Agenda item

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

(i)            Appendix 1 – Question by Shrewsbury/Aberystwyth Passenger Association

(ii)           Appendix 2 – Question by Llangelynnin Community Council

(iii)          Appendix 3 – Question by Llangelynnin Community Council

(iv)          Appendix 4 – Question by Criccieth Town Council

(v)           Appendix 5 – Letter from Porthmadog Town Council

Formal written questions had been submitted by Members of this Committee /  Community Councils / and individuals which were addressed as follows:

(i)         As sponsors of ERTMS signalling used on the Cambrian, it behoves Network Rail to press for all converted passenger vehicles to be used thereon.  This means that Network Rail takes their responsibility for the non-availability of non Class 158 stock on the Cambrian.  Either all 24 units of Class 158 are properly allocated or Network Rail funds conversion of other vehicles to meet demand.

In response, Mr Sam Hadley stated that he had discussed this matter with Cllr. Trevor Roberts when he met him in Barmouth, in relation to the steam train.  In terms of the wider issue, he was not at all certain with whom the responsibility lies.  The UK Government are looking at expanding digital enhancement.    Mr Lewis Brencher went on to say that less use of 158 outside of the Cambrian Line, the more potential is to use them on other lines.  24 (158 units) out of Machynlleth is an ideal number and quite a formidable fleet.

Discussions were ongoing with the Member of Parliament for Dwyfor / Meirionnydd and Mr Hadley stated that he would update this Committee when further information was to hand.

(ii)        Crash barriers/boundary wall – Main Road (A493) – between Llwyngwril and Friog

Mr Hadley stated that following the last meeting of this Committee this matter was raised with the Route Asset Manager.  A site meeting was held between officers of Network Rail and Gwynedd Consultancy when it was agreed that Network Rail send a remit to Dylan Davies, Senior Engineer with Gwynedd Consultancy to carry out the work.  At present there is no known commencement date for the works, but Mr Hadley promised to keep this Committee informed of developments.

(iii) Lack of Lighting in Llwyngwril Station Car Park

Mr Hadley stated that Network Rail are not funded to deliver enhancements but was pleased to report that they were looking into a lighting scheme at the car park as an opportunity has arisen.   There is no known date for the work but Mr Hadley will update Committee members of developments.   

(iv)       Is Arriva Trains Wales able to assure that they offer a bilingual service?

Mr Ben Davies stated that Arriva Trains Wales do reply bilingually to correspondence but they do have difficulty in terms of a bilingual service on the trains due to lack of funding. Hopefully the successful company of the new franchise would be able to offer a bilingual announcement service on the stations and trains.

The Chairman also referred to the letter received by Porthmadog Town Council regarding the lack of use and priority for the Welsh language.  He also stated that the above matter had been discussed at this Committee for many years without any success and that it was a priority to ensure the use of the Welsh language, and proper pronunciation of Welsh names during announcements on trains, and on notices in stations.  

In response, Mr 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.  There is a known Company who are able to provide the Welsh language but Mr Davies reiterated that it would be very costly and that Arriva Trains Wales had no funding.

(v) Is Arriva considering having one fast train a day to and from North to South?

Mr Davies noted that this was not going to happen and it was added that it would be a matter for the new franchise to consider.

(vi) Is  Arriva considering offering a catering service on the train between Pwllheli and Machynlleth?

Mr Davies promised that he would look into the above and that he would be more than happy to discuss this further with anyone who would be willing to offer the service.

(vii) The train stations between Pwllheli and Machynlleth do not have ticket machines - and it is inconvenient that there is no means of printing tickets bought on the Internet or being able to download them on an app.  Can this be resolved?

In response Mr Davies stated that there was no intention to install machines due to a lack of space at the stations. However, new technology that would be available to everyone will be introduced and it is important to consider all means of selling tickets as well as considering maintenance and reliability.

(viii) Is it possible to have signs on the train station in Criccieth?

Mr Davies promised to consider the above further and Mr Sam Hadley indicated that Network Rail would support if they could.

If the question refers to brown signs, the matter would have to be referred to the Transportation and Street Care Service, Gwynedd Council.

Resolved        -           To receive, note and thank the officers for their responses to the above questions and that they take appropriate action where required.