Swansea Council Proposes New Bus Hub in Mumbles
Swansea Council is progressing with plans to enhance the passenger experience along a crucial route to Swansea city centre by proposing the development of a new bus hub in Mumbles. The proposed site for this integrated transport hub is at Dairy car park, near the junction of Mumbles Road and Newton Road, enabling buses to navigate more efficiently. While a final preferred option is being considered, concerns have been raised regarding the potential loss of parking spaces at the site.
As the public engagement process is initiated, stakeholders, including landowners and interested parties, will have the opportunity to provide their feedback before any definitive decisions are made. Currently, buses operating in Mumbles experience delays during peak holiday seasons and summer afternoons, impacting travel times to and from Swansea. The proposal aims to address these challenges and improve overall transport connectivity in the area.
Local residents have expressed varying opinions on the proposed bus hub. Susan Cole, a regular user of the 3A service, emphasised the need for more buses while acknowledging the benefits of a new hub. Conversely, some individuals like Leigh Vaughan of L Vaughan Butchers, Newton Road, have reservations about the proposal, preferring smaller buses or a tram stop instead. Guillaume Poudens from West French skate shop suggested alternative solutions such as a multi-storey car park at Quarry car park to address parking concerns.
The potential environmental benefits of reducing car usage have also been highlighted by visitors like Sian Whelan, who advocate for sustainable transport options. However, preferences for alternative modes of transport, such as trams, have been noted among residents and visitors alike. The discussion surrounding the Dairy car park bus hub reflects the broader conversation on improving public transportation and reducing traffic congestion in Swansea.
With recent funding secured from the Welsh Government, Swansea Council aims to explore ways to enhance bus service reliability and reduce journey times along the main route from Ystradgynlais to Swansea and Mumbles. This funding will support engagement activities with stakeholders and the public to finalise the design of the proposed transport hub at Dairy car park. Council Member Andrew Stevens underscored the importance of prioritising sustainable bus services to enhance transport efficiency in Swansea.
In a separate development, the Welsh Government has introduced a bill to bring buses under public control, with plans to implement this system first in South West Wales by 2027. While there is a push for a more streamlined and passenger-centric bus network, some local councillors, including Will Thomas, have voiced opposition to the Dairy car park proposal, citing concerns about losing valuable parking space.
The ongoing dialogue surrounding the bus hub initiative in Mumbles underscores the need for collaborative decision-making to address transportation challenges and improve connectivity in the region. As the project progresses, input from the community will be crucial in shaping the future of public transportation in Swansea.