PLANS for a regeneration of the south east Wales transport infrastructure took a step forward with the launch of a publicity campaign today.

The ambitious proposals for the Welsh Government’s Metro system will see public transport provisions across rail and roads improved for passengers, while linking communities across the Cardiff Capital Region, including Gwent.

First minister Carwyn Jones is launching the scheme with the aim of raising public awareness in the project, with some phases already underway.

“The Metro project represents the future of public transport in South East Wales which will provide faster journey times and more frequent services covering a greater area,” said the first minister.

“It is an ambitious project linking people and jobs across South Wales in a fast, efficient and environmentally positive way.”

The Metro project will incorporate a mixture of a rapid bus transit system with light and heavy rail transport along with an integrated ticketing system.

A map showing exisiting and planned stations and routes in the proposed South Wales Metro

But one of the main hopes of the project is that it will aid the prospects of the region, both on social and economic levels.

“The Metro is far more than just a transport project,” added Mr Jones.

“It will be a catalyst for transforming the economic and social prospects of South East Wales and the country as a whole.”

A number of companies are supporting the Metro project, with plans receiving positive feedback from a number of transport industry experts.

Metro Phase 1, which includes a line extension to Ebbw Vale, is in progress at present, with the next phase – Metro Phase 2 – planned to start in 2017.

The second phase, providing the scheme comes to fruition, will last for six years, and the Welsh Government has included further plans beyond 2023.

Formal consultations on the Metro system and the All-Wales rail franchise – the railway portion of the project – are scheduled for early 2016.

The All-Wales rail franchise would be run and managed by a not-for-dividend company set up by the Welsh Government to operate the rail franchise on its behalf after 2018 Further information on the Metro scheme is available at gov.wales/metro.