The South Pembrokeshire Rail Action Group (SPRAG) has been lobbying political parties for their commitment to improving public transport ahead of the Senedd elections, seeking their views for train travel moving forward for the locality...

SPRAG previously reported on the launch of ‘Today, Tomorrow, Together’, published by Transport for Wales - which set out a blueprint for the future of rail in Wales.

Listed under ‘Schemes with Established Development Work’ is Pembroke Dock Frequency Enhancement, with plans for an hourly service.

The funding for the 43 schemes is costed at £14bn; agreed and ‘promised’ by the UK and Welsh Governments.

However, a major concern relates to securing the money for the long-term projects, which are subject to future spending reviews.

In a recent issue of RAIL magazine, it states “that people from across the political spectrum have signed up to the vision, which has a pipeline of projects stretching into at least the 2040s.”

Also quoted in RAIL is a statement to from the UK Government Welsh Secretary, Jo Stevens: “This is two Labour governments delivering for the people of Wales, for businesses in Wales. It’s nothing to do with whoever’s going to run Welsh Government after May. We are committing to delivering this plan.”

With the forthcoming Welsh Senedd elections on May 7, SPRAG wrote to the six party leaders asking:

• Whether their party supports the blueprint in ‘Today, Tomorrow, Together‘.

• What their commitment is to improve public transport in West Wales.

• Would they consider a one-hourly minimum frequency for train services.

• Provide details of any innovative ideas on public transport.

Included with the letter was SPRAG’s ‘Vision for Pembrokeshire Travel 2030’ document [prepared together with Pembrokeshire Rail Travellers Association]; seen as a partner to TfW’s blueprint.

A spokesperson for SPRAG said: “Whilst the UK Government has stated that it is committed to delivering TfW’s blueprint for rail regardless of who is running the Welsh Government, each party will be placing different emphases on different areas of governance – with some clearly more focused on improving public transport.

“Obviously, votes are cast on a number of issues – but the most important thing is to consider which party best represents your values and aspirations for national government.”

You can find out more about the six main parties’ manifestos on public transport by contacting SPRAG at: https://sprag.wales

The ‘Vision 30’ document will primarily be used to support collaborative activities between local partners and community representatives engaged in public transport issues and to present to transport decision-makers.

In campaigning for improvements and modernisation of rail services in order to connect South Pembrokeshire to the rest of the country, SPRAG has set out its aims in this document.

The spokesperson added: “Train services in South Pembrokeshire have been severely degraded in recent years. Public transport improvements are crucial for accessing employment opportunities, health facilities and social activities; boosting the local economy; supporting social mobility and mental wellbeing; and playing a positive part in the global climate emergency.

“The more support we have, the greater our lobbying power.”