This service will create passenger choice where there is currently none, increase service frequency and open up new journey opportunities, providing faster and improved connectivity for southwest Wales. Discussions are currently on-going with rolling stock suppliers to establish likely delivery dates so a start date for the service can be agreed.
Services are currently planned to be operated by new build bi-mode trains operating between Carmarthen and London, calling at Llanelli then Gowerton, Cardiff Central, Newport, Severn Tunnel Junction then Bristol Parkway before operating non-stop onwards to London The use of Gowerton and then Parc Felindre as a parkway station for Swansea will reduce journey times between these parts of southwest Wales and Cardiff and London by around 20 minutes.
The planned new station at Parc Felindre will be close to Junction 46 of the M4 motorway providing an attractive park and ride facility for around 500 vehicles.
The Route
The service will also stop at Cardiff Parkway when it opens, and some initial investment in Severn Tunnel Junction station is planned to provide improved passenger facilities and to allow direct access from the adjacent M4 motorway. The station has recently seen a significant expansion in car park provision.
Working Local
We have been in regular discussions with the Welsh Government and many other stakeholders which helped in making this a reality. Focusing on increasing the current number of trains between Carmarthen and London and planning a new station north of Swansea will reduce journey time to/from southwest Wales as well as increasing frequency. This new service will also bring significant full-time employment to the area.
All Aboard for a Relaxing Experience
We will provide the very best on-board experience – where we value every single customer, provide free wi-fi for everyone and a good choice of catering and refreshments regardless of your ticket price.
Our comfortable trains will be configured to our specification to provide much better seats, and more space and leg-room for passengers compared to other train providers, with good space for luggage.
All our journeys will have a full complement of safety-trained staff onboard, so passengers can be confident their service is as safe as possible.
Passengers also rightly expect to receive a seat – and a seat will be part of the ticket price for all journeys over 30 minutes. If we cannot provide a seat on a particular journey, we will refund a standing passenger 50% of their ticket price for that journey, or if they buy a ticket onboard, discount their ticket at the time of purchase.
Our Trains
A Fair Price
We believe train travel should be affordable and accessible for everyone. We will aim to provide the best possible value for money on ticketing, attracting passengers who currently cannot afford rail travel.
As well as selling advance tickets in what will become a more competitive environment, passengers will also be able to buy tickets on the train, with our prices significantly below the inter-available fare. Passengers will also be able to use railcards for on-train ticket purchase.