New hourly train services along the Cambrian Railway will provide an economic and social boost to Montgomeryshire, according to AM Russell George and MP Glyn Davies.
The Welsh Government has today (Tuesday, 8th April 2014) announced the introduction of four new return services between Mondays and Saturdays and two new return services on a Sunday from May 2015.
“We have been campaigning for the introduction of what is a vital hourly service along the Cambrian Line for decades, allowing more people to use the line for commuting and leisure and enhancing what is a vital transport link,” said Mr George.
“This is economically and socially important for the area at a time when other public transport services are being cut. It will provide opportunities for people to travel to work, to access important services in communities along the line, and offer businesses improved access to the main UK rail network.”
Mr George said there still needed to be a reassurance for farmers along the line. They have raised concerns about the durability of fencing and the time it can take to move livestock across it.
“Arriva Trains are ready to roll with this new service. I met them recently and everything is in place. The additional weekday hourly services and additional Sunday return services will allow people to use the railway more regularly and confidently,” said Mr Davies.
"The hourly service was an ambition of the Development Board for Rural Wales 25 years ago, which I previously chaired. Every single organisation has come together in order to make the improvements necessary on the line for an hourly service to be possible. It has taken longer than initially hoped for but I’m pleased that a date has now been set.”