Rail campaigners raise funding concerns over Welsh rail ambitions ahead of Senedd election

Rail campaigners have questioned how major improvements to Wales’ rail network will be financed as political parties prepare for the upcoming Senedd election.

Railfuture Cymru, which represents rail users across Wales and the Borders, has published a new manifesto calling for what it describes as a more reliable and passenger-focused railway system.

The organisation’s Wales chair, Richard Wilcock, said Transport for Wales’ long-term ambitions highlighted an important issue around future investment and funding.

Referring to TfW’s strategic vision document, Today, Tomorrow, Together, Wilcock said the scale of the plans raises a fundamental question over where the required funding will come from.

Railfuture argues that years of underinvestment have left Wales’ rail infrastructure behind other parts of the UK and says the next Welsh Government should push Westminster for a fairer share of transport funding.

The group’s manifesto outlines a series of proposals it believes could realistically be delivered during the next Senedd term. These include increasing service frequencies, improving rolling stock and creating better integration between rail and bus services.

Among its key recommendations is the introduction of a minimum service level of one train—or connecting bus service—every two hours across the network. It also calls for measures to address overcrowding and improve reliability on heavily used routes.

Railfuture is additionally backing the continued development of metro-style transport systems in north and south Wales, as well as exploring similar opportunities in the Swansea Bay region.

The organisation believes railway stations should evolve into stronger community hubs, offering improved facilities and better transport connections. It is also calling for simpler ticketing systems and improved transport links to airports and major events.

Looking further ahead, the group says planning should begin now for significant upgrades to the north and south Wales mainlines, including electrification projects aimed at increasing capacity and reducing journey times.

Railfuture, which has approximately 20,000 members across the UK, said the manifesto is intended to encourage political parties to make clear commitments on rail investment during the election campaign.

Transport for Wales has already begun delivering a substantial investment programme, including the rollout of the South Wales Metro and the introduction of new trains across the network.

Its wider strategy includes ambitions for expanded metro networks, additional stations, more frequent services and improvements to key rail corridors across Wales. However, many of these long-term plans remain dependent on future funding decisions.