Following the release of statistics detailing railway station usage across Wales, Janet Finch-Saunders, Assembly Member for Aberconwy, has welcomed the increase in the use of stations along the southern section of the Conwy Valley Railway Line, and has called on the Welsh Government to take measures to boost the line’s popularity even further.
Janet said:
“That Llanrwst, Betws-y-Coed, Dolwyddelan, Roman Bridge, and Blaenau Ffestiniog have seen significant increases in usage in 2016-17 is excellent news for the line and local businesses.
“When taking out the northern stations which can be accessed by other train services too – Llandudno Junction, Deganwy, and Llandudno – the others along the Conwy Valley Line should be seen as having performed very well, with 6 of the 10 stations seeing increases.
“Interestingly, the stations with easy access to Snowdonia National Park have all, bar one, experienced higher use, indicating to the popularity of the line as a means to access our natural wonder and the tourist honey pot that is the national park. As such, I have called on the Welsh Government to build on the line’s popularity by introducing a direct rail service from Manchester Airport to Blaenau Ffestiniog: creating a truly global gateway to Snowdonia, and direct connectivity with larger urban centres”.
ENDS
Written Assembly Question to the Cabinet Secretary for Economy and Transport:
Will the Cabinet Secretary make a statement on the latest figures for usage of the Conwy Valley Line, acknowledge the increase in use of stations on the southern section, and explain whether a direct service can be introduced from Manchester Airport to Blaenau Ffestiniog so to build on existing popularity?
Documents
Rail Station Usage in Wales during 2016-17
Notes
Cabinet Secretary questioned over long term future of Conwy Valley Railway Line
Manchester Airport - Conwy Valley: AM calls for better rail connectivity.
Aberconwy AM Receives Assurances over Future of Conwy Valley Railway Line
Conwy Valley rail line numbers up - thanks to Michael Portillo
