Transport Focus report rail passengers’ call for better services in Wales
Posted: 29 June 2017 | | 1 comment
Passengers travelling on Wales and Borders services are calling for an overhaul of tired and overcrowded train services when a new contract is awarded.
Passengers travelling on Wales and Borders services are calling for an overhaul of tired and overcrowded train services when a new contract is awarded, reports Transport Focus.
In new research out today, Arriva Trains Wales passengers told the independent passenger watchdog, Transport Focus, what they wanted to see as part of their future service.
Good staff but better service needed
Passengers’ top priorities for the next operator include more seats and more space to deal with overcrowding; a more punctual and reliable service; and new trains. Passengers say they find current facilities and stations outdated and in need of improvement.
Passengers do, however, rate their local staff highly and see them as generally friendly, helpful and approachable. Transport Focus is calling on the next operator to build on this good relationship between local staff and passengers, to develop a more positive image of the new service and operator.
Calls for planning clarity
Passengers would like to see Transport for Wales, Welsh Government, Network Rail and the next operator of the Wales and Borders rail service put forward a clear plan to address these issues. The current Arriva Trains Wales franchise was contracted on a ‘zero growth’ basis, with no investment made to cope with the surge in passenger numbers. In the future passengers must see a commitment to investment from the new service to meet growing demand and expectations for improved quality across the network.
Anthony Smith, Chief Executive of Transport Focus, said: “Many passengers in Wales are currently travelling on trains well past their sell-by date. Older trains, carrying more passengers than the number of seats available, make for an uncomfortable journey. Passengers deserve better.
“Persistent delays to services on parts of the current Arriva Trains Wales network have diminished the expectations of passengers. It’s important that the next operator and Network Rail get the basics right to rebuild trust with passengers.
New contract provides new opportunity
Anthony Smith continues: “The competition for the next Wales and Borders operator provides a great opportunity to get a good deal for passengers. Transport for Wales, Welsh Government and the next Wales and Borders operator need to listen to passengers and take action to improve future services.”
This may be partly true but, as both a professional transport planner and a frequent rail passenger in North Wales (where my father lives), the North East (where I come from) and the South West (where I work), I think I speak with some experience. The local GWR rail services in the South West are operated by far older and more outdated rolling stock – ancient class 150s with no ventilation. The ATW Class 175s are very good trains – I only wish they had more of them and elsewhere. The Class 158s are getting tired, and running only two coaches to North Wales from overcrowded Birmingham New Street is ridiculous. Also ridiculous is ATW’s policy of not letting us reserve a seat with Advance tickets, discriminating against long-distance passengers who try to be thrifty and book ahead. It has made my elderly father too scared to travel on this service, and I have to go to Birmingham International to try and board this service as getting on a two-coach train without a reserved seat at Birmingham New Street is ridiculous. This could be simple to rectify in a new franchise.
Lastly, we desperately need more direct services to Llandudno, the premier holiday resort in North Wales with most hotel beds. The penalty of interchange for older passengers with luggage is great, so they come by car, hence the congestion on the A55, or go elsewhere. We also need direct trains to Birmingham, and not just Manchester, from Llandudno.