The frustrations of rail passengers in Caerphilly County Borough have been voiced in the Senedd by local Assembly Members.
Caerphilly AM Hefin David opened proceedings on Wednesday, November 9, by questioning Secretary for Economy and Infrastructure Ken Skates on the future of the Wales and Border Rail Franchise, currently operated by provider Arriva Trains Wales.
Arriva Trains Wales’ contract is due to end in 2018, and Mr Skates confirmed that firms competing for the new contract to run Wales’ rail services must provide new trains, known as rolling stock, which “meet passenger expectations and demands”.
Arriva Trains Wales has come in for criticism from the borough’s commuters, with many claiming they are regularly left standing on overcrowded or delayed services.
Dr David said: “I’ve met with Arriva Trains Wales and they said that, in the short-term, that’s not going to be possible [to provide more trains].
“There is a shortage of rolling stock, and a shortage of carriages so people are standing up.
“I’d like to know whether the Cabinet Secretary has a plan for that, and could he also elaborate whether the franchise will include new diesel rolling stock?”
Mr Skates responded by pointing towards the Welsh Government’s annual funding support of the franchise.
He said: “It’s up to Arriva Trains Wales to appropriately manage capacity on the current franchise terms, but we have also provided additional rolling stock to Arriva Trains Wales to assist in overcrowding on many lines.
“Whilst there is a very limited diesel rolling stock currently available, we are in dialogue with the rail industry at the moment to try to identify solutions that could deliver additional capacity in the short-term.
“Now the majority of routes and services within the Wales and Borders franchise, including the Valleys Lines, are dependent upon the £180 million Welsh Government support every year in terms of franchise subsidy payments and funding for additional services and rolling stock.
“With the new competitive dialogue taking place with the four bidders for the next round of the franchise, fresh criteria will be put in place that enables growth in terms of passenger numbers to be met by an increase in the amount of rolling stock that’s available, but also vast improvements in terms of quality of rolling stock.”
Islwyn AM, Rhianon Passmore, also submitted a question to Mr Skates, but was unable to ask it and is awaiting a written response.
She said: “I am aware of the frustrations that commuters in Islwyn are experiencing on the Ebbw Vale line to Cardiff. Passengers pay good money to buy their tickets to arrive in our capital on time for work.
“I will be seeking to raise these matters with the Minister and Arriva Trains Wales. It is in all our interests that rolling stock is fit for purpose.”