Deputy First Minister Ieuan Wyn Jones has announced up to £1.4m funding annually to provide extra train services to Fishguard.
Speaking at Carmarthen Train Station the Minister for Transport confirmed that five additional trains will run between Fishguard and Carmarthen, commencing in September 2011.
Said Mr Jones,
“I am pleased to be able to deliver these rail improvements for the people of South West Wales.
“These additional services will play a vital role in improving links to the region that will in turn provide a boost to the area both in terms of tourism and the economy.
“We will now work closely with Arriva Trains Wales to develop a timetable that meets the needs of the local community.”
A community consultation on the timetable will begin in April and will look at how the additional services will connect for travel further east of Carmarthen to the rest of the rail network.
Commenting on the additional service Mike Bagshaw, Commercial Director of Arriva Trains Wales said,
“We are delighted to be working with the Welsh Assembly Government on introducing this new important rail link and will be involving local communities as we develop details of the new service.”
The extra 5 trains that will run in both directions every day between Mondays and Saturdays are in addition to the two current boat train services that connect with the midday and midnight ferries.
A review of the extra services will be carried out after the third year of the scheme to identify demand and passenger numbers, the nature of trips taken, and will at that time seek further community and user views.
