A popular bus stop in Newport must be upgraded to protect passengers from the elements, Natasha Asghar MS has said.
The South East Wales politician’s call for action has been prompted by a series of complaints from constituents using the Kingswood Stop 14 at the Riverfront.
Passengers waiting at the National Express stop have been left completely drenched because the bus stop simply isn’t big enough and provides little shelter.
Concerns have also been raised about the poor lighting in the area at night.
After listening to residents’ concerns, Natasha Asghar MS has written to the leader of Newport City Council to install “larger, multisided shelters to better accommodate passengers and constituents awaiting coaches in poor weather.”
The current bus stop has a very narrow, completely open, shelter and only has room for a handful of people with the rest forced to stand at the road side.
Not only that, but people are forced to cross a busy road, which is very dark at night due to poor lighting, to get a taxi or to get to their car.
Given the bus stop’s high footfall, Natasha has also questioned the council over why it did not create a multimodal transport interchange closer to the train station.
Natasha Asghar MS said:
“We all know the Welsh weather can be horrendous from time-to-time and it is not acceptable that passengers are being exposed to the elements like this.
“The current offering at this busy bus stop is simply not up to scratch so it’s imperative the city council look seriously at carrying out improvements.
“In the grand scheme of things, these are fairly easy changes which will bring big benefits to passengers.”