Transport for Wales (TfW) has revealed plans for more frequent trains, potential new stations and new rail connections across Swansea and West Wales.
The Swansea Bay and West Wales Metro proposals could give passengers more choice about when they travel and bring rail services closer to more communities, making it easier to reach jobs, education, healthcare and leisure without relying on a car.
The plans cover two routes: Swansea to Pembrey & Burry Port, and Swansea to Ammanford via Neath.
Together, they could expand the journeys available by train across the region, with connections to the wider rail network offering opportunities for onward travel.
TfW is working with the Welsh Government, South West Wales Corporate Joint Committee, regional local authorities and Network Rail to develop the proposals.
More choice for journeys between Swansea and Pembrey & Burry Port
Phase A proposes up to two additional trains per hour between Swansea and Pembrey & Burry Port. More frequent services could give passengers more flexibility when planning everyday journeys, making rail a more practical option for travelling to work, studying, attending appointments or enjoying leisure activities.
A possible new station at Cockett could give local people a new way to access the railway and travel towards Swansea, Llanelli, Carmarthen and beyond.
To support more frequent and reliable services, the proposals include a new platform at Swansea station and changes at Pembrey & Burry Port to allow trains to change direction more easily. These improvements could help provide the capacity and operational flexibility needed.
New connections between Swansea and Ammanford via Neath
Phase B, which is at an earlier stage of development, proposes up to two new train services per hour between Swansea and Ammanford via Neath.
Potential new stations at Landore, Winsh-wen, Morriston, Llandarcy, Felindre, Pont-lliw and Ammanford could bring more communities within reach of the network. The proposed services would also connect with other rail services at Neath, opening up onward travel towards Cardiff and further afield.
New track linking two railway lines, alongside track and signalling improvements, would help enable the proposed Swansea – Ammanford services. For passengers, these works could make new rail connections possible.
Developing the plans
The proposals build on a detailed study carried out for the Welsh Government in 2021 and have been developed collaboratively with partners from across the region and the wider rail industry.
Further development and assessment are needed before the proposals can be delivered, and the Welsh Government is funding development work. Neither phase is currently fully funded for delivery, which will depend on funding being secured from the UK Government.
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.
“I’d encourage people to take a few minutes to complete our survey and share their views.”
Have your say
Public engagement runs from 03 November until 13 December 2026. Communities can share how they currently travel, whether they would use the proposed services, and which stations, improvements and access arrangements matter most to them. Feedback will help shape the next stage of development.
To find out more and complete the survey, visit Swansea Bay and West Wales Metro: Help shape the future of travel across the region | Have your say by Transport for Wales
