A new pilot scheme in Wales is set to be trialled to encourage people to make more sustainable travel choices. It will be available throughout March, on bus services across Newport’s local authority.

The scheme has been facilitated by the Burns Delivery Board and is set up to deliver the 58 recommendations of the Burns Commission which focused on providing people living and working in south east Wales with alternatives to private car use.

In addition to this, the Board has also opened two public consultations on their proposals to upgrade cycling and bus links between Cardiff and Newport and improve bus access to Severn Tunnel Junction railway station in Monmouthshire.

Speaking on a visit to Newport Bus Depot, Deputy Minister for Climate Change, Lee Waters said:

“After a year of working closely with local authorities and Transport for Wales we’re now starting to see our plans for an integrated public transport network for south east Wales become a reality.”

Professor Simon Gibson CBE Chair of the Burns Delivery Board, remarked:

“This report identifies some of the key achievements and ongoing challenges for the Burns Delivery Board in its first year of operation. We continue to navigate our way through difficult circumstances dealing with the wide-reaching and continuously evolving impacts of Covid-19, against the backdrop of a Climate Emergency.”

Councillor Jane Mudd, Leader of Newport City Council, added:

“As the public health situation looks set to improve and with the start of spring around the corner, this will be a great opportunity for people to find alternative and greener ways of travelling while staying local to support local businesses. It will also make a real difference to individuals and families who are facing up to cost of living rises as we emerge from winter.”