Part of 1. Questions to the Cabinet Secretary for Economy and Transport – in the Senedd at 1:41 pm on 24 October 2018.
Thank you, Cabinet Secretary. I was hoping that you might be able to give us some specific answers in terms of the timetabling issues that I've raised today. If you are able to do so, please do so today.
The Government and Transport for Wales have made a number of commitments to rail passengers regarding the delivery of new trains. One of the main complaints, as you will be aware, regarding trains running on Welsh lines has been about trains that are overcrowded, old, unclean and environmentally substandard. You will understand, of course, that passengers are disappointed and frustrated that the same old trains are still in operation now, even though the new franchise era has begun. Can I ask you to make crystal clear when the new trains will finally arrive? Will you also outline a rolling stock strategy so that the public can have the confidence that the new trains will arrive, as promised? And, finally, will you provide an update as to when the tender specification and final contract that we use to deliver the new franchise will be made public? I know you've previously committed to doing this.