Why investment in transport is vital for Wales' future
Professor Joe Yates will welcome influential transport and business leaders from across England and Wales to the university on May 22 and 23 for Transport for Wales' first Public Transport Summit.
The two-day event aims to unlock economic prosperity through public transport links, providing an opportunity for the public, private, and tertiary sectors to collaborate and share their aspirations for the future of public transport in Wales and the borders.
Speaking ahead of the summit, Professor Yates said: "Strong transport links drive economic prosperity – and as one of the youngest universities in the UK, we know that we have a crucial responsibility to deliver skills, which drives economic growth for the wellbeing of current and future generations.
"But without efficient and reliable transport networks, businesses will struggle to access markets, workers will have difficulty accessing jobs, and regions will be unable to attract vital investment and innovation."
He emphasised the importance of accessible transport in unlocking opportunities, reducing inequalities, and strengthening community resilience.
He said: "As an anchor institution here in North East Wales, it's crucial that we are involved in this important discussion between all sectors with the aim of there being a joined-up vision for the future.
"Investment in resilient transport links is vital for our current and future generations."
Professor Yates also highlighted the connection between strong connectivity and the Well-being of Future Generations (Wales) Act 2015, which legally obliges public bodies in Wales to act today for a better tomorrow.
He said: "Good transport is fundamental to wellbeing.
"Accessible, affordable, and efficient transport enhances people's quality of life, enabling access to education, health services, cultural activities, and green spaces.
"This supports multiple goals of the Act, including 'A Healthier Wales' and 'A Wales of Vibrant Culture and Thriving Welsh Language'."
READ MORE:
North Wales estate agent writes best-selling property book
James Price, Transport for Wales CEO, added: "This will be Wales' first Public Transport Summit and we have an array of very influential and interesting speakers, who will be joining us and be part of the discussion about the future of public transport in Wales and the borders.
"This is about building collaborative working partnerships between all sectors within the transport industry and offering a joined-up vision for the future.
"I'd encourage all representatives from across the transport sector and business community within Wales and the borders to join us for this event."
Professor Yates will be one of the speakers and panellists at the summit, alongside Michael Williamson, chief executive officer of Wrexham AFC; Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson DBE, DL; Andy Burnham, mayor of Greater Manchester; Ken Skates, cabinet secretary for transport and North Wales; Mark Pritchard, leader of Wrexham County Borough Council; Louise Gittins, leader of Cheshire West and Chester Council; and more.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Powys County Times
an hour ago
- Powys County Times
Powys cider maker makes S4C Busnes Bwyd TV show finale
A Powys businessman who has dreams of opening a Welsh cider house and taproom has made it through to the final of a television show which could take his venture to the next level. Sam Robinson is on a mission to grow an orchard-rooted business that's rich in Welsh culture by crafting his fine sparkling Seidir Tydecho (Tydecho Cider) just outside Machynlleth. The local producer has made the final three in the brand-new S4C series Busnes Bwyd (Food Business) as they go head-to-head in a bid to win £5,000 in business funding and expert mentorship. Raised in Oxford, Sam moved to the Dyfi Valley to work as a farmer after graduating in philosophy from Cardiff University. Within 18 months, he immersed himself into the community by joining a rugby team and a choir as well as becoming fluent in Welsh. View this post on Instagram A post shared by S4C (@s4c) RECOMMENDED READING: 'I'm definitely a better cider maker than a businessman,' Sam said. 'We have a very unique product. Not many people produce fine ciders here in Wales and most certainly nobody is producing the kind of sparkling cider that we make.' Joining Sam in Wednesday's final are former boxing champ Cassius Walker who is the founder of Port Talbot-based Portablo Coffi, a community-focussed coffee business known for its handcrafted cups and signature blend; and Pwllheli's Laura Pozzi Evans who runs Fferm Ty Cynan, a hands-on fruit farm producing fresh strawberries, jams and chutneys. The four-episode series has showcased a diverse line-up of small business owners from across Wales, each rooted in community, heritage, and a deep passion for quality produce. Over a series of challenges, they faced rigorous testing in branding, business planning, and market appeal—guided by two of Wales' most respected business minds: award-winning entrepreneur Marian Evans and Wales' 'original entrepreneurial guru' Professor Dylan Jones-Evans. BAFTA-winning comedian Tudur Owen presents the series, bringing warmth, humour, and a healthy dose of mischief as he guided the competitors through each twist and turn of the competition. Together, the mentors and presenter challenge the participants to think big, refine their brands, and prove they have what it takes to succeed in the fiercely competitive food and drink market.
