Newport’s decision to remove bus priority measures incurs wrath of stakeholders

Newport City Council is one of a small band of local authorities which own a bus company, but this month it has blown a hole in the regional transport strategy by removing bus priority measures in Wales’ second city. Rhodri Clark reports

While Newport has spent money removing bus lanes, Swansea has spent money on new bus priority. Left: This bus-only road, opened last year, will soon be used by the Metro Ftr service. Right: in the centre of Swansea, half of a dual carriageway has been turned over to buses

While Newport has spent money removing bus lanes, Swansea has spent money on new bus priority. Left: This bus-only road, opened last year, will soon be used by the Metro Ftr service. Right: in the centre of Swansea, half of a dual carriageway has been turned over to buses

Buses of council-owned Newport Bus in the centre of Newport, but the same council has removed four bus lanes in Wales’ second city.

Buses of council-owned Newport Bus in the centre of Newport, but the same council has removed four bus lanes in Wales’ second city.

South East Wales Transport Alliance has made good progress with its development of rail services, but its grand plans for buses have suffered a bumpy ride. Sewta brings together 10 small unitary authorities in an attempt to bring a regional perspective to transport development. However, a planned strategic bus lane in north Cardiff was dropped by the local authority after opposition from adjacent householders.

Now Newport council has gone further, removing four sections of bus lane which were...