Aberconwy AM, Janet Finch-Saunders, has sought assurances for the future running of the Conwy Valley Line, after recent stock issues caused the temporary cancellation of the service – caused disruption to residents and visitors.
Janet said:
“The Conwy Valley Line is the transport heart of the valley – and an essential link for many residents and visitors between our thriving seaside resort town of Llandudno, via Llandudno Junction, and the Snowdonia heartlands.
“At this time of year especially, it is essential that tourists visiting the area can rely on public transport to ensure their holiday plans are not disrupted.
“Local residents and workers, too, need to be confident in our transport links to know that they can get to work and appointments on time.
“This failure by Arriva Trains Wales to balance their stock effectively will have had wide knock-on effects, and the Welsh Government m ust carefully scrutinise this issue.
“I have sought assurances from the Cabinet Secretary with responsibility for Transport – Ken Skates AM – that provisions will be included in the KeolisAmey contract that such services will be operated with reliability and constituency along this route. I am pleased to note that Transport for Wales will ensure that their contractual obligations will include this, and will continue to monitor this matter as the new franchise develops.”
ENDS
Notes
Response to the Member’s Written Assembly Question – received today:
FOR ANSWER BY
THE CABINET SECRETARY FOR ECONOMY AND TRANSPORT
ON 08 JUNE 2018
Janet Finch-Saunders (Aberconwy): Will the Cabinet Secretary make a statement on the cancellation of the Conwy Valley line rail service, and advise as to how he will work to ensure that appropriate safeguards are in place within the forthcoming KeolisAmey contract to avoid such an occurrence in the future? (WAQ76633)
Ken Skates: I was very disappointed to hear services on the Conwy Valley line have been cancelled due to trains requiring maintenance. I expect Arriva Trains Wales to manage their resources effectively to deliver timetabled services, and they will be financially penalised for failure to operate services. Transport for Wales will ensure that KeolisAmey meet their contractual obligations to operate services on this route.