‘EXTRA SUNDAY SERVICES WERE GREAT... NOW CAN WE KEEP THEM, PLEASE?’

EXTRA sunday trains that served cynon Valley commuters and shoppers over the christmas period should be made permanent, it has been claimed.

Vikki Howells, Am for the area, who was behind the campaign urging Arriva Trains Wales to lay on four extra services from Aberdare to cardiff, said the move made a big difference.

she is now calling on the company to make the move permanent, and said: “many constituents have contacted me to tell me about the difference these extra services have made, helping them travel for employment, leisure or to visit family.

“public transport is a lifeline for many, but if we also want to encourage more people out of their cars we need to make sure timetabling meets needs and is fit for purpose.”

The earlier service meant many people could travel by train into cardiff before 10am for the first time.

And it came after ms Howells’ survey showed 95% of people in the area said they would like a more regular sunday service.

ms Howells added: “i have written to the managing director of Arriva Trains Wales to ask him to increase provision on a permanent basis.

“i have also sought the support of Welsh Government, and was pleased with the strong backing they have given to my campaign.”

replying to Vikki Howells Am, Ken skates Am said: “i was very pleased that Arriva Trains Wales decided to put on these additional services, and i would hope that the pilot scheme was a great success and might lead to a longer term provision of additional services.

“We are incentivising bidders to enhance services across the network, including, crucially i believe, on sundays, given that many people do now work on the weekends”.

Arriva Trains Wales was contacted for comment.