To receive
an update from representatives.
·
Network
Rail
·
Transport
for Wales
2025-26 Train Timetables
·
British
Transport Police
Minutes:
Transport
for Wales (TfW)
Gail Jones
was welcomed to the meeting.
A video was
shared of recent work undertaken by Transport for Wales on the Cambrian Railway
which included engineering works to replace tracks, reinforce the embankment
and key maintenance activities between Shrewsbury and Machynlleth from 21/3/25
until 3/4/25.
A request
was made for a Welsh medium video to be shared with the Members so that they
could share it on other social media platforms.
It was
reported that the recent disruption due to an accident in Talerddig
in October 2024 had ended on 21/3/25, with trains now running between Newtown
and Aberystwyth and Machynlleth to Pwllheli.
The impact
on children who attend Tywyn High School and others travelling to the College
in Newtown was highlighted due to road closures and the closure of the railway
at the same time. It was noted that some
students had been unable to attend college for a fortnight and had stayed at
home to work and had not been able to undertake any practical work. The Chair
noted that the complaint was valid and had a significant impact on local
people. When road and rail services
close it makes life difficult for people in rural areas, with very long
diversions and the bus replacement service was ineffective.
In response
to the comments, it was noted that the essential work undertaken by Network
Rail had been planned in advance.
Gail was
thanked for her contribution.
2025 –
2026 Timetable
Attention
was drawn to the cuts in the Cambrian Winter timetable, and it was noted that
losing the last train would be significant to the local economy and the
hospitality sector. Although the Welsh Government sought to encourage people to
use public transport, due to the lack of service in rural areas, cars had to be
used, and by withdrawing the last train service on the Cambrian Railway, it was
considered that this was contrary to the Welsh Government’s policies.
Some
members added that several businesses had been impacted because of the loss of
the last train, stating that establishments such as the Magic Lantern in Tywyn
and the Dragon Theatre, Barmouth had had to re-arrange many of their events. It
was also noted that the impact on some was 'fairly destructive'. It was
considered that the winter service was already insufficient, and the
connections between towns and villages were now impossible. A reference was
made to one day journeys (such as a trip to Shrewsbury for the day) and to
passengers spending evenings in Pwllheli, Barmouth or Aberdyfi, which was now
impossible. It was noted that there was
a lack of understanding or appreciation of what was happening in our
communities because of what was controlled by the railway timetable.
Reference
was made to a petition with 3500 signatories who were in favour of saving the
night-time services, which drew attention to the difficulties facing businesses
with examples of losing employees and having to take-on additional costs. An
appeal was made for a better solution and a means to resurrect the railway.
Attention
was drawn to the Impact Assessment completed by the Tal-y-llyn Railway staff
which included information about the negative impact of the train service on
the local economy. Reference was made to
several responses that had been received from individual users and
organisations and a request was made for the information to be shared with
Members and Transport for Wales.
It was
reported that the concerns had been highlighted in a meeting of the Full
Council and that the matters had also been addressed by Mabon ap Gwynfor who
had raised these matters in the Senedd.
Gail Jones
highlighted that she would share the messages with the Senior Officers of
Transport for Wales, but she stated that Members and the MSs needed to continue
to lobby and draw attention to the impacts.
She added that the new trains would keep a better record of the number
of passengers which would strengthen the evidence that there was good use made
of the service.
Network
Rail
There was
no representative present from Network Rail at the meeting to present an update
but their willingness to receive observations / feedback about the service was
noted.
British
Transport Police
There was
no representative from the British Transport Police present at the meeting to
give an update.
It was
reported that a public meeting would be held in Tywyn with Network Rail and
Transport for Wales (date to be confirmed). Details of the meeting would be
shared with the Committee Members when the information was available.