THE rail station in Machynlleth is going to receive a £600,000 upgrade which will improve access for buses, and create a transport interchange in the town.

It is part of a raft of infrastructure improvements announced by Transport Minister Ken Skates with £30m to be invested across Wales by the Welsh Government to improve public transport and encourage economic growth.

The Machynlleth project will deliver improvements to the existing car park at the rail station to enable bus access and provide bus bays and passenger waiting facilities and information.

A Welsh Government spokesman said: “This will improve integration between rail and TrawsCymru bus services and provide safe, convenient access to the station for rail passengers arriving / departing by bus.”

Every local authority in Wales was invited to submit proposals to the Welsh Government’s Local Transport Grant funding to deliver projects which will support economic priorities for jobs and growth, connect communities, encourage active and sustainable travel and improve public transport reliability and reduce journey times.

The scheme is also set to reduce economic inactivity by delivering safe and affordable access to education, key services and employment, particularly for those living in disadvantaged or rural communities.

Following assessment of the applications, Transport Minister, Ken Skates confirmed that £22.6m will be allocated to 21 projects across 15 local authorities which enable improvement in economic activity, improve access to employment, encourage healthier travel modes and connect communities.

£4.1m will be allocated to support 17 schemes across 13 Local Authorities to ease bus congestion and delays on strategic public transport corridors.

Mr Skates said: “I’m particularly encouraged that these schemes include improvements to encourage more people in Wales to walk and cycle, particularly as we know that active travel will be more important than ever.”

The funding has been welcomed by the Member of the Welsh Parliament for Montgomeryshire, Russell George.

Mr George, who has organised meetings in a bid to move the project forward said: “This is very good news for Machynlleth and the surrounding area.

“As someone who has been involved in promoting this scheme for a transport interchange hub in Machynlleth for many years, I’m delighted that the Welsh Government has funded this scheme following a successful application from Powys County Council.

“The Interchange will be a massive boost for the economy and for jobs in the town.”