RCT LEADER CALLS FOR ACTION ON OVERCROWDING...
A COUNCIL leader has called for “urgent and decisive actions” from Arriva Trains Wales (ATW) as commuters continue to complain of overcrowding at peak times on Valley Lines trains.
Andrew Morgan, leader of Rhondda Cynon Taf (RCT) council, pictured, said the service offered was “well below” standard.
He met with Arriva to discuss overcrowding six weeks ago and, earlier this week, he invited senior managers from the train operator to travel with him on a morning commute to witness first-hand the difficulties experienced by commuters.
Mr Morgan said: “It is completely unacceptable for Valley commuters to continue facing the overcrowding and punctuality delays on Valley Lines trains. Action is needed instead of apologies which are offered to rail users on a daily basis.
“In my view, Arriva are simply not delivering on their obligations as the franchise holder for the Valley Lines. The service
offered is well below what should be expected. met with Arriva managers six weeks ago to express the concerns which are regularly communicated to me by residents from across RCT. While I do know they are looking at possible options the public want to know what is happening and when.
“At engagement events the council is currently undertaking, the poor service provided and, in particular, the overcrowding on Arriva Train services is a topic that I am being asked to continue to lobby on.
“You only have to view the pictures which regularly appear on social media to conclude that the services provided by Arriva are not fit for purpose.
“The overcrowding seen in these images posted by travellers cannot be safe in any circumstances.”
Over the past year the Echo has carried numerous stories from rail commuters complaining about overcrowding, late-running services and not being able to get on to packed trains at some stations.
Transport experts have previously warned there is
Ino immediate prospect of an improvement. Some Valley Lines trains are as much as 40 years old but there is a lack of more modern diesel replacements in the UK.
However, it is understood that ATW may be exploring the possibility of using spare rolling stock from the Gatwick Express in the new year.
Welsh Infrastructure Secretary Ken Skates said last month that officials were now talking to the rail industry in the hope of securing a shortterm boost to the train fleet.
Mr Morgan said action was needed now. He said: “There is very clearly a need for more rolling stock on these lines, but a short-term solution could be the availability of bus services to transport passengers left behind from Valley stations to Pontypridd where train services are less than every 15 minutes to Cardiff.
“I accept that rolling stock is a major issue which cannot be overcome overnight, but this needs to be communicated more effectively to the public.
“Serious questions need to be considered by Welsh Government as to whether or not Arriva are capable of continuing to operating the Valley Lines into the future, in particular when considering cleanliness, reliability and value for money of the services. While I fully understand that the contract was let by the UK Government and rail isn’t yet fully devolved to the Welsh Government, I will also be writing to the Economy and Infrastructure Secretary Ken Skates AM to request his direct intervention in seeking options to the current situation.”
Rhondda AM and Plaid Cymru leader Leanne Wood has also previously raised the issue of overcrowding on train services in the South Wales Valleys, and has called for the Rhondda line to go from a single to a dual line.
An Arriva Trains Wales spokesperson said: “While we continue to meet and exceed the standards set out in our franchise, we understand and apologise for the frustrations around capacity issues faced by commuters which has been made worse recently by additional maintenance required. Fifty-five of our fleet of 127 trains have had to be taken out of service for repairs so far this season.”