tfw ‘not given proper access to fleet before handover’

YESTERDAY’S hearing came after former leader of the Welsh Conservatives, Andrew RT Davies, had written to the committee about the problems experienced by passengers on the new franchise.

Ken Skates, the Welsh Government’s cabinet secretary for transport said Transport for Wales (TfW) had not been given “full and proper access” before the franchise handover to inspect the fleet, which he said had been “very poorly maintained”.

On Wednesday, Mr Skates said the UK Government’s contract with Arriva Trains Wales in 2003 (under Tony Blair’s Labour) was “dreadful” and gave the company a “lower bar to get over” in terms of maintaining trains.

He said: “The standards of the delivery of the services were too low because the contract that was agreed 15 years ago was not fit for purpose.”

A message on the TfW website said it apologised for the “regrettable” disruptions, which it says is due to the “unprecedented” number of trains damaged by the weather in autumn.

It said: “We apologise for the current changes to timetabled services and the decreased capacity of our trains. We are doing everything possible to improve this regrettable situation.

“Due to an unprecedented number of trains suffering from damage caused by the effects of autumn, Transport for Wales will be operating an amended timetable until further notice.”

A UK Government spokesperson said: “We are investing record amounts in Wales’ railway infrastructure.

“Network Rail’s proposed budget for its Wales Route for Control Period 6 (2019-24) is over £1.3bn.

“This investment will build a bigger, better railway for Wales, delivering improved journeys for passengers on the most advanced new trains.”