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Peter Black and South Wales West Liberal DemocratsRepresenting Aberavon, Bridgend, Gower, Neath, Ogmore, Port Talbot, and Swansea |
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Assembly Member calls for assurances on trains and jobs in West Wales
February 25, 2009 12:00 AM
The Welsh Liberal Democrat Assembly Member for South Wales West, Peter Black, has expressed his concern about the future of Inter City Trains from Swansea and West Wales to London and the depot in Swansea that services them when new Super Express trains arrive from 2015 onwards.
The new Super Express coaches will be ten foot longer than those currently in use, to save weight and increase seating. However, that will result in the coaches overhanging further when going around curves meaning that modifications will be required. Despite this, Network Rail has refused to commit to carrying out those changes at this time.
It is understood that work will be needed to modify sharp curves outside Swansea and Carmarthen stations and that some tunnels may be too narrow for the Super Express. There are also sharp curves on the diversion route between Cardiff and Bridgend via Barry, used when work is carried out on the main line.
"Welcome as this new investment in rolling stock is, those living to the west of Cardiff who use Inter City services do need some reassurances that there will not be a reduced service," said Mr. Black. "It is very possible that we could see fewer trains in the morning and evenings between Swansea and London, whilst the 74 staff who work at the Swansea depot, which currently services ten Inter City trains each night, also need some assurance that their jobs will continue."
"People living to the west of Cardiff are already the poor relations when it comes to Inter City trains, we cannot tolerate a further diminution in service. The government and Network Rail must confirm as soon as possible that the introduction of these Super Express trains will also see an investment in the rail infrastructure so as to ensure nobody loses out."
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