In a £2.7 million study funded by the UK government, the UK and Welsh governments are looking at options for opening new stations and services on the South Wales Main Line.
The study results from recommendations by Lord Peter Hendy's Union Connectivity Review in 2021, which looked at transport connectivity across the UK, especially the need to relieve congestion on the M4. Included in the study are a number of options that will consider developing five new stations between Cardiff and the Severn Tunnel.
Following research carried out for the report, it was shown travel across the border between Wales and England was of high importance, as a large number of people travel across the border daily for work, services, and leisure. The report also proposed reviewing the route between north Wales and north-west England, making provision for better connectivity with HS2, and a package of improvements to increase rail connections and reduce journey times by rail between Cardiff, Birmingham, and beyond.
After the publication of the report, the UK government committed itself to establish and strengthen transport links that will create a more cohesive and connected United Kingdom.
Transport Minister, Richard Holden said: “Delivering better transport links is a vital part of how we transform opportunities for people from across the United Kingdom.
“That's why I am so delighted that working with the Welsh Government, we are getting the ball rolling on in-depth work to boost connectivity and drive growth.”
Secretary of State for Wales David TC Davies said: “Good transport connections between south Wales and western England are essential for the economy in Wales, enabling businesses to grow and flourish and making life easier for people to travel for work and leisure.
“This funding from the UK government is vital in exploring how best to relieve congestion across south Wales. I'm pleased to work with the Welsh Government on plans that could have a huge impact on the many thousands of people who use the transport network in south Wales every day.”
Lee Waters MS, Deputy Minister for Climate Change, said: “This is a key step to tackle congestion around Newport and was one of the main recommendations of the Burns Commission, which was endorsed by Lord Peter Hendy's Union Connectivity Review.
“The business case is compelling and we are keen to make progress so that we can get more people onto South Wales Main Line trains, complementing Welsh Government's investments in improving access to rail.
Realistically we need a station between Bridgend and Cardiff that offers a parkway. That’s badly lacking and even worse when you consider the shocking parking situation for Cardiff as a station.
What about Cardiff to Swaasea electrification and route enhancements?
Of course more stations on The South Wales mainline in South East Wales is to be welcomed considering the large numbers of people who commute in the week to Bristol.
The report mentions an increase in services between Birmingham and Cardiff,then why on Earth can’t these services be extended to Swansea and West Wales.
Since we have had devolved government in Wales it’s yet another case of Wales not existing beyond Cardiff.
Reinstatement of former pre-privatisation trains is an obvious step to take. There used to be inter alia trains at 0745 and 1145 to Newcastle and 0845 to Leeds. Nowadays but you can’t get further that Nottingham.