Mike Hedges MS welcomes news that Welsh Labour Government to take rail franchise under public control

Mike Hedges MS welcomes news that Welsh Labour Government to take rail franchise under public control

Speaking from his Morriston Office, local MS Mike Hedges said… ‘I greatly welcome the news that the Welsh Government is taking control of the Wales Rail Francise. Everyone knows that the Covid 19 virus had a negative impact on the economy and transport companies have taken a big hit. The actions of the Welsh Government have helped save the rail industry in Wales from a much worse fate.

I am sure that the governments action have ensured a good future for rail transport in Wales.’

In the face of dramatic falls in passenger numbers, the Welsh Labour Government has decided to bring the Wales and Borders rail franchise under public control.

Welsh Labour’s Transport Minister, Ken Skates said the move will help secure the future of passenger services in Wales and the Borders area, protect jobs and maintain the Welsh Government’s ambitious plans for Metro.

The move comes after a challenging period in which Covid-19 has significantly impacted passenger numbers and rail revenue across Wales.

The new arrangements will see day to day rail services become the responsibility of a new publicly owned subsidiary of Transport for Wales, which includes a new partnership between Transport for Wales, Keolis and Amey.

You can read more about this announcement here.