This timely conference will examine the next steps for transport policy in Wales.

Looking at the future of the public transport network – including bus services and rail infrastructure, funding and delivering major transport projects, and promoting and developing Active Travel. It comes as the newly established National Infrastructure Commission for Wales – set up to provide advice to the Welsh Government on infrastructure needs – considers its priorities for transport.

Delegates will discuss the future of the public transport network – including assessing: the approach being taken by Transport for Wales to drive forward the Welsh Government’s vision for transport, next steps in the delivery of an integrated transport and sustainable network that supports the Welsh Government's Prosperity for All economic strategy and the funding and delivery of major infrastructure projects.

The conference is timed to discuss the Welsh Government’s response to its consultation on the Improving Public Transport White Paper which focused on improvements to bus services, including increasing local authority power to determine the most appropriate model for providing bus services in their area and run services.

With the Welsh Government viewing the bus service network as key to fulfilling its ambition for an integrated transport system, and as it announces funding for responsive bus trials, those attending will discuss whether the proposals will address decreasing bus services and falling passenger numbers.

It follows the Welsh Government announcing £60m over the next three years to create new active travel arrangements across Wales and with more than £10m provided to local authorities to promote active travel.

This follows concern from the Economy, Infrastructure and Skills Committee in their review of progress since the Active Travel (Wales) Act 2013, with falling numbers of people walking and cycling as a means of transport, and called for more effective strategic leadership and greater resources and capability in order to meet the ambitions expressed in legislation and the Active Travel plan.

There will also be discussion on the next steps for the rail network in Wales.

It follows the Welsh Government report outlining the case for investment in Wales' railways while at the same time expressing concern over levels of investment and development from the UK Government following the cancellation of electrification of the Great Western mainline between Cardiff and Swansea.

Delegates will discuss progress and the next steps for projects to increase capacity on Network Rail's Wales route such as the electrification of the mainline to Cardiff and resignalling. They will also examine the performance so far of Transport for Wales as a franchise provider.