THE vision of a network of modern trams, trains and buses running across South Wales could soon be a reality.

The full details of the long-awaited South Wales Metro scheme – which will see a network of trains, trams and buses running across the region – were unveiled last week.

The Welsh Government project, the bulk of which is expected to be completed by 2023, will allow passengers to travel between towns, villages, cities and other important locations including Newport’s Royal Gwent Hospital, the Celtic Manor Resort and Cardiff Airport using a single ticket.

But what exactly will it mean for the people of south Wales?

First Minister Carwyn Jones has said the scheme will improve the region’s economy, create jobs and strengthen links between communities currently poorly served by public transport.

In a statement issued last week the First Minister said: “The Metro project represents the future of public transport in South East Wales which will provide faster journey times and more frequent services covering a greater area,” he said.

“It is an ambitious project linking people and jobs across South Wales in a fast, efficient and environmentally positive way.

“The Metro is far more than just a transport project. It will be a catalyst for transforming the economic and social prospects of South East Wales and the country as a whole.”

The government has also previously said the scheme could create 7,000 new jobs, bring an extra &8 billion into the Welsh economy and speed up journey times significantly.

In order to fully illustrate the shape the scheme will take the government has released a map similar to the iconic London Underground map, showing routes stretching from as far west as Pothcawl, Bridgend and Maesteg to Monmouth, Chepstow and the Severn Tunnel in the east while reaching from Treherbert, Merthyr and Abergavenny in the north to Penarth and Barry Island in the south.

Although the total cost of the project is unclear, Welsh ministers have previously estimated it at £600 million – funded from a range of sources including the Welsh Government itself along with the UK Government and the EU. But some experts have said the total cost of the scheme from start to finish, including elements which have already been completed such as the new station at Ebbw Vale, could top £2 billion.

But although last week’s announcement has been widely welcomed, others – including the Welsh Conservatives’ shadow minister for transport and Assembly Member for South Wales East William Graham – have not been as positive.

“The Metro must be more than just colourful lines on a publicity campaign’s map,” he said.

“We need further clarity on how the scheme will work in practice and how gaps in service throughout south Wales will be filled.”

Mr Graham added the continued confusion around the M4 relief road project did not bode well for the future of the scheme.

“We need more leadership on the introduction of a Metro system if its benefits are ever to be fully realised,” he said.

“It is thanks to the UK Government’s commitment to electrify Welsh railtrack – the biggest investment in our railways since the Victorian age – that this is possible.

“Without it, a metro system simply couldn’t happen.”

The Welsh Liberal Democrats’ transport minister Eluned Parrott also questioned where the funding which had not so far been identified would come from, claiming more than £300 million remained unaccounted for.

“I welcome the South Wales Metro as having the capacity to have a transformative effect on the South Wales economy,” she said. “A fully integrated transport system for South Wales will encourage investment, help regenerate our most deprived communities and help to tempt people out of their cars and reduce CO2 emissions.

“However we must have clarity from the Welsh Government on where the money is coming from.”

As part of the project the government has set up the non-profit Welsh Government Transport Company and is working with the transport industry to put together plans for the building and other work.

Although the Welsh Government has long said the Metro system would extend as far as Monmouth, the town was let off the maps released last week.

Speaking in the Assembly after the plans were revealed, Conservative AM for Monmouth Nick Ramsay said: “There have been a number of different maps published over the years and from what I remember early ones had Monmouth on them.

“But worryingly on more recent maps Monmouth has disappeared, although this was probably down to cost.”

But the maps have since been updated to include Monmouth on the ‘brown’ line running from Malpas, through Newport and past the Celtic Manor Resort to the town.

When Mr Ramsey asked the First Minister during a Plenary session in the Senedd whether Monmouth would be linked with the rest of the network through rail or bus, Mr Jones said this was still being considered.

Labour Assembly Member for Blaenau Gwent Alun Davies also welcomed last week’s announcement, saying: “This needs to be the top priority for the next Welsh Labour Government in Wales.

“I will continue to argue for further investment in our rail network linking Blaenau Gwent to Cardiff and the UK and European rail networks.

“We need investment in electrification of the Valley Lines and a clear timetable for other investments such as services to Abertillery.”

Although the elements of the project unveiled last week are scheduled to be complete by 2023, other measures such as rail extensions from Newport to Caerphilly along with an extension of the Cardiff Bay line could be carried out in the future.

A public consultation into the plans is due to be launched early in 2016.

Speaking last week the First Minister said: “Metro will not arrive overnight - there is a great deal of work ahead of us all.

“But with a shared vision of what can be achieved I firmly believe we can realise our aspirations.”

For the full details of the project visit gov.wales/metro.