Sustainable development annual update 2023

This is our first annual update against our new Sustainable Development Plan, published in November 2022. At Transport for Wales (TfW) we’re building a better future for our customers, colleagues, and communities.

We’re expanding multimodal travel opportunities, linking up bus and train travel with walking, cycling and wheeling. This benefits the environment but also promotes healthier lifestyles and supports the Welsh economy. Our South Wales Metro transformation continues, bringing faster, more efficient, and environmentally sustainable transport links to communities across the region.

Through our biodiversity-enhancing initiatives, we’re supporting local communities and helping to protect  the natural world. We’re passionate about sustainable development and the critical role we can play in creating a greener future. Our bespoke in-house training programmes support the development of our leaders by providing them with tools for effective communications and decision making, and driving positive change in our organisation and in the wider industry.

This report highlights our progress from April 2022 through March 2023. As we look forward in anticipation of becoming a named body in the Well-being of Future Generations (Wales) Act 2015 in April, we are working to push the boundaries of how we can deliver a truly sustainable multi-modal transport network. To reflect further integration with our business strategies we will adapt how we report on our progress going forward and this will be our final report updating against our Sustainable Development Plan.

Transport for Wales is committed to delivering sustainable transport solutions that meet current needs of the present without compromising those of future generations . Our Sustainable Development Plan is aligned with the goals of the Well-being of Future Generations (Wales) Act 2015. The act sets out a framework for creating a more prosperous, resilient and sustainable Wales.

In this report we provide an update on our progress against our Sustainable Development Plan, highlighting the achievements we have made and the challenges we have faced in meeting our objectives. We’re delivering sustainable transport solutions that enhance social, economic, cultural and environmental well-being while also ensuring the long-term viability of our organisation. By working collaboratively with our stakeholders and partners, we can make a meaningful contribution to creating a sustainable future for Wales.

We’ve been making it easier to walk or cycle as part of a journey

We’re changing travel behaviour. We want fewer journeys by car and more people walking, wheeling, cycling and using public transport.

We’re building an integrated transport network, providing seamless and simple travel. Our transport network will contribute to the long-term economic and environmental sustainability of Wales and the borders.

Vision

Our vision is to create customer focused services through a safe transport network of which Wales is proud. 

Values

• Being safe - health, safety and well-being 
• Being the best - high performance, at pace 
• Being positive - can do, will do 
• Being connected - enterprising and networked 
• Being fair - integrity and equality 
• Creating shared success - passion for the best deal

We expanded our fflecsi services in 2022/23.

• £48m of grant funding allocated to all 22 Local Authorites for Active Travel schemes
• Additional cycle parking spaces at 5 of our railway stations
• Launched 22 community walks with Ramblers Cymru
• Launched our first zero-tailpipe-emissions bus fleet 
• Completed our Green Routes programme, enhancing 25 stations and creating 5 new community green sites
• Installed 210 life-saving defibrillators at our stations across the network
• Created and enhanced 9 Community Woodlands across Wales
• Launched our first 231 and 230 class of trains

Using artificial intelligence (AI) to improve the bus network

We partnered with mobility intelligence firm Cityswift to use AI technology and data analysis to improve the experience of bus passengers in Wales.

Active Travel checklist

Our Active Travel team has developed the Active Travel checklist, an internal tool to ensure that all projects consider and include active travel modes Increasing the capability for everyone to use sustainable transport

Active travel fund

In 22/23 we provided guidance and advice to all 22 local authorities on the design and development of the projects funded through the grant programme

Cycle parking

During spring 2023 we installed cycle parking at Holyhead, Tenby, Cwmbran, Llanharan and Pontarddulais railway stations.

New bus service in North Wales

We collaborated with Denbighshire County Council to introduce a new TrawsCymru T8 bus service between Corwen, Ruthin, Mold, and Chester.

New TrawsCymru Bus Service for North Wales

We launched our brand-new zero-emission bus service in 2022

New Class 231 trains

We launched the first of the Class 231 Fast Light Intercity and Regional Trains (FLIRTs) in Caerphilly in March 2023.

