The Welsh government is planning to spend £ 600m (€ 842m) over the next years to create an integrated transport network in the country’s south-east.

The network would include light rail, trams, improved trains and faster buses to connect the Welsh capital Cardiff with nearby cities such as Newport and Bridgend as well as outlying towns and suburbs.

Edwina Hart, the Welsh government minister overseeing the development of the plans, says that the network will help to avoid ‘traffic chaos’ on roads and would support economic development and opportunities across the region.

Edwina Hart, the Welsh government minister overseeing the development of the plans, says that the network will help to avoid ‘traffic chaos’ on roads and would support economic development and opportunities across the region.

She said: ‘It’s important everybody looks at what benefits can be gained, it’s up to local authorities to look at what they require in terms of stations. It will be a dark day if it’s just for Cardiff – it’s about ensuring it goes right across the region.’ The network will be funded by the Welsh and UK governments, as well as some funding from EU sources.

Image source: Jeremy Seagrott