North Wales Metro Map – rightfully puts Deeside at the heart of North Wales.

Welsh Labour has outlined its vision for integrated travel with their ‘North Wales Metro’ map. 

Labour say the ‘North Wales Metro’ will create a new integrated transport network across north Wales connecting people, communities and businesses to jobs, facilities and services.

First Minister Carwyn Jones had previously said the plan was not a ‘gimmick’  saying there is a need for a reliable, efficient and quality integrated transport network across the region.

The map which appears to start close to Rhyl omits a fairly chunky part of north Wales which hasn’t gone down to well however, for us in Deeside things look pretty rosy if, of course the plan is a serious one and not just electioneering by Welsh Labour.

Planning for the new integrated transport system will start in the next Assembly – should Welsh Labour win on May 5th.

Labour say the project aims to deliver “high quality, reliable, viable transport alternatives linking bus, rail, air and sea transportation services with each other and with walking, cycling and private vehicle routes.”

The plan will see a modernised rail network with faster, more frequent services and direct access to key centres and employment sites such as Deeside Industrial Park and to airports.

Also included in the plan are modern trains “with enough space to sit down, new and improved rail stations, high quality, frequent, reliable bus network.

Integrated transport hubs enabling interchange between transport modes, park and ride and park and share facilities, multi-operator ticketing arrangements will also be created.

The plan also promises to deliver a ‘safe and resilient road network’…

Launching the map at Wrexham bus station today Welsh Labour leader and First Minister of Wales, Carwyn Jones said:

“Today’s publication of the metro map is an important step in developing a reliable, efficient and quality integrated transport network, across the North Wales.
“We want to show residents and businesses throughout North Wales that we are serious about taking this project forward, and we know that quality integrated transport links are vital to the local economy. The North Wales Metro will link people to jobs and businesses to customers.”
“Welsh Labour is ambitious for North Wales and we are determined to deliver a transport network that will make a difference.
“The Tories have got things totally wrong with their “Northern Powerhouse” announcement – describing North Wales and Northern England as competitors just shows they don’t understand how the economy works. East-West links are vital. Like the people of North Wales, I know there are huge benefits of improved connectivity within North Wales and improved links to regional airports in the North West of England.