Môn a Menai has been selected to become a sustainable travel area, with free cycle hire, improved public transport and new walking and cycling routes.
It will receive up to £8 million of funding from the Welsh Assembly Government over the next three years to help transform and change the way people travel in the area.
The scheme will include:
- New public transport infrastructure projects in Bangor and the Menai area.
- Improvements to bus services.
- New walking and cycling schemes, including completion of the Lôn Adda multi-user path.
- Smarter travel projects that will include travel plans for the major employers in the area.
- It will also include looking at the feasibility of reopening the former rail line between Llangefni and Bangor
The Deputy First Minister said:
“I am delighted to announce Môn a Menai is to become a sustainable travel area and the next stage in our vision to develop a truly sustainable transport system for Wales. We will aim to deliver this scheme in two stages – first, infrastructure improvements will be made to allow people to move efficiently and effectively. Then there will be moves to help make travel more joined up and green. This will include developing travel plans for the main employers in the area, more support for bus services and a vigorous promotion of cycling and walking.
“For this to be a success we will need everyone working closely together. This latest announcement fits into the work of the National Transport Plan which I have also published today, which sets out my five year plan to develop a modern, integrated transport system that supports renewal of our economy, creates a more inclusive society and helps us tackle climate change.”
Gwynedd Council’s Senior Environment Portfolio Leader, Councillor Gareth Roberts said:
“This is a substantial investment in the area which will help to deliver an effective, efficient and sustainable transport system which best meets the needs of all those who live, work and visit the Môn a Menai Area.
“Gwynedd Council welcomes this announcement, and we look forward to working in partnership with the Welsh Assembly Government and the Isle of Anglesey County Council to deliver Wales’s first Sustainable Travel Area Project.
