Llanelli representatives Lee Waters MS and Nia Griffith MP have expressed their frustration as plans for extra trains between South Wales and London were rejected by an industry regulator.
Grand Union Trains wanted to run seven daily return services between Cardiff Central and Paddington from December, hoping to extend the service to Llanelli and Carmarthen.
However, the Office of Rail and Road (OBR) rejected the application because of risks that it could have cost millions to the UK Department for Transport (DfT).
Grand Union Trains vowed to fight the decision, which they believe was poorly forecasted, and could jeopardise 135 new jobs.
As the Deputy Transport Minister in the Welsh Government, Lee Waters said: “This is a real scandal. A plan to get a direct rail service from places like Llanelli to London has been blocked because it’s feared the DfT may get a bill if it doesn’t go to plan.”
“This same Department has underfunded Welsh railways to the tune of £5 billion by not passing our share of big investment in London and in HS2 to Wales. Whatever happened to the UK Government’s promises to level up?”
Nia Griffith MP said: “This is a real kick in the teeth. We in west Wales deserve to have as good connectivity as other parts of the country. We need more direct trains because it is the long-time gap between trains and poor connections with on-going services that really puts people off using trains now. More frequent services and more direct trains would attract more passengers.”
