TfW chiefs under fire again after roofs and windows leak
RAIL bosses have come under fire again after passengers already soaked by the rain got on trains only to be greeted by leaky roofs and windows.
Fresh from the news of a hike in rail fares, commuters began their journey yesterday as the weather took a turn for the worse.
But any hope of escaping the elements proved fruitless for some train goers sat in ageing carriages across the Wales and Borders network.
Transport for Wales (TfW) was inundated with complaints about water leaking through the roofs and windows.
Many vented their anger and frustration on social media.
Passengers said they have been dealing with leaks on old railway stock for too long – since before Transport for Wales took over the service last year. Sam Gittings takes the Shrewsbury to Milford Haven service to Hereford twice a week to see family. The 21-year-old said the carriages are often in a “very poor” condition.
“There is always some sort of problem, whether it be a broken seat or a leak,” he said.
“Normally the windows are broken and you can’t open them, which on an overly cramped service, which is usually the case, it gets very, very hot.
“But the problem is opening the window creates a massive racket because of the engines, but I don’t find this problem on other service providers.”
Sam added: “I don’t believe any improvements are being made.
“No improvements on my journeys but my fare goes up. My wages don’t go up [but] they expect me to pay more.”
On Wednesday morning there were reports of leaks on a Barry Island to Cardiff service, a Cardiff to Swansea train and a Shrewsbury to Milford Haven train.
Transport for Wales took over the Wales and the Borders franchise in October last year and has promised to improve rail travel across the country.
The latest planned hike in ticket prices comes two days after TfW apologised to customers for overcrowded and cancelled services and revealed further delays to promised additional rolling stock.
TfW Rail has said it intends to “transform the network across Wales and the Borders” over the next 15 years, with an £800m investment promising to ensure that 95% of journeys are on new trains from 2023.
The company said it was aware of maintenance problems on some services, and is investing £40m to improve the condition and reliability of current stock.
David Sidebottom, director of independent watchdog Transport Focus, said: “Faced with routine experience of poor performance – including leaky rolling stock – rail passengers will be mystified that rail fares are likely to go up next January.
“The National Rail Passenger Survey shows that only 82% of passengers in Wales were satisfied overall and 55% were satisfied with the value for money of their ticket.
“Like other rail operators Transport for Wales still has a great deal to improve.”
A TfW spokesman said: “We’re very sorry for any discomfort caused by this issue. Our maintenance team will be examining the carriages as soon as possible. We recognise that running ageing trains in this condition is not the level of service our customers expect. This is why we’re investing £800m in a fleet of brand new trains which will be introduced from 2022, as we work to transform the Wales and Borders rail service.
“In the meantime, we’re investing £40m to improve the condition and reliability of our current trains, and we’re acquiring more modern trains to replace our oldest trains later this year, to ensure customers receive an improved service as soon as possible.”