MS quizzes Minister on railway line performance

The ongoing challenges faced by passengers on the Cambrian railway line were the focus of a lively exchange in the Senedd this week.

Montgomeryshire Senedd Member, Russell George, called on the Cabinet Secretary for Transport and North Wales, Ken Skates, to address what he described as persistent failings in Transport for Wales (TfW) services on this key route.

Mr George shared a damning account of overcrowding, inadequate facilities, and unfulfilled promises of additional rolling stock on the line, which serves Newtown and the surrounding area.

He recounted a constituent’s recent experience of struggling to board an overcrowded two-carriage train, highlighting difficulties for disabled passengers and raising concerns about safety.

“People aren’t going to use a train service if they can’t get a seat,” he argued. “Perhaps they will for a short journey, but not for a long one.”

He also criticised the lack of space for prams and bicycles, unclean toilets, unreliable Wi-Fi, and the absence of a food trolley.

Mr George expressed frustration over repeated delays to upgrades, stating, “It would be great to have a service where people could actually get to a toilet that was clean, have room for pushchairs and bikes, and—most importantly—get a seat.”

Responding to the concerns, Ken Skates acknowledged the current challenges but emphasised the progress being made under TfW’s management.

He assured Senedd Members that new trains would begin operating on the Cambrian line next year.

“Brand-new trains are already in use across many areas in Wales, and next year, they will be introduced on the Cambrian line,” Mr Skates said. He noted a 35% increase in carriages since TfW took over, with an additional 120 carriages set to boost capacity and address overcrowding.

While the Cabinet Secretary outlined steps towards a modernised rail service, Mr George’s criticism reflects mounting frustration among passengers who feel that improvements have been too slow to arrive.