EditorLabour candidate backs Metro link to Ammanford and Llanelli as debate grows over West Wales transport
Welsh Labour’s lead Senedd candidate for Sir Gaerfyrddin, Calum Higgins, says new Metro proposals linking Swansea to Ammanford, Llanelli and the wider Amman Valley could deliver long‑awaited improvements for Carmarthenshire communities.
The plans, published by Transport for Wales as part of a major long‑term investment programme, outline new stations across Swansea and upgraded rail corridors stretching west. Supporters say the project could transform travel across South West Wales, while others argue Carmarthenshire needs clearer commitments to ensure it receives its fair share.
‘A major opportunity for West Wales’
Higgins, who lives in Tycroes, said the proposals show a commitment to improving public transport beyond Swansea.
“It’s great to see Welsh Labour’s commitment to investing in public transport being extended to West Wales, including Llanelli, the Amman Valley and West Carmarthenshire,” he said.
He added that strengthening the Heart of Wales line and the Swansea–Llanelli–Carmarthen corridor should be a priority, arguing that better links to Swansea’s major employers and attractions would support the Carmarthenshire economy.
Different views on how far the Metro reaches
The latest proposals follow comments from Green Party councillor Rob James, who argued the Metro vision remains too focused on Swansea and does not go far enough for rural Carmarthenshire. He said communities west of the city needed firmer commitments and clearer timelines.
Higgins did not offer a direct response to those concerns when approached, but pointed to the benefits he believes the project could bring to the county.
Long‑running questions over transport investment
The discussion forms part of a wider debate over transport priorities in West Wales. Residents and councillors have repeatedly called for better rail and bus connections, while campaigners continue to push for progress on the long‑promised St Clears railway station.
For many communities, the issue is not the ambition of the Metro vision, but whether investment will reach far enough west — and how quickly improvements will be delivered.
‘I’ll push for delivery if elected’
Higgins said he would work to ensure Carmarthenshire sees tangible improvements if he is elected in May.
“If elected in May I’ll be pushing for this project to be delivered for the people of Carmarthenshire as soon as possible so we are even better connected and can benefit from the growth in jobs it would bring,” he said.
What happens next
Transport for Wales is expected to refine its Metro plans over the coming months, with further detail on routes, timelines and funding still to be confirmed.
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