Skates says public transport overhaul will connect people to work, drive growth

AMBITIOUS new plans to overhaul public transport across North Wales will help young people who are being “cut out of the jobs market” due to poor connectivity.

That’s the pledge from Ken Skates MS, Cabinet Secretary for North Wales and Transport, who will outline the details of the Network North Wales programme during a business leaders’ breakfast in Wrexham later this month.

Mr Skates, who is also the Senedd Member for Clwyd South, will address the Wrexham Business Professionals at the city’s Maesgwyn Hall on Friday (June 27), where he will set out the Welsh Government’s vision for a fully integrated and reliable transport system across the region.

According to Mr Skates, a lack of accessible and dependable public transport is preventing many young people from taking up jobs.

“There are still a huge number of job offers being turned down because people simply can’t get there,” he said. “That has to change. Public transport isn’t just about moving people from A to B — it’s about tackling inequality and unlocking economic growth.”

One stark example was raised at the group’s meeting last July, when Rachel Clacher, co-founder of communications giant Moneypenny, described how a young woman from Gwersyllt faced a four-hour daily commute for an eight-mile journey to Wrexham Industrial Estate — all due to infrequent and poorly connected buses.

Mr Skates said the new transport initiative will directly address such barriers.

“We’re introducing new legislation to regulate the bus network and designing services to better connect communities with employment centres like Wrexham Industrial Estate and Deeside Industrial Park,” he said.

Network North Wales will form part of the Flintshire and Wrexham Investment Zone, with bespoke improvements planned in close collaboration with Transport for Wales, Wrexham Council and Flintshire Council.

Other immediate improvements include:

• A 50% increase in rail services across North Wales starting in May 2026.
• Doubling services between Wrexham and Chester from next May.
• Work beginning on a direct Wrexham–Liverpool line, aiming for four metro-style trains per hour within a decade.
• Upgraded train stations and more frequent services between Wrexham and Bidston.
• A £1 bus fare cap for 16 to 21-year-olds across Wales starting in September.

Mr Skates said: “Public transport should be seen as the third public service. It must serve everyone — not just the few. The changes we’re making will better connect people to jobs, training, and opportunities.”

He also praised the work of Wrexham Business Professionals for championing the local economy: “There’s something magical happening in Wrexham right now, but this group has been a solid supporter of the community for years.”

Ian Edwards, a senior member of the group, welcomed the reforms.

“We all know the current system doesn’t work — you can’t have just one bus an hour to serve a major industrial estate,” he said. “We need something that’s frequent, reliable, and fit for purpose.”

Fellow member Louise Harper added: “The June 27 meeting will be an opportunity for business leaders to hear how this major investment in transport can benefit both companies and workers. We’d encourage everyone to attend.”

Guest speakers at the event will include Laura Hall, managing director of Holt-based Maverick Diagnostics, and Amanda Davies from Wrexham Council, who is leading the city’s bid to become UK City of Culture 2029.

Photo caption:
Transport overhaul: Ken Skates MS, Cabinet Secretary for North Wales and Transport (Pic: Mandy Jones)