Mid Wales communities like Knighton need better bus and train services, says Jane Dodds.

The Mid and West Wales MS asked at the Senedd how the Welsh Government plans to improve integration of public transport in rural communities in terms of bus and train transfers, particularly in areas like Knighton.

She explained that Knighton is right on the border between England and Wales and feels very neglected.

Ms Dodds said: “One of the things it does have is the Heart of Wales line, but there is little opportunity for people to connect from the train onto a bus.

“For example, the 9pm train arriving at Craven Arms to allow people to go on to Knighton misses the bus link to take people on.

“While the Bus Services (Wales) Bill promises to improve integration between bus and rail, questions remain about what it will mean in reality.”

Ms Dodds asked for a statement from the Trefnydd, Jane Hutt, and the Transport Secretary, Ken Skates, on how the Government will ensure that communities like Knighton don't feel left behind.

Ms Hutt said it was important that Ms Dodds had drawn attention to communities like Knighton.

She said: “We need to make sure that Transport for Wales takes into account the ways in which active-travel trains on the Heart of Wales line link up in terms of the timetables and works closely with the local authority to make sure that there are connections and that communities like Knighton are involved in that.

“Transport for Wales are developing multi-modal approaches to improve public transport connectivity in the Heart of Wales line area, and the bus Bill will help us deliver through bus franchising.

“I'm sure that in terms of the Heart of Wales, and particularly Knighton, there will be improvements in terms of that multi-modal response to services.”