Transport for Wales has opened a consultation on plans for more trains and up to eight possible new stations across Swansea Bay and West Wales. The proposals cover two routes from Swansea. The consultation opened on 3 November 2026 and runs until 13 December 2026.
The plans are at a development stage, not a confirmed construction programme. Neither phase is fully funded for delivery, which depends on securing UK Government funding. The Welsh Government is paying for development work, and further assessment is needed before the proposals could go ahead.
More trains towards Burry Port
The more developed first phase proposes up to two additional trains an hour between Swansea and Pembrey & Burry Port. A possible station at Cockett would give people another point of access to the railway, with journeys towards Swansea, Llanelli and Carmarthen among the possibilities.
To accommodate the extra services, the plan includes a new platform at Swansea station and changes at Pembrey & Burry Port so trains can turn back more easily. A turnback gives trains space to end a journey, change direction and start another, helping them avoid holding up other services on the line.
An early layout for Cockett shows platforms on both sides of the line, with entrances near Railway Terrace and from Cockett Road. The proposed layout includes lifts and stairs, cycle parking, accessible parking spaces and a drop-off point. No general car park is shown on the drawing.
A second route through Neath
The second phase is at an earlier stage. It proposes up to two new trains an hour between Swansea and Ammanford via Neath, with possible stations at Landore, Winsh-wen, Morriston, Llandarcy, Felindre, Pont-lliw and Ammanford. These are possible locations, not a list of stations approved for construction.
Part of the route would use the Swansea District Line, a railway mainly used by freight. A new piece of track at Cwrt-sart near Neath would link the main line to the District Line. The plans also involve track and signalling improvements and facilities for trains to turn back at Pontarddulais and Ammanford.
The proposed service would connect with other trains at Neath, offering onward travel towards Cardiff and beyond. The details of timetables and which trains would stop at each station are still being worked out. The plans envisage most of the proposed new stations being unstaffed, although this may vary by location.
The first phase has been through more detailed planning and design than the second. Final costs have not been established, and additional funding is needed for detailed design and further consultation as well as for eventual delivery. The proposals build on a study carried out for the Welsh Government in 2021.
How to take part
The consultation asks how people currently travel, whether they would use the proposed services and which stations, improvements and access arrangements matter to them. The online survey is expected to take around 10 minutes and requires people to sign in or create an account.
Public drop-ins are planned at Swansea railway station on 10 November 2026, Burry Port on 16 November, Llanelli on 18 November, Ammanford on 19 November, Neath on 20 November, Cockett on 25 November and Swansea again on 26 November. The first session, at Swansea railway station, is scheduled from 8am to 5pm.
Feedback is intended to inform the next stage of design. A summary of responses and how they influenced the plans is due after the consultation closes. If the proposals proceed, further consultation is expected as designs become more detailed, before final decisions are made.
Not every transport idea for the region is part of this exercise. Separate proposals for more frequent trains to Pembroke Dock and Milford Haven, and a possible light-rail or tram-train link between Swansea and Neath, are outside the consultation. Bus services are not being consulted on as part of these rail proposals.
