A rail user group in Mid Wales is calling on the Welsh Government to block proposed cuts on the line’s services, calling them a “terrible blow”.

The Shrewsbury Aberystwyth Rail Passengers' Association (SARPA) are calling for strong opposition to Transport for Wales proposals to reduce services along the Cambrian line between Machynlleth and Pwllheli.

These included proposals to cancel the last services of the day between mid-December 2024 and mid-March 2025, as well as well as plans to cancel the first train of the day between Barmouth and Machynlleth.

SARPA has called on Ken Skates MS, the Cabinet Secretary for Transport and North Wales, to block proposed cuts, to block the proposed cuts.

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Dr Jeff Smith, chairman of SARPA, said: “This would be a terrible blow for communities all along the line, with communities being isolated and major economic, social, linguistic and environmental consequences.

“At a time when Welsh Government is trying to persuade people to use public transport rather than cars this would be a backward step.

“Good rail links are essential for the viability of communities and economic activity. In terms of transport policy, supporting some of the poorest areas in Europe, regional development and the welfare of future generations this would be a step in the wrong direction.

“We call on Welsh Government to step in and ensure that communities are not left behind.”

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Bill Redfern, the group’s secretary, added: “For those of us who live on the coast line, the early and late trains are exceptionally important for long distance journeys, be it for work, leisure or business. The loss of these services will have significant impact. The line is also a lifeline for communities.”

Transport for Wales (TfW) announced in April that it would add an extra service year-round in a bid to alleviate congestion on a rush-hour service, after public feedback on the initial plans for an hourly railway service between Shrewsbury and Aberystwyth, from March 2026.

The rail operator also announced changes to the coastal leg of the journey past Machynlleth, however, SARPA continue to voice concerns with the proposals as they stand.

(Image: NQ)

Colin Lea, Planning and Performance Director of Transport for Wales, said: “The proposed new timetables will provide us with more resilience in the winter period and meet changed travel demands post Covid.

“Nearly every service that TfW operates requires public subsidy, and as a responsible operator it’s imperative for TfW to balance the needs for a regular, robust and reliable service with available budgets to deliver value for taxpayers and more sustainable transport.

“Savings made on some of the quieter services, particularly during the winter months, are being used to support strengthening services on the Cambrian Coast during the busy summer period where we can provide a real economic boost to the area through longer trains.”