Transport for Wales (TfW) has unveiled ambitious proposals for the future of rail travel across Swansea Bay and West Wales, with plans for more frequent train services, potential new stations and improved connectivity across the region.
The Swansea Bay and West Wales Metro programme aims to make rail travel a more attractive alternative to car journeys by increasing service frequency and expanding access to the rail network. The long-term proposals focus on two key corridors: Swansea to Pembrey & Burry Port and Swansea to Ammanford via Neath.
Developed in partnership with the Welsh Government, South West Wales Corporate Joint Committee, local authorities and Network Rail, the plans are designed to improve access to employment, education, healthcare and leisure opportunities throughout the region.
More Frequent Services Between Swansea and Pembrey & Burry Port
Under the first phase of the proposals, TfW is exploring the introduction of up to two additional trains per hour between Swansea and Pembrey & Burry Port.
The increased frequency would offer passengers greater flexibility throughout the day, making rail a more convenient option for commuting, education, appointments and leisure travel.
A key part of the plans includes a potential new station at Cockett, providing local communities with direct access to rail services toward Swansea, Llanelli, Carmarthen and destinations beyond.
To support the enhanced timetable, infrastructure works are also being considered, including the construction of a new platform at Swansea station and operational improvements at Pembrey & Burry Port to enable trains to reverse direction more efficiently.
New Rail Links Planned Between Swansea and Ammanford
The second phase of the Metro vision remains at an earlier stage of development but could transform connectivity between Swansea, Neath and Ammanford.
TfW is proposing up to two new train services per hour operating between Swansea and Ammanford via Neath. The route could be supported by a series of new stations at:
- Landore
- Winsh-wen
- Morriston
- Llandarcy
- Felindre
- Pont-lliw
- Ammanford
The proposed service would provide valuable interchange opportunities at Neath, allowing passengers to connect with wider rail services towards Cardiff and the rest of Wales.
Delivering the route would require the construction of a new railway connection between existing lines, alongside significant track and signalling upgrades.
Funding Still Required for Delivery
The proposals build on a detailed Welsh Government rail study undertaken in 2021 and have been developed collaboratively across the rail industry and regional stakeholders.
While further development and assessment work is now underway, neither phase currently has full delivery funding in place. The Welsh Government is supporting the ongoing development work, but implementation will depend on future funding commitments from the UK Government.
Industry and Public Input Sought
Deputy Minister for Transport, Mark Hooper said:
"If you use the train to travel for work or leisure or even if you never use the train in Swansea and West Wales, please tell us how things can be improved or what needs to happen for you to use the train.
"We want the Swansea Bay and West Wales Metro to make traveling by train as easy and convenient as possible. To help us achieve that we need to know about your experiences and requirements.”
Amanda Phillips, Strategic Development Programme Manager at Transport for Wales, said:
"We want to give people more choice about how they travel, with more frequent trains and new connections between communities across Swansea Bay and West Wales. Hearing from local people will help us develop plans that meet their needs.
"These are long-term proposals and there is still a lot of work to do, which is exactly why it’s important that we hear from people now. Whether you travel regularly by public transport or rarely use it, your experience of getting around the region can help us better understand what communities need."
With public consultation now underway, TfW is seeking feedback from passengers, residents and businesses as it continues to shape what could become one of the most significant rail developments in South West Wales for a generation.
Image and video credit: Transport for Wales
