Ambitious plans to overhaul rail and bus services across Swansea and South West Wales have been outlined as part of a £14 billion transport vision led by Transport for Wales (TfW), backed by both the UK and Welsh Governments.
The proposals aim to deliver a step change in connectivity across the region, supporting economic growth, job creation and improved access to key destinations.
Major rail and metro proposals
At the heart of the plans is the electrification of the Cardiff to Swansea line, alongside a series of upgrades designed to increase capacity and reduce journey times.
The vision also includes the development of the Swansea Bay and West Wales Metro, with new and enhanced stations playing a central role. Proposed main line and metro stops at Landore and Winch Wen would be complemented by up to five additional community hubs at Pontlliw, Felindre, Morriston, Llandarcy and Cockett.
Further improvements are planned for routes extending west of Swansea, including upgrades towards Pontarddulais, Ammanford, Pembrey, St Clears, Milford Haven and Pembroke Dock.
Looking further ahead, a potential 10-mile light rail expansion could connect Swansea with Neath and Tonna. The scheme would combine existing rail infrastructure with on-street running, linking Swansea High Street station, the city centre, waterfront and university campus. The project is estimated to cost around £1 billion.
Boosting connectivity and growth
Local leaders have emphasised the importance of improved transport links in supporting economic development across the region.
Swansea Council Leader Rob Stewart said:
“We all want to see better rail links into Swansea and across South West Wales.
“Transport links from London and the rest of UK to our part of Wales are critical to help deliver a strong local economy, supported by innovation in new technology and investment in new sectors like clean energy.”
“The electrification of mainline services into Swansea are all part of the vision that will also create thousands of jobs in construction and secure thousands more in the long term.
“These improvements to our transport network will reduce journey times and increase the capacity for more traffic on the railways, connecting with bus, cycling and walking routes in our communities.
“We’ll also be the first region in Wales to adopt a new bus franchise and by reforming bus franchising we will have more local control over bus services and help deliver a single public transport system within reach of every community.
“This will make it easier to link rail and bus services by having one timetable and one ticket to be used on either service across the region.”
Integrated transport approach
The plans also include wider reform of local bus services, with Swansea set to become the first region in Wales to introduce a new franchised bus system.
This approach aims to better integrate rail and bus services, simplifying journeys through aligned timetables and unified ticketing.
Cabinet Secretary for Transport and North Wales, Ken Skates, said:
“There are exciting times ahead for transport in the Swansea area, from transforming bus services to the potential for generational rail schemes.
“With backing from the UK Government, we have plans to deliver real change and improvements across the whole of Wales.”
New stations and local access
The proposed network of new stations is expected to improve access to key employment and leisure destinations across Swansea.
Cllr Stewart added:
“Having a network of new stations across Swansea will be critical in terms of providing direct public transport links to hospitals, major employers including the DVLA and the Enterprise Zone in Llansamlet.
“They will also serve major attractions including the new Skyline development, Penderyn Distillery and the Swansea.Com stadium.
“This will make it easier for people who live and work in Swansea to get about the city and for those who want to visit our amazing coastline and attractions.”
The proposals represent a long-term vision for transforming public transport across South West Wales, with further development and funding decisions expected as plans progress.
