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RESOLVED: That the report be noted.
RESOLVED: • That the Welsh Government Implementation Guidance for the Regional Transport Fund, including the risks facing the region if it is unable to quickly make decisions through the existing process (key risks include approval for in-year virement, additional funding from Welsh Government and future year programme submissions) be noted. • That the following formal of delegation be endorsed to the South West Wales Corporate Joint Committee: - Delegated authority to the Regional Transport Sub Committee to oversee the management of the Regional Transport Delivery Plan (RTDP) - Delegated authority to the Chief Operating Officer of the South West Wales Corporate Joint Committee, Chair of the South West Wales Corporate Joint Committee and Chair of the Regional Transport Sub Committee to amend the RTDP programme to reallocate funding where necessary • That it be noted that a quarterly report would be brought back to the South West Wales Corporate Joint Committee for information purposes noting the determinations made.
The Chairperson welcomed everyone to the meeting.
There were no Declarations of Interest received.
The minutes of the meeting held on 14 January 2026 were approved as a true and accurate record.
Members received a presentation from Transport for Wales (TfW), covering updates on various matters including rail services, bus franchising and other transport initiatives. Reference was made to recent rail service changes, including that services on the Heart of Wales line were increased to five trains per day in December 2025 and an additional one train per hour had been introduced on both the North Wales main line and the Chester to Wrexham route. The presentation outlined several proposed service changes under development that would affect the South West Wales region, which included the following: • TfW had submitted an application to the Office of Rail and Road (ORR) to extend an existing West Wales to Cardiff service through to Bristol Temple Meads. Subject to ORR approval, the aspiration was for the service to commence in December 2026. • Lumo had secured track access rights to operate five services per day between Carmarthen and London. The proposed service would call at Llanelli and Gowerton but not Swansea, Neath or Port Talbot Parkway stations. The service was currently proposed to commence in December 2027. • Great Western Railway (GWR) had developed proposals for services between London and Milford Haven; however, these proposals were currently unfunded. • Project Osprey would introduce modern Class 197 trains to replace older Class 158 rolling stock during the 2026/27 financial year. • New trains would be introduced on the core valley lines network, enabling existing Class 197 trains to be redeployed elsewhere across the network. It was noted that rail infrastructure funding in Wales remained reserved to the UK Government. Members were informed that as part of the 2025 spending review, the UK Government had committed £445 million towards rail investment in Wales; of this, £302 million had been allocated to begin delivering rail enhancement priorities, while £48 million had been allocated to improvements on the core valley lines. It was mentioned that a further £95 million had been committed through the 10-Year Infrastructure Strategy to progress improvements in North and South East Wales, as recommended by the Burns Commission. It was stated that, despite being submitted for consideration, proposals for St Clears railway station and the Swansea Bay Metro had not secured funding through the 2025 Spending Review; the next UK Government Spending Review was expected in 2027. TfW explained that the Wales Rail Board would assess future rail proposals against a set of objectives currently being developed before submitting recommendations to the Department for Transport and the UK Government for consideration in the next spending review. The Committee was informed that TfW had launched its ‘Today, Tomorrow, Together’ rail vision document in February 2026; the document outlined up to £14 billion of potential rail investment across Wales and, while it did not attract additional funding, it had been endorsed by both the Welsh and UK Governments as a strategic framework for future investment proposals. TfW outlined the following projects that were relevant to South West Wales: • Swansea Bay Metro proposals, providing new services and stations across Swansea, Neath Port Talbot and Carmarthenshire. • West Wales service frequency enhancements. • The proposed St Clears railway station, for which feasibility and option selection work had been completed and was ready to progress to detailed design once funding became available. • Electrification of the Cardiff to Swansea line and associated Swansea Bay Metro routes. • South Wales Main Line capacity and resilience improvements, some of which had already been delivered at Seven Tunnel Junction. • Longer-term proposals including the Swansea to Neath to Tonna tram scheme and improved north to south connectivity in West Wales. Feasibility work had been completed on the tram proposal, with a long list of route alignments developed. Further detail was provided on the Swansea Bay Metro proposal. It was highlighted that Phase A would provide two additional trains per hour between Swansea and Pembrey and Burry Port, a new Platform 0 at Swansea Station, a new station at Cockett and a turn-back facility at Pembrey and Burry Port. Members were advised that the outline business case had recently been completed and was expected to be presented to the Welsh Government review group in August 2026; additional constructability and drivability assessments were planned, including consideration of signalling arrangements at the proposed Cockett Station. Further to the above, it was stated that Phase B would provide two additional trains per hour between Swansea and Ammanford and potential new stations at Landore, Winchwen, Llandarcy, Morriston, Felindre, Ponlliw and potentially Ammanford; work on the case for change