Funding secured for study into A4119 bus route improvements
Written by Gavin on 13th February 2023
A feasibility study will be undertaken for a potential scheme to introduce bus priority measures on the A4119 between Llantrisant and Tonypandy, using Welsh Government funding secured through the Cardiff Capital Region Transport Authority.
The study will complement similar studies to investigate priority bus corridors between Llantrisant/Talbot Green and Cardiff – often referred to as the North West Cardiff Transport Corridor. An Outline Business Case is being prepared after an initial study identified several public transport options for the region.
The Cardiff Capital Region has now allocated £82,510 funding to investigate a complementary scheme, to improve the efficiency of bus services using the A4119 between Royal Glamorgan Hospital and Tonypandy. The Council has commissioned consultants through Transport for Wales.
The study will look into options to introduce Bus Rapid Transit measures on the A4119 to increase the capacity and reliability of bus services. Measures typically include establishing dedicated sections of roads for buses, and giving priority to buses at junctions. The focus will be to provide bus priority at targeted areas where traffic congestion is known to occur.
Transport for Wales will work with key stakeholders to prepare an initial draft feasibility plan, which will be followed by an Options Feasibility Report that includes cost estimates for each of the options that are brought forward for consideration.
Councillor Andrew Morgan OBE, Leader of Rhondda Cynon Taf Council and Cabinet Member for Infrastructure and Investment, said:
“The Council has requested a feasibility study for the potential introduction of bus priority measures on the A4119 between Llantrisant and Tonypandy. Improving the efficiency of bus services will encourage more people to use public transport – which has many benefits that range from reducing the amount of traffic on our roads, to easing traffic congestion and helping to improve the environment.
“The commissioned study intends to complement the major North West Transport Corridor plans, which have identified a number of public transport options to improve connectivity from Pontyclun, Talbot Green, Llantrisant and Beddau, into Creigiau, Plasdwr and Cardiff City Centre. It will also encourage travel in the opposite direction into Rhondda Cynon Taf, towards Llantrisant and further north.
“The Rhondda Gateway Region has been identified by the Council as a Strategic Opportunity Area for economic growth and investment. The A4119 dualling scheme between Coed-Ely and Ynsymaerdy is at the heart of this busy commuter area and will help to significantly improve traffic flow at peak times – including bus journeys. Work is progressing towards completion in 2024 having started on site last summer.
“I’m pleased that funding is secured for the feasibility study into Bus Rapid Transit measures on a key section of our A4119 road network. The study will develop the process towards bringing options forward for consideration.”