‘Wales needs a Swiss-style transport deal’
A NEW report from Transport Quality of Life says everyone in Wales should have the right to Swiss-style public transport service standards.
The report, entitled A Wales Transport Policy fit for the Climate Emergency, was commissioned by Friends of the Earth Cymru.
It recommends a major overhaul of the Welsh transport sector, including a transformation of the nation’s walking and cycling infrastructure, to combat the climate crisis.
According to the report, Wales should take inspiration from other countries such as Zurich canton in Switzerland, which has introduced universal service standards enabling convenient travel between any places bigger than a small village.
Denmark is also building a network of nearly 750km of cycle superhighways for commuters, radiating up to 40km from Copenhagen, to cater for a whole new era of e-bikes.
The report says Wales can also learn about active travel from the Dutch, whose cycling culture did not always exist. The Dutch cycling infrastructure and cycling habit have been built up since the 1970s.
Ian Taylor, lead author of the report, said: “People living in more rural areas of Wales, who depend on cars to get around, would particularly benefit from Zurich’s service standards, which have resulted in more frequent buses and trains.
“Under the Swiss system of ‘one network, one timetable, one ticket,’ people in Llanidloes, for example, would be entitled to a half-hourly bus service compared to every two hours at present, with buses connecting with every train at the nearest station.
“Commuters across Wales who need to travel within or between towns and cities, would benefit from the Danish system of cycle highways.
“If we had a similar infrastructure and culture to the Dutch, and e-bikes were widely available, around 30% of commuters would cycle to work across many towns and cities in Wales.
“Even the most rapid predicted switch to electric vehicles will not be quick enough to tackle the climate emergency.
“To stand a chance of meeting its climate targets, Wales must stop doing things make the problem worse, like building more roads, which will create more traffic.
“The pandemic shows us that we are capable of making huge changes to our lives in a short space of time.
“We are walking and cycling more than ever and working from home is the new normal for many.
“Our transport system must help us all to maintain this new normal which is keeping us safe and lowering our emissions.”
Haf Elgar, Director of Friends of the Earth Cymru, added: “Wales’ transport sector has been responsible for a growing share of our nation’s climate-damaging emissions.
“As a globally responsible nation, it is time to make the necessary changes now to avoid runaway climate change and keep people safe.
“High quality public transport that meets the needs of people and communities is an essential part of helping us all to drive less for everyday journeys. Especially in the current climate, people must be given safe and reliable alternatives to using the car and feel confident in our transport system going forward.”
The report’s other recommendations include:
■ Transferring planned road-building expenditure to pay for better active travel infrastructure and better public transport;
■ Investing in innovative active travel initiatives such as affordable e-bike schemes;
■ Trialling free public transport in Cardiff and at least one town elsewhere;
■ Fair pricing for driving in Welsh towns and cities to encourage people to switch to green, healthier modes of transport;
■ A nationwide visitor lodging tax; ■ A payroll levy of employers to fund climate friendly transport.
However, to introduce such largescale changes, the report concludes that the Welsh Government must push for more control of rail services and infrastructure and bring all local bus and tram services under the control of local authorities. Only then will it be possible to build a truly integrated transport system, fit for the climate emergency.
A Welsh Government spokesperson said: “We are committed to reforming our transport system to make it easier to travel in environmentally friendly ways.
“Earlier this week we confirmed details of a further £38m to make it safer to cycle, scoot and walk. It means that this year we’ve made the largest ever investment in local active travel improvements in Wales.
“We encourage active travel schemes to provide links to public transport, and the development of our Metro systems are intended to deliver better integrated public transport. We are working with Transport for Quality of Life and Friends of the Earth (Cymru) on the development of the new Wales Transport Strategy and the publication of this report is timely.”
TO ALL the mums, dads, brothers, sisters, carers, nieces, nephews, cousins, neighbours, aunties, uncles and friends who have home-schooled children at some point during the lockdown – we salute you.
Now the summer holidays have started and the children are back home 24/7, many of us are probably in need a break to recover from the past few months. Worry not however, because we have your back.
Created by the incredible Technocamps team, the Summer of STEM summer school programme starts on August 3 and will run for three weeks.
The Yellowsands Foundation is proud to be partnering with the Technocamps team again in order to bring you this jam-packed summer programme for children aged 9 to 16 years old.
This year, the 15 day programme will be hosted online, featuring a wide array of games, activities and experiments for all to try and enjoy.
The programme is free to join, and all are welcome to pick and choose specific sessions or attend all activities.
Not only will this provide a welcome and much deserved break for the adults in the household, children taking part will have the opportunity to win some awesome prizes.
From computing equipment and science kits, through to goody bags with Amazon vouchers, there are some great gifts to be won.
Best of all, children will be able to meet the Technocamps tea and have heaps of fun.
As places are free to all, they are limited - so don’t be disappointed and register today!
To find out more and register for Summer of STEM, visit www. technocamps.com/en/news/ technocamps-summer-of-stem