To receive a report by Mr Ben Davies, Arriva Trains Wales.
Minutes:
The Chairman welcomed Mr Ben Davies, Arriva Trains
Wales, to submit his report on Arriva Trains Wales’ activities to date.
It was reported that storm “Doris” had caused
problems last week and that Arriva Trains Wales were collaborating with Network
Rail with any outstanding issues.
It
was further reported that Wi-Fi would be available on all trains before Easter.
Formal
written questions had been submitted by Members of this Committee / Community Councils / and individuals which
were addressed as follows:
(i) Provision
of a shelter at Dyfi Junction – Mr Ben Davies stated that funding was available to provide another
shelter and that arrangements were in had to proceed with this matter.
(ii) Why is there no free travel pass for the
elderly throughout the year rather than during the winter months only? - Mr Ben Davies, Arriva Trains, stated that
there wouldn’t be sufficient seating capacity to be able to offer this
concession during the summer months.
However, the matter had been discussed with the Welsh Government Minister,
especially in terms of sufficient rolling stock as part of the new franchise.
(iii) The
Welsh language, bilingual announcements on the trains, better pronunciation of
Welsh names on notices in stations - Whilst
agreeing that the Welsh language is very important, Mr Davies stated that the
problem was lack of funding and not knowing as yet what is happening to the
trains with regard to the new franchise. However, he announced to the Committee
that he had been appointed to serve on the Arriva Group in London which is
responsible for the franchise bid. He
assured members that he would voice the concerns of the people of North Wales
regarding the Welsh language, timetables, etc and would ensure that the
language policy is sorted.
In
response to the above, members congratulated Mr Ben Davies on his appointment
and supported the need to sort the language policy. Councillor Trevor Roberts, assured the
Committee that the four bidders for the franchise had been made aware of the
need for bilingual information on the Welsh lines and stations.
During
the ensuing discussion, members made the following comments:
·
That
the Welsh language is very important and that the announcements in the newly
installed lift at Machynlleth should be bilingual
·
With
regard to pronunciation, it was stated that it is far easier for a Welsh
speaking person to pronounce the English stations than it is for an English
speaking person to pronounce the Welsh names of stations
In response to the above points, Mr Ben Davies stated that the
announcements are made via a text to speech system and was not always done by a
person. However, it was further stated
that non-speaking staff are given an opportunity to learn the language and are
encouraged to speak Welsh.
A member took the opportunity of paying tribute and thanking the
following four members who had worked tirelessly during the consultation period
of the Wales and Borders Rail Service:
Councillor Trevor Roberts
Councillor J. Michael Williams
Mr Rhydian Mason
Mr Robert Robinson
(iv) Is
it possible to arrange a daily two-way express train on the Cambrian Coast to
speed up the journey to Machynlleth and back?
Mr
Ben Davies stated that there would be no change to the time-table and no
additional trains, however, he promised to take the matter further. Personally, he was in favour of a two-hourly
train including on Sundays.
(v) What
are the developments for a late train from Pwllheli?
Mr
Ben Davies stated that there would be no additional train from Pwllheli. However, there will be an improvement in
service since the Machynlleth train will wait until the 8.30 p.m. train from
Shrewsbury arrives in Machynlleth thus giving better communication from
Machynlleth to Pwllheli.
(vi) Standard
Facilities at Porthmadog train station – display boards, shelter, etc. Would it be possible to discuss the way
forward in terms of enhancing the station’s vision on first appearance? It needs improving and upgrading
urgently. It was noted that this is the
first appearance of the town to people and it does not create a very good
impression.
In
response to the above, as well as correspondence received from Mr Ian Hunt, a
local resident of Porthmadog, it was suggested that Mr David Crunkhorn, Arriva
Trains Wales, arranges to meet with Mr Hunt, and Councillor Selwyn Griffiths, Chairman
of Porthmadog Town Council, at the Porthmadog Station, on a date convenient to
all parties, to discuss the way forward.
Resolved - To
receive, note and thank Mr Ben Davies for his report.