Transport for Wales has announced that it has successfully taken over the operation of Wales and Borders from Arriva Trains Wales.
TfW (Transport for Wales) will be delivered by KeolisAmey and the Welsh Government.
KeolisAmey will also be creating a new standard for the industry as rail services are integrated with infrastructure for the first time.
The change has already begun, with two Class 175 trains being refurbished into Transport for Wales livery.
Keolis and Amey have already got a proven record for operating together. They operate the Greater Manchester Metrolink and the award-winning Docklands Light Railway.
What did the officials say?
Speaking at an official launch held at Pontypridd Station, First Minister Carwyn Jones said:
“This is an important moment for rail in Wales – indeed for devolution itself.
“Led by Transport for Wales with our partners KeolisAmey this will be the very first ‘made in Wales' rail service, designed and delivered by the Welsh Government
“The opportunity to re-design and re-purpose our railway network in Wales is a once in a generation opportunity and I am confident that by 2033 it can be the best passenger rail service in the UK.
“The chance to develop an integrated transport system that encourages economic growth and better supports our public services is supported across all political parties, and the opportunities to develop Metro systems here in South East Wales, in the North East and around Swansea Bay are drawing attention from across the globe.”
Speaking at an earlier event in North Wales, Transport Secretary Ken Skates outlined some of the many improvements passengers can expect to see in the next few weeks, months and years:
“With investment totalling almost £5bn of over the next decade and a half, our network will be transformed. We have committed £800m to deliver new trains across the network, which by 2023 will see 95% of rail journeys made on new trains. A further £194m will be put to improving the passenger experiences at our stations across the Wales and Borders network.
“There is £738m earmarked to modernise the central metro lines, support the next phase of Metro and run more trains every hour. Transport for Wales rail services will offer 600 new jobs and 450 apprenticeships over the 15year lifespan of the contract.
“Passengers will enjoy the benefits of the introduction of smart ticketing across the network, and through the extension of free travel to under-11s with half-price fares for 16 to18 year olds, they will see economic improvements also.
“This is an exciting time for Wales, and we wish Transport for Wales every success in bringing about these transformational changes on our behalf.”
James Price, Chief Executive, Transport for Wales added:
“Transport for Wales has innovative plans to revolutionise transport across Wales and we're ambitious to create a rail service that puts customers first. Taking over the running of the Wales and Borders rail service is an important first step on an exciting journey of transformation that will also see the creation of the South Wales Metro.”
Kevin Thomas, Chief Executive, Transport for Wales Rail Services commented:
“Our customers, the people of Wales and border areas, deserve a rail service that matches Welsh Government's vision. We know people have high expectations of the transformation that will happen in the coming years. We're determined to win their trust and develop a rail service that exceeds their expectations.”
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i thought this was just a re-branding initiative at first rather than a completely different company. travel from Runcorn to Manchester quite a bit so will be interesting to see if the service is a bit more reliable
Yet again north Wales misses out for south to get the new trams etc north Wales was a busy shipping lane at one point with plenty of intermodel trains and freight it needs development and new trains not a painted 175 or old tube stock I’m not sticking up for arriva but have you travelled on a train from holyhead when the ferry is in ?
The only thing I’m looking forward is that TFW Rail to introduce the new trains that will be coming the upcoming years ahead as they have started taking over from Arriva Trains Wales last weekend. And I hope that the new franchise will provide much better reliable rail services and also with interchanges with buses and new tram-train vehicles also to be ordered. Plus with the proposal to electrify the Great Western Main Line as far as Swansea and parts of the Welsh Valley lines also to be electrified.