First Minister Carwyn Jones has confirmed £119million of EU funding has been secured to progress work on the South Wales Metro.

Work is underway to transform the current Core Valley Lines rail network as part of the South Wales Metro Phase 2 programme, which will provide a faster and more frequent service for the heads of the valleys stations and a direct connection to Cardiff Bay.

The investment will go towards doubling the number of trains to the heads of the valleys stations from two per hour to four. It will also be used to modernise stations.

Work on South Wales Metro Phase 2 is expected to be completed by 2023.

The South Wales Metro is an important part of our ambition as a government to improve public transport and better connect our Valleys communities and people to employment opportunities. Carwyn Jones AM. First Minister

Today’s funding announcement includes: