Unreliable and overcrowded trains on Cambrian line raised in the Senedd

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00:00needs of increased passenger numbers. Well, our investment is enabling Transport Wales to deliver

00:04more services and more capacity where it's most needed. This includes the new 1628 service between

00:11Shrewsbury and Aberystwyth and, of course, additional Sunday services on the line over

00:16the busy summer period. I thank the Cabinet Secretary for his answer. Yes, I acknowledge

00:21that extra service is taking capacity off the 5.30pm service, which had capacity issues on

00:28previously. I recently met with SARPA, the rail user group, who do a great job advocating for

00:34passengers on the Cambrian line. And what they point out is that 98% of levels recorded before

00:42the passenger, before COVID-19, I should start again, sorry. Recently, the numbers using the line

00:52have now exceeded up to 98% of the levels recorded before the COVID-19 pandemic. And of course, those

01:00numbers are expected to increase as well. I know I say this in the context of previously, it's been said

01:06that passenger numbers have declined since the COVID pandemic. And that's why some services need to

01:11change. Given that is the case, and given, of course, as well, we've had repeated delays of the new rolling

01:17stock and the deferral lot of the promised hourly service as well until 2026. And even then only

01:23in the summer months. I wonder what positive news you can provide today to those using the Cambria

01:29line, particularly in terms of new rolling stock, stopping those increased delays in services, and

01:37also making sure that there's reliability and services and an hourly service all year round.

01:42Of course, it's reliability and punctuality that really determine whether people use public transport

01:47or not. And we've seen quite a significant improvement in Transport for Wales' performance

01:51over the past 12 months. Can I just put on record, presiding officer, my thanks to SARPA as well. I know

01:58that they're incredibly helpful in advising not just backbenchers here, but also ministers on what

02:04needs to be done on the railway line. And I very much welcome their work. Russell George is right

02:10about the return to pre-COVID patronage right across the network. We've seen a very significant

02:16increase in the number of people using Transport for Wales services. It's one of the biggest increases

02:21of any operator in Britain. It's very welcome. And where we can provide additional capacity to meet

02:28that additional need, we will do so. I'm pleased to say that we are introducing brand new trains

02:33on the Cambrian line from next year, and that we're working very closely at present with Network Rail and

02:38also with CAF, who are going to be providing those brand new trains to ensure that the infrastructure

02:43on the Cambrian line is upgraded. So we are investing in the rolling stock and through Network Rail and

02:49through CAF. We're making sure that the infrastructure is ready to take those brand new trains.

02:53Question 6-4.

02:56Dear Thlawith, what steps is the Welsh Government taking to a dream?

03:00Question 6-4.

03:04Question 6-4.

03:08Question 6-3.

03:10Question 6-3.

03:15Question 6-3.