Members were informed that at the end of this specific process, Officers will have a recommended shortlist of schemes; a workshop had been arranged with the Members of the Regional Transport Sub-Committee to discuss the schemes and priorities.

The Chair and Vice Chair of the Southwest Wales Corporate Joint Committee expressed their thanks, on behalf of all Committee Members, to the Officers across the region who had worked on the development of the RTP thus far.

RESOLVED:

1.   That the verbal progress reports from officers on the RTP development workstreams be noted

2.   That the Regional Transport Plan policy framework be approved

3.   That the revised RTP development work programme be approved