North Wales Metro unveiled at first transport summit

A bold new vision to transform public transport in North Wales was unveiled today, with the Welsh Government launching Network North Wales—an ambitious plan to deliver a high-frequency, integrated rail and bus network across the region.

Announced by Ken Skates MS, Cabinet Secretary for Transport and North Wales, at the first-ever Welsh Public Transport Summit in Wrexham, the initiative aims to better connect communities, stimulate regional economic growth, and unlock cross-border opportunities with northwest England.

Metro-style services at the core

At the heart of the programme is the rollout of metro-style train services across three key corridors: the North Wales Main Line, the Marches Line (Chester to Wrexham), and a new, direct Wrexham–Liverpool rail link. The initiative mirrors the successful South Wales Metro model and includes:

A new direct rail service between Wrexham and Liverpool, with work commencing immediately.

Doubling of train services between Wrexham and Chester from May 2026.

An additional 50% of services added to the North Wales Main Line starting next May (earlier than the original December 2026 target), including a new Llandudno–Liverpool route and an extended Manchester Airport–Holyhead service.

By 2035, the Wrexham–Bidston route will support four trains per hour under the Wrexham–Liverpool line branding. This project is expected to drive not only transport enhancements but also broader regeneration benefits for the region.

Key investments and upgrades

The Welsh Government has committed over £13 million in initial funding, with additional investment anticipated through other UK and local funding sources. Immediate and long-term priorities include:

• A new electrification innovation fund to support the decarbonisation of rail lines and enable more frequent services and new stations.
• Installation of Pay As You Go “tap in/tap out” technology across the Wrexham–Liverpool line and between Gobowen and Rhyl.
• New bus services, including the T13 route connecting Rhyl, Ruthin, Denbigh, and Wrexham.
• A bespoke bus network to link communities with industrial estates in the Wrexham and Flintshire Investment Zone.
• Exploration of new and reopened stations to support growing employment hubs.
• Partnership with Network Rail to test a new station at Deeside Industrial Park to assess demand for permanent service.
• Accessibility upgrades at Shotton and Ruabon stations, funded through matched contributions.
• Gateway interchanges planned for Holyhead, Bangor, Caernarfon, and Wrexham, supporting multi-modal transport connectivity.
• Stations and trains on the Wrexham–Liverpool line will also receive cosmetic upgrades, including visual branding inspired by local communities and football clubs.

Strategic economic vision

Speaking at the summit, Skates described the initiative as “Metro is go,” and emphasised the economic rationale behind the vision:

“We now have the best possible partnership in place. UK and Welsh governments, local authorities, and Transport for Wales are aligned behind this bold programme to transform connectivity. We’re not just building a better transport network—we’re creating new economic opportunities across the region.”

The Welsh Government says Network North Wales aims to mirror the ambition and success of the South Wales Metro, backed by £800 million in train investments, much of which will now serve the north.

Cross-government support

The project has garnered strong backing from both UK and Welsh governments.

Rail Minister Lord Hendy said: “These proposals represent a significant opportunity to transform connectivity across the region and unlock new opportunities for communities. We’re determined to build a modern and integrated transport network across the UK.”

Secretary of State for Wales Jo Stevens added: “Economic growth is the UK Government’s top priority, and improving transport is central to that mission. Network North Wales will play a critical role in connecting people to new jobs created by our Freeport in Anglesey and the Wrexham and Flintshire Investment Zone.”

Next steps

While the long-term vision stretches to 2035 and beyond, Skates stressed that delivery is already underway. The first enhancements—including increased rail services, new bus connections, and smart ticketing—will roll out in the next 12 months.

With widespread political, institutional, and cross-border support, Network North Wales aims to reshape the region’s transport landscape, positioning it as a vital link in the UK’s greener, more connected economic future.

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