24 Jul 2020

Transport for Wales (TfW) has published its first Sustainable Development Annual Update, highlighting the key achievements in delivering a sustainable transport network that is fit for future generations.  

The highlights include a 6.27% reduction in carbon emissions, its accreditation as a Living Wage Employer, the trial launch of a coffee cup recycling scheme at Swansea station, and planting a woodland and installing 100 dormice boxes across a nine-hectare site in Llanwern, Newport to enhance biodiversity.  

There are also details on developments to link the Taff Trail with TfW’s new South Wales Metro depot in Taff’s Well, a ongoing apprenticeship programme, and work to develop a network of EV charging points across Wales.  

James Price, Transport for Wales CEO, said:   

“Sustainability is at the core of everything we do at TfW and we are fully committed to improving the social, economic, environmental and cultural well-being of Wales.  

“We are fully aligned with Welsh Government policies including the Well-being of Future Generations Act and Prosperity for All: the national strategy.   

“This report celebrates our many achievements from the past year and my thanks go to everyone who has worked hard in contributing to this. The progress we have made provides an excellent platform for us to build upon in years to come as we continue to develop a truly sustainable public transport network in Wales that works for both people and the planet.” 

The publication of the update follows the launch of TfW’s Sustainable Development Plan and Low Carbon Impact Strategy in November 2019 and covers the schemes that it undertook in the 2019-20 financial year, demonstrating its commitment to the goals of the Well-being of Future Generations Act.   

Peter Davies, Chair of Wales Council for Voluntary Action added: 

“Transport for Wales have a key leadership role in achieving the Wales we want. This annual progress report provides a clear, understandable summary of how their operations are contributing to the wellbeing of communities. We want to see more companies in Wales following this lead and reporting against their contribution to our national wellbeing goals.” 

Gareth Morgan, Transport for Wales Safety and Sustainability Director, said:  

“We’re working to deliver a transport network of which Wales is proud, one that delivers the ambitions of the Well-being of Future Generations Act. Over the past year, we’ve undertaken some fantastic initiatives and have achieved a great deal which is detailed in this report.  

“Our Sustainable Development Plan was well received, and we have been working with other organisations from here in Wales to New Zealand to help them to further their sustainability commitments. As our remit grows, we will be increasing our work on Active Travel and other modes of transport using what we have learned so far.”  

Leyton Powell, Safety and Assurance Director for Transport for Wales Rail Services, said:

“Building sustainability into our strategies, planning and delivery was one of our primary aims when we took over running rail services.

“There is so much potential, not just in terms of reducing the carbon emissions and footprint through our projects but in ensuring we all lead by example and make the right choices for future generations.

“We’re committed to embedding sustainability throughout our organisation, training our team and holding awareness raising sessions, enabling our colleagues to take part in volunteering activities and implementing a new Environmental Management System that applies across all of our operations.

“We take sustainability seriously, as part of The Well-being of Future Generations (Wales) Act and the 7 Well-being Goals, we are working collaboratively with our colleagues, our customers and our communities to achieve shared benefits. What you see today…This is just the beginning.”

TfW is working closely with the Welsh Government and industry partners to ensure its decision-making process is ethical and focused on sustainability, bringing benefits to this generation and those to follow.