NEWPORT AM John Griffiths believes the Welsh government needs to prioritise the multi-million pound South Wales Metro plan amid fears the project could stall.
The metro network, which could be built by 2030, involves a plan for trains, buses and city trams. If it goes ahead it could cost more than £2 billion.
The plan includes a proposed link between Ebbw Vale and Newport, through Ebbw Vale Parkway, Llanhilleth, Newbridge, Rogerstone and Pye Corner stations.
But there are fears the Welsh government has not yet decided on whether buses or trams will be used, and following the abolishment of the South East Wales Transport Alliance last year, concern is growing about the scale of Welsh government commitment to the project.
Mr Griffiths, who has been a keen supporter of the plan, said: “I know the Welsh government is committed but we need more urgency with a timeline, a more detailed plan, and a commitment to funding.
“Funding is tight but given its importance, this plan needs to be prioritised and funding found.
“There’s a sense the plan is not developing as quickly as we would like and progress has been quite slow.
“That’s been my frustration, as we can establish an economic base for businesses with a large workforce to reach sites quick and easily. This would be very attractive for employers.”
Such a link has been a campaign issue for more than decade, for the Argus and for a range of politicians, businesses and individuals keen to boost the economic prospects of Newport and of those Valleys communities along the route.
Bob Bright, leader of Newport City Council, said: “For Newport and the south east region to remain economically competitive, the delivery of the South Wales Metro plan connecting South East Wales is essential.
“It has the potential to bring real benefits to the people of Newport.
“Clearly a project on this scale requires government investment but it should yield far greater long-term returns for the Welsh economy.”
A Welsh government spokeswoman said: “We are in conversation with a number of local authorities about phase one metro projects and project officials regularly meet with local authority transport officials.
“The metro project will deliver a step change in integrated transport for South Wales and provide a template for public transport across the whole of Wales.
“We are already investing £77 million in the first phase of the scheme and further detailed work is well advanced to design and develop the next phase.
“Securing investment from the European Structural Fund and the private sector, with improvements to the Great Western main line and Valley Lines networks will deliver what we believe will be first rate services for passengers in Wales.”
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