Transport for Wales (TfW) has become the newest Principal Member of the Urban Transport Group (UTG), the UK’s network of transport authorities.

TfW is a not-for-profit organisation wholly owned by the Welsh Government to deliver a multi-modal transport network in Wales and the Borders. TfW joined UTG as a Member in 2020.

UTG now has ten Principal Members - the highest tier of membership - in the biggest city regions in England (London, West Midlands, Greater Manchester, Liverpool City Region, West Yorkshire, South Yorkshire, North East, East Midlands and the West of England) and now Wales. It has five other Members spread across England, Scotland and Northern Ireland.

Transport for Wales is investing over £1 billion into the South Wales Metro – which includes electrifying 170km of track and introducing the first-ever electric trains to South Wales.

As part of the project, TfW also became the first heavy rail operator outside London and the South East to launch a pay-as-you-go ticketing system. The tap-on, tap-off technology has already enabled over 1.8 million journeys across 95 South Wales stations and will expand to North Wales next year.

TfW also launched Network North Wales in May 2025, which will deliver more public transport services and unlock further potential connecting Wales with the Borders.

TfW has already invested £800 million into brand-new trains across the whole of the Wales and Borders network.

James Price, Chief Executive Officer at Transport for Wales, said:

“Transport for Wales has always believed that collaboration is fundamental to creating the integrated, sustainable transport network that Wales deserves.

“Becoming a Principal Member of the Urban Transport Group underlines our commitment to delivering a world-class transport system and gives us the chance to share insights from Wales’ transformation journey while learning from others facing similar challenges. Together, we can drive progress on connectivity, integration, and cleaner travel, building a network that works for people and business across the UK.”

Jason Prince, Director of the Urban Transport Group, said:

“Transport for Wales are developing some of the most exciting transport projects in the UK, from the South Wales Metro and Network North Wales, to its plans for bus reform.

“Over the last five years, TfW have been a highly valued and engaged member of the Urban Transport Group, offering a unique perspective to our network. Becoming a Principal Member is the natural next step as the organisation’s transport ambitions evolve further. We’re really looking forward to working even more closely with the team to help support these ambitions”

Looking ahead, TfW is advancing major projects funded through the UK Government’s Comprehensive Spending Review to deliver faster, more frequent, and better-connected services across Wales and the borders.