Swansea West MP Torsten Bell has moved to reassure residents that the city is at the heart of a long-awaited £14 billion rail upgrade pipeline. The plan, endorsed by the Prime Minister and First Minister, crucially includes the Swansea Bay Metro, a new station in Cockett, and the long-campaigned-for electrification of the main line beyond Cardiff to Swansea.
‘At Last’: Swansea Featured Heavily
Mr Bell, who also serves as a UK Treasury Minister, claims to have helped secure Swansea’s place in the multi-billion pound vision. He argues that the new pipeline marks the end of years of “underinvestment” by previous governments.
Torsten Bell MP said:
“Swansea has been let down by years of underinvestment in our rail system. I’m proud to play a part in putting that right. Securing this major step forward for Swansea has been a top priority for me from day one.”
The ‘Swansea Bay Metro’ Vision
Documents released by Transport for Wales (TfW) reveal the scale of the ambition for the region. The proposed Swansea Bay and West Wales Metro includes:
- Seven New Stations: Locations including Cockett, Landore, and Winch Wen are slated for development to better connect local communities.
- Increased Frequency: New Metro services running initially every 30 minutes, with the potential to increase to four trains per hour.
- Regional Upgrades: A new half-hourly service between Swansea and Pembrey & Burry Port, and a new station at St Clears in West Wales.
- Electrification: A “step-by-step” programme to decarbonise the rail network across the Swansea Bay area.
(Image: Transport for Wales)
‘Jam Tomorrow’ or Real Investment?
However, the Welsh Liberal Democrats have hit back, branding the announcement as “falsely claiming” a £14 billion commitment. They point out that while the pipeline is valued at £14bn, the actual confirmed funding from last summer’s Spending Review is just £445 million—almost all of which is concentrated in the Cardiff and Newport corridor.
Sam Bennett, Lib Dem candidate for Gŵyr Abertawe, said:
“Swansea is Wales’ second city, yet it has been completely overlooked while funding is concentrated almost entirely around Cardiff. Announcing big projects without the funding to deliver them is exactly the kind of politics people are fed up with.”
The Funding Dispute
A spokesperson for Mr Bell’s office clarified that while funding is confirmed in individual Spending Reviews, this is the first time a UK government has committed to a long-term pipeline developed alongside the Welsh Government. They argue that this promise should be judged on the current government’s “record of actually delivering.”
The Liberal Democrats remain unconvinced, highlighting the lack of a “firm commitment” to a specific date for the electrification of the line to Swansea—a move local businesses say is essential for the success of the ports at Port Talbot and Milford Haven.
Is this a ‘game-changer’ for Swansea or just more empty promises? Have your say below.
