‘Metro is a mystery and needs further scrutiny’

CURRENT proposals for a South Wales Metro lack transparency, would do little to ease congestion and should be rejected, according to a motion passed at Plaid Cymru’s annual conference.

Neil Anderson, himself a transport consultant who was representing the party’s Pontypridd branch, proposed the motion which stated: “The Metro is shrouded in mystery, hidden by the commercial confidentiality that surrounds the renegotiation of the Wales and Border [rail] franchise.

“It appears that this complex task has been made even more complex by incorporating the Metro and other proposals for tram-train and/or light rail within it.

“Lacking much specific expertise in- house, the Welsh Government has been forced to rely on outside parties, including Network Rail and private sector consultants. Neither have a vested interest in saving money for Welsh taxpayers.

“The details made public are scant, with an emphasis on public relations and glossy images. There has been no indication of the likely costs to the Welsh Government and taxpayers.

“There has been no independent scrutiny of the proposals. It is likely that when the plan emerges, it will be presented as a fait accompli and beyond change or improvement.”

The motion called for the Metro plans to be scrutinised by a cross-party Assembly committee assisted by independent consultants.