Questions Without Notice from Party Spokespeople

Part of 1. Questions to the Cabinet Secretary for Economy and Transport – in the Senedd at 1:42 pm on 24 October 2018.

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Photo of Ken Skates Ken Skates Labour 1:42, 24 October 2018

Yes, absolutely. The Member raises a number of questions. In terms of the trains, we inherited the trains that had been operated by Arriva Trains Wales when Transport for Wales took over the franchise, but we were also very clear in articulating that there will be £40 million spent on improving those existing trains whilst we await new rolling stock. On new rolling stock, we anticipate delivery by 2021. The first of the new trains will be seen rolled out on the north Wales coast line. There will be a mix of trains built in Wales and built abroad. The procurement exercise identified the best rolling stock for each of the particular routes that are going to be served by the new franchise. In addition to the £40 million that will be spent on improving the existing trains, I'm also pleased that a deep clean of all stations will commence in December of this year, and that, by 2023, every single train on the network will have been replaced. It's also worth pointing out that, over the course of the next 15 years, we will spend almost £200 million improving each and every one of the stations in the franchise network. 

In terms of the other points raised by the Member, I'll happily provide updates on the queries. I'll write to Members with details of the various points that the Member raised.