Congestion Charge proposed for Cardiff

[CCFCC3PO]

Yes, I knew the Merthyr frequency. I thought Rhymney was as well. My mistake. Obviously not the patronage to have a regular 30 minute service, though that will change with the metro.

It has to change Eric, but until it does penalising people who have limited options is a tax rise pure and simple.

[Eric the Half a Bee]

It has to change Eric, but until it does penalising people who have limited options is a tax rise pure and simple.

But the council have said there would be no congestion charge before significant improvements to public transport.

[CCFCC3PO]

But the council have said there would be no congestion charge before significant improvements to public transport.

Define significant.

[Eric the Half a Bee]

Define significant.

Just carry on your downer then.

[CCFCC3PO]

Just carry on your downer then.

No, it's a legitimate question. "Significant" is completely ambiguous.

If I was still working in Cardiff, I would challenge you to travel with me from Ebbw Vale to Cardiff and back. Not only was I adding 2 hours to the day travel time, but I was also adding around 90 minutes sitting around waiting for trains, or for work to start at 9am.

I would have to get to Ebbw Vale station at 7:15. Train at 7:37. Arrive in Cardiff 8:35. Get to work at 9am. Leave work at 5pm. Train at 5:40. Into Ebbw Vale at 6:40. Home at 7. on a good day. 12 hours for a 7.5 hour working day.

So, what does significant mean, and how do you see it changing the trip above?

[Eric the Half a Bee]

No, it's a legitimate question. "Significant" is completely ambiguous.

If I was still working in Cardiff, I would challenge you to travel with me from Ebbw Vale to Cardiff and back. Not only was I adding 2 hours to the day travel time, but I was also adding around 90 minutes sitting around waiting for trains, or for work to start at 9am.

I would have to get to Ebbw Vale station at 7:15. Train at 7:37. Arrive in Cardiff 8:35. Get to work at 9am. Leave work at 5pm. Train at 5:40. Into Ebbw Vale at 6:40. Home at 7. on a good day. 12 hours for a 7.5 hour working day.

So, what does significant mean, and how do you see it changing the trip above?

I live near Aberdare. I've spent the last decade using public transport. The first thing I appreciate with public transport is that it will sometimes take longer and isn't usually as convenient. My wife works near Cathays station. More often than not in the last 6 months she's not been able to get home on the train she wants because of overcrowding. Better than navigating the A470? Probably.

Before I moved up here I lived in Canton for 18 months. Didn't need a car. Public transport was so regular. If I missed a bus, I was 5 minutes walk away from avoiding a 10 minute wait. Things go wrong with public transport. It annoys people, but often it cannot be helped.

If your desire is to spend as little time as possible then driving is probably the only solution for you. Personally, I'm happy to trade spending more time travelling on public transport rather than driving. I can have a nap. I can do some work.

Suppose your route was every half an hour. It would make no difference in the morning. A train at 5.10pm might be too early for you to make. What do you want, every 5 minutes so you don't have to hang around?