25.05.12
New express service for Wales
The Welsh Government is replacing the Geralt Gymro service introduced recently by the previous Labour-Plaid Cymru coalition, and reducing the number of daily express trains between Holyhead and Cardiff from two to one.
The new service will stop at Wrexham and Flint, and aims to save over £500,000 a year. Operating from September, the service will retain business class and the buffet carriage.
Arriva Trains Wales asserted that additional services would be provided to fill gaps in the schedule.
Transport minister Carl Sargeant said: “Providing an effective and sustainable transport network that meets the needs of the people of Wales is a priority for me.
“I’m delighted to announce that this new express service, which will retain the best parts of the Gerallt Gymro service, cost the Welsh taxpayer less and will provide more time inCardifffor business commuters and shoppers.
“Unlike the Gerallt Gymro this new service will also stop at Wrexham which is key if this express route is to properly serve the people of north Wales.”
But Plaid transport spokesman Rhodri Glyn Thomas said: “After all the hard work of Plaid Cymru in government to improve rail connections across Wales, Labour is clearly determined to downgrade provision for some areas – especially north Wales.”
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Image c. Arriva TrainsWales