Improving Transport

Part of 3. Questions to the First Minister – in the Senedd at 2:28 pm on 12 November 2019.

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Photo of Leanne Wood Leanne Wood Plaid Cymru 2:28, 12 November 2019

As we heard earlier, First Minister, after 31 December, we could lose the Pacer trains from the Valleys lines. Now, losing the Pacers would normally be a cause for celebration, because they're so old and so awful, but, because of the lack of planning from yourselves, we face an unprecedented reduction in rail services overnight. Earlier on, you blamed private companies, yet you were warned about this six years ago. And the report from 2013 called on the Welsh Government—not on private companies, but on yourselves—to develop and publish a rolling stock strategy as a matter of urgency. That recommendation was not acted upon and angry passengers, including myself, will want to know why. We cannot accept an even poorer service than we have now. My train was cancelled just this morning, and this is occurring more and more regularly. First Minister, what is your plan B if you can't use Pacers after 31 December?