Concern has been raised over the future of direct train services from Newtown and Caersws to Birmingham.
A rail users group claims it has seen plans that could see services along the Cambrian Railway terminating at Shrewsbury, much like they did in previous years, meaning passengers would have to change services for all journeys.
Shrewsbury and Aberystwyth Rail Passenger Association (SARPA) says it has seen plans that could see the services terminating at Shrewsbury, just a year after hourly services began along the line.
It wants to ensure such services continue direct to Birmingham (New Street) and Birmingham International without changing.
The group is due to hold its next meeting at The Sportsman in Newtown on 1 November at 7pm to discuss it.
Chairman Angus Eickhoff said: “Complacency is now our biggest enemy as many people mistakenly believe the job was done after a few extra services were provided last May.
“However, with the upcoming re-letting of the Wales and Border franchise specified from Cardiff looming we must ensure that the voice of Mid Wales and Shropshire is heard and that the success of the extra services is maintained and built on so that the people of Mid Wales have a modern and functioning public transport option.
“The trouble being experienced with the current ScotRail and Southern franchises primarily stems from mistakes made in the specification of the contract between Government and the private operators.
“It’s one thing for the Welsh Government to make the right general noises about improvements, but actually specifying and delivering a contract that does deliver is another. Stakeholders in Mid Wales and Shropshire must keep the pressure up.”
The extra services introduced on the Cambrian Railway Line in May 2015 have reportedly seen increases in usage of 30% the cessation of through services and/or a poorly specified contract will see this achievement, for which SARPA fought for many years, negated.
As for the new franchise SARPA’s main aspirations for the replacement Wales and Border franchise are:
• A realistic quantity of rolling stock in the franchise with a minimum 50% increase in carriages on the Birmingham to Cambrian & Chester routes.
• Trains that go where there is customer demand -Through Trains must be maintained to Birmingham New Street & Birmingham International from the Cambrian (Aberystwyth and Pwllheli). Improved connections at Shrewsbury from/to Cambrian trains towards/from the North West of England i.e Chester/Crewe/Manchester.
• A full Hourly service on the Cambrian Mainline.
• A Cambrian Coast Line that’s fit for purpose – a proper Sunday service all year round and the need for increased capacity at peak times.
A representative from one of the bidders for the new Wales and Border franchise Abeilio Trains Wales will be attending the group’s next meeting in Newtown.
Photo: An Arriva Wales Train on the Cambrian Railway Line (Photo ©Owain Betts)