The new trains are part of an £800 million investment in brand-new trains for the Wales and Borders network and provide increased capacity with more seating, better accessibility, air conditioning, power sockets, passenger information screens and space for up to six bikes.

Electrifying our railway

The first electrified lines were energised on 4 April 23, marking a major milestone in the delivery of the South Wales Metro.

The electrification of the Core Valley Lines will result in a reduction of up to 87% in emissions by 2030 compared to the network in 2022. The South Wales Metro has been part-funded by the European Regional Development Fund.

Watch our video on our electrification project

Refurnished Class 230 trains

We’ve launched the first battery and diesel hybrid trains to be used in regular passenger service in Wales. The trains provide a more efficient and environmentally friendly service with features such as fully accessible toilets, power sockets, electronic passenger information, on-board Wi-Fi, bike racks and air conditioning.

fflecsi

Our demand-responsive transport service, fflecsi bus, has expanded to include several new villages in Flintshire, Pembrokeshire and the Buckley areas.

Read the fflecsi case study

Our Class 398 fleet getting ready to enter service from 2024.

Electric vehicle charge points

Since 2021, we’ve made significant progress in expanding our network of electric vehicle charging points on the road network to facilitate easier long-distance travel.

Rail to trail highlights accessible, active tourism walks near our network.

Community Walks

Launched in Spring 2023, we collaborated with Ramblers Cymru to promote walking as a means of improving community health and well-being. The partnership has developed of 22 family-friendly walks across Wales and the borders, all accessible by train.

Guided walks by train

Taffs Well visitor centre

Almost 1,300 visitors have attended the 170 engagement sessions, including visits from stakeholders and media outlets. During 2022/23 the centre has been used for collaborative work with local schools, Careers Wales, Cardiff Pedal Power and Ramblers Cymru.

20mph roads trial

We supported the Welsh Government in monitoring the effects of implementing 20mph speed limits on restricted roads in eight trial areas during 2022. During the trial, 64% of cars travelled at or below 24mph, compared to 45% pre-implementation. There was a 51% increase in active travel use on journeys to school in trial areas.

Talking Transport Toolkit

We’ve launched a new community engagement toolkit to help facilitate discussions about transport with hyper-local communities. The Talking Transport Toolkit provides a consistent approach to engaging, recording and evaluating engagement with communities on transport issues and helps us to identify and address barriers that have been raised by the public. The evaluation process includes a “listen, learn and loopback” process, where feedback is taken to the appropriate department and returned to the community. The pilot scheme was delivered with a range of stakeholders and community groups, including marginalised groups, schools and youth groups.

Confidence to Travel

The “Confidence to Travel” project provides videos and podcasts to people with hidden disabilities to help them feel more confident using public transport. It’s a partnership between Transport for Wales, Conwy Valley and North West Wales Coast Community Rail Partnerships, Tape Music and Film, Creating Enterprise, and the Department for Work and Pensions.

To date, the project has presented to over 200 people and taken approximately 70 people on trips.

Ticketing Campaigns

To reduce barriers to our network we introduced several campaigns offering customers cheaper advance rail tickets. Our Multiflex offer launched in January with 12 tickets for the price of 6 and was aimed at regular commuters. Shortly after, we introduced a discount of 40% off advance train tickets for journeys over 50 miles. The Manchester to Cardiff 50% off before Christmas promotion offered reduced train fares between these two cities in the lead up to Christmas. Families can also take advantage of our Kids Go Free promotion during half-term, where children can travel for free.

Rail to Trail Campaign

We relaunched Rail to Trail active tourism campaign in collaboration with Visit Wales and the Wales Coast Path. The campaign has now expanded to include Visit Wales’ Llwybrau Wales by Trails initiative, promoting sustainable transport options for active tourism. We’ve added more Rail to Trail itineraries to the Transport for Wales website, highlighting the national trails accessible from train stations.

From rail to trail

One of our brand-new class 231 trains near Pontlottyn

Life saving network

We’ve installed 210 defibrillators in stations across the Wales and borders. In addition to installing these lifesaving devices, the Stakeholder and Community Engagement team has partnered with Save a Life Cymru and the Wales Ambulance Service to offer free cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and defibrillator use training event.

