A plan to introduce Canadian style "observation carriages" so rail passengers can take in the Mid Wales scenery has been welcomed by Montgomeryshire AM, Russell George.

Next Wednesday, October 14, Arriva Trains Wales will surrender the rail franchise for Wales and Border services to KeolisAmey, who have branded their service as Transport for Wales(TfW), with a "significant" investment in rolling stock required to get trains up to scratch, according to bosses at the company.

And the Welsh Government said the carriages, which have high windows and ceiling glass allowing travellers to take in the views, could be introduced on the Cambrian and Heart of Wales railway lines as part of a plan to upgrade trains from 2022.

Mr George said the carriages would give visitors the chance to enjoy "the most magnificent scenery in the world".

"I’m pleased that the Cabinet Secretary was receptive to my suggestion for observation carriages to be included as part of the new rolling stock which will be introduced on the Cambrian and Heart of Wales railway lines," he said.

"Powys and Ceredigion have some of the most magnificent scenery in the world and I would like to see our countryside enjoyed by those who travel through it, in a similar way as those in Canada can do through the Rocky Mountains.

"I’m grateful to the Cabinet Secretary for taking this forward with Transport for Wales and for agreeing with me that observation carriages are an attractive feature of many trains.

"I hope that this suggestion becomes a reality in the not too distant future.”

TfW chief executive James Price compared the state of the fleet currently serving Welsh railways, which the company will inherit next week, to a high mileage Ford Escort with a faulty clutch.

He also admitted his company was taking over services at a difficult time of year, with autumn leaf-falls presenting an early challenge to the new services.

"I believe we’re going to inherit a fleet which is not as good as the fleet was this time last year. It seems there will be a significant amount of work to do," he said.

"I think people need to be aware that we’ve bought a Ford Escort with 300,000 miles on the clock for months and the clutch is on the way out.

"That’s no disrespect to any of the Arriva staff. They want the very best for passengers, but you do what your budget allows you to do."