Transport for Wales (TfW) has launched a consultation on proposals for eight new railway stations in Swansea and Carmarthenshire, along with more frequent trains and new rail connections. The plans form the centrepiece of the Swansea Bay and West Wales Metro project, which aims to improve public transport access and choice.
First phase proposals
The first phase of the metro rail plan includes up to two additional trains per hour between Swansea and Pembrey and Burry Port in Carmarthenshire, and a potential new station at Cockett, around two miles north-west of Swansea city centre. A new platform would be needed at Swansea's High Street station, and alterations at Pembrey and Burry Port station to allow trains to change direction more easily.
The second, more ambitious phase proposes up to two new train services per hour between Swansea and Ammanford via Neath. Potential new stations at Landore, Winch Wen, Morriston, Llandarcy, Felindre and Pontlliw – all in Swansea – and Ammanford in Carmarthenshire would bring more communities within reach of the rail network.
Connections and infrastructure
The proposed services would also connect with other rail services at Neath, opening up onward travel to Cardiff and beyond. New track linking two railway lines, track upgrades and signalling improvements are part of the second phase, which is at an earlier stage of development.
TfW has been developing the plans and has worked with the Welsh Government, Network Rail and Swansea, Carmarthenshire, Neath Port Talbot and Pembrokeshire councils. People can have their say from November 3 to December 13. UK Government funding will be needed for the project.
Public consultation
“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,” said TfW strategic development programme manager Amanda Phillips. “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.”
TfW said in September that the first phase of the plan was expected to cost less than £50m according to a “high level” estimate, while the second phase was estimated to cost in excess of £150m. It said this week that final costs weren't yet known and funding wasn't guaranteed.
The Local Democracy Reporting Service asked if land for the proposed new rail stations had been identified. TfW said it had for the first phase, but the second phase would need more assessment and refinement.
The metro project also aims to improve the speed and reliability of bus journeys, better integrate rail and bus timetables and ticketing, make rail and bus stations more accessible for cyclists and pedestrians, and trial hydrogen-powered buses in certain areas. More information about the survey is available at haveyoursay.tfw.wales.