Read our defibrillator case study

Customer First programme

We launched our Customer First programme in 2022. The programme helps create a consistent approach towards our customer service. The forums provide a place for front-line colleagues to get business updates, raise issues and concerns, and explore customer expectations and behavioural preferences. Over 200 people have attended workshops so far. 

If our staff feel empowered, valued and informed this has a positive knock-on effect to our customers.

Gemma Southgate

Customer First Manager

Engagement HQ

We launched Engagement HQ, our online engagement solution. It allows our teams to host information about projects they’re working on and contains a suite of tools for project managers to engage and consult with the general public and stakeholders.

The platform enables discussion through tools such as forums, providing a platform to network and receive real-time information to and from our engagement team.

Have your say by Transport for Wales

Community Woodlands

Our nine-month Coed Cymunedol (Community Woodlands) project was a collaboration between TfW and ten community partners made up of local councils, social enterprises and woodland and community charities. The £100,000 project awarded by the Welsh Government and National Lottery Heritage Fund’s Community Woodlands scheme supported eight areas across Wales along active travel routes with the creation, enhancement and management of new and existing woodlands. A transport network that’s good for the environment.

It included a programme of native tree and woodland planting, restoration and conservation and access improvements and woodland maintenance and delivered a range of social and well-being impact outcomes.

Read the Community Woodlands case study

• Almost 90% of the project spend with local, Welsh suppliers. 
• Over 60 volunteer and community engagement sessions. 
• Over 1,300 hours of volunteer hours recorded.

Green Routes

In 2022 we successfully completed our Green Routes project, enhancing biodiversity at 25 stations and supporting five local communities with habitat creation projects. The 18-month long initiative saw the support of 176 volunteers working alongside our Sustainable Development and Community Rail Teams to install 125 planters at stations and put in place more than 300 green features.

The project was supported by £100,000 in funding from The National Lottery Heritage Fund through the Welsh Government’s Local Places for Nature Scheme with almost 80% of the funding spent with Welsh local businesses and organisations.

Green routes project page

Section 6 Biodiversity Duty report

We published our S6 Duty Report detailing how we work to maintain and enhance biodiversity, promote the resilience of ecosystems and embed the consideration of these into our day-to-day activities, policies, plans, programmes and projects, as required under Environment (Wales) Act 2016.

Section 6 Duty Report 2022

Herbicide free stations

We worked closely with the Dinas Powys Station Adopter group, Wild About Nature, and maintenance teams to eliminate the use of herbicides in proximity to ornamental and pollinator friendly areas on the station platform, which the group manages.

MSE Flex - Vegetated retaining walls

As a part of our CVL Transformation project, we are utilizing the Flex MSE vegetated wall system to widen the embankment at Pentrebach while addressing the issue of erosion control. This innovative solution employs bags filled with a sand and compost mix that can be seeded, developing into a fully planted wall. It also prevents soil erosion and supports local biodiversity by growing pollinator plants.

Electric buses TrawsCymru

In March, we unveiled eight brand new fully electric, zero tailpipe emission buses for the TrawsCymru T1 route between Carmarthen and Aberystwyth. The buses represent the first step towards achieving the Welsh Government’s goal of a zero-emission TrawsCymru bus fleet by 2026.

The buses can be fully recharged in 1.5 hours and will be supported by a new charging hub in Carmarthenshire along with new facilities for drivers and the buses. The service offers integrated ticketing with rail services to support journey planning with distancebased fares that offer more value for money.

Reducing our vulnerability to climate change

In early 2023 we published our Climate Adaptation and Resilience Plan. The plan aims to increase the resilience of all transport networks and operations, including any additional travel services under the TfW umbrella in the future. It addresses climate risk by emphasising working with nature to enhance the resilience of our assets and mitigate risks such as flooding.

To support successful delivery of the plan, a Climate Adaptation and Resilience Steering Group has been set up, and a Climate Change Risk Assessment Framework has been developed to assess, manage, and report on climate risks.

