As of 7th February Transport for Wales is now
operating the Wales and Borders rail services under a
subsidiary, ‘Transport for Wales Rail LTD’.
The move, which was announced in October 2020, comes in the
face of a significant reduction in passenger numbers. It is
intended to provide for longer term financial stability,
necessary to secure plans for infrastructure improvements and
deliver future improvements for passengers.
, Minister
for Economy, Transport and North Wales said:
“Our rail service is a critical asset and one we must
protect. Since the pandemic began we’ve provided
significant financial support to keep trains running. The
need for greater public control is a reflection of the
ongoing pressures of coronavirus and the challenges being
faced across the rail industry as passenger demand remains
low.
“We remain determined to deliver key commitments made at
the start of the journey with Transport for Wales,
including the creation of Metro systems and the delivery of
brand new rolling stock. Bringing the rail franchise into
public control will help secure this better future for
passengers. It is a public transport asset, in public
ownership, for the public good.”
, Deputy
Minister for Economy and Transport, said:
“The railway is an integral part of Wales’ transport
network and we want it to be of even more importance in the
future.
“Tackling the climate emergency means we need to make it
easier for people to step out of their cars and walk, cycle
and use public transport instead. Transport for Wales will
be working across all of these areas as part of our efforts
to create an integrated, more convenient transport system.
“The action we have taken to bring the franchise into
public ownership will help make this ambition a reality for
passengers.”
, Chief
Executive of Transport for Wales said:
“Covid 19 has presented many challenges for us at TfW and
these will continue as we evolve as an organisation.
However, we’ve been able to remain resilient and our main
priority during these testing times has been to keep our
customers and colleagues safe.
“This next step on our journey will ensure that we continue
to provide passenger rail services across our network,
protect jobs and deliver our ambitious plans to improve the
transport network.
“At the start of January, we successfully completed a
three-week blockade on the railway lines north of Radyr,
allowing us to move forward with the next phase of works
for the South Wales Metro.”
“We’re continuing to deliver our transformational plans and
this new model will allow us to achieve our vision and
improve the lives of people across Wales and the Borders.”
