Wales pledges further funding for cleaner transport

Investing in low emission vehicles and creating a more resilient transport system are amongst the initiatives benefitting from £74 million of Welsh Government funding.

Announced in the Welsh Government’s budget, the funding to provide better, more environmentally friendly transport will hopefully take Wales further down the path to a clean, green transport network and help address the challenges of climate change.

The 2020-21 budget, the first since the declaration of a climate emergency in Wales, includes a pledge to spend £29 million to transition to low emission vehicles, contributing to the Welsh Government’s aim of a zero emission bus and taxi/private hire vehicle fleet by 2028; £25 million for a more resilient road system; and £20 million for the North Wales Metro: continuing the investment in an integrated, modern and efficient transport system. This will include cycle routes, bus services and train services.

Ken Skates, Welsh Government Transport Minister, said: We want to deliver a modern and connected transport network which facilitates a real modal shift, and delivers on our objectives of improving air quality and reducing carbon emissions.

“Tackling the climate emergency requires a radical change in the way we travel. Investing in these initiatives will take Wales further down the path to a more resilient, cleaner and greener transport network. By improving our green infrastructure we can make it easier for people to travel in more environmentally friendly ways. This goes hand in hand with service improvements which will provide better connections for people, communities and businesses.”