and outline business case was scheduled for the current financial year. It was also noted that work was underway to assess the feasibility of extending Phase B to Ammanford, rather than terminating services at Pontarddulais as previously proposed; timetable modelling had been commissioned to assess interactions with South Wales Main Line and Heart of Wales Line services. TfW mentioned that consideration was also being given to whether services should use the existing Heart of Wales station at Ammanford or a new station on the branch line to Gwaun Cae Gurwen. It was added that further consultancy support would be commissioned once the timetable work had been completed. Members were informed that a case for change and business case were being developed to improve bus and rail integration at Carmarthen Railway Station, including opportunities arising from potential redevelopment of adjacent land. In response to a question regarding the criteria and process that would be used by the Wales Rail Board to assess future investment proposals, TfW Officers advised that the criteria was currently being developed; it was intended that these would be presented to the South West Wales Corporate Joint Committee (SWWCJC) to provide Members with an opportunity to contribute before they were finalised. Following a question concerning the rolling stock used on the Heart of Wales Line and reports of service cancellations, TfW Officers advised that they were unable to confirm the details during the meeting but would obtain the information and provide a response subsequently. The Committee received an update on the bus franchising programme from the TfW Bus Programme Director. It was reported that South West Wales remained the most advanced region in Wales in terms of franchise development and would be the first implementation zone, although discussions with Welsh Government were continuing regarding final programme dates. TfW highlighted the importance of continued collaboration with Local Authorities in developing the regional transport blueprint; work was ongoing with Local Authorities and the Welsh Local Government Association (WLGA) to establish a Memorandum of Understanding setting out roles, responsibilities, information-sharing arrangements and joint working processes, particularly in relation to highways and bus priority measures. Members were advised that the Base Network had been endorsed and provided the foundation for franchising plans; although it largely reflected existing service provision and funding levels, it represented an important milestone in programme development. Reference was made to the public engagement exercise undertaken in South West Wales during the previous year, with similar engagement activities currently taking place in North Wales. It was also highlighted that in May, TfW held a workshop with regional officers to consider potential franchise risks and mitigation measures. Members sought clarification regarding programme timescales and the risk of existing routes being affected during the transition period. Officers acknowledged these concerns and advised that programme timescales remained dependent upon the passage of Welsh Government secondary legislation, currently anticipated by the end of the calendar year. Following legislative approval, it was noted that a statutory employee protection process would take approximately three months, followed by a procurement period of around five months; the largest franchise areas would then require approximately nine months to transition. It was stated that based on current assumptions, procurement activity was expected to commence around March of the following year, with franchised services anticipated to begin operation during April or May 2028. TfW Officers further advised that existing contract arrangements were being reviewed and monitored closely; at present, the assessed risk to current service provision remained low, although the position would continue to be kept under review throughout the transition period. The following key developments regarding bus franchising were noted: • Completion and endorsement of the Base Network for South West Wales. • Acquisition of three bus depots in South West Wales. • Continued focus on ensuring franchise opportunities remained accessible to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). • Publication of the Welsh Bus Network Plan. • Development of 25 proposed franchise packages, 21 of which required fewer than 10 Peak Vehicle Requirement (PVR) vehicles and were specifically designed to support SME participation. TfW highlighted ongoing engagement with operators and Local Authority Officers to ensure the franchise model remained accessible and sustainable. Members received information on a data-led analysis of bus operations; TfW had mapped bus movement data against Ordnance Survey traffic and speed data to identify locations where buses experienced delays due to congestion or other factors. It was stated that the data was being reviewed jointly with Local Authorities to identify opportunities for operational improvements; any journey time savings achieved could potentially be reinvested in improved service coverage and timetable enhancements. It was explained that the Bus Services (Wales) Bill transferred responsibility for displaying timetable information at bus stops from local authorities to Transport for Wales. TfW proposed to launch a digital passenger application alongside franchising, enabling passengers to plan journeys, purchase tickets and access information regarding bus stop facilities and accessibility. To support these developments, it was confirmed that comprehensive bus stop surveys were being undertaken across Wales; surveys had been completed in Neath Port Talbot and Swansea, had commenced in Carmarthenshire and would subsequently be undertaken in Pembrokeshire. It was added that survey findings would be shared with local authorities through a GIS platform. In addition to the above, TfW was also developing bus stop standards in partnership with Local Authorities and acknowledged the significant funding pressures