Andrew RT Davies, MS for South Wales Central, said it was “bitterly disappointing” that St Athan had been left out of the latest round of rail funding, which promises seven new stations across Wales.
The St Athan station proposal has instead been listed by Transport for Wales as a “potential long-term opportunity” rather than a current priority.
Mr Davies said: “St Athan is a prime location for a train station, sitting along the Vale of Glamorgan line.
“It’s such an inconvenience for residents have to travel to either Llantwit Major or Rhoose to use the train, despite the line running through the village.
“Marking the project down as a potential opportunity is a cop out.
“The previous Conservative Government provided funding to develop a business case into building a station in St Athan.
“It’s bitterly disappointing that the Vale has been neglected in this announcement.”
Transport for Wales’ “vision document” identifies the site as a future possibility, despite earlier progress toward developing a business case.
The UK Government confirmed funding for seven new stations, with nearly half a billion pounds committed during the June spending review.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer said: “This government is turning the page on historic dither and delay with seven new stations, thousands of jobs, and a generational commitment to build a rail network fit for Wales’ future.”
The new programme will deliver stations at Llanwern, Newport West, Somerton, Magor and Undy, Cardiff East, Cardiff Parkway (St Mellons), and a station serving Deeside Industrial Park in North Wales.
Prioritising stations around Newport and Cardiff supports recommendations made by the Burns Commission in 2019 to alleviate M4 congestion and improve commuter connections.
Eluned Morgan, First Minister of Wales, welcomed the investment and the expanded pipeline for future rail development, but Mr Davies insisted more urgency was needed for St Athan.
He said: “A new railway station would be a game changer for St Athan.
“We must continue to work to make the project a reality.”
