Swansea traders welcome new Swansea Metro

The proposed Swansea Metro has been welcomed by Swansea traders who have had a sneak preview of the latest in passenger transport.

Traders were invited to ride on the modern StreetCar which has been developed by transport provider First.

Swansea Council has secured transport funding from the Welsh Assembly to develop the infrastructure to operate the 100 seater vehicle along a specially designed route.

The Council has already developed a section of the route along the Kingsway, improving crossing points and upgrading footways as part of the redevelopment.

Nigel Griffiths, Corporate Manager for Burgess Travel, based on the Kingsway, was one of the passengers to get a ride. He said, "I was very impressed with the vehicle. It looks very futuristic and is very eye-catching.

"I think the Council is moving in the right direction in terms of encouraging more use of public transport. A similar service in York has already helped increase more public transport usage.

"The recent work to redevelop the Kingsway was an inconvenience but Swansea needs development and this seems to be the start of it.

"People should give the Swansea Metro a chance instead of being critical of it."

Alex Rees of Alexander Hair on Craddock Street also commented on the new metro plans. He said, "The vehicle looks absolutely stunning and unique. I'm sure people will be inspired to use the service. The improvements to the Kingsway are also excellent and make the area look much brighter and cleaner."

Prof Stuart Cole, Director of the Wales Transport Research Centre at the University of Glamorgan said Swansea is leading the way in public transport innovation. He said, "The Assembly is keen that local councils look at ways in which they can reduce the public's need to travel by car.

"One of the main ways to encourage better use of public transport and get people out of their cars is to make public transport more attractive.

"The Swansea Metro system is an attractive and innovative form of transport, which has been proposed for one of the busiest routes into Swansea city centre.

"This type of scheme will help solve long term problems of traffic congestion in Swansea."

John Hague, Swansea Council's Cabinet Member for Environment, said, "The Swansea Metro will transform public transport in Swansea. It will provide a fast, friendly and efficient transport link from Morriston Hospital to a number of key locations through to Mumbles.

"It will encourage people out of their cars which will help to relieve traffic congestion and the pollution caused by cars."

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This page last updated on December 20 2006