associated with bus stop infrastructure and maintenance. The Committee was advised that a new North Wales to South West Wales coach service was planned to commence in October 2026; the service would operate between Carmarthen Railway Station and Bangor, with a journey time of approximately five hours, making it more competitive than existing public transport options. In response to a question regarding responsibility for bus shelters, it was confirmed that while TfW would assume responsibility for timetable information, ownership, provision and maintenance of bus shelters and bus stop infrastructure would remain with the relevant Local Authority and Community Council. Members were informed that the Public Transport Summit 2027 would be held at Swansea Arena on 16 and 17 June 2027; the event would bring together transport leaders, policymakers, industry experts and stakeholders to discuss future developments in integrated transport across Wales. It was noted that TfW would provide further detail to Members when available. An updated was provided on the development of the T Network Advisory Panel (TNAP), which would provide a multi-modal forum involving Transport for Wales and the four Corporate Joint Committees. It was stated that a draft Terms of Reference had been circulated for comment and further discussions were planned with the SWWCJC’s Chief Operating Officer; the panel would support monitoring of transport performance and integration, particularly in light of bus franchising and the wider integrated transport agenda. Members were reminded of previous discussions regarding a dashboard approach to performance monitoring, covering performance, access and connectivity. The presentation detailed provided performance data for South West Wales. It was highlighted that rail punctuality was currently measured through the ‘On Time to Three’ metric, recording services arriving within three minutes of their scheduled arrival time. For South West Wales, it detailed that performance had varied over the previous year between approximately 55% and 80%, with an average of around 70%, below the TfW target of 81%; the lowest performance levels coincided with planned engineering works and rail replacement bus services. Following on from the above, it was noted that cancellation rates varied between 1.7% and 7% during the year, with the latest moving annual average standing at approximately 3.8%, remaining within the TfW target of fewer than 5% cancellations. Members were advised that bus performance data for TrawsCymru services would be presented at future meetings, with broader bus performance reporting becoming available as franchising progressed. Data showed that over 70% of residents in Swansea and Neath Port Talbot lived within 400 metres of a bus stop or station served at least hourly; coverage was significantly lower in the more rural authorities of Pembrokeshire and Carmarthenshire, where the figure was just over 25%. However, it was noted that these figures did not include demand-responsive flexi bus services operating in rural areas. It was stated that connectivity mapping demonstrated that urban areas generally benefitted from better access to employment, education and healthcare opportunities via public transport and active travel than rural communities; future analysis would consider links between connectivity, population density and deprivation indicators. To conclude the presentation ,Members were informed that Transport for Wales had published preliminary findings from the Wales National Transport Survey, representing the first national travel survey undertaken in Wales since 2012. It was confirmed that the published results were based on responses from more than 3,000 residents aged 16 and over and covered the period March to August 2025. TfW advised that the survey data was available on their website and offered to arrange a future presentation for Members providing a more detailed analysis of travel patterns across the region.
Y penderfyniad fel y'i cofnodwyd
RESOLVED: That the report be noted.
Members received a report providing an update on the Regional Transport Fund and assurance that progress was being made in delivering the Year 1 programme of works for 2026/27. It was reported that an allocation of £24.3 million had been awarded to the region and that Officers were actively progressing the delivery of approved schemes; although the programme was still at an early stage in the financial year, progress had already been made on projects across all four local authority areas, as well as on regional schemes. The circulated report highlighted a number of example schemes currently being delivered and noted that work was also underway to develop proposals for future years' funding programmes. It was confirmed that consideration was being given to future funding requirements and the longer-term development of the programme. Members were advised that, whilst the £24.3 million allocation did not represent transformational levels of investment, it nonetheless provided an important opportunity to deliver a range of improvements both within individual local authority areas and across the region. Reference was made to the reporting requirements and timescales set by Welsh Government; these included quarterly monitoring and performance reporting arrangements, through which progress would be reported back to Welsh Government throughout the year. Officers referred to a table within the circulated report setting out the allocation of funding across the region for the current financial year. Members were reminded that, as previously discussed during programme development, funding would not necessarily be distributed in equal proportions across the four local authority areas; however, the allocation was considered fair and reflected the objective of delivering benefits across the region as a whole. The Committee was advised that consideration would be given to improving future reporting arrangements to assist Members in monitoring progress and providing oversight through the quarterly reporting process. RESOLVED: That the report be noted.
