Calls have been made for additional trains on the Heart of Wales railway line to meet summer demand and support tourism in Mid Wales.

Jane Dodds, leader of the Welsh Liberal Democrats and Mid and West Wales MS, told the Senedd the line, named the world’s best for slow travel by National Geographic in 2025, is already popular with commuters and visitors but could benefit from further service increases.

“The Heart of Wales line is a tourist attraction as well as taking people to tourist attractions,” she said. “It is also used by commuters travelling to towns and by young people accessing education.”

As part of last year’s budget deal Ms Dodds struck with the Welsh Government, £1.25 million was secured for the line, which allowed it to increase services to five trains a day. Speaking today, she said more are needed during the summer and suggested a target of eight trains per day.

Ms Dodds asked First Minister, Eluned Morgan, what the Welsh Government is doing to ensure that public transport across Mid and West Wales, including on the Heart of Wales line, is increased.

Ms Morgan said the Government has “poured money” into rail in Wales, with £1 billion on the core valleys lines, £800 million elsewhere and new trains across Wales.

She told Ms Dodds: “You can see them every day, and they’re lifting the hearts of commuters everywhere.

“But you’re right. There’s a real love and affection in particular for the Heart of Wales line, and your support for that £1.25 million has led to an increase in the number of trains per day. I hope that is appreciated by people in the area.”

In a statement earlier today, the Welsh Liberal Democrats called for a “summer transport boost” to ensure the Heart of Wales line can cope with peak demand. They also warned that delays in releasing funding for transport improvements between Ceredigion and Brecon risk holding back local planning.

Ms Dodds said: “Increasing services to eight trains a day during peak periods would give tourists a genuine alternative to driving, while helping our rural communities make the most of the visitor economy.”

The Heart of Wales line is a 121-mile railway that runs between Swansea and Shrewsbury, passing through numerous Powys towns and villages including Llandrindod Wells, Builth Wells, Llangammarch Wells and Llanwrtyd Wells.