BETTER transport links for Gwent commuters were on the horizon today with the announcement of the chance of five new railway stations and better Valleys services.

A report by expert consulants proposes a £155 million project which could include five new stations on existing lines, including Caerleon, Magor with Undy, Llanwern and Coedkernew.

The report wants more trains on existing lines, including a second hourly service between Ebbw Vale and Newport. But the line - which previously was due to have one service an hour - is not due to open until 2009. An Argus campaign, which has received strong backing, has called for it to come into service much sooner.

New half-hourly local services on the Abergavenny and Chepstow lines are also suggested.

The South East Wales Transport Alliance (SEWTA) strategy, drawn up by Jacobs Consultancy, covers the period 2009-2018, and is now likely to go before Assembly leaders.

SEWTA's programme is designed to make better use of existing services, provide for passengers' needs and achieve economic and social objectives.

Other proposals in the detailed report include new trains and station improvements, such as extra parking, to "encourage greater use of rail to access Cardiff and Newport and to make better use of existing trains".

One of the important factors in the programme is the renewal of the Newport signal box. This major work is not due to take place before 2008. SEWTA, made up of representatives from ten councils, is responsible for the strategic planning of public transport in the region.

"This study was required to look beyond the medium to long-term and develop a strategy to take services in South East Wales into the second decade of the 21st century," said the consultants' report.

Proposals for new stations in Gwent are not new. In January 2002, Newport council backed similar proposals but the first phase, which included the Caerleon station, was planned for 2001 to 2004. At the beginning of 2006, many will be hoping this new vision will become a reality.