GWENDA Thomas AM has welcomed the news that investment by the Labour Assembly Government in the Welsh transport system is set to top £500 million by the end of 2007.

Speaking in the Assembly this week, Welsh Transport Minister Andrew Davies AM said the record year-on-year increases - up from £200 million in 2000 - proved the Labour Assembly Govern-ment's firm commitment to passengers and businesses throughout Wales.

Mrs Thomas AM said: "Over 23,000 elderly people with free bus passes in Neath Port Talbot have already witnessed where this extra money in transport has gone.

"The free travel scheme has turned around the long-term decline in bus use in Neath.

"It is proving invaluable for around 3,200 disabled people in my constituency.

"Welsh Labour, in partnership with Neath Port Talbot Council and the innovative community transport schemes across the constituency, have brought massive improvements in our public transport system.

"The scheme is proving to be very successful in encouraging local bus services to extend their services and invest in new vehicles.

Mrs Thomas added: "In the last few weeks, the X26 service from Lower Brynaman to Swansea, previously run by First Cymru but withdrawn due to lack of use, has been re-launched, thanks to the efforts of Councillor Arwyn Woolcock, from Lower Brynaman, and is now operated by the Community Transport Scheme.

"The scheme is accepting the Assembly Government's free bus pass as a means of payment, which I hope will encourage my constituents to use this service."