Transport for Wales (TfW) has unveiled proposals for a major expansion of rail services across Swansea Bay and West Wales, including more frequent trains, potential new stations and improved connections between communities.
The Swansea Bay and West Wales Metro proposals cover two routes, linking Swansea with Pembrey & Burry Port and introducing potential new services between Swansea and Ammanford via Neath.
The plans aim to improve access to employment, education and healthcare while providing more alternatives to car travel.
However, both phases remain at the development stage, with delivery dependent on securing funding from the UK Government.
More frequent services between Swansea and Pembrey & Burry Port
Phase A proposes up to two additional trains per hour between Swansea and Pembrey & Burry Port, providing greater flexibility for passengers travelling across the region.
The proposals include a potential new station at Cockett, improving access to rail services towards Swansea, Llanelli and Carmarthen.
Infrastructure improvements would also be required to accommodate the additional services.
These include a new platform at Swansea station and modifications at Pembrey & Burry Port to enable trains to reverse direction more efficiently.
The proposed works are intended to increase operational flexibility and support more frequent, reliable services.
Seven potential stations on Swansea to Ammanford route
Phase B, which is at an earlier development stage, proposes up to two new trains per hour between Swansea and Ammanford via Neath.
Potential new stations are being considered at Landore, Winsh-wen, Morriston, Llandarcy, Felindre, Pont-lliw and Ammanford.
The proposed route would also provide interchange opportunities at Neath, connecting passengers with services towards Cardiff and other destinations.
Delivering the additional services would require new track connecting existing railway lines, alongside signalling and infrastructure upgrades.
These improvements could enable new journey opportunities across communities currently underserved by rail.
Public feedback to shape future investment
The proposals build on a detailed study commissioned by the Welsh Government in 2021 and are being developed by TfW alongside Network Rail, regional authorities and the South West Wales Corporate Joint Committee.
The Welsh Government is funding further development and assessment work, although neither phase has secured full delivery funding.
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 TfW, 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.
“I’d encourage people to take a few minutes to complete our survey and share their views.”
The consultation will help inform the next stages of development, including the assessment of potential stations, infrastructure requirements and future service patterns.
For the rail industry, the proposals represent a potential pipeline of station construction, track, signalling and operational investment, although the scale and timing of opportunities will depend on future funding decisions.
