3. How does the Welsh Government intend to measure the success of improvements to services emanating from the new rail franchise? OAQ52823

Well, my aim is for the Wales and borders rail service to be the best passenger rail service in the UK within the next 15 years. The new agreement will measure success by collating data on passenger numbers, feedback from passenger surveys, along with measuring passenger time lost from disruption.

Okay. Thank you for that answer, Cabinet Secretary. I'm really, really interested to know what sort of service level agreement you've got set up with the new franchise holder, particularly around the targets and performance indicators that are laid down in that SLA. How strict on enforcing those performance indicators in SLAs—? What remedies do you have in the SLA and the franchise agreement to actually enforce the SLA?

I think the Member raises a very important point, and it's important because, in the recent franchise arrangements, there were very few metrics by which we were able to test the performance of the operator. In this franchise agreement, a key measure will of course be whether or not passenger numbers are increasing, but we'll also be looking at operational performance, which includes more passenger-focused measures of passenger time lost. It's going to take into consideration the punctuality of services throughout the journey, rather than just at the final destination, as was the case with the previous contract. We'll also be looking at the percentage of stops missed. That will be constantly monitored. We're also going to be looking at short formations. There are more stringent measures for trains being shorter compared with their usual formation and for the number of skipped stations. It's also worth my pointing out that a service quality regime is being implemented that requires both trains and stations to meet a variety of passenger-based standards at regular inspections. And, of course, we will also be utilising the national rail passenger survey as well as regular customer satisfaction surveys, and mystery shopping surveys will also be undertaken. The monitoring of the performance of the ODP will take place on a constant basis. If the performance falls short of the levels expected and agreed to, we will enter into a remedy situation. That remedy situation could see the payment of subsidy to the operator and development partner reduced or stopped.

Cabinet Secretary, part of the new franchise includes a commitment to a half-hourly rail service in the Vale of Glamorgan. I've campaigned for a half-hourly service for many years, believing that the development of an integrated public transport plan is a more sustainable way to achieve connectivity for commuters, Vale residents, visitors to the heritage coast and for Cardiff Airport. Cabinet Secretary, I know you're aware of the significant opposition to Vale proposals for a major new road linking the A48 to the M4. Campaigners are very concerned about pollution and a lack of environmental group representation on the road review group. So, do you agree that my call for a half-hourly service in the Vale should be brought forward? It seems even more urgent. 

Can I thank the Member for the campaign that she has led for improved rail services for her constituents, and can I also thank the Member for agreeing to meet with me recently to discuss local concerns about the proposals for a major new road linking the A48 to the M4? The issue that the Member raises concerns the availability of rolling stock. Now, the Vale of Glamorgan line will see an increase to two trains per hour from 2023, and the increase in the number of services is dependent, of course, on the availability of brand new tri-mode rolling stock coming into service. The current lead-in times would suggest that the earliest that these trains are available will be 2023. However, if there is any way whatsoever of acquiring the trains earlier than that, then we will have them running before that date.

Just wondering if I can get away with being a mystery shopper under the new franchise, Cabinet Secretary—I'd probably be spotted. 

One area that you know I've been interested in seeing a big improvement in—I raised it with the First Minister in questions last week—was that area of disabled access to our stations. It wasn't particularly improved under the previous franchise. I know the First Minister gave a commitment that under the new franchise improvements are in the pipeline. I'm particularly concerned about the access at Abergavenny station, as you know. I wonder if you could provide us with some more details about what is being proposed for stations in terms of improving disabled access, with specific regard to the stations in my constituency.

Can I thank the Member for his question? And I'll also consider his request to become a mystery shopper for the franchise. [Laughter.] I'm delighted to say that Abergavenny station will be a station that will benefit from investment to make it step free to improve access for all people. It's quite a contrast that, in the last 15 years, only about £600,000 was spent on improving stations across the Wales and borders area, and, in the next 15 years, almost £200 million will be spent improving those very same stations that have been left, in many respects, undervalued by the former operator. 

Now, I think it's important also to note that, within that £200 million, around £15 million will be utilised for improving access to stations. We're going to try to make as many stations as possible step free, to improve, particularly for disabled people, the accessibility to rail services in the Wales and borders area.