Members of the Senedd debated a high-profile petition earlier this week, calling for the revival of a west-coast rail link between Bangor and Cardiff via Carmarthen, reconnecting North and South Wales, but concerns over a £2 billion price tag cloud the proposal.

The petition, authored by Elfed Wyn ap Elwyn, attracted nearly 13,000 signatures and in September 2023, he even walked the old rail route in ten days from Bangor to Cardiff to highlight the campaign

Carolyn Thomas MS, Chair of the Petitions Committee, highlighted the findings of a feasibility study on the Bangor–Afon Wen section. While it reports that only about one-third (roughly nine miles) would require minimal engineering work, a quarter of the 27-mile route involves complex interventions.  

Ms Thomas told the Senedd: “If we are looking to develop infrastructure… and to use a greener method of travel, reinstating and reopening this railway would be a step in the right direction … beneficial for all of the communities… along the railway, as well as for Wales as a nation.”

She also called for a similar feasibility review of the Aberystwyth–Carmarthen section, which Beeching cuts closed in the 1960s.

Janet Finch‑Saunders MS pressed the case for reopening the Bangor–Caernarfon line, first closed in the 1970s. She noted its potential to serve the 10,000 residents of Caernarfon and the 200,000 annual visitors to its UNESCO‑listed castle. She told colleagues:

“It would be a huge benefit… tourists visiting the castle… travel more easily to the town directly by train.”

However, Mrs Finch‑Saunders expressed practical reservations about reconstructing the full west-coast route, stating: “What would be really beneficial for residents in north Wales is improved road infrastructure.”

Peredur Owen Griffiths MS (Plaid Cymru) pointed out the irony of travelling through England, a situation reflective of a domestic transport system he called “neglected”. He argued that rail powers should be devolved to Wales, calling the current arrangement “unfair” and “unsustainable”.

Lee Waters MS (Labour, former transport minister) delivered a financial reality check:

“We all deeply regret the decision to get rid of these railway lines… But now it has happened, the cost of restoring them is very significant.”

“That’s £2 billion we don’t have to spend on all the other transport priorities we have in Wales.”

He also outlined a cheaper alternative, a light-rail plus express coach service estimated at £4.5 million setup and £2 million annual operational costs—that could slash journey times by 90 minutes.

Ken Skates, Cabinet Secretary for Transport and North Wales, affirmed the government’s commitment to boosting public transport. He cited:

- £1 billion investment in South Wales metro and valleys lines,

- A new £13 million “Network North Wales” scheme,

- Ordering £800 million worth of new trains, expanding fleet sizes by 80%

He acknowledged the appeal of reopening lines, but reiterated the scale of the challenge: “the resource required is enormous,” urging focus on multimodal solutions combining rail and bus integration.

Photo © Ben Brooksbank – The Pwllheli – Bangor train entering Afon Wen station. The station closed on 7/12/64, along with the line to Caernarfon.