Green Dragon

The Green Dragon Environmental Management System standard is a 5-level certification programme for businesses and organisations in Wales that aims to help them improve their environmental performance and sustainability practices. This year, we brought our office at Llys Cadwyn and our catering centres up to Level 5 from Level 3 and our stations up to Level 3 from Level 2. This means that Llys Cadwyn, our three train maintenance depots and four catering centres are now at the highest level.

This certification demonstrates Transport for Wales’ commitment to continual environmental improvement and I’m confident with the collective efforts of our colleagues we’ll continue to build on this year after year.

Sophie Duggan

Environmental Compliance Lead

Read the Green Dragon case study

Volunteers planting at Kidwelly railway station

Art installations

During 22/23 we installed artwork at six railway stations across Wales with our communities. The project was undertaken with Community Rail Partnerships, British Transport Police, residents, schools and third sector organisations, with the goal of addressing trespassing, antisocial behaviour and criminal damage.

The initiative also aimed to create a sense of ownership and pride among the communities and to engage in rail safety education, promoting cohesive communities and intergenerational conversations and activities.

Read the Art Installation case study

Supporting access to major events

We’re continuing to ensure that everyone is able to access major sporting and cultural events in Cardiff. We’re taking a proactive approach to major increases in rail demand by providing pre-booked direct coach transfers from key destinations across Wales and the borders, allowing us to alleviate pressure on the rail network and improve the passenger experience.

2-for-1 entry at Cadw sites

During spring 2023, we teamed up again with Cadw to offer 2-for-1 on the price of entry to their extensive range of historic sites across Wales if visitors travelled there by train.

Cadw is responsible for the preservation and upkeep of over 120 culturally significant locations, many of which are close to our network.

Read the Cadw case study

Translation Management System

We’re introducing a Translation Management System (TMS), a machine translation tool, to help with translating corporate documentation and media presentations. Translators currently use their knowledge to apply consistency around context and tone, which can lead to a heavy workload. The TMS will instead learn from human translators to constantly improve the accuracy of translated information.

The system will support translation for workflow management, application programming interfaces, and website content and allow for independent translation requests.

Six new Welsh-speakers at our Integrated Control Centre

We welcomed six new Welsh-speaking colleagues to our Integrated Control Centre (ICC) to answer any help point calls, emergency calls in our lifts and the help points available in the toilet facilities currently being installed along our Core Valley Lines. The team also supports us in translating our operational messaging to make sure the Welsh displays on our trains and stations are accurate. Our on-hand customer support, combined with our technological upgrades, now enables us to provide 24/7 support to our both our English and Welsh-speaking customers.

Supporting local suppliers

We implemented a local-Welsh spend priority and delivery approach in our National Lottery Heritage Fund projects. Our Green Routes project achieved 78% of spend with local, Welsh suppliers while our Community Woodlands project achieved 87%. This included the use of local, specialist contractors for restoration, conservation and access works and trees and planting materials coming from Welsh garden centres, nurseries and wholesale suppliers around station neighbourhood areas and woodland site areas. Good for the economy and places in Wales

Meet the Framework Contractor events

Our Supply Chain Management team organised two successful ‘Meet the Framework Contractor’ events in Llandudno and Treforest. 

Approximately 200 suppliers attended across the events, with 75% being SMEs. The events helped to create opportunities for Welsh businesses to work with TfW and its framework contractors, generating more revenue and job opportunities in Wales. The events were part of the Station Modifications and Infrastructure Enhancements Framework.

Delivering social value

We prioritise social value in our contracts by engaging early to understand what is required and how we can have a positive impact. We’re clear and concise in our desired outcomes to leave a positive legacy. In the 2021/22 financial year, we spent £27 million with small and medium-sized enterprises and 41% of our spending was in Wales.

Delivering Social Value through collaborative commercial activity on YouTube

As part of the Core Valley Lines project, in the past year the Craidd Alliance has: 

• Provided over 700 volunteer hours to support over 80 community projects, including 27 planting initiatives
• Provided 127 weeks of work experience to local people 
• Supported 81 apprentices and graduates 
• Recruited 18 STEM (science, technology, engineering and maths) ambassadors to provide engagement activities at over 20 schools and engage over 1,500 children and young people 
• Trained 38 mental health first aiders

Supporting smaller contractors

We introduced a mini-owner Controlled Insurance Programme to help small contractors obtain affordable liability insurance to work on the railway. Previously, the £155m liability insurance required for railway work was difficult for small contractors to obtain due to cost and specialist procurement. The new policy allows contractors to take a £10m policy which can be topped up with a catastrophe policy from £10m to £145m. This makes it easier for small and mediumsized enterprises to work alongside TfW’s framework contractors without additional administration. Infrastructure Enhancements Framework.

