Welsh rail vision backed across political divide despite funding questions

Transport for Wales’ long-term vision to transform the rail network across Wales and the Borders is expected to continue regardless of future political changes, with cross-party support emerging for the programme.

The strategy, titled Today, Tomorrow Together, was published in February with backing from the UK government and outlines a pipeline of projects extending into the 2040s.

Cross-party backing and long-term ambition

Although Labour currently governs in both Westminster and the Senedd, officials behind the plan say the vision has attracted support from across the political spectrum.

Welsh Secretary Jo Stevens said the programme would be delivered irrespective of future election outcomes.

“Absolutely,” she said when asked if the plan would continue under different governments, adding that both the UK and Welsh governments are “committing to delivering this plan”.

The programme is designed to remain flexible, allowing projects to be updated or reprioritised as circumstances change. At present, schemes are not listed in priority order.

£14bn pipeline with limited committed funding

The full programme is estimated to cost around £14bn (2026 prices), including £4.4bn of projects already developed or ready for delivery, alongside a longer-term pipeline potentially worth a further £10bn.

However, only £445m has been committed so far in the current UK Spending Review period, raising questions about how the wider programme will be funded.

A newly established Wales Rail Board will review project costs and priorities, while also making the case for additional funding in future government spending rounds.

Early projects and upgrades

Short-term improvements include enhancements at Cardiff Central and the removal of level crossings on the North Wales Main Line to support increased service frequency.

Funding has also been allocated for six new stations on the South Wales Main Line, including the five recommended by the Burns Commission and Cardiff Parkway. Work on these is expected to begin this year, with construction of two stations targeted by 2029.

A new station at Deeside Industrial Park is also planned, with ambitions for completion as early as 2027 using modular construction techniques.

Other confirmed schemes include:

• Cardiff West Junction upgrades, enabling four trains per hour on the City Line by 2028

• £59.8m improvements at Cardiff Central, supported by additional regional and Welsh government funding

• Line speed increases on the South Wales Relief Lines, aiming to raise speeds from 40–60mph to around 95mph

Longer-term ambitions include a Swansea and West Wales Metro and further capacity enhancements on the North Wales Main Line, as well as potential electrification in phases from Chester to Holyhead.

Political criticism over delivery certainty

Despite broad support for improving rail infrastructure, opposition parties have questioned the level of firm commitment behind the plans.

Plaid Cymru’s Delyth Jewell described the announcement as “smoke and mirrors”, arguing that many proposals lack guaranteed funding.

Similarly, Liberal Democrat MP David Chadwick said that beyond schemes already funded, the remaining projects amount to a “long-term wish list” without clear delivery timelines.

Next steps

With early schemes progressing and governance structures now in place, the focus will shift to securing further funding and refining priorities.

While uncertainties remain, backers of the vision argue it represents a significant step towards delivering a modern, integrated rail network capable of supporting economic growth and improving connectivity across Wales for decades to come.