Leader Live
an hour ago
- Leader Live
Dolphins captured swimming next to boat off Abersoch coast
The Llyn Peninsula is home to one of only two "semi-resident" populations of bottlenose dolphins in the UK. If you walk along the coastal path or shore for long enough (at any time of year), you are more than likely to catch a glimpse of a dolphin, the National Trust said. Dolphin hotspots on the Llyn Peninsula, according to the National Trust, include: While some people catch a glimpse of dolphins from afar while walking the Llyn Peninsula coast, a North Wales man has captured the moment he came within touching distance of the marine creatures. Charles Bradford, who hails from Hawarden, was out in his boat off the Abersoch coast when two dolphins swam right by, one even passing under it. The 40-year-old described the moment as "surreal". There were several reports of dolphin sightings in Abersoch last week, as local residents ventured out to the coast to make the most of the hot weather. Abersoch Watersports captured its own dolphin footage, which also included a video of "a whole lot of fascinating jellyfish". Britain's biggest resident population of dolphins lives in Cardigan Bay, according to Visit Wales. You can spot bottlenose dolphins all year round off the Welsh coastline, but in the summer months, you are almost a "near-certainty" to spot one. The Visit Wales website says: "You can see our bottlenose dolphins all year round, but depending on where and when you go, you can raise your chances of spotting them to a near-certainty. "Summer months are best, with New Quay being the hottest spot. "Boat trips can take you to Aberporth, Mwnt, Cardigan Island and Cemaes Head and you've a good chance of seeing dolphins." While there are a number of paid tours you can take that can give you a closer look at the sea creatures, there are several spots across Wales that are ideal for spotting dolphins from dry land, that won't cost you a penny: While dolphins frequent Welsh waters, there is other sea wildlife you might be able to spot if you are lucky. RECOMMENDED READING: The best locations to see dolphins, whales and other marine wildlife in Wales WATCH: Octopus filmed changing colour on North Wales beach in 'rare' event Shipwreck off North Wales coast that's lay in watery grave for more than 100 years Where can you find great white sharks - are there any in the UK? Their dolphins' smaller cousins, harbour porpoises, can be seen around most of the Welsh coast, as well as the dolphin hotspots listed above. Visit Wales adds: "You can often see porpoises off the coast of Gower, the Pembrokeshire islands, and in the seas off Anglesey and the Llŷn Peninsula." If you're lucky, you might be able to catch a glimpse of orcas, basking sharks and/or humpback and minke whales.
North Wales Chronicle
an hour ago
- North Wales Chronicle
Dolphins captured swimming next to boat off Abersoch coast
The Llyn Peninsula is home to one of only two "semi-resident" populations of bottlenose dolphins in the UK. If you walk along the coastal path or shore for long enough (at any time of year), you are more than likely to catch a glimpse of a dolphin, the National Trust said. Dolphin hotspots on the Llyn Peninsula, according to the National Trust, include: While some people catch a glimpse of dolphins from afar while walking the Llyn Peninsula coast, a North Wales man has captured the moment he came within touching distance of the marine creatures. Charles Bradford, who hails from Hawarden, was out in his boat off the Abersoch coast when two dolphins swam right by, one even passing under it. The 40-year-old described the moment as "surreal". There were several reports of dolphin sightings in Abersoch last week, as local residents ventured out to the coast to make the most of the hot weather. Abersoch Watersports captured its own dolphin footage, which also included a video of "a whole lot of fascinating jellyfish". Britain's biggest resident population of dolphins lives in Cardigan Bay, according to Visit Wales. You can spot bottlenose dolphins all year round off the Welsh coastline, but in the summer months, you are almost a "near-certainty" to spot one. The Visit Wales website says: "You can see our bottlenose dolphins all year round, but depending on where and when you go, you can raise your chances of spotting them to a near-certainty. "Summer months are best, with New Quay being the hottest spot. "Boat trips can take you to Aberporth, Mwnt, Cardigan Island and Cemaes Head and you've a good chance of seeing dolphins." While there are a number of paid tours you can take that can give you a closer look at the sea creatures, there are several spots across Wales that are ideal for spotting dolphins from dry land, that won't cost you a penny: While dolphins frequent Welsh waters, there is other sea wildlife you might be able to spot if you are lucky. RECOMMENDED READING: The best locations to see dolphins, whales and other marine wildlife in Wales WATCH: Octopus filmed changing colour on North Wales beach in 'rare' event Shipwreck off North Wales coast that's lay in watery grave for more than 100 years Where can you find great white sharks - are there any in the UK? Their dolphins' smaller cousins, harbour porpoises, can be seen around most of the Welsh coast, as well as the dolphin hotspots listed above. Visit Wales adds: "You can often see porpoises off the coast of Gower, the Pembrokeshire islands, and in the seas off Anglesey and the Llŷn Peninsula." If you're lucky, you might be able to catch a glimpse of orcas, basking sharks and/or humpback and minke whales.
