Wales first minister Carwyn Jones says the Wales and Borders rail service can be the best passenger rail service in the UK within the next 15 years.

Mr Jones was speaking at the launch of the new 'Transport for Wales' rail service on Monday, October 15, which marked the end of the Arriva Trains Wales service which had been in operation since 2003.

"This is an important moment for rail in Wales – indeed for devolution itself," he said.

"Led by Transport for Wales with our partners KeolisAmey this will be the very first ‘made in Wales’ rail service, designed and delivered by the Welsh Government.

"The opportunity to re-design and re-purpose our railway network in Wales is a once in a generation opportunity and I am confident that by 2033 it can be the best passenger rail service in the UK.

The First Minister also said that although the changes may take time, Wales had the opportunity to make its railway the 'envy of the world'.

"It is important to understand that our bold ambitions will take time to bring to fruition and won’t be achieved overnight.

"However, when I talk to the drivers, the guards, the maintenance crews or ticket hall staff across Wales I’m always struck by their enthusiasm and their belief in what our rail network can be in Wales.

"We are lucky to have so many people, who come to work for a service every day, genuinely wanting to make it better – and who see in it the potential for growth.

"We need to harness their ideas and make our railway the envy of the world."

The new contract with KeolisAmey, which has been branded as 'Transport for Wales', will see a £5b investment in the country's rail network, including the replacement of rolling stock and improvements to stations, as well as an improvement in the frequency of trains on the network.

Kevin Thomas, Chief Executive, Transport for Wales Rail Services commented:

"Our customers, the people of Wales and border areas, deserve a rail service that matches Welsh Government’s vision. We know people have high expectations of the transformation that will happen in the coming years. We’re determined to win their trust and develop a rail service that exceeds their expectations."