Councillors in Gwynedd have raised concerns over “unacceptable” planned cuts to an “immensely important” Welsh railway line. They say the Cambrian Coast line provides an important service for locals accessing shops, jobs, and services, and is a popular route for tourists.
In April, Transport for Wales announced a “future timetable review”, stating it would be removing four services between Machynlleth and Pwllheli (two in each direction). Two further services would be re-timed and run between March and December 2024. A mooted hourly service would only run between Aberystwyth and Shrewsbury from May to September, beginning in May 2026.
The curve of Cardigan Bay
During a meeting of Cyngor Gwynedd in Caernarfon on Thursday 9 May, Llanbedr and Harlech Councillor Gwynfor Owen raised a ‘notice of motion’ about the proposal. The train line follows the curve of Cardigan Bay, serving numerous small, rural Welsh towns and villages. Spanning 120 miles of unspoilt natural beauty, the line is considered one of the most scenic in Britain, with stunning coastal and mountain views. The Cambrian Line from Shrewsbury also connects the coast line with England’s Midlands and the rest of the UK.
Councillor Owen said the railway is of “immense importance” to the county, with thousands of visitors and local people using it on a daily basis to go to school, work, and shopping, or for leisure purposes. “Transport for Wales has recently stated that it wants to cut the number of trains running along the line. The way to improve train use is by increasing the number of trains … not cutting them.”
“This council makes it clear to Transport for Wales and to the Welsh Government, which is the owner of Transport for Wales, that any cut in the number of trains on the Cambrian Coast railway is not acceptable. Instead they should look at how to increase the number of trains throughout the year.”
Owen told the meeting that the message to “stop using cars and use public transport” is “impossible” for his constituents on the rural west coast, where there are already fewer bus services. Local people are under a “curfew” due to timetable cuts and young people are being “denied a social life”. “[Welsh Government transport minister] Ken Skates has already approved these cuts,” he said, adding that he will be meeting with Skates over the Llanbedr bypass issue. “I intend to also raise this matter then,” he added.
Cambrian Coast closures
A formal question was also tabled by Councillor Eryl Jones-Williams. He asked if Cyngor Gwynedd would make “strong representations” to get Transport for Wales to change its mind.
He said: “This will have a serious effect on locals travelling to and from work locally, and on long-distance rail travel for locals and visitors. Did the decision-makers take into account that the Cambrian Coast Railway line had been closed for three months in the past three years, for work to be undertaken on Barmouth Viaduct, with no trains running and the replacement bus service being unreliable?”
Jones-Williams also noted that the matter has been raised with Skates. He requested that the council ask the Welsh Government to give the matter more time for consideration.
The council’s cabinet member for the environment, Councillor Dafydd Meurig, said the leader of the council received correspondence from James Price – chief executive of Transport for Wales – on 10 April regarding timetable changes. This had been shared with the councillors whose constituents are most affected, he said. He responded on 24 April asking for confirmation, but said no response had been received.
A step in the wrong direction
Councillor Jones-Williams said: “I referred specifically to the impacts of the changes on local communities and the public in general, influencing factors relating to service levels over recent years and the impact on passenger numbers. Such a negative change is in complete divergence from the strategic aims, aspirations, and objectives set out at a local, regional, and national level.”
“We are looking to promote, facilitate, and achieve a modal shift to mitigate the impacts of climate change, improving access in general, and the quality of life and health of our residents. However, reducing the availability and attractiveness of what are already limited opportunities to travel by public transport in the areas served by this railway is a significant step in the wrong direction. I have made this point quite clearly to Transport for Wales.”
Dolbenmaen Councillor Stephen Churchman said: “When you consider the Welsh Government wants us out of our private motor cars and onto public transport – a laudable dream – but how do we do it when our public transport network isn’t fit for purpose? It has already mucked up our bus services.”
“Residents are prisoners in their own homes, not expected to have social lives. The services are not fit to get people to and from work – it’s no good for employment, it denies people the chance to earn a living.”
Aberdyfi councillor Dewi Owen was pleased the matter had been raised, noting that there was a major rise in tourism during the summer months. He said: “This will be a huge hit if this goes on, we must fight to keep these trains going.”
A vote to accept the motion to oppose cuts to Cambrian Coast train services was passed unanimously with 63 votes.
