Visiting Cardiff is 'not worth the pain' say drivers in response to public transport plans

Cardiff Council has launched a consultation on plans to introduce new bus lanes and curb pavement parking in an effort to encourage more people to use public transport. The seven-week consultation will seek residents' views on the Bus Priority Infrastructure Plan, which proposes a network of six bus corridors into Cardiff. Wales Online readers have been giving their views in our comments section.

The corridors will include key routes such as those between Cardiff and Newport, University Hospital of Wales and the International Sports Village, and the route from the city centre to northeast Cardiff.

Councillor Dan De'Ath, who is responsible for strategic planning, climate change, and transport at Cardiff Council, said: "Since the Covid-19 pandemic, bus travel in Cardiff has decreased and has not fully recovered, with current estimates showing bus patronage is 10-20% lower than pre-pandemic levels. For the latest Cardiff news, sign up to our newsletter here

The plan aims to reverse this trend by making bus travel quicker and more reliable through various interventions. Cllr De'Ath added "Investing in public transport and active travel provides a credible alternative to private car use, offering significant benefits. This includes reducing congestion, improving air quality, and making Cardiff a better place to live and visit."

The proposed plan outlines six key bus routes connecting with major interchange points, including the new Bus Interchange, Waungron Station, University Hospital for Wales, and future park & ride sites. The council's plan was developed in consultation with Cardiff Bus, Transport for Wales, and other operators. You can view the public consultation here.

Commenter Bluenorw thinks: “Cardiff City Council will just end up driving trade away from the city centre. Parking at a city centre location means one can drop shopping back at the car before continuing shopping or stopping for a meal. The alternative of lugging bags around all day before waiting for an overdue bus doesn't appeal in the slightest. I don't know what the council has done to the traffic management around St. David's car park but it's become shambolic in the last few years, leading to increased pollution from idling vehicles.”

Leveesgonnabreak agrees: “The convenience of having a car means you can go shopping and put your shopping in the boot. Carrying shopping on a bus is awkward and on a bike is impossible. What South Wales needs is a shopping centre away from the city centre with free parking, like Cribb’s Causeway in Bristol. McArthur Glen was a start but far too small for what is needed. People will get the bus for days out when convenient but not for shopping.”

Cardiffcitizen says: “Pavement parking is understandably hated, but it is done because to park on the road causes traffic buildup, due to not otherwise being able to pass cars on both sides of the road. The answer has always been to create a fantastic joined up bus/tram service. The council has refused to do this and created useless, unused in quantity, cycle lanes.”

StevenBoyd states: “I gave up visiting Cardiff during COVID. It’s just not worth the pain. We used to go at least once a week but, living in Monmouthshire, driving is the only option and the powers that be don’t want cars. If we shop now we go to Cribbs and eat in the pubs and restaurants around Bristol.”

Wolliesinwales asks: “Why are they allowed to get away with this utter waste of taxpayers money? You just have to look at the millions they have wasted on their cycle path scheme along Ninian Road and Wellfield Rd in Roath to realise this. Public consultation means they will do it anyway, as they always completely ignore the public. Cardiff Council is bankrupt to the tune of £50 million, we have the worst hospitals, schools and roads in the country, yet the council still carry on regardless with this reckless and ludicrous waste of money.”

Windway suggests: “Do away with all the cycle and bus lanes, widen all the roads where you can and traffic will flow and life will be more tolerable for everyone.”

Antidrakeford believes: “They will make a mess of it, we were without a bus station for years yet they want more people on buses. Public transport is a joke, I can't even get a bus after 9.30 pm where I live in Rhiwbina.”

Ironrobson21 agrees: “Headline should read "Cardiff Council to make car use so awkward that people will have no choice but to use an inadequate bus service.” Public consultation will run for 7 weeks after which time the council will ignore any concerns and proceed with what they want to do anyway.”

Do you think this new scheme will encourage you to take the bus more often in Cardiff in the future? Have your say in our comments section.