To receive a report by Mr Ben Davies, Transport for Wales
Minutes:
The Chair
welcomed Ben Davies, Transport for Wales, to present his report on Transport
for Wales' activity to date. He reported on the following matters,
concentrating on Transport for Wales' long term plan:
- That he had transferred from Arriva Trains Wales, with responsibility for mid and North Wales.
- That Transport for Wales had experienced a troublesome start, with four weeks of severe weather leading to a significant percentage of its trains having to be withdrawn from service for repairs.
- That Transport for Wales' long term aim was a comprehensive service, running seven days a week, with new carriages.
- That 421 new carriages had been ordered, and that these would be introduced over the next four years, ending the use of class 158 trains on the Cambrian Coast Railway.
- That Transport for Wales aimed to upgrade all Welsh stations in order to improve their facilities and appearance, as well as improving travel information, wireless connectivity and community engagement.
- That Transport for Wales' long term aim was to develop an integrated network in which trains and buses worked together to create one network.
- That the Welsh language would be given a central place by the new company.
- That these were exciting times, as there had never been a situation in the past where funding was available for new developments. He therefore invited Cambrian Coast Railway stakeholders to contribute their ideas.
The Conference welcomed the report, noting the following observations arising from the discussion:
- Was it possible to share the details of the Cambrian Railway's development programme for the future when available?
- Who would be responsible for monitoring CCTV which was to be installed in the stations?
- Would the connectivity upgrading work include the installation of a 5G network?
- Would the developments lead to shorter travel times?
- The intention to promote the Welsh language was welcomed.
- The intention to improve safety, especially for vulnerable groups within society, was welcomed.
- There was a call for human presence on every platform in order to make passengers feel safe.
- What would the pricing structure for tickets be?
In response, Mr
Davies noted:
- That the CCTV would be monitored in Cardiff, but that this work would be done by staff.
- No information had been received regarding the installation of 5G connectivity
- That the nature of the Cambrian Coast Railway, due to the number of stations along the line, would not permit much reduction in travel times.
- That using and promoting the Welsh language was important to Transport for Wales.
- That Transport for Wales would improve stations' safety whilst upgrading them, but that it would not be possible to employ staff at every station. However, he noted that there would be a guard on each train as part of the service agreement.
- That the pricing structure and timetables had initially been transferred directly, and that Transport for Wales would review them in due course.