Single Welsh railway moves forward

Competition is fierce to run the rail network

Plans for a single rail firm to run Welsh services will move forward with the publication of a feasibility study by the Shadow Strategic Rail Authority.

The SSRA is proposing to introduce a single all-Wales franchise to run rail services in Wales, but the Rail Passengers Committee has voiced concerns.

The plans, which are still subject to change, were drawn up to "revitalise the network" at a time when passenger levels were rising sharply.

They outline a new franchise for Wales which will replace four existing franchises "which have no clear focus".

Heavy investment

The draft proposal was welcomed by the government, the train companies and by the main passenger group, the Rail Passengers Council, when it was unveiled in June.

But the council said the franchise changes would only work if they were accompanied by heavy investment in the network.

"We have made representations to the Deputy Prime Minister, John Prescott, about the real need for adequate resources for all these aspirations to become a reality," said council spokesman Clive Williams.

SSRA chairman Sir Alastair Morton said the authority's guiding principle was to improve service, not to introduce change for change's sake.

"What we are proposing is a map that will revitalise the network, with franchise areas designed to relate better to each other and to provide improved accessibility for passengers," he said.

"The final detailed shape of the franchises created will only be set once the plans of those bidding to run the franchises have been considered."