Rail group says 'end nonsense'

Rail users want improved services between Newtown and Caersws

A mid Wales rail users group has called on the company that won the bid to run the Welsh rail service to provide better connecting times between buses and trains.

Last week, Arriva won the franchise to operate the Wales and Borders train service.

The company - which runs a fleet of buses throughout the UK as well as an urban and inner-city rail network across the north of England - will take over the franchise by the end of 2003.

But Shrewsbury to Aberystwyth Rail Passenger Association (SARPA) has called on Arriva to end the "clear nonsense" in public transport provision in mid Wales.

The extra rolling stock and infrastructure to expand rail services in mid Wales has not been forthcoming Gareth Marston, SARPA

"At present Arriva run their buses in direct competition with Wales and Borders Trains between Newtown and Caersws," said SARPA chairman, Gareth Marston.

"As well as limiting journey opportunities between the two centres it also means there is no integrated public transport to Llanidloes because the buses don't connect with the trains.

More trains

"This synergy with Arriva buses can now be exploited and we can concentrate on working with the new operator with a degree of long-term certainty.

"The company is going to run a very tightly prescribed service much the same as at present.

" But the extra rolling stock and infrastructure to expand rail services in mid Wales has not been forthcoming."

Arriva's franchise victory marks the end of railways in mid, north and south Wales and along the border with England being run by separate rail companies.

The company would not reveal their plans for mid Wales lines

The company has promised more trains and a new integrated rail and bus ticketing system.

But Mr Marston claims central government tried to induce fears of service cuts in the run-up to the announcement.

"They did this so as to distract from the real issue that they have backed away from creating a modern public transport system in Wales, " he said.

"Unfortunately we are to get more of the same despite the fact that there is a crying need for vastly improved public transport provision in mid Wales.

"Traffic problems and congestion will only get worse not better."

Arriva will operate the franchise for 15 years, subject to five-year performance reviews.

The key commitments as part of the franchise includes the introduction of seven new trains from December 2004 and the introduction of 30 new integrated train-bus tickets by November 2005.

But the company refused to comment on any changes in the service to passengers in mid Wales.

An Arriva spokesman said it was too early to comment on specific issues.

The company now has a short period to reach a franchise agreement with the Strategic Rail Authority before taking over by the end of this year.