Evidence from Adrian Morgan - WBF 18

Good afternoon

Please consider this e-mail as my response to the consultation exercise regarding the new Wales and Borders rail franchise and, in particular, the Aberystwyth - Shrewsbury rail line.

An hourly service during the daytime on Monday - Saturday should be the minimum requirement for frequency on this line, particularly as the infrastructure has been upgraded and increasing passenger usage is causing overcrowding on some trains.

I acknowledge that the introduction of an hourly service between Aberystwyth and Shrewsbury will require additional funding and resources. However, I would like to make the following points:

a) A fleet of diesel passenger trains is likely to become available in the near future following the completion of the electrification of a number of rail lines in the North West of England. It may be possible for some of these trains to be modified for use on the Aberystwyth - Shrewsbury rail line.

b) The Welsh Government currently supports the operation of direct trains between North and South Wales. If some of this funding could be re-directed towards the introduction of an hourly service between Aberystwyth and Shrewsbury, I would argue that this action would benefit more passengers and offer better value for money for the taxpayer.

I hope my comments above will be of assistance. Regards.

Adrian Morgan