The Welsh Affairs Committee is calling for a new Wales Rail Board to be in place by Autumn that can consider improvements and upgrades to Wales’ ageing rail network.

According to the Committee, Wales’ rail infrastructure is a Victorian system system trying to support a 21st century level of service, with passengers experiencing slow services and inadequate stations.

To enhance rail infrastructure in Wales, the Committee said urgent upgrades backed up by sufficient investment is desperately needed. 

A new Wales Rail Board, including the UK and Welsh governments, Network Rail, the rail operators providing services in Wales, and Transport for Wales, has been recommended to identify improvements and the investment required.

Additional recommendations include bringing forward new proposals for greater connectivity between Swansea-Cardiff-Bristol, which would include completing electrification on the mainline between Cardiff and Swansea and a Swansea Bay Metro.

Chair of the Welsh Affairs Committee, Rt Hon Stephen Crabb MP, said: “There is a compelling case for greater investment in rail infrastructure in Wales to improve journey times for passengers, strengthen connectivity with the rest of the United Kingdom and reduce carbon emissions.

“Reaching our net zero targets will require a significant investment in rail electrification. 

“We believe that this should result in a reconsideration of the short-sighted decision to cancel the electrification of the Great Western mainline from Cardiff to Swansea.”