Y penderfyniad fel y'i cofnodwyd
RESOLVED: • That the Welsh Government Implementation Guidance for the Regional Transport Fund, including the risks facing the region if it is unable to quickly make decisions through the existing process (key risks include approval for in-year virement, additional funding from Welsh Government and future year programme submissions) be noted. • That the following formal of delegation be endorsed to the South West Wales Corporate Joint Committee: - Delegated authority to the Regional Transport Sub Committee to oversee the management of the Regional Transport Delivery Plan (RTDP) - Delegated authority to the Chief Operating Officer of the South West Wales Corporate Joint Committee, Chair of the South West Wales Corporate Joint Committee and Chair of the Regional Transport Sub Committee to amend the RTDP programme to reallocate funding where necessary • That it be noted that a quarterly report would be brought back to the South West Wales Corporate Joint Committee for information purposes noting the determinations made.
Members received a report seeking endorsement of a proposed delegation framework to support the effective and timely delivery of the Regional Transport Delivery Plan. It was reported that the Delivery Plan comprised a complex programme of work encompassing a number of individual projects and funding streams; as with any programme of this scale, variations and amendments were expected to arise during delivery. Members were advised that, within the constraints of Welsh Government funding arrangements, a degree of flexibility was required to respond to changes as schemes progressed and circumstances evolved. Reference was made to the implementation guidance, established by Welsh Government, which set out the rationale for establishing appropriate delegated powers to support programme management. It was noted that without the ability to make necessary adjustments to funding allocations and programme delivery, there was a risk that funding could be lost or returned, potentially reducing the number of schemes that could be delivered across the region. The circulated report therefore sought endorsement of a level of delegated authority from the South West Wales Corporate Joint Committee (SWWCJC) to the Regional Transport Sub-Committee to oversee the ongoing delivery and development of the Regional Transport Delivery Plan. It was proposed that the exercise of such delegated powers would be agreed jointly by the Chief Operating Officer of the SWWCJC, the Chair of the SWWCJC and the Chair of the Regional Transport Sub-Committee. It was also noted that, notwithstanding the proposed delegation arrangements, regular oversight and accountability would be maintained through quarterly reporting arrangements; progress against the programme would continue to be monitored by the Regional Transport Directors Group and regional Officers, with recommendations for any necessary amendments being brought forward through the agreed governance process. Officers explained that the proposed arrangements would provide the flexibility required to maximise delivery of the approved programme, whilst remaining consistent with the principles and priorities established through the Regional Transport Plan and Regional Transport Delivery Plan. Members noted the importance of ensuring that decision-making processes remained sufficiently agile to respond to Welsh Government funding timescales and opportunities; the proposed delegation arrangements would assist the region in responding promptly to funding requirements and help maximise opportunities to secure funding for both the individual local authorities and the region as a whole. RESOLVED: • That the Welsh Government Implementation Guidance for the Regional Transport Fund, including the risks facing the region if it is unable to quickly make decisions through the existing process (key risks include approval for in-year virement, additional funding from Welsh Government and future year programme submissions) be noted. • That the following formal of delegation be endorsed to the South West Wales Corporate Joint Committee: - Delegated authority to the Regional Transport Sub Committee to oversee the management of the Regional Transport Delivery Plan (RTDP) - Delegated authority to the Chief Operating Officer of the South West Wales Corporate Joint Committee, Chair of the South West Wales Corporate Joint Committee and Chair of the Regional Transport Sub Committee to amend the RTDP programme to reallocate funding where necessary • That it be noted that a quarterly report would be brought back to the South West Wales Corporate Joint Committee for information purposes noting the determinations made.
The Forward Work Programme was noted.
There were no urgent items.
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