£50m plan to support South Wales Metro revealed

Plans for transport schemes to support the implementation of the South Wales Metro project have been revealed, with the total value worth £50m.The first phase of The Metro Plus Regional Transport Authority (RTA) Programme could lead to each local authority within South East Wales receiving a £3m share to implement schemes in their area.The plans include the creation of interchanges that incorporate all modes of transport, enhanced park and ride facilities, complete with electric charging pointsThey also include new and extended Metro networks that will open up and enable improved access to new and existing activities for work, training, education, culture, retail and leisurePhase 1 of Metro Plus include a £15m investment from Cardiff Capital Region (CCR) City Deal, with a potential co-investment of £15m from Welsh Government. The remaining £20m will be sourced through local developer contributions, private sector investment and other contributions such as council capital funds. Work is expected to start his year to complete in 2022.The proposed work includes a three to four mile rail link from Abertillery to Ebbw Valley at Aberbeeg, including a park and ride for 100 vehicles; a new transport interchange for Caerphilly; the creation of a Transport Hub at Porth; the development of bus and rail interchange at Barry.