Transport for Wales outlines joined-up network of trains, buses, walking, wheeling and cycling

UK Government formally endorses a Transport for Wales vision for the future of Welsh rail

Welsh railways are at a defining moment, says Transport for Wales in a new report published this week. The next steps will better connect the communities we serve, drive economic growth, and enable us to build a sustainable transport network that includes many more active travel options, says Transport for Wales.

The Prime Minister has formally endorsed the Transport for Wales vision for the future of Welsh rail, agreeing that it should set the framework for a pipeline of projects and committing the UK Government to work with the Welsh Government to deliver this pipeline as quickly as possible. Using the almost half a billion pounds promised this Spending Review, seven new stations are set to be built across Wales, all with walking, wheeling and cycling facilities.

A Welsh government source told the BBC it was "the biggest day in devolution", but opponents accused the Labour UK government of "reheating" old announcements, the broadcaster reported.

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Join us at Active Wales on 24 March in Cardiff to hear more about integrated journeys and active travel in Wales

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Says Transport for Wales (TfW): “The T Network is our vision for an integrated multimodal transport network. It’s a joined-up network of trains, buses, walking, wheeling and cycling. It’ll be functional and easy to use with one timetable to plan journeys and one ticket to get people from A to B. It’ll be open, affordable and accessible, allowing more journeys to places of work, education and leisure.”

We’re currently putting the foundations in place to transform rail and bus services and improve active travel opportunities

Network North Wales is the Welsh Government’s long-term vision for a joined-up transport network across the region. It aims to improve transport links between communities and key economic locations between North Wales and London, Merseyside, Cheshire and the North of England. It’ll see more frequent trains, new rail connections, new bus routes, brand new and more accessible railway stations, and easier to use pay-as-you-go ticketing. 

TfW adds: “We’re currently putting the foundations in place to transform rail and bus services and improve active travel opportunities.” This will make it easier and faster to travel across North Wales with improved bus, rail, cycling and walking connections. It will help reduce rural isolation and open-up exciting job, business and leisure opportunities across North Wales and the North West of England. It’ll also play a vital part in developing the region’s wider economy as well as a more secure future for tourism industry in North Wales.” Other schemes include:

Five New Stations for Cardiff and the Valleys 

Development proposals for the metro network include the construction of five new stations. This includes stations at Roath Park and Gabalfa in Cardiff which will also provide closer access to University Hospital of Wales. This’ll improve local access to Metro interchange opportunities allowing people to switch to using bus, cycling, walking and wheeling networks, and create new journey opportunities, at an estimated cost: of £50m - £150m.

The Swansea Bay and West Wales Metro

This will transform the transport network in the region. Our projects will join up the region’s transport options including rail, bus, cycling and walking. It will create a transport network that links together to support those who live and work in the region as well as for visitors. These plans will boost the local economy by providing better access to job, business and leisure opportunities. 

Progressing five new stations on the South Wales Main Line

Magor and Undy, Llanwern, Cardiff East, Newport West and Somerton, along with Cardiff Parkway and Deeside.

Wales' First Minister, Eluned Morgan, said: "We are now in an unprecedented position to deliver the next chapter of transformation for rail services in Wales. We have secured long-term commitments to key projects and a renewed ambition for our rail network....we warmly welcome the UK Government’s support for these plans and for their commitment to putting right the injustice of Welsh rail underfunding left by the previous government."