Heart of Wales Line

Early day motion 172, tabled 9 June 2021 by Jonathan Edwards (Independent). Signed by 6 members.

That this House commends the submission by Professor Stuart Cole, emeritus professor of transport at the University of South Wales and chairman of the Heart of Wales Travellers' Association, to the Union Connectivity Review calling for a £20 million investment in the Heart of Wales Line; notes that Wales has historically only received one per cent of rail investment despite having 11 per cent of the track; is concerned that that the submission indicates that 87 per cent of all journeys in mid Wales are undertaken by car; recognises that the line passes through some of the most beautiful scenery in the British Isles on its journey between Swansea and Shrewsbury and links three of the main market towns in Carmarthenshire - Ammanford, Llandeilo and Llandovery; welcomes that, in his submission, Professor Cole outlines how the investment will enable Transport for Wales to substantially increase service provision on the line to provide two hourly services each way over a 12 hour period; further welcomes that the report outlines the substantial economic and social benefits which this investment would bring; calls on the Department for Transport to implement the infrastructure investments outlined in the submission; and urges the Welsh Government to implement Professor Cole’s proposals for increased services on the Heart of Wales line.

Signatures by party: Plaid Cymru 3, DUP 1, Independent 1, Scottish National Party 1.