Plaid Cymru Senedd Member for Dwyfor Meirionnydd Mabon ap Gwynfor and MP Liz Saville Roberts have welcomed news that Transport for Wales (TfW) will retain winter evening services on the Cambrian Coast Line, following a hard-fought, community-driven campaign to safeguard the vital service which was at risk of being axed.
Mr ap Gwynfor has been working with local campaigners to fight to keep winter services running on the line, which is a lifeline to communities along the Cambrian Coast. The campaign gained significant momentum over the summer, with a public meeting in Tywyn attended by over 350 people, united in their demand that services on the line be safeguarded and improved.
It is understood that the winter service will now be extended until Easter.
However, Mr ap Gwynfor has warned that the winter evening service is now firmly in a ‘use it or lose it’ phase. If this vital lifeline is to be safeguarded, then it’s essential that people choose the train whenever possible.
Commenting on the news, Mabon ap Gwynfor MS said:
This is a victory for our communities. The Cambrian Coast Line is absolutely essential for the people who live along this stretch of Wales. It connects communities, supports local businesses, and provides access to vital services, especially during the winter months. I have raised the issue of cuts to the Cambrian Coast Line many times in the Senedd, highlighting the serious impact these changes have had on our communities - from Pwllheli to Machynlleth. The strength of feeling has been clear: this line is a vital community and economic link, and it must not be the subject of any further cuts. I’ve been proud to work alongside dedicated campaigners to make the case for retaining these services, and I want to pay particular tribute to Barbara Fuller, Kate Day, and Bill Redfern for their tireless efforts. The decision to retain the winter evening services is a welcome step - but it must now be matched by strong community support. We are now firmly in a ‘use it or lose it’ phase. If we want to keep this vital lifeline running and make the case for further improvements, it’s essential that people choose the train whenever possible. Every journey taken help demonstrate the value of the service and strengthens the argument for long-term investment. The future of the Cambrian Coast Line is in our hands - let’s use it to keep it.
Liz Saville Roberts MP added:
The Cambrian Coast Line is far more than a scenic route - it is a lifeline for our communities. I’ve spoken directly with people in places like Barmouth, Tywyn and Pwllheli, and the message is clear - these services are essential for accessing work, education, healthcare and social opportunities. The proposed removal of the winter service would have disproportionately affected those without access to a car, especially elderly people and young people. The retention of the winter evening services is a testament to the power of community action. If we want to keep and improve these services, we must show Transport for Wales that the line is valued and used.