Innovation

We work with early and mid-stage companies to help them understand or create solutions that could be useful to the organisation. The winner of the accelerator programme receives a prize fund to develop their proof of concept. Five cohorts have been held to date. Over 300 applicants have sought to participate, with 30 companies selected.

We’ve also launched a joint venture in innovation services in partnership with TfW, Keolis and Amey. It’s designed to offer access to intellectual property resources and consultancy services to bring innovation to support the running and improvement of public transport services for the Wales and borders. The joint venture uses mobility analytics and GPS data to examine travel demand and how it is changing, even at the local level.

Cinetig

In March, we held the first hackathon event, Cinetig. The inaugural event was set across two days. We invited a mix of colleagues and students from Cardiff University to come up with an innovative solution that helps to answer the question of how we turn stations into destinations.

Watch our Cinetig video on YouTube

We welcomed 11 new graduates to our workforce in September 2022

Launch of Women in Transport Hub

We partnered with Women in Transport to launch a new Welsh Hub that will empower women in the industry to maximise their potential. The new Welsh Hub will look at how they can further support the female workforce and encourage more to the industry by helping to remove any social barriers.

The Women in Transport Hub offers professional development opportunities for women working or interested in working in the transport industry. The programme is one the initiatives we’re taking to reduce our gender pay gap. Creating a diverse workforce, capable of delivering our vision.

The 5% Club

This year, we joined The 5% Club, an initiative to promote the recruitment of apprentices, graduates, and sponsored students, and to provide them with earn and learn opportunities to develop their skills and create meaningful careers. By joining The 5% Club, we commit to increasing the number of apprentices, sponsored students, and graduates on formal programmes to 5% of our total workforce within the next five years.

Graduate Programme

In September, TfW welcomed a cohort of 11 new graduates to TfW. Over the course of the two-year scheme, these graduates will follow a robust programme that includes working across four different disciplines within their specialties. They’ll also participate in a leadership programme, supported by industry leaders who specialise in delivering this training. Alongside acquiring new experiences and skills, they’ll also work towards achieving professional accreditations in their respective fields.

Leading With

To help our staff effectively deliver Welsh Government’s mission of keeping Wales safe and moving, we’re investing in the development of our leaders. Our Leading With programme has been designed to provide support to our leaders in developing their skills and behaviours. In its first year, we supported 46 people.

We’ve created a two-day workshop to further support those who have completed the programme to become a Self-Aware Leader. We’ve worked with Coach Hub to support six of our Executive Leadership Team with one-to-one executive coaching.

The tools and techniques on the programme will look at ways to flex and adapt our behaviours to those around us and create a positive environment that constantly challenges learners to create new ways of thinking within our leadership behaviours of both our existing leaders and those in the future.

Mark Hector

Training and Development Manager

Read our ‘Leading with’ case study

Pathways Programme

Our Pathways Programme started in December 2021. It offers employment opportunities to those involved, or at risk of being involved, in the criminal justice system. Our tailored pathways provide stable and reliable employment within the rail industry and addressing barriers in the application process through community workshops. The programme aims to diversify the workforce and reduce the chance of recidivism.

The Men’s Pathway has moved from a pilot phase to a more established phase, with individuals remaining in roles across the rail industry and out of the criminal justice system. The Women’s Pathway pilot has successfully hired individuals who have left prison, 

Brian’s story - The Path to a Positive Future

At TfW we are committed to providing long-term and sustainable roles for talented individuals from underrepresented groups. We actively try and find these candidates within our communities and provide the wrap round support they may require, to build their confidence, rehabilitate and work towards a pro-social future.

Ellen Somers

Pathways Employability Manager