Smarter ways to travel across South East Wales.

News - Public to play key role in future of public transport

19th July 2010

Public transport users will soon be given the opportunity to have a direct say in the Assembly Government's public transport objectives thanks to the establishment of the Public Transport Users' Committee (PTUC)

The Committee a One Wales commitment - will advise Welsh Minister on all aspects of public transport services and facilities including:

Making recommendations on how to increase the appeal of public transport
To scrutinise, review and evaluate the delivery of Assembly Government transport policies and programmes
To gather evidence of issues and concerns regarding public transport services across Wales
To work closely with bodies such as Bus Users UK, Passenger Focus, Disabled Persons Transport Advisory Committee, Community Transport Association and Consumer Focus
Respond to Assembly Government consultations
Produce an annual report for Welsh Ministers highlighting good practice in public transport

Said Deputy First Minister Ieuan Wyn Jones,

In order to ensure that public transport meets the needs of all passengers across Wales it's vital that we as a Government listen and engage with its users.

The Public Transport Users Committee will play a key advisory role in providing a passengers perspective and assist in the development of national transport strategies and their implementation.

Meeting on a quarterly basis on a rotational basis throughout the four transport regions of Wales (South East, South West, Mid and North Wales) the Committee's Chairperson will be a frequent user of public transport in Wales with a significant understanding of public transport issues and ideas on how public transport can be further improved in Wales.

During its first year the Committee will be taking evidence from a range of stakeholders, including young people, on the issues relating to public transport in their region.

Advertisements for the Committee's Chairperson and eight members will be published today (Friday 16 July) with the first meeting of PTUC anticipated to take place in 2011.