A FUNDING boost has been announced for transport infrastructure

Transport minister Ken Skates has announced £30 million is set to be invested by Welsh Government in improving public transport and encouraging economic growth.

Every local authority in Wales was invited to submit proposals to the Welsh Government’s Local Transport Grant funding to deliver projects which will support economic priorities for jobs and growth, connect communities, encourage active and sustainable travel and improve public transport reliability and reduce journey times.

The scheme is also set to reduce economic inactivity by delivering safe and affordable access to education, key services and employment, particularly for those living in disadvantaged or rural communities.

Following assessment of the applications, Transport Minister, Ken Skates has announced that £22.6m will be allocated to 21 projects across 15 local authorities which enable improvement in economic activity, improve access to employment, encourage healthier travel modes and connect communities.

£3.531m will be allocated to the North Wales Metro project to deliver 10 schemes across four local authorities.

£4.1m will be allocated to support 17 schemes across 13 Local Authorities to ease bus congestion and delays on strategic public transport corridors.

Mr Skates said: “These grants stand as a substantial investment to improve local public transport provision and support local economic growth as we work to aid the country’s economic recovery from the coronavirus pandemic.

“I’m particularly encouraged that these schemes include improvements to encourage more people in Wales to walk and cycle, particularly as we know that active travel will be more important than ever as we work to manage the spread of this contagious disease.

“The grants will see over £20 million being invested in improving integrated public transport.

“Our flagship North Wales Metro project, a key part of this government’s programme to provide a more integrated and efficient transport system for the region, will also receive a £3.5m boost.”