Preseli Pembrokeshire AM Paul Davies says Fishguard is lagging behind other seaside towns because it has such a poor train service.
In a debate at the Senedd Mr Davies pointed out that Pwllheli, a coastal town the same size as Fishguard, has six trains a day.
But the Pembrokeshire town – despite also being a major ferry port – only has two trains, one of which leaves in the middle of the night.
“Fishguard is a special case because it is the only port on the entire west coast of Wales that is serviced by only one train during the day,” pointed out Mr Davies.
He was expressing his disappointment that the Welsh Assembly Government has rejected a recommendation by the Assembly’s Enterprise and Learning Committee to add another five trains a day to Fishguard.
“The five extra trains would radically improve the mobility of those who have no car to access work and leisure, and of families who have no car to use while the wage-earner in the household uses it for work,” said Mr Davies.
“They would also be hugely beneficial to the elderly and the vulnerable, who might feel that driving along increasingly congested rural roads is becoming more and more difficult.”
The committee’s recommendation backs up earlier calls for more trains made by the independent Jacobs report and transport forum SWWITCH.
“Funding for enhanced rail services would enable the railway to play a full role in the economic and social regeneration of the Fishguard and north Pembrokeshire area,” added Mr Davies.
“I fully accept that budgets are going to be tight, but improving these services can be done without redoubling the line to the west of Swansea.
“These improvements can be made at a modest cost, and that would be a quick win that would bring the area up to the standard enjoyed by all the other coastal destinations.”
