Written question WQ90617

Transport for Wales carried out an initial WelTAG stage 1 study into options to improve transport links between north and south Wales. This provided an early estimate that the total cost of delivering a West Wales direct limited stop Carmarthen – Aberystwyth – Bangor rail service would be around £2 billion. This work is being carried out in collaboration with Siân Gwenllian MS, the Plaid Cymru lead designated member, as part of the Co-operation Agreement between the Welsh Government and Plaid Cymru.

This estimated cost includes re-instating the 78 miles of the route between Bangor and Afon Wen and between Aberystwyth and Carmarthen. It also includes upgrading 82 miles of the existing route between Aberystwyth and Afon Wen to be able to cope with operating a new limited stop express service. The figures provide very early estimates which are not based on detailed design. There would be significant risks and infrastructure challenges which have not been explored in detail.

Rail infrastructure in Wales is not devolved, and remains the responsibility of the UK Government to fund and deliver. If funding were available detailed design work would be needed before carrying out the project, which would provide more detailed costs.