Faster journey times on some West Wales rail services will be introduced in the new December timetable, Arriva Trains Wales announced this week.

Starting on Sunday, December 14, the new timetable will improve journey periods by 15 minutes on some train services on the Swansea - Pembroke Dock and Swansea - Milford Haven routes via Carmarthen.

Mike Bagshaw, commercial director of Arriva Trains Wales, explained the changes: "We've seen consistent growth in passenger numbers in recent years on this route, with changes to the timetable set to offer improved services departing to and from Swansea and West Wales.

"We're committed to improving services and have further improvement plans for 2009 to again improve on train times and services across the network in Wales."

Simon Pickering, Passenger Focus' manager for Wales, said: "We welcome and support Arriva Trains Wales' timetable changes. As a significant part of the transport network in West Wales, the changes will be positive for most passengers using the service."

The introduction of the faster train service to West Wales is part of a series of changes which aim to improve performance, increase seating capacity and offer more journey opportunities across key destinations on the rail network in Wales and the English border area.