29.09.17
TOCs invited to submit late franchise tenders as Wales promises more staff
The Welsh Government has today invited final tenders for the next Wales and Borders franchise, which is expected to include more staff and a safety critical guard on all services.
This comes despite the fact that it has failed to reach an agreement with the UK Government on the franchise’s devolution, which now may not be handed to the Wales government until next year.
But economy secretary Ken Skates has promised that a “resolution is near” and revealed the two parties have now decided to press ahead with the final tenders.
They had originally intended to issue the tender invitation in August, but this was delayed due to the ongoing row over devolved powers and funding.
“There is will on both sides to ensure that the settlement works for Wales and the Borders,” he added. “From rolling stock to frequency of services, Metros to profit thresholds, this final tender will provide the blueprint for what these four giants of the rail industry are bidding to provide Wales.
“Detailed discussions with all four of the shortlisted potential operators have only served to reinforce our optimism that the next service will see big improvements. I look forward to seeing how the detailed tenders tackle our ambitious requirements for the next 15 years before making a decision on the successful operator in early 2018.”
As previously reported by RTM, the four companies invited to submit final tenders today include incumbent operator Arriva Trains Wales alongside Abellio Rail Cymru, KeolisAmey and MTR Corporation (Cymru) Ltd.
The first minister of Wales, Carwyn Jones AM, also revealed that the next franchise could include more employees as part of a series of commitments made to unions following “positive and constructive discussions.”
As well as more staff, these include a safety critical conductor on all trains, heavy rail infrastructure outside of Core Valleys lines remaining with Network Rail, and working with unions around ticket office and station staff aspirations. And if “future legislation allows,” the service may also be part of a UK national integrated railway under public ownership.
“Our hard-working railway staff are a major asset in delivering a modern and safe railway and it is right that they are central to our ambitious plans for the new Wales & Border Services and South Wales Metro,” explained Jones. “I am, therefore, delighted that we have been able to have such positive and constructive discussions with the railway trade unions, something I have been keen to ensure from the offset.
“These are progressive commitments that will mean a better service for passengers and a better railway in Wales, and I look forward to this positive dialogue continuing as we develop our plans.”
Rail union Aslef welcomed these commitments and called for similar ambitions across the rest of the industry.
Its general secretary, Mick Whelan, said: “We welcome these commitments. We also commend the Welsh government for recognising the importance of consulting with the rail unions.
“Our members are the people who deliver the service on a daily basis and their voice must always be heard when deciding how the industry moves forward.”
Mick Cash, who heads up fellow union RMT, also commended the first minister’s “breakthrough” commitment to keep a guard on every train – a cornerstone of his union’s fight against driver-only operated (DOO) services, which have led to over a year’s worth of strikes across Southern and are now affecting franchises up north.
(Top image c. Matt Buck)