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Cynulliad Cenedlaethol Cymru |
National Assembly for Wales |
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Pwyllgor yr Economi, Seilwaith a Sgiliau |
Economy, Infrastructure and Skills Committee |
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Datblygu Trafnidiaeth Cymru yn y dyfodol |
The future development of Transport for Wales |
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EIS(5) FDTfW14 |
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Ymateb gan Comisiynydd Pobl Hŷn Cymru |
Evidence from Older People’s Commissioner for Wales |
Thank you for the opportunity to
respond to your consultation regarding the future role of Transport
for Wales (TfA) in delivering transport policy, specifically around
what additional responsibilities it should take on and how these
should integrate with the role of the Welsh Government, local
government and emerging regional transport authorities.
Public and
community transport is often seen as a lifeline by older
people, providing access to key services and amenities,
especially for 
those living in rural communities. Furthermore, public and
community transport makes a significant contribution to older
people's health and wellbeing, helping them to maintain their
independence for longer and participate in community life.
My office has recently met with Transport for Wales as part of its integrated on-demand responsive transport (IRT) workstream, which forms part of its review of bus services across Wales. The experience of this work to date has been one of collaboration and openness, which has enabled members to share innovative ideas and has helped to inform an integrated and collaborative way forward.
Such an approach will be essential in the years ahead if we are to improve public transport in the ways outlined in the Welsh Government's White Paper consultation 'Improving public transport'[i] l and I see Transport for Wales as having a key role to play in realising those plans.
Responsibilities at a national Joint Transport Authority (JTA)
level, 
working alongside the emerging Regional Transport Authorities
(RTA), 
would seem a logical way forward in order to benefit from
Transport for Wales' skills and experience. Both the JTA and the
emerging RTAs would greatly benefit from Transport for Wales'
knowledge and expertise around overseeing network planning,
procurement, franchising, updating and centralising back office
function and ticketing systems, and facilitating partnership
working.
Transport for Wales' experience of partnership working with local
authorities could also lead to other benefits, such as
aligning public transport proposals with local plans and proposals
under the Active 
Travel (Wales) Act 2013, helping to ensure that older people
are enabled to use pedestrian routes and walkways to convenient bus
stops safely and with confidence.