Fair funding “essential” to invest in public transport and connect communities

Plaid Cymru candidate for Caerfyrddin pledges to prioritise public transport if elected as MP

Fair funding for Wales is essential to invest in public transport and connect rural communities Plaid Cymru has said.

Ann Davies, Plaid Cymru’s candidate for Caerfyrddin in the general election, said that Wales was owed almost £4bn in rail funding from Westminster which could be used to build Wales’ public transport infrastructure and restore bus services that were cut by the Labour government in Cardiff.

Ms Davies was speaking ahead of a visit to Bysiau Cwm Taf Valley Coaches today (Tuesday 18 June 2024) Labour cut bus services in Wales by £150m last year.

Plaid Cymru candidate for Caerfyrddin Ann Davies said,

“Plaid Cymru is the only party making the case for fair funding for Wales in this election – and that includes securing the £4bn owed to Wales from HS2 to invest in improving our own public transport in all parts of the country and reversing cuts to local bus services.

“The Tories have underfunded Wales for over fourteen years. Between 2011 to 2020, for example, Wales received a total of £514m less than it would have if it received it under a population-based share of the UK’s rail infrastructure spending.

“But it’s also utterly scandalous that Labour, too, refuse to commit to giving Wales full funding from HS2 – ignoring the will of the Senedd and their own branch in Wales which has called for this.

“And that’s to say nothing of the Welsh Labour Government cutting £150 million from bus funding in 2023.

“As someone who lives and works here myself, I understand just how impossible it is to get anywhere without decent public transport.

“It’s why Plaid Cymru has been so relentless in demanding the billions in funding that we’re owed so we can build our transport infrastructure, restore our bus services, and connect our communities north to south.

“And the benefits of this funding go beyond just improving our transportation network. It could also mean investment in our local economies, creating jobs and stimulating growth. This could help to attract new businesses and industries to our region, bringing much-needed prosperity and opportunities for our communities.

“Only a vote for Plaid Cymru on 4 July will demand fairness for Wales – giving us the funding we need and the public transport system we deserve.”