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The decisions as the council's minutes record them. A plain-language summary follows once it has been written.
RESOLVED: • That the South West Wales Network Vision be endorsed as the long-term strategic framework for the development of an integrated transport network across South West Wales, and the South West Wales Network brand be endorsed as the overarching identity for the region’s integrated transport network; subject to the following recommendations: - The amendment of the aspirational train frequency from 30 minutes to 15 minutes - The addition of captions identifying photographic locations and distinguishing AI-generated images from actual photographs.
RESOLVED: That the report be noted.
The Chairperson welcomed everyone to the meeting.
There were no Declarations of Interest received.
The minutes of the meeting held on 7 July 2026 were approved as a true and accurate record.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED: • That the South West Wales Network Vision be endorsed as the long-term strategic framework for the development of an integrated transport network across South West Wales, and the South West Wales Network brand be endorsed as the overarching identity for the region’s integrated transport network; subject to the following recommendations: - The amendment of the aspirational train frequency from 30 minutes to 15 minutes - The addition of captions identifying photographic locations and distinguishing AI-generated images from actual photographs.
Officers presented the South West Wales Network Vision, a long-term strategic vision for an integrated transport network across the region. It was stated that transport was not solely a means of moving people but also a key enabler of economic growth, access to opportunities, and the development of stronger communities. Members were reminded that the Regional Transport Plan, approved by the South West Wales Corporate Joint Committee (SWWCJC), set out a five-year programme to 2030; however, the Vision looked beyond this timeframe to consider how towns, cities, rural communities and key destinations could be better connected by 2050. The Committee was informed that the purpose of the report was to seek agreement on a shared long-term direction for the region's transport network and to consider the establishment of a recognisable public-facing identity for the integrated transport system. It was noted that the proposed identity would be separate from the operation of transport services and was intended to provide residents, businesses and visitors with a clear and coherent understanding of the wider network, regardless of the organisations responsible for delivering individual elements. Officers highlighted significant economic opportunities across South West Wales, including the Celtic Freeport, the Swansea Bay City Deal, regeneration initiatives, renewable energy investment and manufacturing growth; however, it was recognised that transport constraints continued to limit access to these opportunities. Members were informed of some of the barriers and challenges including accessibility, lengthy journey times and poor connectivity. The Vision was described as a long-term framework designed to address these challenges. Officers emphasised that it would not replace the Regional Transport Plan but instead would provide a longer-term perspective, setting out the desired transport network for 2050 and the steps required to achieve it. Reference was made to the wider work of the SWWCJC including the Economic Development Plan and the Regional Investment Plan; and how an improved transport connectivity would be essential to support these opportunities and align transport, economic development and land-use planning. Members were advised that decisions relating to housing, employment sites and infrastructure could either reinforce dependence on private vehicles or support sustainable travel; the Vision was intended to provide an overarching framework within which future transport plans, delivery programmes and investment strategies could be developed. It was stated that the Vision was structured around the following five strategic priorities: • Connectivity and reliability; • Sustainability; • Accessibility and inclusion; • Economic enablement; and • Integrated land use and development. It was emphasised that these priorities should be viewed as a single coordinated programme rather than separate workstreams, with each priority reinforcing the others to support reliable journeys, reduced emissions, fair access, stronger economic links and sustainable growth. Officers clarified that the Vision did not commit the SWWCJC or constituent authorities to future expenditure, individual projects or funding allocations, nor did it create any legal obligations; any future schemes, services or investments would remain subject to separate business cases, funding approvals and governance processes. The regional nature of the Vision was also highlighted, with Officers noting that travel patterns, labour markets and economic opportunities extended beyond local authority boundaries; as such, improving connectivity between towns, cities, rural communities and key employment locations across the region was considered essential to future success. In relation to the proposed transport brand, Officers stressed that the intention was not to create a new organisation or duplicate the roles of Transport for Wales or the SWWCJC; instead, the purpose was to establish a recognisable public-facing identity for the integrated regional transport network to assist users in understanding and accessing services delivered by multiple organisations. Members referred to Appendix 1 of the circulated report, and noted that the proposed train frequency was shown as every 30 minutes; Member suggested that this be amended to a 15-minute frequency to align with aspirations elsewhere in Wales. Officers confirmed that, as the document was aspirational in nature, they saw no reason why a 15-minute frequency could not be reflected within the Vision. Comments were also made regarding the inclusion of e-bike hire schemes within the short-term priorities, noting that a recent trial in Pembrokeshire had not proved particularly successful and was due to be phased out. In response, Officers acknowledged the experience in Pembrokeshire but advised that the success of such schemes was often dependent upon scale, coverage and network reach. It was reiterated that the Vision did not commit authorities to specific projects and that decisions regarding individual schemes would remain a matter for constituent authorities. Officers nevertheless considered that e-bike schemes could continue to offer benefits in certain parts of the region. A further suggestion was made that that captions be added to photographs contained within the document to identify locations and distinguish between actual photographs and AI-generated images. Officers agreed to incorporate this amendment. Members thanked Officers for their work in producing the Vision, recognising the significant amount of information that had been condensed into a clear and accessible document. Support was expressed for the regional approach, particularly the aspiration for a unified transport identity across South West Wales. RESOLVED: • That the South West Wales Network Vision be endorsed as the long-term strategic framework for the development of an integrated transport network across South West Wales, and the South West Wales Network brand be endorsed as the overarching identity for the region’s integrated transport network; subject to the following recommendations: - The amendment of the aspirational train frequency from 30 minutes to 15 minutes - The addition of captions identifying photographic locations and distinguishing AI-generated images from actual photographs.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED: That the report be noted.
The Committee received an update on the delivery of the Regional Transport Plan. Members were advised that the region had been awarded £24.7 million through the Welsh Government Regional Transport Fund, and all Local Authorities were continuing to progress the delivery of approved schemes. It was reported that the main development since the previous Sub-Committee meeting was the submission and processing of Quarter 1 claims by the Welsh Government. Reference was made to Table 1 of the circulated report, which outlined claims submitted in each Local Authority. Officers noted that lower levels of expenditure in Quarter 1 were typical at this stage of the financial year and that claims were expected to increase as schemes progressed. Officers highlighted the change control process for managing variations to the Regional Transport Plan, including the reallocation of funding between schemes or Local Authorities; whilst no requests had been received at the time the report was prepared, Members were advised that a request had subsequently been submitted to reprofile funding for a new scheme in Pembrokeshire. It was confirmed that Welsh Government had approved the reallocation, demonstrating the ability to respond promptly where amendments to funding allocations were required. An update was also provided on risk management arrangements; Officers continued to assess individual schemes using a red, amber and green (RAG) rating system, as detailed in the circulated report appendices. Members were advised that overall progress remained positive and that Quarter 2 review meetings with Welsh Government and Transport for Wales were scheduled for October 2026. It was added that schemes identified as amber or red would be subject to further monitoring and review to assess progress and mitigate any emerging risks. RESOLVED: That the report be noted.
The Forward Work Programme was noted.
There were no urgent items received.
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