Gareth Marston
Established Member
Any one in NR care to confirm or refute the Ministers view about ERTMS?
Passenger Rail Services from Assembly Plenary debate 4th July 2012.
Passenger Rail Services from Assembly Plenary debate 4th July 2012.
Russell George said:I hope that the Minister will take the time to read the most recent newsletter of the Shrewsbury-Aberystwyth Rail Passenger Association as it contained an excellent article on how an hourly service is in the process of being introduced in rural east Suffolk. The rail press has been particularly gushing about the project on the east Suffolk line, which was first presented in 2010. It shows that, even in hard times, projects can go ahead. My question, Minister, is this: why can a project proposed just two years ago be on track to deliver an hourly service by this winter when the Cambrian line project, the infrastructure for which was first introduced in 2008, cannot be delivered on time?
Carl Sargeant said:I think that there are several reasons relating to priorities and financial planning affecting the ability to deliver schemes. There is no point entering into a new negotiated position of delivering a scheme if it is not feasible in the longer term. I want to ensure, with my team, that when we create this scheme, it is sustainable for the passengers who use it. I am sure that the Member would support that. We have been working with Network Rail and Arriva Trains Wales on the introduction of the additional services, and we will continue to do so. There have been issues with the new European rail traffic management system, which Network Rail is resolving. However, of course, these have added to the complications, the affordability and the effectiveness of this service. However, we are pursuing this and I look forward to the new services commencing in 2014-15.
Last edited by a moderator: