Overview
Guest of Honour: A senior speaker confirmed from the Wales Office
In preparation for the transfer of rail franchises expected in early 2017, the development of the M4 relief road and the progress of major transport projects across the country, this seminar will be a timely opportunity to discuss the future of transport networks in Wales.
The Wales Office has agreed to deliver a keynote address with speaker to be confirmed.
Planned sessions look at the barriers to transnational connectivity and opportunities available to move forward, the development of specific projects such as South Wales Metro’s Phases 1 and 2, the hopes for a North Wales Metro, how best to boost freight and passenger numbers, as well as the importance of efficient networks for businesses to connect Wales to the rest of the UK, Europe and beyond.
The conference will bring together senior policymakers with key stakeholder perspectives to also discuss budgetary considerations, in light of the Draft National Transport Finance Plan published in July last year, as well as the role of community and active transport as ways of alleviating pressure on current transport systems.
Further confirmed speakers include: Debra Barber, Managing Director, Cardiff Airport; Professor Mark Barry, Professor of Practice in Connectivity, Cardiff University; M&G Barry Consulting and Author,A Metro for Wales’ Capital City Region - Connecting Cardiff, Newport and The Valleys and The Metro Impact Study; Professor Stuart Cole, Emeritus Professor of Transport, Wales Transport Research Centre, University of South Wales; Alec Don, Chief Executive, Port of Milford Haven; Jane Lorimer, National Director, Sustrans Cymru and a speaker confirmed from Transport Focus.