Overview
Passengers would like to see the operator of the new franchise
to have a very local focus and non-corporate feel. Current
passengers often speak highly of local staff members. They
recognise the big gaps in the network between North, Mid
and South Wales, and would like to see more of a coherent
organisation behind the provision of transport services in Wales.
Overall, passengers want the basics fixed before focusing on
advanced improvements and a significantly enhanced service.
Passengers see these as the overarching themes, which are
manifested in a number of day-to-day concerns.
The reasons passengers choose to use Arriva Trains Wales
services are similar to those for other operators. Driving (and
parking) is seen as expensive, time consuming and more
stressful than taking the train, although for group travel it can be
cheaper. Buses are useful for short journeys, but where the train
is an option it is seen as preferable due to speed, predictability
and comfort. Coaches for longer journeys are perceived to be
cheaper, but also slower, more unpredictable and seldom an