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The Wales and Borders rail franchise is now officially under public ownership, Welsh Government has announced.

The move, which came into effect on Sunday (February 7), was originally announced in October.

It comes in the face of reduced passenger numbers due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Since 2018, the franchise has been run by Keolis and Amey, under Transport for Wales (TfW) branding. Before that, it was run by Arriva.

Wales’ Transport Minister, Ken Skates, 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.”

Mr Skates added: “We remain determined to deliver key commitments made at the start of the journey with TfW, 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.”

TfW chief executive James Price said the pandemic has “presented many challenges” for the Welsh Government-run body.

He said: “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.”