Rail industry welcomes commitment to the Welsh railway

18 February 2026

Commenting on today's announcement, RIA Wales & Western Chair Philip Harrison said: "We are pleased the UK government is committing to improving Welsh rail infrastructure, following the announcement of £445m funding for rail projects in Wales at the Spending Review last June. We also welcome the UK Government's endorsement today of Transport for Wales's plans for the Welsh rail network in the coming years, and know that this will be welcome news to the Welsh supply chain.

"The development of the schemes laid out today, including seven new stations, will support 12,000 jobs across Wales, drive economic growth, and deliver greater benefits throughout the country. Prime Minister Keir Starmer himself said "transport absolutely drives economic growth", and recognised the importance of certainty for the supply chain, which this commitment will provide.

"As demonstrated with RIA's Station Investment Zones model, investment in stations can act as a catalyst for place-based regeneration of local communities, by supporting new housing, commercial development, and improved transport.

"We and our members look forward to seeing this progress and working with the UK and Welsh Governments, and Transport for Wales, to deliver these major improvements."

Notes to Editors

Further information about the announcement can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/prime-minister-announces-seven-new-stations-and-major-rail-funding-commitment
Read more about RIA's Station Investment Zones model here: https://www.riagb.org.uk/RIA/RIA/Newsroom/Publications%20Folder/Station-Investment-Zones.aspx
Image source: Ceri Breeze / Shutterstock.com
About the Railway Industry Association: The Railway Industry Association (RIA) champions a dynamic UK rail supply sector. We help to grow a sustainable, and high-performing railway as well as promoting UK rail expertise and products to international markets. Rail is a foundation sector for the UK’s economy which supports sustainable investment and jobs in communities across the UK. For every £1 in the rail transport system, over £2.50 of value is generated in the wider economy. The whole rail industry contributes £41 billion in economic value and £14 billion in tax revenue each year, as well as supporting over 640,000 jobs throughout the UK. For every job in rail transport sector, a further four jobs elsewhere in the UK economy are supported. And every job in the rail supply chain is 29% more productive than the UK average, reflecting many highly-skilled jobs in the sector. RIA has over 450 members and is active across the whole of railway supply, covering a diverse range of products and services and including both multi-national companies and SMEs (60% by number). www.riagb.org.uk