Montgomeryshire’s MP Craig Williams has welcomed the launch of a UK Government investigation into train service performances across Wales.
The Office of Rail and Road (ORR) is to launch an investigation into poor train punctuality and reliability in the Network Rail Wales and West Region.
It comes after the ORR found that overall performance across the region is reportedly continuing to deteriorate.
Mr Williams said: “I welcome the ORR’s investigation into the rail service across Wales.
“For too long, rail passengers across Montgomeryshire have suffered from continuously delayed and cancelled trains.
“We need a rail service which can always be relied upon, and I am very pleased that the UK Government will be investigating and bringing together all stakeholders to identify weaknesses and implement solutions.
OTHER POWYS NEWS:
- Woman dies after two cars and a bus crash near Welshpool
- Farmers' pub argument over best way to grow turnips turns into competition
- Welshpool residents evacuated while gas leak repairs were carried out
“I will also be meeting imminently with both Network Rail and Transport for Wales to discuss the many complaints I have received from constituents, who have had to endure so many instances of poor service.
"Transport for Wales’ long promised delivery of new trains and carriages for the Cambrian Line still hasn’t happened, and the current performance on the line cannot be allowed to continue.”
The ORR’s investigation will bring together Network Rail and train operators, including Transport for Wales who operates the Cambrian Line, to identify required solutions and improve performance for passengers. The ORR will also decide on any appropriate measures, which could include enforcement action.
Other organisations have also highlighted the conditions of trains throughout mid Wales, such as the North and Mid Wales Association of Local Councils, who carried out a number of surveys to assess overcrowding on trains throughout August and September.
The association said their findings showed a “concerning” overcrowding issue on trains, particularly throughout the Cambrian line, labelling the issue as “unsafe”.
Llanfair Town Clerk and association member Robert Robinson said: “We can say they have gone from overcrowded to unsafe, as they are overloaded to such an extent, with nothing being done to mitigate it.
“The situation is like a bomb about to go off, as it’s simply not good enough in this day and age.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here