Rail users in Newtown and Caersws can expect more train delays and cancellations after rail operator Transport for Wales said it had a high number of stock at its repair depots.
TfW took over the Cambrian Railway service last month amid a fanfare that it would improve the services left by the previous operator Arriva Trains Wales.
But in recent weeks there have been cancellations and delays.
TfW said it was caused by Storm Callum with stock needing to be repaired.
Montgomeryshire AM, Russell George, questioned the Welsh Government's Transport Minister, Ken Skates, yesterday at the Send.
“We were promised by the Welsh Government immediate improvements to Welsh rail services as a result of the new franchise. The mood amongst commuters at the moment is that services are actually getting worse," he said.
“This is not the “transformational” improvement to services that Wales was promised.
“Residents have contacted me to express concern that there was standing room only on a mid-morning train from Caersws to Shrewsbury because the whole train was full, delayed by 20 minutes and with no explanation provided as to why passengers were wedged against doors because the train was so busy."
He added: “One morning service between Aberystwyth and Shrewsbury was cancelled four times last week, which affected students traveling to Wrexham and Shrewsbury."
During an exchange in the National Assembly, Mr George asked why cancellation rates on a Mid Wales morning service was running at 80% last week, whilst cancellation rates on the Valley Lines ran with less than a 1% cancellation rate.
Mr George added: “The difficulties for passengers are greater where infrequent services are cancelled than where services are frequent. It's unacceptable that morning services on the Cambrian line had such a high cancellation rate last week when the Valley Line services were not affected, especially when you consider that there are more frequent bus services in this area.
"While I recognise that bad weather has affected the network, it is clear that rail passengers here in Mid Wales are also justifiably expecting the franchise to deliver improved value for money and put right the shortcomings in services that have afflicted rail users in Mid Wales for years."
He added: “They are certainly not expecting a worse service and it is vital that we see rapid and significant improvements here in Powys on the both the Cambrian and Heart of Wales lines with immediate effect.”
In explaining the latest problems, a TFW spokesperson said: “Due to continuing problems resulting from Storm Callum and damage to wheels caused by seasonal conditions, more trains than usual are currently undergoing repair at Transport for Wales depots. As a result, an amended timetable will be in operation until further notice.”
The operator went on to apologise for the changes to timetable services and the “decreased capacity of our trains” but said it was doing “everything possible to improve this regrettable situation”.
Arriva’s tenure was blighted by accusations of late and cancelled trains and overcrowded carriages before it handed over the franchise to TFW who promised to turn it around with investment in the service.
Photo: One of the old Arriva Trains Wales coaches on the Cambrian Railway (©Owain Betts)
