Plans Revealed for More Connected Rail Services Across the Swansea Region

Swansea could benefit from a major expansion of its rail network, with proposals for new railway stations, more frequent train services and improved connections to surrounding communities unveiled by Transport for Wales (TfW).

The Swansea Bay and West Wales Metro proposals could strengthen Swansea’s position as a regional transport hub, making it easier for residents to access jobs, education, healthcare and leisure while improving connections between the city and neighbouring towns.

Among the most significant proposals are potential new railway stations at Cockett, Landore, Winsh-wen, Morriston, Llandarcy, Felindre and Pont-lliw, bringing passenger rail services closer to communities across the Swansea area.

The plans could also provide a boost to the local economy by improving access to employment centres, supporting business growth and making public transport a more practical option for people travelling across the region.

Two phases of development are being considered, focusing on improved services between Swansea and Pembrey & Burry Port, and a new connection between Swansea and Ammanford via Neath.

The first phase would introduce up to two additional trains per hour between Swansea and Pembrey & Burry Port, providing more frequent connections for passengers travelling between the city, Llanelli and communities further west.

For Swansea residents, the increased frequency could make rail a more convenient option for daily commuting, shopping, education and leisure journeys.

A potential new station at Cockett would be a particularly significant development, giving residents in the west of Swansea improved access to the railway network and creating new opportunities for travel into the city centre and towards Llanelli and Carmarthen.

The proposals also include a new platform at Swansea railway station, which would help accommodate additional services and strengthen the station’s role as a gateway to South West Wales.

Further infrastructure improvements at Pembrey & Burry Port would allow trains to change direction more efficiently, supporting the operation of more frequent and reliable services.

The second phase could deliver an even more substantial expansion of rail connectivity across the Swansea area.

TfW is exploring the introduction of up to two new train services per hour between Swansea and Ammanford via Neath, opening up the possibility of new passenger rail connections for communities currently without convenient access to a railway station.

Potential stations at Landore, Winsh-wen, Morriston, Llandarcy, Felindre and Pont-lliw could improve connectivity across the northern and eastern parts of the Swansea area.

For communities such as Morriston and Pont-lliw, the proposals could create new public transport options, helping residents reach employment opportunities, education facilities and essential services without relying entirely on road transport.

The potential new station at Landore could also strengthen connections close to Swansea city centre, while improved links through Neath would provide opportunities for onward journeys towards Cardiff and other destinations across Wales.

Delivering the new Swansea–Ammanford route would require additional railway infrastructure, including new track connecting two existing lines, alongside signalling and track improvements.

The wider proposals could have important implications for Swansea’s economic development.

Better rail connections would help employers attract workers from a wider geographical area, improve access to business locations and support regeneration by making communities more accessible.

They could also complement efforts to encourage sustainable travel, reduce dependence on cars and improve transport choices for residents across the Swansea Bay area.

TfW is working alongside the Welsh Government, South West Wales Corporate Joint Committee, regional local authorities and Network Rail to develop the proposals.

The plans build on a detailed study undertaken for the Welsh Government in 2021 and form part of ongoing work to improve regional transport connectivity.

Although the Welsh Government is funding further development and assessment, neither phase has yet secured the full investment required for delivery. Implementation will depend on funding being secured from the UK Government.

Nevertheless, the proposals set out a potentially significant opportunity for Swansea, with the prospect of new stations, more frequent services and better connections helping to support the city’s future growth.

If realised, the Swansea Bay and West Wales Metro could reshape how people move around the city and surrounding communities, strengthening Swansea’s role as an economic and transport centre for South West Wales.

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.