Agenda and draft minutes

To receive any apologies for absence

Apologies were received from Cllr Louise Hughes (Cyngor Gwynedd), Cllr Richard Glyn Roberts (Gwynedd), Liz Saville Roberts (MP for Dwyfor Meirionnydd), Mabon ap Gwynfor (MS for Dwyfor Meirionnydd), Llio Hughes (Plaid Cymru Office), Delyth Griffiths (Plaid Cymru Office, Dolgellau), Joyce Watson (MS for Mid-Wales and West), Gail Jones (Transport for Wales) and Clare Britton (Ffestiniog Railway) ⁠ ⁠

Condolences were extended to the family of the late Councillor J M Williams (Powys County Council) who had been a loyal member of the Committee for many years. ⁠

To receive any declaration of personal interest

No declarations of personal interest were received from any members present.

To consider any business which the Chairman decides is urgent.

None to note.

The Chairman shall propose that the minutes of the previous meeting of this committee, held on 23rd of May 2024 be signed as a true record.

The Chair accepted the minutes of the previous meeting of this committee held on 23 May 2024 as a true record.

To receive an update from representatives.

·         Network Rail

·         Transport for Wales

·         British Transport Police

Transport for Wales (TfW)

Disappointment was expressed that a representative from Transport for Wales was not present at the meeting given that a number of issues needed a response.

·       That the response of Ken Skates (Cabinet Secretary for North Wales and Transport) to a notice of motion tabled at a meeting of the Full Council in May 2024 had been received in October - it was shameful that up to 5 months had elapsed before a response had been received and the response contained the same excuses and poor answers.

·       The time of the last northbound train (19:00) was unacceptable as there were no night buses between Machynlleth and Tywyn or Barmouth and Porthmadog. A question will be put to the Full Council in December calling on Cyngor Gwynedd to make strong representations to TfW and the Welsh Government regarding the loss of the later train on the Cambrian Coast line. ⁠⁠A reduction in service will have an impact on the economy of the area as people are unable to travel home by train from work and social events – this excluded people / imposed a curfew.

·       Totally unfair compared to the number of trains running on the south Wales railways

·       TfW passenger numbers had never been accurate with claims of empty trains when, in fact, the trains were full and passenger fares were not collected - the information collected was misleading and complete nonsense. What were the resulting financial savings?

·       Visiting times to towns such as Shrewsbury, had been reduced from 8 hours to 3 hours.

·       The TfW Online Timetable Review had not considered the equality impact. This was the Government's responsibility – in accordance with the contract there must be consultation with assessments completed before implementing any changes. BR to share the information with LHE.

·       What is the structure of TfW? The Welsh Government are the owners of TfW and therefore who was liable?

·       That the number of users of the Llanbedr platform nearly matched the pre-covid figures – evidence that the railway was being used! How then did TfW gather data?

·       That cuts to an adequate service made the situation inadequate for the consumer.

·       There was a need to press upon Dwyfor Meirionnydd MPs to voice their opinion.

·       When will the new trains be introduced?

In response to a comment about the need to press Dwyfor Meirionnydd representatives to have their say, it was highlighted that Mabon ap Gwynfor had set up a petition calling on TfW and the Welsh Government to protect the Cambrian Coast Line services. It was noted that the petition highlighted that the railway was a vital transport link for local residents and Gwynedd's visitor economy with communities reliant on the service for education, employment, tourism, shopping and health reasons. It was added, rather than cutting further services, TfW and the Welsh Government should be investing in local transport links across north west Wales, ensuring that local people and visitors have access to robust, reliable and accessible train services.

Petition to Safeguard the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 5.

To receive responses to the questions enclosed herewith received since the previous meeting.

·        Cyngor Cymuned Llanbedr Community Council

·        Cyngor Tref Criccieth Town Council

·        Cyngor Tref Porthmadog Town Council

Questions were received from Llanbedr Community Council, Cricieth Town Council and Porthmadog Town Council.

It was noted that the Services would respond directly to the Community / Town Councils.

Next meeting to be held in March 2025 – LHE to arrange.