Agenda item

1

Porthmadog Town Council - for Transport for Wales

1.1

What developments are in the pipeline for the trains to ensure a bilingual service?

It was noted that efforts were being made to ensure that staff could pronounce Welsh place-names correctly, including offering Welsh lessons. 

1.2

Why are so many trains delayed so often, and running late?

This matter had already been discussed at the meeting.

1.3

When will they provide additional provision on the trains to be able to carry more bicycles?

This matter had already been discussed at the meeting.

1.4

What are their arrangements with regard to litter picking along the line, noting problems near Cambrian Terrace in Porthmadog? (It was noted that the litter could go into the 'Cyt' and create environmental problems)

It was noted that litter accrual was a problem and holistic inter-agency collaboration was required to resolve the problem.   It was also necessary to prevent passengers from dropping litter, as well as stopping fly-tipping.  Efforts would be made in the future to reduce waste produced by passengers, and a scheme of adopting stations would be offered in due course.

1.5

Are there any plans to offer a speedy service between Pwllheli and Shrewsbury in the mornings and evenings, so that the journey could be completed in two hours, rather than three?

It was noted that this idea had been offered in the past, but had faced opposition from the users of the smaller stations on the line.

1.6

Is it possible to have a food and drink provision from Pwllheli to Machynlleth?

It was noted that there were efforts to ensure provision in the larger stations and further improvements would be offered in the new year.

1.7

Why are people who have concessionary travel passes not permitted to use them on the Cambrian Railway throughout the year, in the same way that train users can between Blaenau Ffestiniog and Llandudno?

It was noted that it was not possible to offer the same entitlement as trains on the Cambrian Railway were too full in the summer. 

2

Cricieth Town Council - for Transport for Wales

2.1

Could we please have an update on the train operator's plans for the Cricieth station?

It was noted that the station would receive the same attention as the other stations in accordance with the Transport for Wales upgrading schemes.

2.2

(for Network Rail) There is concern about the condition of some footpaths around Cricieth station: The need to improve the maintenance of the following paths: the narrow path from the car park to the station, and also the first 20 yards from path number 1 towards the direction of Ysgol Treferthyr. 

It was noted that there was no certainty regarding landownership on the Cricieth station car park, but Network Rail had undertaken work there in the past.  Network Rail would look at the paths and would assess what work was required. 

3

Councillor Owain Williams - for Transport for Wales

3.1

While I welcome the improvements to the Welsh-medium communications service - is it possible to improve the pronunciation of place-names and stations in our language? Using fluent Welsh-speakers would be a start - after all, if the same mistakes were made in English...what would the answer be?

It was noted that efforts were being made to ensure the correct pronunciation of place-names.  Research had also be made to use technology similar to 'Alexa' to try and create a flexible pre-recorded system.

4

Mr Roger Goodhew (Shrewsbury- Aberystwyth Rail Passenger Association) - for Transport for Wales

Does the train operator have any incentive to develop a through train service to the centres of government in Cardiff and London?

It was noted that currently there was no incentive.  However, Transport for Wales was open to offer developments based on demand.  It was added that some demand had been recorded for better connections to Manchester.  The service had improved in recent years and it would continue to improve and develop. However, this would have to be built gradually and it was likely that Transport for Wales would work on better connections between Cardiff and the rest of Wales.