7. Will the Cabinet Secretary make a statement on the performance of Transport for Wales? OAQ52986

Yes. Storm Callum, autumn conditions and the poor quality of the rolling stock that we inherited from Arriva Trains Wales have impacted on Transport for Wales’s operational start. Transport for Wales has, as I have already said, implemented a recovery plan, and passengers are beginning to see the consequential service improvements, which will continue over the next few weeks.

Thank you, Cabinet Secretary. I've listened carefully to the Government's statement on Transport for Wales and recognise the difficulties of the transition. Yesterday, the Leader of the House and Chief Whip indicated that Transport for Wales is looking to introduce something similar to Transport for London's Oyster card—something that I welcome. This sounds like a real win for commuters. What will the timetable be for introducing this system, and, more importantly, how is this going to be communicated with the public, and are there any quick wins that you can tell the public and this Chamber about?

Well, I'm pleased to be able to say that this is an objective of ours for the first five years before we get to the five-year point review. It's my view that the Oyster card in London has been a great success, but, of course, we're now able to use our bank cards on the London underground rather than having to buy an Oyster card; so, again demonstrating that technology has moved on still further. I'd like to be in a position by 2023 where the vast majority of people in Wales and on the English side of the Wales and borders franchise area are utilising cashless payment systems, so that it becomes more cost-effective and so that we can drive down the number of people who use our services without paying for tickets.