Monmouthshire to receive £290K of public transport funding

Gwent councils will receive £1 million between them from a Welsh Government grant to improve public transport.

The Welsh Government is investing £22.6 million in 21 projects across 15 local authorities as part of the Local Transport Network Fund and the Local Transport Fund.

The grants aim to support economic growth and encourage active and sustainable travel.

All work related to the grants must be completed by March 31, 2021.

Newport will receive £391,000 from the Welsh Government grant, which is more than any other Gwent council.

£100,000 is for the upgrading of bus stop infrastructure within Newport city centre so public transport meets metro standards, while £291,000 is for a sustainable transport study.

Monmouthshire council will receive £290,000 to improve bus stop infrastructure across the council.

The county council said their initial priority is to install new shelters at Abergavenny, Chepstow and Monmouth bus stations, as well as at Thornwell Primary School and the Bulwark shopping area in Chepstow.

The council’s cabinet member for infrastructure and neighbourhood services Cllr Jane Pratt said: “This welcome funding will improve travelling by public transport in the county through increased comfort and safety as well as providing better timetabling information.

“I look forward to seeing the completion of these projects by next March.”

Blaenau Gwent will receive £225,000 from the grant to help improve transport. £150,000 will go towards bus stop infrastructure enhancement, while £75,000 will go towards Bedwellty Pitts bus stop access.

The cabinet member for regeneration and economic development, Cllr Dai Davies, said he welcomed the grant.

Torfaen council will receive £150,000 to upgrade bus stops throughout the county borough.

A council spokesman said: “With the money received from Welsh Government’s Local Transport Fund, “£150,000 will be spent on upgrading bus stops on strategic roads throughout the borough.

“These corridors provide links to education, employment and training, and improve access between key settlements across the region.”

Caerphilly council will receive £250,000 for bus stop enhancements.

The deputy leader of Caerphilly council, Cllr Sean Morgan, said: “We very much welcome this funding which will help deliver further improvements to our local public transport infrastructure, as well as safer routes for children.”

Newport council has been contacted for comment.