AMID a major programme of local railway renewal, Paul Davies MS has praised the determination of the South Pembrokeshire Rail Action Group (SPRAG) and called for a clear delivery plan for proposed hourly train services .

SPRAG has long pressed for an hourly service on the Pembroke Dock line, better connections out of West Wales, alongside shorter journey times and affordable fares. Its campaigning has also been credited with helping secure additional weekday services to Tenby in the summer 2025 timetable.

Transport for Wales’ Today, Tomorrow, Together rail vision, launched in February 2026, includes proposals for hourly services to both Pembroke Dock and Milford Haven, with associated level-crossing improvements. However, the vision does not provide a start date for either service.

Following a meeting in Pembroke on Friday, November 6, Mr Davies said:

“The inclusion of hourly services to Pembroke Dock and Milford Haven in Transport for Wales’ rail vision is welcome… the next step must be to explain how those proposals will be funded and when passengers can expect to benefit.

“It was a pleasure to meet SPRAG and hear directly from people who care so deeply about the future of our railway. Their commitment deserves recognition, and their proposals deserve serious attention.

“SPRAG deserves enormous credit for keeping better rail services firmly on the agenda. Its members bring knowledge, passion and persistence to this campaign, giving local passengers a strong voice and continuing to press decision-makers for improvements.

“They understand what better rail connections would mean for South Pembrokeshire: more opportunities to get to work and college, easier journeys for residents, and better access to the towns and businesses that depend on our visitor economy.”

Lately, SPRAG has been rejoicing in some rare good news concerning investment in the Pembroke Dock branch.

“Admittedly, the good news comes with a rather substantial catch: we have to do without our trains while the work takes place,” their newsletter added, referring to the eight-day closure of the Pembroke Dock branch between November 6 and 14 and further work at Whitland on November 1 and 15.

“But beneath the disruption is something worth welcoming.

“Around 1,800 metres of track are being renewed, points and crossings at Tenby are being replaced, and the railway at Llanion is receiving new continuously welded rail.” (Fewer joints can mean a smoother journey, less wear and reduced maintenance).

But the society goes on to ask: “What happens when the railway reopens?”

Will the renewed infrastructure bring measurable improvements in reliability, support better journey times and provide the foundations for more frequent services to Pembroke Dock?

“People need reliable trains, useful connections and a timetable that makes rail a practical choice. An hourly service could make a real difference to communities along the Pembroke Dock line,” added Mr Davies, adding “South Pembrokeshire must be central to plans for better rail services in West Wales.”

Recognising that a railway cannot improve without a sound and dependable foundation, SPRAG welcomes Network Rail’s investment and thanks the engineers and maintenance teams undertaking the work.