The Welsh Government has provided reassurance over the timetabling of services and direct rail services to Birmingham as part of the next Wales and Borders Rail Franchise after being questioned by Russell George AM.
The Montgomeryshire AM, who is also Shadow Cabinet Secretary with responsibility for Transport, sought additional assurances from the Welsh Government that direct services to Birmingham would continue in the next Wales and Borders Rail Franchise which comes into force in October 2018.
After receiving confirmation from the Welsh Government that direct services to Birmingham would be a condition of the new franchise and that the current service frequency would be maintained, Mr George said:
"Concerns had previously been expressed by groups representing passengers about the possibility of splitting the current Aberystwyth to Birmingham International service, with trains on the Cambrian line terminating in Shrewsbury rather than Birmingham International, as they do now.
"I am therefore pleased that the Cabinet Secretary has confirmed to me in writing that direct services to Birmingham will be condition of the next Wales and Borders rail services agreement and that the current service frequency will be maintained.
“Splitting services would have meant that those travelling to Birmingham and vice versa would have to change in Shrewsbury. This would severely inconvenience a large number of passengers and have a negative impact on the Mid Wales economy.
“I am therefore grateful that the Welsh Government has made this commitment to retain direct services between Birmingham and Aberystwyth.”
ENDS
Notes to Editors
Written Questions - Wales and Borders Rail Franchise
Russell George: Will the Cabinet Secretary confirm that direct services to Birmingham will continue to feature in the next Wales and Borders Rail Franchise? (WAQ73636)
Ken Skates: We require direct services to Birmingham as part of the next Wales and Borders rail services agreement.
Russell George (Montgomeryshire): Will the Cabinet Secretary provide details of the priorities the Welsh Government has set out for bidders on the next Wales and Borders Franchise on the timetabling of services, and the criteria against which timetabling proposals contained in bids will be assessed? (WAQ73637)
Ken Skates: We have set out our policy priorities for the next Wales and Borders rail services agreement. This includes, as a baseline, the current service frequencies and connectivity being maintained unless there is a clear case for change. The assessment criteria will be finalised as part of the competitive dialogue process, which is currently underway.