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Welsh Government's 'Travel for All' plan launched in Wrexham

Welsh Government's 'Travel for All' plan launched in Wrexham

Leader Live19-07-2025
Travel for All, which sets out a range of principles to improve transport networks, was launched in Wrexham on Friday (July 18).
The plan's principles include "ensuring people feel safe and welcome"; "improving accessibility"; "involving users in design decisions"; and "embedding lasting change across all transport modes," in the words of a Welsh Government spokesperson.
The launch took place at the Wrexham Gateway Project, where accessibility upgrades are already in progress, including improved tactile paving, accessible doors, changing places facilities, and obstacle-free routes.
New standards and guidance, developed with disabled people, are to be issued to transport providers; and customer-facing staff across rail, bus, and other services are to receive regular training on equality issues, including disability awareness.
Physical barriers are to be addressed through better lighting, accessible pathways, and improved station facilities.
Members of the Transport for Wales Access and Inclusion Panel have been involved in the Wrexham Gateway Project.
Amanda Say, a panel member who uses public transport regularly, said: "In terms of accessibility, it can be quite a challenge to plan any journey.
"It is getting better.
"Travelling by train is probably the easiest, while buses are much more challenging.
"If we can link all active travel routes together, that journey - for everybody - is going to get much easier."
Lee Robinson, executive director for regional transport and integration at Transport for Wales, said: "We're committed to delivering transport projects that are accessible and inclusive for all, and place people at the centre of design so customers feel safe and welcome when travelling in Wales.
"Travel for All will be a key guide to ensuring we're removing travel barriers across our transport network.
"The Wrexham Gateway project is a great example of putting the plan's principles into practice from design to delivery, by improving accessibility and customer experience and ensuring that Wrexham General station is an attractive gateway to Wrexham city centre."
Cabinet secretary for transport and North Wales, Ken Skates, said: "Accessibility and inclusivity aren't optional extras - they are fundamental rights.
"Wrexham Gateway shows what can be achieved when we develop transport infrastructure in partnership with disabled people, putting their expertise and lived experience at the heart of design decisions.
"Building accessibility into our infrastructure from the beginning not only saves time and money by avoiding retrofits, but ensures it's always at the forefront of everyone's minds."
READ MORE:
Notice served on caravans on Wrexham playing field
Seaside fish and chip shops in North Wales among UK's best
Travel for All supports the Welsh Government's broader commitment to disability rights through the current consultation on the ten-year Disabled People's Rights Plan.
In the words of a spokesperson for the Welsh Government, that plan "aims to create a Wales where disabled people can live, work, and thrive without facing entrenched barriers."
The consultation on the plan closes on August 7, 2025, and seeks input from disabled people and their families across Wales.
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