More trains needed after franchise’s ‘huge failure’
MORE trains are needed to overcome the “huge failure” of the last Wales and Borders rail franchise, according to a scathing cross-party report published today.
The people of Wales have been “deprived” of improvements to the rail network they could have expected, the Westminster Welsh Affairs committee claims.
Delivering a damning verdict on the last 15-year agreement, it states no allowance for growth in passenger numbers was made and there was no provision for extra trains. But since 2003 the number of passengers has soared by approximately 75%.
The MPs hope that from 2018 passengers will start to see improvements. However, they warn that “transformational change” will only be achieved if infrastructure improvements such as electrification become reality.
They stress the “urgent” need for more trains and modern facilities. The oldest rolling stock in use is 40 years old. On average it has been
going for 27 years.
Although the MPs say Arriva Trains Wales’ engineers have done a “fine job to keep the aged fleet going” and the service achieved “good results in terms of passenger satisfaction” this has “declined recently as the public has grown tired of old and cramped trains”.
Today’s report acknowledges that Arriva Trains Wales and the Welsh Government have tried to respond to the surge in passenger numbers but says this has been “at a higher cost than anticipated” and that improvements have been “far less than could be expected”.
New rolling stock is also needed to comply with improved accessibility requirements by 2020.
The report notes that discussions are underway to devolve responsibility for letting the franchise, as well as associated funding. It is essential, the MPs argue, that the two governments work together and share expertise so the best service for passengers is secured.
“This will include holding Network Rail to account for their performance in delivering on the infrastructure priorities on the Wales route,” they state.
Assembly Members will gain the scrutiny role that MPs play today.
The committee states that this “will create a situation whereby Welsh residents and users can raise concerns through their Assembly Member, but English residents and those who use the parts of the franchise that are solely in England, will have no such representation”.
It recommends that a protocol is established so English MPs can write to the responsible Welsh Cabinet Secretary and receive a “substantive response” in a “reasonable” period of time such as 15 days.
Wales could gain new trains, the MPs suggest, by “tagging onto existing orders of trains” and being given first refusal when “existing trains are made available due to upgrades elsewhere”
David Davies, the Conservative committee chairman, said: “The decision to let the 2003 franchise on the basis that there would be no growth in rail usage was a huge mistake. It has meant that the investment that might have been expected has not been made, and rail users have had to endure the consequences of this.
“Often this has meant not being able to get a seat, or that the trains have been dirty.”
He added: “As the franchise comes up for tender in 2018 it will be the Welsh Government who will have the responsibility to ensure there are improvements. They told us that the 2018 franchise presents the opportunity for transformational change.
“If they are successful, then that will be to the great benefit of rail passengers in Wales. However, it must also be emphasised that the franchise will remain cross-border.
“MPs will not have a direct scrutiny role, and will not be able to take up complaints by English users of the franchise. Therefore, we have recommended that a protocol be established whereby English MPs can raise their constituent’s complaints with the Welsh Cabinet Secretary, and receive a response.”
Keith Jones, director of the Institution of Civil Engineers in Wales, said: “It is essential to ensure the maximum value is derived for passengers on the Welsh rail network. The Welsh Government has a great opportunity when they take over the responsibility for these rail services to provide the level of service expected as we move into the next franchise.”
Economy and Infrastructure Secretary Ken Skates said: “The current franchise we have inherited is not fit for purpose, but following the timely transfer of functions promised we look forward to introducing our own vastly improved contract, service and system for rail users across Wales and the borders from 2018.
“I welcome the recommendations set out by the committee which will inform our approach for the next franchise. Despite infrastructure funding and powers still not being devolved, we have invested around £200m in the rail network between 2011 and 2015 to ensure that the people of Wales get better services.
“The fact that during the same period Wales and the borders area has received just 1% of the UK Government’s spending on rail enhancements – despite having 6% of the track – is something we have repeatedly called on UK Government to address. I am pleased to see the committee agrees that this historic underdevelopment of the Welsh rail network needs to be resolved.”
An Arriva Trains Wales spokesman said: “We welcome the recognition in the report of the improvements seen in our network since we took on the franchise in 2003, acknowledging the additional investment in the franchise from both Arriva Trains Wales and our Government partners. The report also highlights the need for more and new rolling stock to replace the current fleet.
“The letting of the contract in 2003 did not adequately account for the passenger growth we have seen in Wales and capacity remains a key issue for our customers, particularly during peak times. We will continue to support and work closely with our partners in government to explore potential solutions to ease the capacity challenges our customers face.
“However, the report rightly recognises there are no easy or quick answers to this problem.”