AS Cardiff’s Metro deal received a boost thanks to a Welsh Government (WG) pledge to contribute £580 million last month, residents of Monmouthshire seem set to see the benefits of the development that will link the region.

The scheme to improve Chepstow’s rail and bus station interchange was included in the recent WG Local Transport Plan, with the expectation that the scheme would be taken forward as part of the WG’s Metro project, designed to link surrounding towns and cities to Cardiff city centre.

Now, after being previously dropped from the Welsh Government’s plans for the Metro scheme, it appears that Monmouth is back on the map.

The latest map shows a link running from Monmouth to Celtic Manor and Newport, where it will be possible to change for Cardiff, Ebbw Vale and other destinations also on the network. Meanwhile, Chepstow’s improvements offers improved links between Magor, Llanwern and Newport.

A WG spokeswoman said: “The map is an indication of multiple forms of transport, so it could be anything from a mixture of trains, buses and trams.”

Monmouth AM Nick Ramsay campaigned for the inclusion of Monmouth in the plans after the town was dropped earlier this year: “Too often the town of Monmouth feels ignored by the Welsh Government when it comes to public transport upgrades.

“Clearly reconnecting Monmouth to the railway network would be very costly and is not on the current agenda but being on the Metro map is vital to ensure enhanced bus services and future improvements in public transport.”

Last month, a submission by the leaders of Monmouthshire County Council (MCC) and the nine other local authorities was boosted by an agreement from the Welsh Government to contribute £580m towards a City Deal proposal worth up to £1.28 billion. 

The £580 million would support the establishment of a Cardiff Capital Region Fund, aimed at delivering major strategic transport connectivity projects. 

The £77 million first phase of the Metro is already underway for completion next year. The development of Metro phase two for completion in 2023 would be integrated with the new rail franchise. This would focus on modernisation projects including the Valley Lines electrification programme. It could also include light rail projects, which would be extended in future phases.