6. Will the First Minister make a statement on rail services in south-east Wales? OAQ(5)0461(FM)

We are currently procuring an operator and development partner for Wales and borders services from 2018 and also the metro infrastructure. That process includes discussions with bidders on how services in the south-east of Wales can be best delivered as part of the wider provision of the south Wales metro.

Thank you for that, First Minister. As you are well aware, the Newport to Ebbw Vale passenger rail link remains a top propriety for local people, and there is a deal of frustration and impatience that it’s not yet established. Are you able, First Minister, to provide further reassurance today that that passenger rail link between Newport and Ebbw Vale remains a priority for Welsh Government? And are you able to provide any timings as to when it will be in operation—the latest timings, if possible?

It’s not possible to give a time as to when the service might be in operation, but I can give the Member an assurance that service provision on the Ebbw Vale line is being examined as part of that project. He has on many occasions in this Chamber over the years emphasised the importance of a service going to Newport, and that is very much part of the developing thinking over how the metro will operate in the future.

First Minister, the renewal of the Wales and west border franchise is fast approaching. Has the Welsh Government at least begun the process of ordering or considering ordering new rolling stock for that franchise? I ask the question because, given that it takes up to four years to commission new rolling stock—it’s not like buying a car at the local garage—do you share my concerns that there’s a danger that the new rail operator will have no choice but to rely on existing stock at the start of the franchise, will almost certainly end up refurbishing it, and that would hardly be the fresh start for the new franchise that the public would be hoping to see?

It will be absolutely clear as part of the franchise proposals that rolling stock should be modern, certainly not 40 years old, as some of the stock is on some lines at the moment, and that that stock should provide facilities to passengers such as Wi-Fi, which isn’t provided at the moment. So, I can give the Member an assurance that this is very much part of the tendering process for the new franchise. We want our people to have the best rail services in the UK rather than services that rely on outdated stock.

Following on from the question from John Griffiths, AM for Newport East, Arriva Trains Wales tell us that the Ebbw Vale line is at full capacity with those wishing to travel to Cardiff. It would seem that only a twin track through to Ebbw Vale would alleviate this problem. Would the First Minister inform us if there are any plans to implement this option?

Well, it can be double track, it can be partial double track, and it can be signalling that makes the difference. It’s good news, of course, that the service is so well used that frequency needs to be increased. These things, amongst other things, will be looked at, working with organisations such as Network Rail, to provide an improved service in the future. Again, that’s very much part of the thinking on the metro and the new franchise.