Cambrian Railway Partnership hopeful of positive annoucement in December

The Cambrian railways main line between Aberystwyth and Shrewsbury could be set for a major step forward towards an hourly service says the Cambrian Railways Partnership’s Development Officer Rhydian Mason.

According to Rhydian, who has over the past few weeks been lobbying Assembly Members in Cardiff an seeking support from Members of Parliament at Westminster over the issue, an announcement is imminent in early December which will finally reveal what developments are in store for the important line which connects mid Wales to the rest of the UK.

“I spoke personally to Carl Sargeant, the Minister for Local Government and Communities at the Senedd very recently, and he indicated that progress was being made that would be revealed in an announcement he would be making during the next few weeks,” said Rhydian.

“Having spoken to one or two other AM’s that have been involved in the discussions, there is a strong indication that there will be some good news for us which suggests that we will get some additional much needed services for the Cambrian main line.

“Such a service would have great potential for business, leisure and commuting for all areas on the Cambrian main line, as well as providing better connections for the Cambrian Coast line. We fully believe that a more frequent service would change the way that people view and use the train, and as a result, we’re confident that we’ll see more patronage throughout the year.”

Glyn Davies, Conservative MP for Montgomeryshire was also keen to see improvements in the frequency of services across mid Wales on the Cambrian line. He said, ““An hourly service on the Cambrian Line has been an ambition of Mid Wales train users for many years.  It would bring great benefit to businesses across the whole Mid Wales area.  More trains into mid Wales would be particularly helpful to our tourist industry, which comprises such a big part of the local economy.  The train is a convenient and economical way to travel, and an hourly service would create opportunities of all sorts along the main line and also along the Cambrian Coast.”

Plaid Cymru Mid and West AM SIMON Thomas said that an hourly service between Aberystwyth and Shrewsbury would be a step forward for the region on many levels:

“The potential benefits to business, tourism and for commuters would surely bring new opportunities to the area, and could help change people’s perception of the railway as an efficient and convenient mode of travel.”

Contrary to some rumours circulating, an hourly service will not be introduced on the Cambrian line in 2012. “Such a service is entirely dependant on the Welsh Government’s decision in December,” added Rhydian Mason. “Once they have made their position clear, the rail operator – in this case Arriva Trains Wales – then needs to make the necessary arrangements to put the service in place. This could mean the need to source additional staff, additional carriages, as well as incorporating the additional services into a suitable timetable. The Welsh Government will need to approve all these changes therefore a definite timescale is at this point dificult to pinpoint.”