20.01.17
‘Transformational change’ in Wales franchise hinges on new trains and electrification
A committee of MPs has urged the Welsh and UK governments to end underdevelopment of the Welsh rail network, pointing to the new Wales and Borders franchise as an opportunity for “transformational change” to the network.
In a new report, the Welsh Affairs Committee (WAC) said that there is an urgent need to acquire new and modern trains for the network, with current rolling stock having an average age of 27 years – and the oldest being 40 years old.
MPs have laid the blame on the current Wales and Borders franchise agreement, which made no allowance for growth in passenger numbers when it was last renewed in 2003 – meaning that wider improvements have been less than what has proven to be required, despite the best efforts of the operator Arriva Trains Wales and the Welsh government.
“The decision to let the 2003 franchise on the basis that there would be no growth in rail usage was a huge mistake,” said the chair of the WAC, David TC Davies MP.
“It has meant that the investment that might have been expected has not been made, and rail users have had to endure the consequences of this. Often this has meant not being able to get a seat, or that the trains have been dirty.”
The Welsh government has been given the power to decide the operators of the next Wales and Borders franchise beginning in early 2018 as part of its new devolved powers.
This has led to hope that rail services may finally improve, but the WAC warned that this will only be possible if the government prioritises infrastructure improvements, primarily the electrification of the Welsh rail network.
The committee has also recommended that more action be taken to acquire new trains for Wales, such as tagging onto existing train orders and acquiring first refusal for Wales on existing trains made available due to upgrades elsewhere.
“As the franchise comes up for tender in 2018 it will be the Welsh government who will have the responsibility to ensure there are improvements,” Davies added. “They told us that the 2018 franchise presents the opportunity for transformational change. If they are successful, then that will be to the great benefit of rail passengers in Wales.”
As the Wales and Borders franchise will remain cross-border, making Welsh MPs unable to take up complaints by English users of the franchise, the WAC has recommended the establishment of a protocol by which English MPs can raise complaints with the Welsh cabinet secretary.
Arriva Trains Wales has already confirmed its bid for the next franchise, joining Abellio, KeolisAmey and MTR. The operator has performed well in punctuality and in passenger satisfaction during the course of the current franchise, securing additional routes to Manchester and Birmingham International Airports, although results have declined recently due to the ageing rolling stock.
The bids are currently being assessed by Transport for Wales, with the winning bid set to be announced next year.
(Image c. Mattbuck)
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