NDM8389 Plaid Cymru Debate - Transport for Wales

NDM8389 Heledd Fychan (South Wales Central)

To propose that the Senedd:

1. Notes that it is five years since Transport for Wales took over the all-Wales rail franchise from Arriva Trains Wales.

2. Regrets that:

a) train service provision across Wales remains unacceptably unreliable and expensive, with only 57 per cent of services arriving on time between April and June 2023;

b) only 29 per cent of journeys are currently being undertaken on new trains, well below the 95 per cent target set by the Welsh Government for 2023; and

c) Transport for Wales has the lowest customer satisfaction ratings of all major UK rail operators.

3. Calls on the Welsh Government to ensure Transport for Wales delivers on the commitments made, and secure improvements in terms of punctuality and the upgrading of the stock, as well as planning for adequate services to coincide with major events in Wales.

The following amendments were tabled:

Amendment 1 Lesley Griffiths (Wrexham)

Delete points 2 and 3 and replace with:

Acknowledges the impact on passengers of recent poor rail performance, with challenges including ageing and unreliable trains, industrial action in UK Government controlled companies, and the ongoing financial pressures caused by COVID and inflation. 

Welcomes the stabilisation of train performance delivered by Transport for Wales since August.

Welcomes the £1.1 billion investment in the core Valley lines and the £900 million investment in rolling stock across the Wales and borders network.

Looks forward to the step change for passengers as new rolling stock is introduced for 95 per cent of journeys by 2024, in line with the Programme for Government commitment.

Amendment 2 Darren Millar (Clwyd West)

Add as new point at end of motion:

Calls on the Welsh Government to publish the business case from Transport for Wales to justify the £125 million of additional funding being provided to the company in the current financial year.