The dawn of a new era for rail passengers in Wales and the Borders will begin tomorrow as Transport for Wales takes over from Arriva Trains Wales.
James Price, Chief Executive of Transport for Wales, says that passengers can expect their rail service to be transformed within just five years. By 2023, 95% of passengers’ journeys will take place on new, higher capacity trains and there will also be 285 extra services every weekday.
‘From Sunday, the Transport for Wales brand will start to appear on uniforms, around stations and on trains and posters,’ he said.
‘Passengers will be welcomed by the same staff, and travel on the same trains on the same routes and timetables – and, importantly, their existing tickets will all still be valid as before.
‘Behind the scenes, lots more positive changes will be starting to happen, and we’ll be keeping passengers informed all the way along.’
Transport for Wales will manage stations along the Welsh Marches line including Abergavenny, Hereford, Leominster, Ludlow, Church Stretton and Craven Arms.
The new franchise have promised station improvements, better services, more carriages, new and completely rebuilt trains, better-value fares, pay-as-you-go travelcards, free Wi-Fi, improved accessibility for those with mobility problems at all stations, and new websites and apps to help passengers stay informed and buy tickets easily.
Mr Price said: ‘We really are putting our money where our mouth is. Rather than the industry standard of 30-minute delay repay, there will be a new commitment to refunds for delays of 15 minutes or more from January 2019.
‘That journey starts on Sunday – and we hope the people of Wales and the Borders will join us on it.’
Passengers will be able to get more information and buy tickets from Transport for Wales Rail Services’ new customer website tfwrail.wales from Sunday 14 October.
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