The Corporate Director Communities reported on an overview of the Council’s current and potential future strategic transport projects and sought priorities for schemes to go forward for any future phases of the South East Wales Metro programme or any other funding or delivery mechanism. 

She informed Cabinet that the projects identified will also form the basis of Bridgend strategic transport priorities in discussions with Welsh Government (WG), Transport for Wales (TFW) and Network Rail (NR) and facilitate further public transport use and active travel infrastructure through improved, convenience and usability.  The schemes would also contribute to

reducing the carbon footprint, encouraging a modal shift to sustainable travel and by reducing vehicular congestion, providing greater access to public transport, traffic reduction and associated environmental benefits.  It would also allow rail service frequency enhancements, particularly along the Maesteg to Cardiff route, which had been identified as a key transport corridor.  The schemes will also provide an opportunity for future localised regeneration schemes around the project areas with associated economic and social benefits.

The Corporate Director Communities reported that the Cardiff Capital Region (CCR) through its Metro programme together with the Welsh Government (WG) provide the principal funding mechanism for large strategic transport projects within the region.  Current projects include the Porthcawl Metrolink bus facility as well as feasibility and design work on the replacement Penprysg Road/Active Travel Bridge and removal of the level crossing in Pencoed.  Active travel schemes also rely primarily on WG funding (managed by Transport for Wales), with that programme prioritised separately.  Other transport infrastructure projects (including active travel and highway improvements) may be funded by developer contributions (through Section 106 planning agreements), by other grant funding initiatives and on occasions support from within the Authority. 

She informed Cabinet that it was essential that the Council agrees a list of schemes that may be submitted as part of any current or future transport funding bids as well as identifying recognised projects that could be promoted when seeking developer contributions through Section 106 agreements.  She outlined the following proposed and existing schemes:

·         Active Travel Programme

·         Brackla Halt Railway Station

·         Bridgend Railway Station enhancement

·         Ewenny Road (Maesteg) Interchange

·         Ford Branch Line

·         Garw and Ogmore Valleys Rapid Bus Infrastructure

·         Junction 36 (M4)

·         Penprysg Road Bridge

·         Porthcawl Metrolink

·         Porthcawl to Pyle/Bridgend Bus Priority enhancements

·         Pyle Railway Station Relocation and Park and Ride

The Cabinet Member Communities in commending the strategic transport schemes was pleased to see the work in partnership with the Cardiff Capital Region and the Welsh Government through the Metro programme on the Porthcawl Metrolink, currently well advanced and the Penprysg Road Bridge.  The Cabinet Member Education and Regeneration stated that all the schemes are to be applauded and are imaginative and optimistic and represent a modal shift from the motor car to public transport and active travel.  The Leader was pleased to see many of the projects being close to delivery with a planning application received for the Porthcawl Metrolink.  He was also pleased to see projects being dovetailed with each other, the development of brownfield sites and railway station improvements representing a modal shift to public transport and active travel, with all schemes being regenerations projects and not solely transport projects.  The Cabinet Member Wellbeing and Future Generations was pleased to note that the schemes have something for all parts of the County and is a positive improvement.    

The Cabinet Member Wellbeing and Future Generations questioned the timescales for delivery of the projects.  The Corporate Director Communities informed Cabinet that there would be a variety of projects.  The sum of £3m had been spent on Active Travel routes.  The Bridgend Railway Station is part of the Bridgend Town Centre Masterplan and is being progressed with landowners.  She stated that improvements to Junction 36 of the M4 and bus and rail infrastructure links would take place over the next 5 years.  Longer term projects would be the Ford Branch Line and the relocation of Pyle Railway Station and Park and Ride. 

The Cabinet Member Education and Regeneration underlined the critical importance of the Cardiff Capital Region, without which progress could not be made to the Porthcawl Metrolink and Penprysg Road Bridge.

RESOLVED:            That Cabinet approved the strategic transport projects as identified above to be included as part of any future Cardiff Capital Region Metro programme or other funding mechanism as well as the basis for discussion with other outside transport bodies on national and regional strategic transport priorities.